March is the beginning of spring 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. 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.
Sebastian River
The Sebastian River has been a more important fishery this winter than in years past. Warm weather has kept a good number of juvenile tarpon active in its south fork as well as a fair number of snook throughout the system. 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 temperatures 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.
Indian River Lagoon
Trout and redfish are what most people target in March. Hopefully that will be the case this year, but it is my belief that the number of reds and trout available in the Sebastian Area will only increase if we start to see a resurgence of the grass beds. The majority of the trout and reds that were here have either been taken or moved to greener pastures. Until the grass beds recover somewhat, the larger trout and redfish have no reason to be here. The mangroves and spoil islands will continue to hold some trout and reds along with some of the snook that are moving into the area from down south.
Sebastian Inlet
Sebastian Inlet has 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 double digit Jack Crevalle. Sharks, bonita and king mackerel can also join the beach party in late march.
FORECAST BY: Capt. Gus Brugger
Pattern Setter Charters
Phone: (772) 589-0008
Email: patternsetter@comcast.net
patternsetter@comcast.net
www.sebastianfishingguides.com