by Captain Mike Merritt
March is here and we are seeing some warmer weather. But, as you know it also means high winds! And we have been getting plenty of wind lately. It makes for some tough fishing conditions and many times it becomes non fishable on the outside. Thankfully we have options here in the National Park. We can go fish the back country and make a day of it.
Right now the Trout fishing is definitely the strongest bite going on. Especially for those wanting a fish dinner. These fish have been biting really good on the incoming tide as long as clean water is moving in. The flats and some bars around the Islands have been producing plenty of action.
I am catching some up in the back country too so when it is too windy or too dirty to fish the outside we have managed some good action in the rivers and back country.
The Redfish bite has been tough lately. Historically I am catching good fish pretty consistent in the back, but this year that has been a little tougher. I have noticed that a lot of areas in the back have stayed stirred up more than what I normally see. Not sure why this is happening but it might be due to less grass on the bottom, or fewer oysters? We need to find this out.
So these factors affect the fishing, and also affects the bait, so these fish move. I have noticed a lot of changes over the years and am hopeful in the long run that our Everglades heals.
The Snook fishing is decent in the back country right now. The best bet is to use lures or jigs and work as much shoreline as you can. Of course areas that have drains or areas that pinch down are always worth trying first. Snook love to ambush so they will find a good place to feed and hang there as long as the food keeps coming. Lots of casts and accurate casts are a must for success.
Of course we can’t forget that the Tarpon bite has started. But the winds are making it very difficult. These fish are moving in and you may find large numbers, of just a couple fish. But they will continue to arrive in greater numbers and hopefully hang around a while.
Spring time is usually when we find some decent Tripletail too! But again, high winds can make this difficult. Seeing these guys floating on the surface makes for some great fun and a challenge to the novice angler. But the reward can be very tasty! So keep your eyes open!
Let’s hope for calm waters and good fishing as Snook season is now open! Good luck out there and remember to be courteous.
Capt. Mike Merritt, Guide
(561) 252-4324 | SnookFishing1@juno.com
