By Captain Hal Tarpley
March is here and brings the start of the spring season, and you just can’t beat the Florida Panhandle weather this time of year. That also means some great fishing to be had along the Forgotten Coast. Speckled trout, redfish, and flounder are all on the top of my list. Flounder will be coming into the Intracoastal Waterway and into the St. Joe Bay. They can also be found around the jetties at the entrance to Port St. Joe Marina and along the Oil Docks and walls. Soft plastics worked close to the bottom are my favorite lures and tactics for these tasty fish. Remember, they are notorious for soft bites, so consider the weight when trying to hook and land them. Redfish and trout will also be running in the ICW and canals, and they will hit the same soft plastics and jigs as flounder.
Over in the Apalachicola Bay and around St. George Island, Speckled trout and redfish will be moving in and can be found along the banks and tidal creeks. Spoons and soft plastics with a steady retrieve should produce some nice catches. Good luck and let’s go fishing!
Captain Hal Tarpley
Shore Thang Charters
www.shorethangfishing.com