March 2011 Fishing Forecast
After a prolonged, below normal cold winter, the fish will be itching to push up on the flats looking for something to eat in March. The days are longer and the sunshine is stronger, helping to warm the waters of Clearwater and St. Joseph Sound in Dunedin.
Trout action has been excellent in Dunedin and Clearwater. The spoil islands in Dunedin attract a lot attention because every winter they hold tons of quality size trout. This should continue through March and into April.
Toss your shrimp out under a float during the incoming tide on the north side of the islands. Stay within 20 to 40 feet from the shore line and hold on. A lot of these trout will be 20+ inches in size.
Throwing artificials out around the boat in-between bites is a good way to increase the odds and the action. It will also help locate the fish if they move.
I had my clients catching big gator trout in Clearwater Bay last month and March should be no different. Several nice 24 inchers and lots of 20+ inch fish have been caught throughout the bay. Get yourself on the spotted grass flats throughout the bay and toss out a shrimp under a float. This method has taken its share of gator trout.
As the water warms in late March, look for the white bait to make their return throughout the bays. This should draw some different types of fish to the party such as mackerel, lady fish, kingfish and even an early tarpon.
The fishing action turns the corner in early March and charges full steam ahead by the end of the month. Don't miss Clearwater and Dunedin's spring break fishing fever?
Capt. Gary is booking spring charters now.
Capt. Gary Burch
http://www.allcatchcharters.com
