by Capt. Terry Fisher
Last month proved the resilience of our estuary with much improvement in water quality and fishing success both inshore and offshore. ‘Catch Reports’ varied depending on locations, but for the most part improved vastly over previous months. This, in my opinion, was due to better (cleaner) water quality. Moreover, SWFL was one of the few places in North America that was not tormented by extreme cold fronts and record-breaking nasty weather. In fact, we were ‘Blessed’ with some record-breaking warm weather and mild winds.
Offshore: March reef fishing on popular reefs such as Edison, Causeway, Boxcar, Helens and Pace improved considerably compared to January and February. The Red Tide impact had lessened, offering opportunity for anglers to ‘saddle up’ and enjoy fishing gulf waters. Vermillion, lane, mangrove and sheepshead were active. Early March, charter captains were reporting catches of Bonita, kingfish and permit on the ‘close’ reefs (w/in 9 miles of the outer islands). Anglers with vessels equipped to go far offshore enjoyed fantastic grouper trips in deeper haunts of 85’-100’. Reports of red snapper catches were included. Be sure to check state and federal regulations to ensure compliance with the law when it comes to tackle restrictions and harvesting.
Water temperatures are now consistently over 68°F. That means the tarpon and shark migration is on. Unfortunately, anxious anglers and charter captains who fished for these species in early March, reported little to no success. April should bring out the better for these, as well as permit, kingfish, cobia, hammerhead, tiger and bull shark, with the latter primarily participating in the tarpon migration.
Inshore: Overall, the bite was ‘spotty’ during the earlier days of March, as a result of the cold front that passed through. However, it did improve as the temperatures returned to normal. Seatrout, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and estuary sharks began showing up in good numbers. Seatrout and ladyfish were more common on the grass flats just off of channels, in 4’-5’ of water. Deeper holes held shark and mackerel. The better Spanish mackerel action however, was in the passes. I look for all of this to improve with more numbers and larger sizes of fish. Baitfish are everywhere, which is a good sign for anglers. Look for diving birds and nervous water to locate potential fishing spots.
April will begin to bring stronger and higher tides allowing inshore anglers good opportunity to fish areas where low winter tides prevented access. Schools of redfish (Reds) will begin to move from the passes to ‘back’ country locations, deep into Pine Island Sound. Wulfert Keys, Galt Island, St. James and Jew Fish Creek to south of the Sound, should all hold ‘Reds’. Dead Mans Creek and Two Pines at the northern end of Matlacha Pass will offer more of the same. Back-bay areas of Pineland will be a haven for springtime redfish. As of this writing however, the harvesting of redfish is prohibited, but a lot of fun to catch, nonetheless.
Many snook will begin their annual migration to passes and beaches that will offer opportunities (other than just creeks, canals and spoil islands) for this sought-after game fish. This species is also not available for harvesting as of this writing, but will provide a lot of sport action for anglers with a desire to catch one of the most challenging species on the planet. Redfish and snook regulations will be reviewed in early May. A temporary seatrout restriction is also in effect, prohibiting the harvesting of any fish over 20”. I personally agree with the FWC, in regards to current restrictions placed on any species, until further research and observation will provide sufficient information ensuring the protection of our wildlife.
March was an encouraging month for me, in regards to the cleaner water in the estuary as well as offshore. Fish activity has indeed improved from recent months and it is a sure bet, in my view at least, that all will be even better for the month of April. My clients caught lots of fish during the month of March and are featured on FB and Instagram at Fish Face Charters on a daily basis by my 1st Mate Vicki. Big seatrout, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, shark, sheepshead, black drum, snook and redfish are all a part of the portfolio. My clients enjoy the weather, the water, and the challenges of finding and catching fish. I invite you to do the same.