Our colder weather is not done, but the worst should be over and we can expect to enjoy some warm periods with good fishing. The best news is that fishing/catching just gets better down here, along the Central and Southwest Gulf Coast, for the next several months. Even the slumping economy has bright spots; while we have fewer dollars to play with, we have more time with family and friends get out and go fishin’ together. Every time the weather improves and the sun shines for a few days the phone starts to ring more. While much of the “press” continues to tell us the “sky is falling,” I say the beautiful blue spring sky is a sign of great things to come. Fish don’t watch TV; they just know spring is time to feed aggressively to be healthy. Snook opens the First of March locally. The slot is small, only five inches from 28 — 33 inches, but we do have lots of fish and did not appear to lose many this past winter.

Just how hungry they are now depends directly upon our water temperature. Snook start to turn on at about seventy-five degree water temperature. The bite will improve every period of warm weather. Baitfish are due soon and will help us turn on the bite. Fish stocks appear good. Redfish and Trout are moving along similar trails as the Snook and you can frequently catch any or all of the big three in the same spots now. If you start catching small Trout, move on because you are not likely to find larger fish mixed here. Big fish are cannibalistic and eat small Trout for lunch. Live minnows are great baits if you don’t have to waste too much time capturing ‘em. Lures catch their share and more, plus get you fishing right away! Cooler mornings push fish to deeper water and warmer days increase their metabolism, stimulating feeding.

Slow down when it’s chilly and be more aggressive as it warms up. Take your time and observe any surface movements to help you lock in on feeding fish activity. I frequently watch fishermen throwing too many minnows with flocks of gulls around their rigs; are you fishing or chumming the birds? I am not trying to hurt your feelings, just point out too much chum attracts birds that scare your targeted fish away! We can no longer attract fish with minnows in many favorite spots because some anglers have over done chumming and trained the birds to hang out for feed food, at the expense of their catching. Birds diving in shallow water scare feeding fish.

Sheepshead should turn on dramatically now. They are ready to bunch up and migrate toward our Gulf passes to spawn. These fish are challenging but can get dumb when they gather in schools to spawn. Shrimp work fine but fiddler crabs are better if you want to dig ‘em. Concentrate effort around structures: piers, bridges, rock piles, and oyster bars.

The Skyway piers and Fort Desoto Bay Way bridges are perfect for anglers without boats. Seek help from successful anglers; a sandwich or soda might help break the ice for introductions. Braided lines really help you feel those gentle nibbles and help prevent some cutoffs on structures. We do have liberal bag limits, but don’t keep more than you want to clean. Cleaning Sheepshead is work, but they taste great. Try diverse recipes to maximize this rare treat: being allowed to keep a bunch of eating fish. Spring baitfish and Mackerel migrations are due in my Boca Grande area any time now. They will be up to Tampa Bay soon. Sharks, Ladyfish, Jacks, Cobia, and my favorite, the Pompano will all be pushing north along Gulf beaches as it warms up. Expect to enjoy hot action in both March and April along our West Central Gulf Coast. Both Spanish and King Mackerel are abundant and offer us the opportunity to catch and keep a mess of fish to enjoy and even share. Be sure to carry lots of ice to keep ‘em fresh. Spoons and lures, “hardware,” work great; let local tackle shop staff help you rig properly and be sure to purchase extras, as you will need several of each. Use diving birds to help locate feeding schools of fish. Work with other boats to find and catch feeding fish. Troll or drift by fish not through activity. Schools of fish will concentrate near or off shore depending upon the water temps and clarity. Strong onshore cold windy conditions push fish out and Northeast offshore winds draw ‘em ashore as seas calm and clarity improves.

Tarpon will be move in soon after this migration. With the economy slowed down there may be fewer boats chasing fish, so while business could be down, catching should be better. I am looking forward to awesome action with these huge gamefish. Let’s go fishin’ soon. Capt. Van Hubbard Past President of Florida Guides Association and Winner of 1999 Mote Marine Award info@captvan.com