March was a month of inshore extremes. With the wind being a major factor in where and when we can fish, the light tackle "cooler filler" style charters were a popular option. Our sheepshead spots on the rock piles and nearshore structure continued to be a reliable bite that we were able to capitalize on. Looking at our log books from previous years, the 2023 Sheepshead season has been the best on record. A huge thank you to all our customers for making it such a great season.

The second light tackle species that has been our main focus in March was the mangrove snapper. These delicious snappers came down with a case of lockjaw mid month. We turned that around for the tail end of the month and found that the snapper are responding better to "hardier" baits. We have been more successful on big mangroves using live pinfish or even cut threadfin. Either of these baits holds up better than shrimp on a structure that is populated with smaller grunts and undersized snapper. Straddling both the light tackle and offshore report is the Spanish mackerel. These voracious macs have shown up in force and are ready to eat nearly anything we throw at them.

Looking Ahead

While the Spanish mackerel have been keeping us busy in the nearshore waters, their larger cousins have us excited to head farther offshore.

The kingfish or king mackerel have shown up as well and are picking up steam. We have had the most success in locating kings around the 45-foot mark and beyond. Trolling for king mackerel is a surefire method to locate big fish. We have also landed many kingfish by free-lining baits while anchored up on the deeper water structure. Free-lining allows us to target both bottom fish and the more mobile pelagics like kings and cobia that are due to show up in the next month. Cobia are a highly mobile fish renowned for their fighting prowess and their table quality. Cobia will take bucktails, live bait, and almost anything else you can zip in front of their face as they patrol the waters, usually just under the surface.

Over the next month we can expect continued kingfish action with more opportunities for cobia as well. Cobia fishing is at its peak in May when we will offer dedicated cobia trips. For those that are looking to come home with sore arms and some of the best eating fish in the Gulf of Mexico, make sure to book one of these select trips ASAP.

Another limited-season fishery that will be open very soon is red snapper. The deep water red snapper are plentiful, and the limited season means heavy action for the few days it is open. Our federal season will run from June 1st until the quota is reached.

As we continue looking ahead, we keep focusing on very tasty fish. We are looking for the 2023 scallop season that runs from July 1st to September 24th. Crystal River's seagrass beds are the ideal habitat for bay scallops, and there is no better way to earn yourself a bucket of them than a snorkel trip to catch them yourself. Many families plan their summer vacations around scallop season. From experience, we can tell you a family fish fry or cookout with fresh scallops as the main course is cause enough to tolerate the inlaws for a weekend. While our vessel can only accommodate groups of up to 6, we will coordinate with other captains to get your larger group to the same grounds. 

We thank all of our clients for making this year one of the best on record, and as we look at the months ahead, we cannot wait to see what April holds for us. From inshore Sea Trout and Spanish mackerel to offshore snapper and cobia, we have access to fishing for anglers of all skill levels. If you are considering booking a trip, don't hesitate to call or email so we can get you on your dream trip.