This trip I guided Tom, his girlfriend, Kimberly and RJ. We basically repeated the pattern from the day before. The only difference in todays trip was we had to release 3 keeper gags! Now that’s heartbreaking! All fish were caught deep dropping on a bunch of bay numbers I have. The bite seemed to really turn on when the tide turned. They stayed hooked up all afternoon…We boated 10 big sheeps, 3 keeper gags, 3 redfish, 20 snapper, a big black drum, and a legal scamp! Rj got a 27″ and a 24″ red! Way to go! All fish were caught on live pinfish and shrimp. I had them rigged with 30lb Power Pro, 25lb floro leader, with a #2 Eagle Claw hook. Great job guys!
Weather is warming and I have seen a drastic change in the fishing over the last 3 days. The bite went from very poor to great in a matter of one day. The last 3 days we have caught 7 or 8 species of very good eating fish. Most all the fish in March are caught close to structure in deep water so make sure you bring your bottom machine. March can be one of the best times of year to fish Pensacola bay. The sheepshead move in, the Pompano bite picks up and lots of slot reds are being caught. The Fort Pickens and Fort Mcrea jetties are a great place to anchor up and have consistant action. It is much better to fish these areas mid week. If you try and go on the weekend then you will be fighting a bunch of boat traffic. However, if you can get a good spot off the end of one of the jetties chances are you will fill your coolers with tasty sheepshead, Pompano, and Black Snapper!
Another great way to target fish in March is ride the beaches. March brings the migration of Pompano, and Cobia along the panhandle. If you pick a sunny day and ride the first sandbar looking in all of the washouts, chances are very good that you will see a number of Pompano and Redfish. This is a very good way to target spring time fish! I rig my Cabo 30s with 10lb suffix braid for maximum casting distance. You want to be able to make the longest possible cast before the fish spots you. Once the fish spots the boat it is too late. I rig with either a 12 to 15lb flourocarbon leader when pompano fishing. Sometime they can be leader shy. If you are not familiar with them then stop by Hot Spots bait and tackle and pick you up a few Conors pompano jigs. I prefer pink myself…I would also suggest tipping your jig with a small sandflea. That way you will be certain the fish bites. This set up will be fine for a redfish as well! Last but not least….don’t forget to have a cobia jig handy. They migrate during the spring and you don’t want to miss an opportunity if you spot one. Good luck anglers….
Captain Brant Peacher
www.fishtheemeraldcoast.com
