Capt'n Tom

We have seen an early spring here on Clearwater Beach. Actually, lack of winter this year has given us warmer waters, earlier fish migrations, and great weather for fishing. Of course we did have some fronts move through, bringing winds, waves, and squalls, but recovery was quick. Gulf water temperatures only dipped out of the 70′s for a few days in March.

Spanish Mackerel have been a daily catch, with the best showing in the morning. Anglers have been using live shrimp, spoons, plugs, and live baitfish under a float to secure these toothy speedsters. Larger Sabiki rigs have been successful as well. The early bite tapers in the late morning, but fish re-appear from time-to-time through the day, and into the evening.

Eric from Weston, FL with a slippery Flounder

Flounder have been abundant again this month, with Flatties caught most every day. Flounder have been biting live shrimp, grub-tail lures, and smaller live minnows brought up on a Sabiki rig. Most of the Flounder have been keepers over 12 inches, but some larger fish have been taken.

We have seen a fair number of Pompano this month on Pier 60. Pompano have been taken on live shrimp and the crazy jigs we sell in the tackle shop. These weighted-hook jigs with attached teaser are fished vertically in a sweeping fashion, with most bites occurring as the lure falls in a fluttering motion.