Tampa Fishing Report for Tampa FL March 6, 2009
March is an exciting time for inshore fishermen as this month marks the return of our favorite bait, the pilchard...alias whitebait. Trout and redfish that, at times, have been finicky over the last few months can be brought to a near frenzied state by ladling out a few net fulls of these tasty morsels. Another factor that will improve fishing in the coming weeks is water temperature. With the thermometer closing in on seventy degrees later this month, all inshore species should start to eat better, snook included.
Seatrout will remain the easiest game fish to find as their location will remain the same as it's been for the last three months...off of spoil islands and up on selected grass flats. Whitebait, shrimp and pinfish will be the baits of choice, in that order. The largest trout of the year are usually caught between now and the beginning of May so don't forget to bring your camera as your personal record "gator" may show up soon.
Redfish have been interestingly elusive on many days in the past month. Although there are already good numbers of fish being sighted, they have been reluctant to eat...not a trait normally associated with redfish. The good news is that the last two trips have produced six and ten quality fish respectively so they appear to settling back into their normal eating habits. A few large schools have also been sighted in the last week, promising some banner days in March. Whitebait will be the bonus bait to have but pinfish and shrimp, as well as cut bait, should interest any hungry redfish. If fishing docks, get the bait back up underneath the structure for best results. Out on the flats, anchor in an area where you have seen reds that day or recently, chum and then spread three or four split-shotted baits out behind the boat. If there are fish in the neighborhood, you should hook one within fifteen minutes. If not, move to a new location.
Snook will likely start to sporadically feed towards the end of this month. Most fish right now are still back up inside creeks, canals and bayous but will move to the mouths of these areas once we see a couple weeks of warm weather. Fly lined (un- weighted) whitebait will be the ticket for these early season fish. Snook will feed on good tidal flow so set up in these areas during the strongest water movements of the day to maximize your success. Monitor water temperatures if you plan to target linesiders as a cold front will turn these fish right off. Seventy to seventy two degrees means that the fish you find will probably eat at some point during the day, sixty five degrees may make them a lot tougher to catch.
As March winds down, we may see the arrival of some early season kingfish, spanish mackerel and bonita. If the bait gets here, they'll be right behind it. On days where the tide is weak, these near shore fish can provide a great alternative to inshore fishing.
All in all, March should provide a broad range of fishing opportunities. Prime tide days this month are the 7th thru 15th and 26th thru 31st so target these days to be on the water.
Good luck and good fishing.
Captain Stewart Ames
Gone Fishing Charters
US Coast Guard Licensed Captain
Member Florida Guides Association
www.tampa-fishing-charter.com/
727-421-5291
© 2007 Captain Stewart Ames, Gone Fishing Charters, Tampa, FL 727-421-5291
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