The entire state of Florida has experienced quite the cold shock this past winter.  The extended period of cold water killed lots of snook and bonefish, and drove the remaining species to take refuge in deeper water. Once the water started to warm up after the cold shock, fishing became excellent again. It was a different fishery, mainly involving fishing deeper water rather than shallow flats. As spring approaches, we will begin to see many changes in this fishery.

Bonefish in the Upper Keys should return to their shallow water haunts as March settles in and the water warms. This is another time of year to catch a big bonefish, as they will come back on the flats very hungry from a cold winter. For the fly fisherman, the typical crab flies will always work while those who prefer to use spinning gear can have great success throwing a big shrimp or tipped skimmer jig. This is a great time of year to throw a shrimp, as there will still be large winter shrimp available. Remember to always keep a crab or two in the livewell in case a permit decides to show. Permit fishing in March can be legendary in Key West, but the ocean side of Key Largo will get a good push of permit in deeper water as well. A well placed half-dollar-size crab or merkin fly will be devoured by the alien-like creatures. 

As we get into mid April, there will be a good chance of migratory tarpon showing up on the ocean side. This is the time when most dedicated fly fisherman are driven to the edge of insanity waiting for the first good strings of tarpon to come through. Be armed with the venerable green tarpon toad and be ready with your 12wt or 11wt fly rod. Don’t overlook the backcountry, as this may be the first place tarpon will show.       

Redfish will start to return to the flats in great numbers as the water temperatures continue to warm. On calmer days, target shallower water and look for signs such as wakes, pushes, and tails. Redfish in Flamingo seem to tail better whenever the wind is down. On windier days, target flats with potholes and try to either sight fish the fish laying in the sandy holes or blind cast the holes with gold spoons, topwaters, and DOA jerkbaits. Some of the biggest redfish of Flamingo can be caught on the flats this time of year. Snook fishing has taken a hit in Florida Bay, but there will always be a better chance of catching one as the water warms. Be sure to handle any snook caught with care and return them to the water promptly to avoid stressing the fish any further. Remember, snook season will remain closed until September, or until further notice. I have a feeling snook season may remain closed for the rest of the year. Keep an eye out for the current rules and regulations. If you stay tuned, I will give an update on my next fishing forecast or on www.saltyshores.com. 

This is big fish time in Flamingo and many big seatrout will invade both shallow and deeper grass flats. The best way to fish for seatrout is to blind cast potholes or grassy edges on deeper flats in 2 to 4 feet of water using topwater plugs during low light and morning hours, while switching out to a DOA Deadly Combo with a 3-inch Glow Shrimp when the sun is shining or when it is windy. The DOA Deadly Combo is a fantastic fish locating setup that excels at catching snook, redfish, tarpon, and seatrout.


Cherish every moment you spend on the water.  See you all out there.

Capt. Honson Lau