March brings re-birth! As the ole saying goes, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb”. After a very cold wet winter, let’s hope March brings us warm temperatures and gentle winds. As the waters warm up, so does the fishing action. Pompano will start running along the beaches, and they love crustaceans and mollusk: shrimp, crabs, clams, sand fleas and small fish. I fish for Pompano using live bait, and my favorite being sand fleas because I get them free right off the beaches! I use a sand flea rake to dig for them at the water’s edge. When I find them I put them in a container of wet sand and keep them in the shade. Do not be tempted to fill the container with water because you will drown them. I use Pompano rigs that I can buy at our local sporting good stores. I use pyramid weights to hold the rig in place, then cast out and wait for the drag to sing. Also, don’t forget about the flounder and sheepshead; they can be caught around structure, and the flounder cannot resist bull minnows. The Speckled trout will be moving from the Intracoastal Canal to the flats. I use ¼ ounce jig heads with Gulp 2 inch finger mullet. I free line bull minnows near walls and structure too. So get out there and enjoy the spring fishing!
By Capt Charlene Burke with About Fun Charters.com
Capt. Charlene has more than 28 years experience and is a USCG licensed Captain with a MS degree in Marine Biology & Coastal Zone Studies.
850-340-1035