A Total Backwater Adventure

In the world of saltwater fishing, some days seem to be slow. And others are just picture perfect, with what seems to be rewards of a fish on every cast. This past month proved to be no exceptions to the rule. With fronts that blew in, following days of perfect weather.  We had a few days that it seemed the fish would nock the gut?s out of the bait as soon as it hit the water. And then a cold front would hit us from the north. Not a large front,  just a kiss from the north and the fish would fall into there lathargic state once again. The month of march you will start seeing less cold fronts , and hopefully see a warming trend. Gearing up for spring and that magic water temp we as anglers desperatly need. To me that magic number is 82 degrees. A lot of anglers might argue my thinking on this one. But I seem to do my best when the fish are warm and happy. Don?t get me wrong this month we started seeing more redfish, milling on shore lines, and out on the open flats. But once again we have not had a cold snap to send them running. It seems both sides of the harbor are holding fish. Redfish on the west wall, if you catch them feeding is spectactular. Fish all tailed up on the low water are eager to eat a bait if you can get in over the bar and with in casting range. And the same is true on the east side just south of Alligator creek. Fish seem to be bunched up in there spring time haunts already.  Snook fishing will open up March 1st also and the bite has been pretty good on white bait and artificials. Topwaters are doing well, such as the silver and black Skitter walk by Rapala or the old faithfull bone color Zara Spook. The Zarra Spook is an old top water that has not changed  in shape, size or anything else since I could remember. The old saying don?t fix it if it aint broke, seems to hold true in the lure world also. Trout fishing  has been incredable this year,  with a lot of spotted sea trout running in the 3 to 4 lb range. These fish seem to be south in the harbor, but also got some around Turtle Bay.  Also in the Port Charlotte canals is a fish over looked by a lot of anglers, that can be a world of fun when the wind blows. Big Jacks are cruising the canals that lead to Spring Lake,  and around Ackerman waterway. Some of these fish are up around 20lbs and can be a test on ones angling skills. Not to mention his (or hers what ever  the case may be) tackle.  With sceaming runs and pure digging power, these fish can save a trip when the weather and low tides leave you in a stich. Oh, and did I mention they will eat just about any lure or plastic thrown in front of them, when they are on the feed. That?s the good point, because you don?t have to use your best  $14.00 Sebile.  There is also a few lady fish mixed in with the Jacks and trout, this gives you the chance to load up your freezer.  But not to worry, soon the water will warm. And all anglers will be once again remember, why they live here in sunny Florida. Keep watching my web site at www.fishfloridatarpon, soon we will have video tips from the pro?s on the site.  Untill next month, get out and fish, take a kid with you the kids cup is right around the corner.

Capt. Andrew can be reached for charter info at 456-1540 or on the web at www.fishfloridatarpon.com