by Captain Mike Merritt
The waters are finally warming up again and I am hopeful this trend continues. I would like to think we are done with the colder water temps and that our inshore Snook bite continues to improve as the water continues to warm up! We should start seeing some big fish move inshore as the bait moves in, and this happens with warmer water. The winds will probably continue through April as they have in years past. We just hope to get a few days of low winds or a good S.E. direction every once in a while. This always helps with the water clarity. As I mentioned last time we have lost all of our turtle grass and as a result the water gets stirred up so much easier than it used to. This is definitely something that needs to be addressed as our grasses are critical to the abundant life we have here. I am confident this can be addressed and changed with an effort from all who have a stake here.
Another thing we normally see as spring arrives is the Tripletail as I stated last time. I am constantly on the lookout for these fish as I run and while fishing shorelines. They are usually eager to eat well placed live shrimp or artificial shrimp. Sometimes you have to put it right in their face, so casting skills always help. Permit can also be found moving in closer to the Islands this time of year. Calm days will be optimal and can add tons of fun to a charter. Live crabs are hard to beat but these fish will take artificial baits when they are feeding. You may find just a few or get lucky and come across large schools of fish. Again, keep your eyes scanning the waters while running and it can pay off big time!
Redfish continue to be tough but this should start changing again as spring progresses. Shallow waters are the best bet but we are still catching them in the rivers too. Even right here close to Everglades City we have seen good Redfish action. Jigs tipped with shrimp are producing action when fished close to the Islands. A live shrimp of course is hard to beat. On a cork or on a knocker rig, depending on where you are and water depth.
Seatrout continue to bite well. And it seems we are catching a lot more good sized fish right now. In times past February was always the month we caught the biggest fish, but it seems that right now it is the time! We are catching a limit of fish from 17”-19” pretty consistently now. This makes for a nice fish fry for the clients and an especially good time for kids and novice anglers. We are fortunate to have many options here in these Islands.
Let’s not forget the Silver King! We have a lot of people that come to our area and book trips with the guides just to experience hooking a Tarpon. When the bite is on it is absolutely thrilling. But Tarpon fishing is more like a hunt. You may see plenty of fish and never get a “shot” at one. Or, you may fish and never even see one. But this time of year definitely offers a great opportunity for a hookup. If you put in enough days on the water you will eventually have that epic day. After all that is what our goal is, to put our clients on that epic fish they will always remember.
Whatever you decide to chase this month here in the Ten Thousand Islands, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy the fishing and the beauty of what is around you. And for goodness sake don’t be in such a rush that you can’t slow down and be courteous to someone else on the water. Good luck fishing!
Capt. Mike Merritt, Guide
(561) 252-4324 | SnookFishing1@juno.com
