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, C.A.L. jerk baits and top water will have the best chance at hooking up with a trout. You can find trout in four to six feet of water and they will move onto the shallower flats to let the sun warm them as the day goes on. Redfish will get more active this month and you can find some tailing on the flats in early mornings. Top water, D.O.A. shrimp, C.A.L. grub tails or gold spoons are good choices for finding a spot tail on the flats. So far this winter, there has continued to be a good redfish population around the river and the fishing has been fantastic for them. Work your baits slowly along the bottom for best results. This has been a good winter to allow us to enjoy a terrific redfish bite around the docks and mangroves with nice sized slot fish. Anglers will continue to target snook around the inlets, docks and bridges on the Treasure Coast. Live bait always works best, but feather jigs, Terror-Eyz 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. Top water, twitch baits, Terror-Eyz or C.A.L. 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 for a while. 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.
As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby….it’s an ADVENTURE!!