Nature Coast

Captain's corner

By Capt. Robert McCue
Published March 8, 2008

March roared in like a lion this past week with a series of passing cold fronts. As it has throughout most of winter, the water temperature remained unseasonably moderate throughout the week.

Last call for sheepshead

Consistent cool water is the key to outstanding sheepshead fishing. Overall, the winter has been mild, and typical winter sheepshead fishing has been inconsistent. Weekend nighttime temperatures are forecast to drop into the low 40s. The combination of cool water and the new moon this weekend will likely serve as a catalyst in tightening up the last concentrations of the spawning porgies for winter.

Pro logic

Fishing for snook and spotted sea trout opened March 1 for the North Suncoast region. Although the tides will be favorable for snook during the weekend, the cold front will keep the snook bite to a minimum. Trout are more accommodating to cooler water. Many trout remain just inside the rivers and deeper creeks. In these areas, a live shrimp fished under barnacle-encrusted docks is near certain to produce trout, sheepshead and the occasional snook over the next several days.

Capt. Robert McCue can be reached on the Web at www.gianttarpon.com or toll-free at 1-800-833-0489.

[Last modified March 7, 2008, 20:44:21]