It is the first week of March which means that spring has sprung here in the panhandle of Florida. We’ve nearly seen our last cold front of the year, the days are getting longer, and the water is slowing starting to warm back up from the low 60s and even high 50s. March 1st marks the opener of Triggerfish within our offshore fishery, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only species we’re targeting. Vermilion Snapper, aka Beeliners or Mingos, Red Grouper, and Scamp Grouper are a few others that we typically target this time of year. That doesn’t mean we won’t hook a few Red Snapper or Amberjack in the process. Another species worth noting this time of year is Spanish Mackerel. As water temps start to get into the high 60s and low 70s, Spanish Mackerel start to show up in large numbers on the beach and just inside the mouth of the bay. If you see a bunch of boats doing donuts around one another this month, fall in line. Trolling Clark spoons and Mackerel Trees are your best bet.

It is the first week of March which means that spring has sprung here in the panhandle of Florida. We’ve nearly seen our last cold front of the year, the days are getting longer, and the water is slowing starting to warm back up from the low 60s and even high 50s. As for our inshore pursuits, warmer temps means we should start to see Redfish start to occupy the flats earlier and later in the day and simultaneously start to eat more aggressively. As the spring progresses, you can expect me to start transitioning from small, soft plastics on jig heads to more swim baits and my personal favorite, topwater plugs. Trout should start following similar patterns as well, although you will still find me fishing in the warmer creeks for another month or so. Another species worth noting this time of year is Spanish Mackerel. As water temps start to get into the high 60s and low 70s, Spanish Mackerel start to show up in large numbers on the beach and just inside the mouth of the bay. If you see a bunch of boats doing donuts around one another this month, fall in line. Trolling Clark spoons and Mackerel Trees are your best bet.