Florida Keys backcountry fishing report March 25-31

Posted on 3/28/2013
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Hello everyone! It seems like the Groundhog should take a better look next time for its shadow. This late winter weather we have been experiencing in south Florida has the fishing patterns kind of unstable. Water temperatures are going to be the key this coming weekend. If they stay in to the 60's slow down your presentation and the bites should fallow. The Trout bite in Florida Bay has been decent specially on the warmer parts of the day. Popping corks and scented artificial baits have been catching some really nice fish in mostly every regular Trout spot with Jacks and Ladyfish mixed in. Anglers fishing the shallow flats in the bay have also reported good catches of Redfish. Again the warmer parts of the day will have the fish moving better. Fish the deeper edges of runoffs in the Flamingo area on the low outgoing tide and beginning of the incoming for a bite of Redfish, Blackdrum, Sheephead, Trout and other rod benders. A live Shrimp slowly crawled on the bottom will get the most bites. Trout, Bluefish, Jacks, Mackerel and others can be found on the middle ground areas and adjacent deep channels. Bounce your baits slowly on the bottom for the best action.
Out towards the Cape Sable area fish the mainland shorelines, creeks and deeper channels for Redfish, Blackdrum, Sheephead and a few Snooks as well. A 1/4 oz jig head with a live shrimp bumping on the bottom will get the bites. Sad to say that the Tarpon where here in great numbers throughout the Park and now they are gone. No worries do cause as soon as this cold weather gets out of here and the water temperatures climb back up in to the 70's they will be back and ready to eat.
This cold weather will probably fire up the bite in Gulf waters with Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Cobia and many more making their way to your chum slick.
Bone fishing has been tuff this past week with the cold water temperatures. With warmer temperatures forecasted for the weekend fish the higher stages of the tides in the warmer parts of the day for a better shot at it. Look for fish to be mudding on the deeper edges of Oceanside flats, cast a live Shrimp and with some luck you will get bit. The cold temperatures put a hold on the Tarpon fishing but expect the bite to come back strong as soon as the water warms back up. Don't let the cold weather fool you, there is a lot of fun to be had in the Florida Keys backcountry!
 
Captain Juan Garcia