Reel Anglers Fishing Club
March – In with the tarpon, out with the sheepshead!
March is usually a big transition month. We set our clocks ahead, the daylight time expands and our water starts to heat up.
While there will always be some sheepshead around, the numbers will be on the decline during the month of March. These fish like the cooler water of winter and early spring. If the water temperature reaches into the 70s you can expect the first of the migrating tarpon to show up. The first of the baitfish schools should also appear.
As the water warms up so does the fishing! Being cold blooded the warmer water increases their metabolism so they can eat more often and attack larger baits. As fisherman we may have to start getting up early again to beat the heat of the day. Expect the redfish and snook to move back to the mangroves and under the docks to avoid the sun.
I would hope that as the baitfish start to show up so will the Spanish mackerel, Kingfish and Bluefish. The one thing all these fish have in common is a ravenous appetite and sharp teeth. They also like shiny lures. For the Spanish mackerel and bluefish, you can get away with a heavier mono or fluorocarbon leader, 30-40 pounds usually works great. If using live shrimp, which Spanish mackerel love, use a long shank hook to protect the leader from those sharp teeth.
If using artificial lures, I suggest a length of bite tippet again 30-40 pounds. This time of the year I love to throw suspending twitch baits like the MirrOdine 27MR or similar baits. I fish them with a twitch, twitch, pause. Most fish hit the lure during the pause. If you are not getting hits, take longer on the pause. You never know what type of fish you will catch throwing a twitch bait on the flats.
March for me is also the start of top water presentations. Nothing is more exciting than seeing a big fish engulf your lure. As hard as it may be do NOT set the hook on the strike. Wait until you actually feel the fish on your line. Many times, they miss the first swipe at your lure, give them time to come back. If it is a swing and a miss at least you know where the fish are staging. Do a follow up cast with a paddle tail or jerk shad. They will very often bite the second bait presented.
Fishing mangroves and docks present their own special challenge. Sharp edges and overhanging branches are not your friends. Beef up both your mainline and leader and tighten your drag. You want to get the fish out to open water as soon as possible.
If using artificial bait, I would suggest rigging a plastic weedless. This should greatly reduce snags. This is a great place to use live or cut bait. Getting your presentation under the docks or mangroves is critical. Fish the shady side in the late morning or afternoon. That will be the pattern for the next several months.
Most importantly, go fishing and if possible, take your kids, grandkids or spouse. Nothing is better than sharing a day on the water with family and friends.
If you want to enjoy the company of other fisherman, pick up some tips or learn new techniques please come to a meeting of the Reel Anglers Fishing Club. We meet the second Wednesday of every month at the Cape Coral Power Squadron at 6 PM.
This is not a tournament club. It’s a club for those that like to fish or learn how to fish our inshore waters. I hope to see you at the next meeting!
Dan Carney
President
Reel Anglers Fishing Club
www.reelanglersfishingclub.com
