[dopcap]W[/dropcap]e are now in the final stretch of winter and begin the transition into the spring fishing cycle. The typical “cold” fronts become more like “cool” fronts. There is more daylight now allowing the waters to slowly warm. The problem with March is that it can be very windy. This can cause a problem for those anglers not used to casting with significant wind. Yes, there are areas that you can go that are protected from the wind, but that is not always where the fish will be! The average bonefish will be in the 8- to 10-pound range, but some larger ones will definitely be caught! Remember, fish like moving water so work with the incoming and outgoing tidal flow in and around channels and creeks in the mangroves. Permit are also cruising the flats but not in the numbers as in the summer months. They may average in the 15- to 20-pound range, with some up to 35 pounds. The usual snapper and barracuda are also willing to bend your rod. If you happen to do a little nearshore reef fishing, you want to be around 60 feet of water. Yellowtail, lane snapper and muttonfish, along with an assortment of grouper and triggerfish, will be great fare for the table. My favorite bait is still cut squid.