March will indeed bring some windy days, however the coldest winter months are now behind us. Expect to see a warming trend that will warm up our water temperatures from the 60’s into the low-mid 70’s.
March will generally produce some fantastic Speckled Trout and Pompano fishing. In the flats between Lumber Key and Pavillion Key, you can find areas where you have grass on one side of the boat, and sand on the other. Here you can fish the same flats for Speckled Trout and Pompano. You can cast out 3/8 oz “Don’s Potbelly jigs” tipped with very small fresh shrimp pieces (cut a shrimp into 6-8 pieces). The Trout will be in 3-5 feet of water in the grass, and the pompano will be in the same depth of water in the sandy areas. Let the jig bounce in the sand a little to get the Pompano interested.
Sheepshead fishing usually peaks in February, however they are still around in excellent numbers in March. You will find them in deeper holes and drop off’s against the mangrove roots in the rivers and near shore areas. I like to live line a shrimp on a small 2/0 circle hook into these likely areas. Sheepshead fishing is an “art” that requires a lot of discipline and finesse. When you feel a nibble, forget that natural born instinct to set the hook! Let him nibble! Reel in a half a crank, let him nibble some more! Keep reeling in a half a crank or so until you feel him grab that shrimp and run the other way. It takes a lot of patience and discipline, but once you get the finesse down, the fruits will come. If you ever thought about getting an electric fillet knife, now is the time. Sheepshead are thick skinned, spiny, have big ribs, and are perfect candidates for cleaning with electric knives.
On Saturday March 26th I will be conducting a seminar on fishing Chokoloskee and the Everglades National Park. It will be at 4:00 pm at TALL TALES BAIT AND TACKLE in the Pavillion Shopping Center in Naples, on the corner of 41 and Vanderbilt. Call Mike at Tall Tales Bait and Tackle for more info: (239) 325-8284
Forecast by Capt Pete Rapps CaptainRapps@Gmail.com Hailing out of Chokoloskee Island Park Marina, Chokoloskee, FL Capt Rapps has been fishing the Chokoloskee area for just over 20 years. He offers expert guided, light tackle, near shore, and backwater fishing trips in the Everglades National Park, and is happy to accommodate anyone from men, women, & children of all ages, experienced or not, and those with special needs. Pete is extremely patient and loves to teach. You can book a charter right online 24/7. See his online availability calendar, booking info, videos, recipes, seasonings, and first class web site at www.CaptainRapps.com
