[dropcap]M[/dropcap]arch is the beginning of the spring season in the Sebastian area. The list of readily available gamefish species expands to include leftover winter migrants, resident species and the first of the warm water species arriving from their wintering grounds to take advantage of the abundant food sources of the Indian River Lagoon. With this many types of fish and fishing available it’s no wonder why the Sebastian area is a popular springtime destination for fishermen and families. Serious anglers can target trophy size snook or attempt to take their first tarpon on fly in the morning and be enjoying family time with the wife and kids catching a variety of species on nearly every cast the same afternoon. There are four distinct inshore fishing venues in the Sebastian Area; let’s see what they have to offer in the month of March.
Sebastian River
The Sebastian River snook and tarpon fishing will only improve with the coming of spring and more warm weather. The hordes of ladyfish that have made the river home since November should stay available until water temps stabilize in the lagoon. Schools of 10-pound jacks will begin to cruise the Sebastian River as they migrate into the area from their southern wintering grounds. The Sebastian River will continue to be a fish filled refuge for anglers on windy days, and THE place to target snook and tarpon any day. Big bull sharks will also enter the lower Sebastian River in March to give birth. Live or dead bait on a float and a little chum will do the trick.
Indian River Lagoon
Trout and redfish are what most people target in March. Trout fishing has been better this winter than last. The majority of the trout are under the 15-inch minimum size, but some better quality trout are being caught with an occasional gator trout mixed in.. The redfish that are residing along the mangroves in the backwater areas are also predominantly juveniles less than the 18-inch minimum, but slot fish are more prevalent than over the last few seasons. The fact that there are good numbers of reds and trout available gives anglers something to look forward to this spring. As the grass beds continue to recover, the trout and redfish numbers and size will increase. Until the sea grass makes a substantial recovery, hopefully by later this spring, the mangroves and spoil islands will be the place to look for trout and reds as well as some of the snook that are moving into the area from down south. There will be action fishing for vacationing families with ladyfish, jacks, blues and small trout around the inlet, spoil islands and the mouth of the Sebastian River.
Sebastian Inlet
Sebastian Inlet has historically been a great spot to find a double digit jack crevalle in March. These bruisers are a big hit with vacationing anglers because of their unrelenting fight and aggressive attitude toward a live bait or artificial lure. If the bluefish allow your baits to get down to the jacks, hang on for a memorable battle. Inlet anglers usually get a last shot at pompano and flounder in March along with blues and mackerel. The big redfish are always a possibility in March and night time snook fishing can be very good as well.
Near Shore Atlantic
The waters from the beach on out a few miles can be very productive in March if the winds allow boaters and surf fishermen the opportunity to fish them. Surf fishermen target pompano, bluefish and mackerel as they begin their northern migration. Boaters can do the same and keep an eye out for cruising cobia and large schools of jack crevalle. Sharks, bonito and king mackerel can also join the beach party in late March.
Take advantage of Florida’s early spring and get the family out on the water. For more info check out the frequently updated videos on my website at www.WelcomeToSebastian.com.
Tight lines!