Almost Springtime!!!
The first part of March is still a bit chilly, but there is some great fishing to be had. The best part of March has to be the near shore fishing on the MS Gulf Coast. The numerous man made reefs will be slap loaded all month with fish. Look for constant action on big sheepshead, red fish, trout and a few flounder. Black drum will be the money fish in March. Ranging in sizes from a few pounds to 40 plus pounds, they should be everywhere. A simple dropper rig or Carolina rig with live or dead shrimp will give you all the action you can stand. The first few hours of the rising or falling tide is normally when best action will occur. There is no limit on black drum in Mississippi waters, so keep some of the smaller ones to eat and leave some for the next guy. The big drum(10 pounds or more) are best for a photo and release.
Later in the month, when air and water temperatures rise, the Biloxi Marsh will be a sight fishing paradise. On the calm, clear days the endless shell banks will be infested with red fish. Some of the best sight fishing we get all year will be in late March. Fish will start feeding more aggressively with warming water. Top water baits, spinner baits, spoons or dead shrimp under a cork will all draw strikes.
If old man winter leaves us alone and the water temperatures climb into the mid 60’s the speckled trout fishing should crank up. If you can get your hands on some live shrimp or cocahoe minnows they will come in handy. March can be a tricky month with the changing weather, so play it smart. Fish in close on the rough days and go long on the calm ones. As always, have fun and be safe.