[dropcap]C[/dropcap]an you believe it’s already March? I know I can’t! I really hope all the ice, snow and freezing temps are finished for this year! It is time for fishing season and time to put some spring fish in the boat! Here are some of the fish I like to pursue during March.
In March, the redfish finally start to move around a little more than they have all winter. It’s not that they don’t move around in the winter; now they just start to show up in places they like more during warmer times of the year. This is the time of the year you need to get out and find where the redfish are heading and where they’re showing up. In the cooler months, I’ve seen crustacean patterns work better for redfish due to the fact that these baits are a little easier for the reds to catch, than say, faster baits like fish. The minnows (baitfish) are not really moving yet, but the crustaceans are com- ing out of the mud and the redfish know it! Working scented baits like Berkley Gulp and Gulp Alive in two- and three-inch shrimp, two-inch peeler crab and three-inch ghost shrimp should get the redfish to bite. These baits don’t have paddle tails, so you can work them very slowly, which is still very important because the water will still be pretty cool in March.
Find those banks where the sun can warm up shallows just a little more than other places. Look for dark bottom banks and places with less current…these are the areas where the water will be warmer and the redfish will be feeding. Remember to keep your eyes peeled in the shallow water areas for reds on the prowl. March can be a very good sight-fishing month. Just make sure you use a fluorocarbon leader and work
the baits a little slower for those clearer spring waters.
March can also be a month when Cape Fear River striped bass fishing will pick up. You usually do not see as many re- ally big fish in March, but the numbers can be good some days. In March, the stripers will start to move into a little bit shallower waters. I look for the stripers in three to ten feet of water in the early spring. Be- cause of this, you need to also shallow up your presentation by going lighter with your tackle. I prefer Berkley Gulp Jerkshad and Berkley Havoc Grass Pig lures. I use colors Pearl, Chart Pepper Neon and New Penny (Swamp Gas). Using swim bait hooks in 5/0 size in 1/8-ounce to one ounce made by Moaner hooks should put a striper on the end of your line! Look for mud-flat edges, bulkheads, and shallow reed grass edges on sunny warmer days.
There is also another kind of fishing I like to try in March, but there is no saltwater involved. I like to hit the upper Northeast Cape Fear River and Sutton Lake the do a little largemouth bass fishing. If you want to try something different, try some bass fishing. They are a lot of fun to catch on lighter tackle. Most of the time, I use heavy sink worms from Berkley Powerbait in colors Black, Red Shad and Blue-Flick. Work these worms very slowly off banks and stump beds. If you like to fly fish, try slow- sinking small minnow patterns along the grass flats in Sutton Lake on cloudy or foggy days.
Here are two dates I’ll be working this spring:
March 1 (Saturday) Saltwater Sportsman National Seminar Series; Columbia, SC.
For the second year in a row and the second time this year, I’ll be speaking at this very popular seminar series and I always enjoy working this one. Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Ballroom A/B, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
March 2 (Sunday) Bass Pro Shops in Myrtle Beach, SC for the 2014 Spring Fishing Classic.
There will be lots of good sales and promotions on many fishing products. I’ll be there with other top fishing pros, giving fishing seminars, helping you find the right fishing products and answering any fishing questions you may have. I will have an inshore fishing seminar at 1 pm, so come by and say “hello.” I’d love to see you there!
Tackle run down: PENN Battle & Conflict Spinning reels in sizes 2500, 3000 & 4000 for the redfish, largemouth bass and striped bass. PENN Legions rods in 6’6” and 7’ medium and medium/heavy action. Line –Spiderwire Ultra-cast in 10- and 15- pound test. Berkley Big Game Fluorocarbon leader for my leaders.
Thanks for reading Coastal Angler Magazine and I hope March fishing is good to you!
FORECAST BY: Capt. Jot Owens Penn Tackle Elite Staff • Ranger Boats Pro Staff www.captainjot.com • 910-233-4139