[dropcap]A[/dropcap] blanket of golden sunshine will cover the offshore fishing grounds of Martin County this month. Brilliant brushstrokes of April’s springtime weather will paint the daily canvas in user-friendly colors and light winds, that will translate into calm seas and an epic ocean playing field for all types of saltwater anglers.
Snapper, cobia, mahi, and king mackerel will all be at the top of the hit list for offshore grocery getters’. Vermillion snapper will begin their several month spawning period in April and will be found in large numbers on natural and artificial reef sites in 70 to 150 feet of water.
All varieties of cut baits, especially squid, will catch vermilion snapper (affectionately known as “BeeLiners”). Multiple hook chicken rigs or high/low rigs made of 50-pound monofilament with 3/0 to 5/0 hooks will snag these tasty bottom fish that tend to suspend 15 to 30 feet above the base of most reef structures. Mutton, mangrove, and lane snapper will be found at similar reef sites, along with the BeeLiners. These other species of snapper are typically found closer to the very bottom or bases of the reef structure and can be caught on dead or cut baits, as well as live baits. Large mutton snapper will also begin to show up this month along the outer contours of the southern reef line in 70 to 80 feet of water. Use 35 to 75 feet of 80-pound mono leaders after the sinker to best get attached to a jumbo mutton. Fairly consistent cobia action will continue through April with larger representatives of the species visiting local reef zones in 60 to 100 feet of water. Live grunts presented on a bottom rig will be the secret to success in landing a big “cobe” this month. April’s mostly calm seas will allow captains and their anglers to cover the entire swath of their fishing perimeters and will provide the opportunity to employ many different fishing strategies in any single offshore outing. So in April, prepare for saltwater versatility with a well-stocked tackle box and an open minded strategy and in doing so, fully enjoy the golden days of April.
