The fishing has been much better this year than the past two years. The water temperature never got below 60 and is already reaching the 70's. Inshore fishing has been super. The trout have started feeding heavy and catching fish over 20 inches is not uncommon fishing along the edges of the grass flats, near the channels. Live shrimp have been best for the bigger fish. Gulp shrimp on an 1/8 ounce jig is always a great way to find trout. Redfish have been cooperating nicely with many fish over the 27 inch slot. Most have been caught around docks that have some current moving under them. A chunk of cut bait (ladyfish works great) will attract the redfish and slow down those bait stealing pinfish. Sheepshead can be found near the passes and on the near shore reefs. This is their breeding season, so they are hungry and schooling up. They like shrimp, crabs, sand fleas or even barnacles. They are difficult to catch, so be patient and you will get your reward. If you are just looking to bend the poles and catch a lot of fish, the ladyfish are ready to help. There have been lots of large ladyfish everywhere. Fish the channels and grass flats with a light colored jig. Once you find one, there will be more.
The near shore fishing has just started to boom. There has been lots of silver trout around. Fish along the beaches and off the Venice jetty in about 20 ft. of water. Like the spotted trout on the flats, they can be caught on shrimp or jigs. I have had good success with gulp shrimp. The silver trout have been running up to 16 inches. The Spanish mackerel have shown up again. They never really left, with some hanging around all winter. They are thick all along the beaches. Find bait and you will find Mackerel. They have been very large this week with many reaching over 24 inches. A spoon or light colored jig reeled fast is sure to get a hit. Sharks tend to follow the mackerel so don't be surprised if see one trying to steal your fish. The King mackerel should be here any day. I have heard reports that some are being caught in with the mackerels.
If you are planing a fishing trip, watch the weather. March and April can be very windy with fronts coming through every 5 to 7 days. Best days to fish tend to be right before the front or a couple of days after the front. This is going to be a fantastic spring. Its time to Play Hookey and come fishing with Capt. Pete.
