Wind and more wind – go away already. Near shore fishing has been great and should continue this month. Massive schools of redfish have been near the port and around the tip of the cape. Look for the birds diving. There have been large bunker schools near the Port. They may not be flipping so watch your machine and the mud balls. The reds will eat anything you throw in the school, buck tails, bunker, and I’m sure even a hotdog. They’re all big and upwards of 35lbs!
Many of my offshore trips turned into port trips and beach trips if we were lucky with a west wind. If you want to catch a bunch of stuff and keep the kids happy get a few dozen live shrimp and have fun. The way we do our beach fishing is with medium rods and light tackle while using a 1/0 circle hook and 20lb leader to a small swivel then mainline. On the mainline use a 1 or 1.5 oz egg sinker. Everything eats a shrimp. Shark fishing has been on fire as well. Large blacktips and hammerheads have been plentiful with bull sharks mixed in.
Offshore has been great weather provided, but this is also the time of year that the kings are picky. If they don’t have a live bunker or threadfin flashed in front of their face they won’t eat. You really must put the effort in right now to catch the live baits. Last year this time was the best cobia run we had as many fish were caught this month. Many of the giants were caught in February, even better than March. Take advantage of those sunny days and go look around. 55-foot depths off Patrick Air Force Base seem to be the most productive this time of year. The rays are showing up! Have a great month and good luck. Captain Chris – www.firedupcharters.com.
