Freshwater Fishing Forecast with

c apt. Johnny Stabile

Ihave two favorite months to fish, and March is one of them. As we transition to spring the fishing will improve from now until the start of summer. Peacock bass will be paired up on beds as they are in spawn mode. They are there to protect their fry, and as tempting as it is to bed fish for them, this year in particular, take it easy on those bedding fish. This past year we lost thousands of fish to the cold fronts in December and January. There are still plenty of fish to catch and you can take advantage of the low water levels off Alligator Alley where the deeper canals will be loaded with peacock bass and largemouth bass. If you’ve caught peacocks before, do yourself a favor and try to catch them on artificial over live bait to give them the advantage.

The snakehead bite has improved since the weather is warming up. Lately, I’ve been catching them deeper with spinner baits and chatter baits. You’ll still see them on top with a frog but don’t be afraid to fish the entirety of the water column. Snakeheads are one of those fish where if you’ve never caught one, you need to put them at the top of your bucket list. They are easily one of the most aggressive freshwater exotic fish we have down here in South Florida. Locations to target snakeheads are canals that have minimal water movement and lots of overgrown vegetation. Snakeheads will sit with their heads just under the surface next to the bank, I will cast my topwater frog onto the bank and slowly reel it into the water, which will usually result in a bite if there is a fish present. Places like Markham Park and the suburban canals around Wellington have large numbers of fish in them.

South Florida’s fishing opportunities can sometimes be endless. If you’re fishing for the popular species and they aren’t biting, try targeting those smaller native species like crappie and bluegill. If you aren’t afraid of the waiting game soak live baits. Shad and shiners are both great options for freshwater fishing. If it’s cooler out, you should be fishing the deeper parts of the water column. I usually use a #4 split-shot and soak my baits on the bottom. Everything from clown knifefish, peacocks, largemouth bass, and sunshine bass will eat a bottom bait so don’t be afraid of trying new things.

Fishing by land? Start off fishing the bridges for peacocks and the smallest canals you can find for snakeheads. Sometimes, a land-based angler has an advantage fishing from than a boat. Being stealthy will help you get more bites. You’ll find other species along the way and enjoy the ride!

chuck papp