It seems that most southwest Florida anglers are very happy that the month of March is in the rear-view mirror! Cold, blustery weather has given way to beautiful sunny days in April and the fish are feeding well in both the backwaters and Gulf of Mexico. It's time to get out there and wet a line!
The vastly improving weather over the past week has really made a big difference in the bite and the quality of the fish. Sea trout are on the flats and most are over 15 inches in length. Live shrimp under a popping cork works best and you'll also get a nice mix of pompano, ladyfish, jacks and small sharks.
The redfish are starting to feed again near the mangrove islands and shorelines. Shrimp on a jig tossed close to the mangrove overhangs is the ticket. On the highest part of the tide, give cut ladyfish a try. The smell will bring them out of the bushes and makes them easier to find and hook up with.
The nearshore reefs are loaded with spanish mackerel. Any shiny artificial will work, along with live shrimp on brightly colored jigs. Move your offering quickly for a strike. There are also grouper, snapper, flounder, trout and a mix of other fish on the bottom.
Note... The water is warming up fast and this is when I like to get out the topwater lures and go after sea trout, redfish and snook. Both the Heddon Zara Spook and the Rapala Skitterwalk are favorites of mine. I look for natural colors and stick to the old rule, light colors on sunny days and dark colors on overcast days. There's nothing like a topwater strike to get your blood going!
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