March Fishing Forecast

South Indian River Fishing Forecast - March

Inshore:

March has arrived on the Treasure Coast and, traditionally, we can expect windy conditions along with some rain clouds most days. It might dictate where and when you can get on the water, but at least we aren't cutting holes in the ice to fish! Water temperatures will continue to rise and the fish will be actively feeding on the flats. Winter was a little cooler and windier for us in February. March brings the transition into Spring and things will warm up again. Take advantage of the good days and get out fishing soon!

As the sun warms up the water again, look for fish to travel into the shallows to feed. Trout will continue to be most prevalent in the deeper grass flats in two to four feet of water. Those anglers using live shrimp on popping corks, Deadly Combos, CAL jerk baits and top water will have the best chance at hooking up with a trout. I like to fish the edges of the shallows where the water drops off to these depths. You can find trout in four to six feet of water and they will move onto the shallower flats to let the sun warm them as the day goes on. Depending on weather conditions, there are many areas to fish. Round Island, Bear Point and Harbor Branch are always popular to fish in March.

Redfish will get more active this month and you can find some tailing on the flats in early mornings. Top water, DOA shrimp, CAL grub tails or gold spoons are good choices for finding a spot tail on the flats. Don't forget to fish around the mangroves also. So far this winter, there has continued to be a good redfish population around the river and the fishing has been fantastic for them. I tend to like the east side of the river for redfish, but you can find them on the west side also. Work your baits slowly along the bottom for best results. This has been a good winter to allow us to enjoy a terrific redfish bite around the docks and mangroves with nice sized slot fish. Learn to read the water so you don’t miss what is happening around you.

Anglers will continue to target snook around the inlets, docks and bridges on the Treasure Coast. Live bait always works best, but feather jigs, TerrorEyz and DOA Bait Busters can also get you hooked up. Most of the action will be at night with best results on the high ends of the tides. As the water warms up around the area, the snook action will liven up also. Those fishing the flats can also find snook feeding early or late in the day. Fish the mangroves during the rest of the
day. There has been a very good juvenile snook population on the flats this year. Top water, twitch baits, TerrorEyz or CAL jerk baits can do the trick in March on the flats.

The pompano bite has been better this year with the cooler weather bringing them into the area. Whiting, Bluefish and pompano will be hanging around the beaches this month. The inlet will be holding Spanish mackerel, jacks and bluefish. Jack Crevalle and ladyfish continue to haunt the river and provide fun catch for all. Bridges should give up catches of sand perch, sheepshead and black drum on live or dead shrimp.

Spring is just around the corner on the Treasure Coast. It won't be long! Take some time to check all your equipment now and be ready as the weather improves to get out on the water. Make sure your reels are in good working order. Check your rods for broken or cracked tips and guides. How old in that line?? Get ready now on some of these windy days ahead, so you will be ready to head out to the water soon! Have a great March in 2016!

As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!

Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner

http://www.fishtalescharter.com
email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852

South Indian River Fishing Report 2/21

Inshore:

Well, it finally warmed back up to a nice comfortable winter this week on the Treasure Coast. With highs in the mid to high seventies, it was nice to dress light for a change. We still have the winds to deal with, but the fish have been hungry and it been fun! I think we can expect more of the same conditions in the coming weeks ahead, so enjoy and get out fishing soon.

Trying to duck in out of the winds have provided us with lots of fish back in some of the islands this week. Our best bite has been on the croakers. They have arrived in great numbers and not only fun to catch, but more fun to enjoy on the table. Just about everyone on the boat caught nice sized croakers this past week. Sheepshead and snapper are still just as thick around the river as well. The trout and pompano bite has remained good for us to round out a nice variety of fish. Along with jacks, ladyfish and a few mackerel and you have an exciting week on the water.

Tom, Butch and Ruth enjoyed a morning of good fishing and took some nice fish home for dinner. I had Steve and his friend, Steve, on the boat and they had a similar catch of sheepshead, croakers and trout to take home. We had a three boat trip with the group from Sygenta and they caught so many fish that we lost track. Pompano, sheepshead and snapper were among the many fish they caught. Michael Rochedieu was on my boat for the Treasure Coast Casters monthly tournament. Michael was smiling all morning with all the fish he was catching. He caught two sheepshead, one bluefish and ten croakers and took first place in the middle school division. All the kids caught fish and it was one of the most exciting tournaments ever. Will and Jean are back in town this year and we went out on a very windy morning and they were rewarded with two pompano, a couple sheepshead and two dozen nice croakers among many other fish to make for a wonderful day on the river. A very fun filled week!

Trout and redfish have been hanging in shallow water lately. Make sure you are moving stealthily and quietly when fishing the flats. Work your lures very slowly or they will spook easily. Try a DOA shrimp or Terror Eyz and work them slower than slow for best results. Have a fun week on the water!

Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!

Thanks and Good Fishing!
Captain Charlie Conner

www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852

South Indian River Fishing Report 2/10

Inshore:

Winter weather conditions continue along the Treasure Coast this week. It has cooled down lately with nights in the 40's and a couple of 30 degree ranges to deal with. Days have been in the 60's and 70's and for us who call this home...that's cold! Lots of winds have made it difficult to enjoy the fishing, but the fish don't mind it as all. Fishing has continued to be exciting again this past week with lots of opportunities for anglers. It has been another fun week on the water!

The variety of fish has been awesome this week. Joe and John were out on a windy, challenging day and found sheepshead, whiting, snapper and trout to top off a fun morning adventure. Ron, William and Evelyn were out on a beautiful morning. They found the croakers hungry and caught two dozen from the same spot along with sheepshead, snapper and a few short snook to make for a very productive day on the water. John and Bill joined me after having to cancel the prior day. They guys had an outstanding day! They caught three redfish while fishing along the mangroves along with some short snook and snapper. Fishing the channel edges, they found sheepshead, snapper and a couple very nice pompano. They also found the croakers out in good numbers and boated two dozen nice size fish. Due to the strong winds, it has been difficult to fish the docks lately. We had lots of fun and excitement this week!

The DOA Terror Eyz in root beer color has been very productive for us this week. Trout and bluefish have aggressively went after it. Try a DOA shrimp also when fishing the flats for these fish. Pompano love small jigs, like Doc's Goofy Jigs. Live or dead shrimp have worked well for most anything out there. The croakers and sheepshead love it. I love this time of year in spite of the weather conditions. There are so many ways to fish and so many varieties of fish out there. February has proved to be another great month to enjoy the fishing along the Treasure Coast.

The dumping of Lake Okeechobee has begun. Billions of gallons of polluted water is flowing daily through the Saint Lucie River. The ecosystem is already in a critical condition there and this will only make things worse. Get involved to get the word out and help make a difference in getting lawmakers to wake up and take the steps to stop these discharges and do the right thing to improve our water! Check out the River's Coalition and other groups on Facebook and get involved!

Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!

Thanks and Good Fishing!
Captain Charlie Conner

www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852