North Pinellas, Stewart Ames

March is simply a great time to fish off of West Central Florida.  Big seatrout are still abundant in St. Joseph’s Sound and with whitebait available now, the fishing can be absolutely crazy.  As March progresses and water temps and tide heights both increase, redfishing will again hit it’s stride.  A recent trip produced 15 fish and these numbers should be easier to achieve on a regular basis as March turns into April. Whole small pinfish and cut baits will perform best. As more days are above seventy degrees now than not, backwaters are warming and snook are beginning to come to life as well.  Small to medium sized fish are the norm, but larger fish will become more common in April. 

Nearshore, the mangrove snapper bit has been stellar, with limits achievable on many days and fish averaging a couple of pounds. Mackerel are still a little scarce but consistent warmth should fix this problem soon.  As long as March doesn’t serve up any more nasty weather, this bite should be full on in a few weeks.  With a little luck, kingfish will swing nearshore and provide some action as April arrives. A live well stuffed full of whitebait will make all of the above possible. Good luck and good fishing.

Captain Stewart Ames
GONE FISHING CHARTERS
P.O. Box 541
Crystal Beach, Florida 34681
727 421-5291
https://Tampa-Fishing-Charter.com