Florida Fishing Forecasts

FLORIDA FISHING FORECASTS

The following is the Fish Florida Alliance's curated list of local fishing forecasts around Florida. We share links and information from authoritative sources as well as "locals" to give you the best resource to plan your next fishing excursion. Check back before your next trip for the current fishing forecasts to the area.

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March 2023 Saltwater Forecast Overview

March is a great time for saltwater fishing in Florida as the water temperatures begin to warm up, and the fish become more active. The following are some of the popular saltwater fish species that can be caught in Florida in March, along with some tips and forecasts:

Snook: March is a great time to target Snook, as they begin to move out of their winter haunts and into the shallow flats, passes, and inlets. Look for structure like mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and dock pilings. Live baits like pilchards, shrimp, and pinfish are great, and artificials like soft plastics and jerkbaits can also work well.

Redfish: Redfish can be found in the same areas as Snook, and they are also starting to become more active as the water warms up. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Live baits like shrimp and crabs work well, and artificials like soft plastics and gold spoons can also be effective.

Trout: Speckled Trout can be caught in the grass flats and shallow water areas of the bays, rivers, and estuaries. They can be caught using live shrimp, pilchards, and artificial baits like soft plastics and topwater lures.

Tarpon: Although Tarpon are not yet in full swing in March, some early arrivals can be found in the southern parts of Florida. Look for them around bridges, inlets, and passes. Live baits like crabs, mullet, and threadfin herring are the best options, and artificials like swimbaits and jigs can also work well.

Overall, March is a great time for saltwater fishing in Florida, with many species becoming more active as the water warms up. Keep an eye on the weather and tides, and be sure to follow all fishing regulations and guidelines.

Click here to view our outlooks by region for March!

March 2023 Freshwater Forecast Overview

March is a prime freshwater fishing season for many species of fish, as bass and bream are preparing to move to shallower waters for spawning. Target them along with Crappie and other Panfish in Lake Okeechobee and other southwestern bodies of water for a fulfilling fishing experience.

Sunfish, bass and bluegill seek out shallow areas with sandy or firm soils and nearby vegetation to build their spawning beds. Shallow areas (2 to 6 feet deep) that are sheltered from current and wind are preferred by sunfish. Bass typically spawn before bluegill, preferring water temperatures around 60 to 65 degrees, while optimal temperatures for bluegill are around 65 to 80 degrees.

Other species such as redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, and crappie may also be in shallows at this time, and their activity is influenced by the moon, with full and new moons typically generating the most activity. March is a popular time for anglers who take advantage of the peak fishing activity during this time.

Click here to view our outlooks by region for March!