March and April are excellent months for bonefishing on the flats. Guides have reported consistent half and full day trips with catches of six to ten fish in the three-to-five pound range, mixed in with an occasional six-or seven pounder.
April’s increased temperatures will continue to warm the shallow flats, resulting in more fish, tails and tarpon. Warmer water also means bigger fish. In addition to tarpon, cutter, permit, and large mutton snapper will also invade the flats.
The permit action will continue to be excellent April through July. Tarpon hookups will be fair this month and improve in May and June. A 10-weight will be ideal for permit, as well as for tarpon up to 120 pounds. If you’re after bones and can only have one rod, a 9-foot 8-weight multi-piece travel model is best.
Don’t forget to consider the sink rate when choosing your flies. In deeper water, you need to get your flies down fast. For bigger bones in deeper water, try a #2-4 Spawning Shrimp or a Clouser’s Minnow in a Gold Shiner or Gotcha color. Color choice will probably vary depending on the flats you’re fishing. For tarpon, Clouser’s Minnows and surface popper will work, as well as #4/0 Shallow Water Cockroach.
Let us know how April treats you. And don’t forget, photos and fishing stories are always welcomed!
[fb-like]