March has arrived on the Treasure Coast and, traditionally, we can expect windy conditions along with some rain. Water temperatures will continue to rise and the fish will be actively feeding on the flats.
As the sun warms up the water again, look for fish to travel into the shallows to feed. Trout will continue to be most prevalent in the deeper grass flats in two to four feet of water. Those anglers using live shrimp on popping corks, Deadly Combos, and CAL Jerk Baits will have the best chance at hooking up with a trout. I like to fish the edges of the shallows where the water drops off to these depths. You can find some trout on the flats early, but they tend to go deeper after sunup. Round Island, Bear Point and Harbor Branch are always popular spots to fish in March.
Redfish will get more active this month and you can find some tailing on the flats in early mornings. Topwater, D.O.A. Shrimp, CAL Grub Tails or gold spoons are good choices for finding a spot tail on the flats. Don’t forget to fish around the mangroves also. I tend to like the east side of the river for redfish, but you can find them on the west side also. Work your baits slowly along the bottom for best results. Learn to read the water so you don’t miss what is happening around you.
Anglers will continue to target snook around the inlets, docks and bridges on the Treasure Coast. Live bait always works best, but feather jigs, TerrorEyz and BFL Lures can also get you hooked up. Most of the action will be at night with best results on the high ends of the tides. Those fishing the flats can also find snook feeding early or late in the day. Fish the mangroves during the rest of the day. There has been a very good juvenile snook population on the flats this year. Topwater, twitch baits, TerrorEyz or CAL Jerk Baits can do the trick in March on the flats.
The pompano bite started slower this year. They have moved in the river now around Fort Pierce through Stuart and they should be in this area throughout March. Whiting, bluefish and pompano will be hanging around the beaches this month. The inlet will be holding Spanish mackerel, jacks and bluefish. Jack Crevalle and ladyfish continue to haunt the river and provide fun catch for all. Bridges should give up catches of sand perch, sheepshead and black drum on live or dead shrimp.
Spring is just around the corner on the Treasure Coast. Take some time to check all your equipment now and be ready as the weather improves to get out on the water. Have a great March in 2013!
As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby…..it’s an ADVENTURE!
FORECAST BY: Capt. Charlie Conner
Captain Charlie’s Fish Tales Charters
Phone: (772) 284-3852
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
www.fishtalescharter.com