We had big tides this past week with the passing of the new moon on Monday. Our full and new moon tides create strong water movement and fish tend to feed better during these phases being in our outgoing tides. If I had to pick I’d say fish a couple days either side of the full or new moon.
As is the norm for this time of year my goal is to have good action and catch a variety of species for my clients. We’ve caught some nice snook and jacks of late but also caught ladyfish, which can be everywhere this time of year, jacks, snapper, sheepshead, trout, a few pompano here and there etc.
We alternate between using live pilchards (scaled sardines, white bait, greenbacks, minnows), live shrimp or jigs. I often mix it up to see if one way is working better than another.
This time of year we’re sometimes fishing in the backcountry, passes or along the beaches and near shore wrecks. March is a transition month between winter spring/summer.
I feel tarpon and sharks will show in the backcountry this week. The warm calm weather we’re having will warm the water above 75 which is the trigger. Cut bait on the bottom really is the only way to fish for these guys. Fly fishing for tarpon which lay up sometimes can work but is very difficult, conditions have to be just right and the stars have to align.
Bonita (false albacore) should still show up albeit sporadically. Love catching those screamers. I just can never get enough of them.
Going forward weather looks perfect for the next 10 days, highs mid 80’s, lows mid 60’s. Tides will weaken as we near the end of the month then pick up again as we near the full moon on March 7.
We’re moving into peak season, meaning the busiest time of year, March – June so plan ahead and get your trips booked. Call ahead so we can look at the best tides to optimize our fishing.
BOOKING SPRING TARPON TRIPS NOW!
Tides can play a big part in successful tarpon fishing so plan ahead. Below are May & June calendars with optimal tides and availability.
MAY AVAILABILITY
JUNE AVAILABILITY
Feel free to call, text or email with questions.
Capt Mark
239-450-9230
NAPLES FISHING CHARTERS
Florida is one of the most magnificent places to visit. The sandy beaches, salt air, and sunny warm skies make Florida a top choice for travelers every year. Many visitors spend most of their time with their toes in the sand looking out into the vast ocean water. Whether on the Atlantic or Gulf side, being in a saltwater environment is a must. Make sure you explore all that there is to offer while Saltwater Fishing in Florida.
Florida Saltwater Fishing is by far the best way to experience Florida. Have you wondered while you were here on vacation, what all those boats were doing while sitting on the beach? Some of those boaters may be cruising and enjoying the sights and others are fishing. Fishing is a pastime that has been around for centuries. The thrill of the hunt and chasing down species that tug so hard on the other end of the line is incredibly exciting. For most, it gets their blood boiling!
Florida fishing, especially inshore and offshore, has exceptional species to catch. Whether you want to fish from a boat or pier in search for gamefish or dinner, Florida saltwater fishing has it all. Florida’s geography has allowed it to create a fishing paradise like no other. You have endless access to the Gulf Stream, reefs, wrecks, estuaries, bays, inlets, and rivers across the whole state. Each destination will provide you a truly unique saltwater fishing experience.
Before getting into the details of what makes Saltwater Fishing in Florida so magical, we must touch on Conservation. One of the most important aspects of being an outdoorsman is conservation. The first step to conserving the precious ecosystems and fisheries here in Florida is through purchasing a Florida Fishing License. When you purchase a fishing license, fishing tackle, and motor-boat fuel is contributing and helping improve the fishing and boating opportunities in Florida. Also, the Sport Fish Restoration program uses a federal “user-pay, public-benefit” system of conservation where millions of dollars are funded each year to go towards fishery research, stock enhancement, artificial reefs, boating access improvements, angler outreach, and aquatic education. Every purchase counts so don’t skip abiding by the law to save a dollar because that dollar could impact the fisheries you love for your lifetime! Make sure you are staying up-to-date with all the new saltwater regulations here in Florida!
Florida has literally designed itself through time to become a fishing paradise. If you are traveling to this stunning destination, saltwater fishing is a must. You technically don’t have to be saltwater fishing to enjoy the beautiful nature and wildlife but nothing beats a day in the sun along with a tug on the end of the line while you Visit Florida.
Each geographic wonder has its own characteristics and methods to catch the fish that live there. We will provide a short breakdown of things you will see and what you can potentially catch.
The Gulf Stream is most certainly a highlight for Saltwater Fishing in Florida. This intense, warm ocean current moves along the coast of Florida and then Northeast across the Atlantic. The Gulf Stream plays an integral role in not only the fishing conditions but also the weather year round. It also draws the movement of every major game fish in the Atlantic Ocean.
Where the bait flows, the pelagic fish will follow. The Gulf Stream brings a massive amount of bait closure to shore and to the surface. This allows predators to lurk beneath them and feed on them aggressively.
The best methods to fish this incredible natural wonder is trolling, flying a kite with live bait, or deep dropping on a local reef. Enjoy catches from Blue Marlin, Wahoo, Sailfish, Dolphin, Kingfish, Swordfish, Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna, and much more.
One of the most diverse places to fish in Florida is flats. Most flats consist of grass structure in the shallow water of 2 feet or less with different bottom contours and sediments. You will be amazed at how Snook, Redfish, Trout, Bonefish, Permit, and more can traverse through these waters. Flats are also home to a number of crabs, shrimp and other species of fish.
When you are looking to fish a flat, you have several options. You can either wade into the water, which is very popular. Be sure to slide your feed to warn off stingrays. You can also fish from the shoreline but the most popular tactic is from a Flats boat with your guide pooling you to the right position on the back in stealth mode.
Florida is filled with numbers of Bays that can be productive for fishing all year long. The relatively shallow water and fewer chances of becoming seasick make it a perfect fishery for the saltwater fisherman. When you adventure out into the Florida Bays, bring a variety of tackle from a heavy, medium, to light as you just don’t know what will bite the end of the line.
Some of the top Florida Bays consist of Miami’s Biscayne Bay, Florida Bay, Chokoloskee Bay, Ponce De Leon Bay, Tampa Bay, Pensacola Bay, and much more!
When you are at the beach or cruising out the inlet, have you wondered what that concrete or rock structure is on both sides? Those are jetties that maintain the structure of the cut/inlet that
allows boats to make their way inland.
Inlets are some of the best areas for inshore fishing and most are angler-friendly. The species you can catch here are endless. Enjoy the hard-fight and tug on the end of the line from species including Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, Jack Crevalle, and Mackerel.
The best times to fish Jetties and Inlets are during the tidal changes. You can use live bait like shrimp, crabs, or bait fish or you can use artificial lures such as jigs or swimbaits.
Bridges are everywhere across Florida. These structures are excellent hiding places for ambush predators. The night time with less boat traffic brings some of the best times to go out fishing. Rocky structures may make fishing frustrating but ultimately rewarding if you can be patient.
Our recommendation would be to throw a jig head with shrimp around the structure and pilings of the bridge. You may lose a few of your rigs but you will also catch more fish than the rest.
The Florida Keys is littered with bridges you can fish. Sunshine Skyway is another excellent option for finding fish all year long.
Wondering what to do when you don’t have a boat? Florida has numerous Piers where you can just walk out to deeper water. Anglers that love the pier regular catch Spanish mackerel, Snook, Tarpon, Sheepshead, Redfish, Trout and a variety of other species.
Whether daytime or nighttime, this is a great place to bring the family and get them hooked on fishing. Broward and Miami-Dade County have some of the best pier fishing in the state!
Shoreline fishing is by far one of the most exciting of them all. There is just something about running along the beach, islands or coastal areas to catch numbers of species. Just be conscious of your sound and steps as the predators you are after can see you.
Two methods are rather successful on the shorelines: bottom rigged bait or casting. Support your local tackle good store and get local knowledge of the best baits and set-ups to throw.
The backwaters of our rivers that are near the coast provide ample structure for some big fish. Mangrove lines and overhanging trees provide fish cover from the sun and an ambush point. Work these lines thoroughly to catch the biggest and best species possible.
