Hopefully the winds of March subside and the water calms so we can get offshore. There should be some great fishing. If the water clears on the beach, look for lane snapper, mutton snapper, sheepshead and mangrove snapper. They’ll be on the 15-to-20-foot ledges and will bite live and dead shrimp. Artificial reefs 45-to-75 feet should produce kingfish, cobia, mangrove and lane snapper as well as the 80- and 90-foot reefs.
Remember the shark problem will be worse than ever this year due to no help from our marine fisheries counsel. The only thing being done is your tax dollars being spent for a grant to do research to determine the species of the sharks. I offered pictures and video but that wasn’t scientific enough. Spoiler alert there 70% bull sharks, 20% sand bars and the rest are not a problem. Make some noise guys!
The blue water trolling I do have big hopes for. Dolphin have been less than what I have hoped for the last few years. I’ve found fish to run in cycles and hopefully this year we get a good push of fish. Look for that first color and temperature change outside 120 feet. I like it when it has a rip to it where two currents meet. You might find it in 160 feet, 260 feet or even deeper but when you find the right edge it will be worth it. Trolling small 5-to-6-inch popping lures or ballyhoo should produce some bites. Dolphin aren’t that picky. Also run a line down with a downrigger or cigar lead. This, with a ballyhoo behind a skirt or lure on a #8 wire will produce a wahoo now and then.
Watch the Fish Rules App for changes coming on the dolphin. They’ve been passed but not implemented yet. As always, be courteous to your fellow angler, you never know when you’ll need a tow.
That’s it for now, “Fish On Gotta Go!”
FORECAST BY: Capt. Terry Wildey
Big Easy Fishing Charters
Phone: (772) 538 – 1072
Email: captwildey@bellsouth.net
www.bigeasyfishingcharters.com
