Fishing Report – March 20th, 2023

Here is the March 20th fishing report. My reports are published in the Tampa Bay Times every 4th and 20th of the month! Thank you for reading, and I look forward to getting you all out on the water soon! Capt. Brian.

The weather has been a little unstable the last few days in our area. Dips in temperature with high winds always drops the water temperature a few degrees. Fishing in the protection of the backcountry, bayous and canals can be productive when it’s cooler outside.

However, fish have already been making their way out of those areas due to milder conditions, providing less action than you would otherwise expect. Sea trout are still likely to cooperate as they have through the winter. They’ve been eating greenbacks caught in a castnet in the early mornings. Shrimp are working also if greenbacks are hard to find. The islands in St. Joseph Sound and nearby flats have been holding plenty of numbers. The larger fish are around the spoil islands, and smaller undersize trout are holding on the grass flats near the passes and providing lots of action on small paddle tail or curly tail jerkworms, The redfish bite has been improving especially on the higher and stronger tides. Cutting mullet, ladyfish, and pinfish have been producing as well as live greenbacks, floated along the mangroves under a cork. Snook are slowly approaching the beaches but are staging in transitional spots around the intercoastal waterways.

Cold fronts are normal for this time of year, and as it warms, fishing should continue to improve through the spring.

If you are interested in booking Clearwater Fishing Charters, please contact us today.