Now that most of the cold weather is past, we need to think about our spring fishing and what to expect. Starting this month, we will begin seeing the initial runs of the pelagics that have been wintering in the Keys. We can expect to see schools of bait return and bring with them Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, and a few others.
Then towards the end of the month we will hopefully see the first scouts from the schools of tarpon that are heading our way. Now this could all be sped up if it remains warmer than normal like last year. It seems as if the tarpon schools moved in Pine Island Sound and the passes in March last year then left again, even though they did not crash our baits liked we hoped.
The trout will start to be more active with the warming waters. You should be able to increase the speed of your retrieve to about half the speed you will use in a couple months. Fish the bars on the opposite side from which the tide is coming from so your bait will drift over the bar with the current. Test on the grass flats where you see bare pot holes. These are good areas for trout and other game fish sit just outside waiting to ambush the bait as it swims across the area.
Once in a while you may even find a snook hanging around the pot holes, especially if you are close to an island. However, this time of year you will mainly find that snook are on their way out of the back country and creeks having spent the winter there. They are headed out to the passes, mangrove shorelines, and the surf lines of the barrier islands. They will be hungry after their long winter and try to fatten up for their spring spawn. If you can find some white bait or greenies, they will work best. However, if they are in short supply then shrimp will also tempt them to come out of hiding.
The biggest problem that may sneak up on us this month is the wind. If we really want to get out on the water, we need to be especially careful to watch what the wind is going to do and plan accordingly. There are plenty of creeks and islands to hide behind to fish but you need to know how you are going to get to them. Know how the tide affects your ingress and egress. It is definitely no fun to get stranded for several hours.
One more thing that really takes place April 1st. The Cape Coral Kiwanis Club will hold their annual kids fishing tournament at the Cape Coral fishing pier. It runs from 8:30 to 11 and is open to all kids from 5 to 15. The kids need neither experience nor equipment. It is all furnished be the Kiwanians and they get to take the rod and reel home. It is always a great time but is not a babysitting event. You are expected to stay with your child and learn right alongside of them.
Capt. Sam is a local licensed guide for hire who may be reached at 239-994-1495 or captainobriant@gmail.com