March Florida Fishing and Swimming

[Stinkbait]

I'd really appreciate any suggestion for a Florida town in mid-March where I can fish but it's warm enough for wife and kids to swim and lie on beach. I've been to St George's Island at end of March before and it's been okay but wondering if it might be too cold in mid-March. I'm not particular about the fishing.

[Drifter]

Probably farther than you want to go but.....late March the fishing begins to heat up in the Lower Keys. I'd suggest Islamorada or Marathon.

[Grizzz]

Stinkbait,

If you want to try something a little different and not go as far south as the Keys, check Cedar Key. It is just south of the Big Bend area of Florida, seems a lot like the keys and some great fishing. It is still far enough north in Florida that mid March can always be a little cold but usually not.

[flg8r]

I grew up in the gainesville area and fished a whole lot in the cedar key and big bend area. It is still hit or miss as far as temperature that time of year up there it is kind of tail of when the cold fronts come through(spent some cold spring breaks fishing). For sure the water is still pretty chilly (but I am from Fl so my definition of chilly might not fit that of others). I would suggest checking farther south. On the west coast maybe Naples or the Sanibel-Captiva area(it is gorgeous and has a good deal of fishing). On the east coast the Jupiter area or West Palm area has some nice beaches and some great fishing.
Good luck.

[UGAflyguy]

UGA's spring break is always in March. I would suggest atleast going as far as the Sanibel-Captiva area, but would recommend the Keys.

Two years ago we took a Ranger bay boat to Captiva and fished a good bit. It was warm (mid 70s) about half the time but then turned chilly for the rest of the week. Caught some fish (mostly trout), but not any of the big stuff you go to Florida for (snook, reds, etc.).

It's kind of hit or miss depending on what the weather does, but forget the panhandle.

Last year we ended up going to Key Largo and it was much better. Night and day difference. It was in the 80s, caught lots of dorado and some small tuna.

[TroutManJoe]

Venice Inlet and Casey Key, You can not go wrong there. See the article in the March edition of Fly Fisherman magazine and you'll know just what to do. There's a reason they call it "Snook Alley." Tons of reds, trout and BIG jack running around the flats around that area right now too....

[Shadow]

Take a look at Canaveral National Seashore near New Smyrna Beach and right next to the northern edge of Mosquito Lagoon. The reds have been tailing well and big seatrout are holding on the flats in water less than 18". The only problem has been the wind lately, but you could have that issue anywhere in the state during March.

Nice thing about the area is you'll be within 30 minutes of more wading areas than you'll have time to fish during your vacation.

[Blood Knot]

I like the Gulf side of florida for both Sun and Fishing. Boca Grande area is really nice...they have houses you can rent on some of the islands.. The Beaches are white sand and you can swim or fish in the surf:cool: . Lemon Bay is great for Snook and Reds. Go to "Stumps Pass" to buy your bait, beer and Burgers....They just put in a 1500 sq ft. Tiki Hut...great after a day of fishing :cheers: Tell Stuey Red Eye sent you...he won't give you a discount but he may tell you some funny stories:drunk:

[Fishaholic]

I heard cedar key was just a small fishing village without many beachfront condos so if you want to sit on the beach be careful with cedar key

[The Ole Man]

I've been to Cedar Key. I wud say it is def not a beach spot--but great for fishing.

[solbourne]

Stinkbait;
Alot of the answers your getting are correct about Cedar Key. If you want it warm enough to swim or wade, I'd hit anything south of the Tampa Bay area on the west coast or south of Melbourne on the east. Right now the water temps are running about 67-68 (prime spot and spec temps with the occational snook). The farther south you go.......

[jeffg]

I am heading down to Canaveral, well tomorrow. Here is the fishing report that they are about to post on Coastal Angler (http://www.coastalanglermagazine.com/) .
And we will be out for the Cobia Friday! ( Hope I can hook one of those bad boys, as I have never caught a cobia before). And supposedly jacks are in thick at the Port right now too.

Pt. Canaveral/Banana River ~ March 2007

PORT CANAVERAL - March is the month that everyone's attention turns to the nearshore waters just outside of the Port. The reason: COBIA!!! Canaveral is known to have one of the best spring cobia runs of anywhere on the East Coast of the United States.
<p>Hungry cobia gather in mass to assault baitfish pods that are working their way northward along this stretch of Florida. The average fish during the spring run generally weighs 20-to 25-pounds, but many of these fish can scale well into the 50-pound range and some may even hit the 70-pound mark. Live pogies (Atlantic Menhaden) are a top live bait choice as they are the most prevalent food source around at this time of year. Mullet, shrimp, crab, and eels will also work very well on most fish though.
<p>Artificial and fly anglers should try brightly colored jigs and flies in the 4-to 8-inch range. Top water plugs and large spoons will also work at times on these aggressive fish. "Sight" fishing for free swimming fish or fish that are following manta rays are the two most popular methods of locating these hard fighting yet pallet pleasing warriors.
<p>If you've never experience this form of angling you owe it to yourself to give it a try. Arms left aching from a battle with a cobia don't seem to bother you as much while you enjoy every delightful bite of their tasty filets at diner time.

<p><b>BANANA RIVER</b> - Little fish, big fish, every kind of fish. That is what anglers can expect as the March sun warms the flats of this shallow lagoon. Tons of small trout and ladyfish to three pounds will invade the deeper flats near the Thousand Island area of Cocoa Beach. Jigs, spoons, and live shrimp under floats will produce good numbers of these feisty fish.

<p>Redfish and large trout will sneak their way into the shallowest water they can find in search of finger mullet, small baitfish, and small crabs that become more abundant this months. Many of these fish will be larger than your average, run-of-the-mill, shallow water tenants. Over-slot redfish and trout measuring well above twenty inches are the norm during each of the weeks proceeding the new and full moons this month (and next month too). Top water plugs, 4-to 6-inch soft plastic jerk baits, and live finger mullet are the best lures and bait to use this month. In the month of March you can take your pick of nearshore or flats fishing, either way you won't be disappointed.

<p>REPORT BY <b>Captain Jim Ross of Fineline Fishing Charters - Catch a Memory! </b>(321) 636-3728; www.captainjimross.com.

[flg8r]

If you want current fishing reports for any of the areas check www.floridasportsman.com. Some pretty good reports there. Enjoy the trip.