Get everything in order now, because the fish are on their way

By CHUCK ROGERS
Published March 11, 2005

Now is the time to check all your gear. Soon there will be plenty of fish feeding in area waters, and you want to get all the maintenance out of the way now so you can concentrate on the fish by the end of the month.

Start with a thorough inspection of your boat, checking the filters and batteries, replacing old fuel. Try to head off any problems before you're on the water.

After your boat is in ship shape, focus on your tackle. Clean and oil your reels. Replace old line, and check your rods' guides for nicks. You can bet a large fish will take advantage of any flaws with your gear.

If you use a cast net, spread it out and check it. Repair any holes and make sure the brails are not brittle. Hang it for a day or two to help it open better when cast.

As March progresses, fishing inside the Sunshine Skyway will start to heat up as water temperatures climb into the upper 60s. The snook that have been in rivers and residential canals will move onto the flats to gorge themselves on the bait that is migrating into the bay.

River and creek mouths from the Palm to the Manatee are excellent areas. The water levels are low and the currents are weak, allowing fish to move freely without expending much energy. That's important, as the water is still a bit chilly for these warm-water fish.

The mackerel run also starts this month. Large schools of glass minnows will work into the bay, and Spanish mackerel won't be far behind. They travel in large schools that can be found over grass flats and around pot holes on flats. Macks also can be taken in deeper water such as the shipping channel or range markers and buoys.

Spanish mackerel are relatively easy to catch. They will eat any live bait, and even if a bait it too large the toothy macks will snip off pieces until the bait fits down their throats. Most artificial lures also work, with the best pick something durable, such as a silver spoon or hard-plastic lure. Using 4 to 6 inches of light wire keeps you fishing instead of tying on new baits.

Redfish that have spent the winter in backwaters will move onto the flats. Look for schools of mullet around the shallows, and the reds should be nearby. As the mullet forage they scare up little fish and crabs, which attract the reds. Shrimp or sardines on a shallow popping cork are almost certain to produce redfish.

Sheepshead can be found inside the bay until month's end. When the tide is high enough, every oyster bar south of Gandy Bridge is covered with these striped fish. Small hooks with small shrimp under a cork do the job. On the lower tides, work the bridge pilings the Gandy and the Sunshine Skyway. Use small hooks, loose the cork and add some weight.

Speckled trout are also available in good numbers. The grass flats from Simmons Park south to Joe Bay are holding good numbers of them, as are the deeper drops and pot holes around Tarpon and Indian Key. On extreme low tides, try working the sand bar east of the Skyway's northern rest area.

Chuck Rogers charters out of Rattlesnake Point Outfitters at Bayside Marina in Tampa. Call 813 835-1919 or e-mail at rspo@tampabay.rr.com

[Last modified March 11, 2005, 01:24:19]