Northwest Florida Forecast
March 18, 2024
By Capt. Kevin Lanier
Port St. Joe to Keaton Beach Capt. Kevin Lanier of KC Sportfishing covers fishing from Mexico Beach to Steinhatchee, including Apalachicola, St. George Island, Carabelle, St. Marks and Keaton Beach.
March 18 Things are looking very promising here in Northwest Florida and the eastern end of the Panhandle. I have been saying over the past few weeks the early spring fish should be here any time now. Well, they have now arrived.
Sheepshead are here in mass and covering the shoals closest to the beach. Most are being sought within four miles of the beach offshore. Look in the Bell Shoal area just off Mexico Beach and the shallow rocks off Apalachicola. I like to drift live shrimp through these areas with a 1/4 ounce or less split shot. I use a 1/0 hook on about a four-foot leader. There will be no doubt when they hit. A sheepshead has a very hard mouth, so getting a good hook set is tricky.
Spanish mackerel are thick off the beach. Try trolling chrome or gold spoons about 50 feet behind the boat. I like the Coho Killer from Silver Horde. It catches more fish and holds up better than a Clark spoon. You can cast a Gotcha lure from a boat or shore with good results as well.
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Offshore, the red snapper are every where. I still question every time out why we do not have a spring fishery for them. It does not matter what you put down. Please make sure you release these fish carefully. Remember you need a descender on the boat as well. If the bladder is out of their mouths use the descender.
Get out and enjoy the great weather and catch some fish.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com Mexico Beach, Florida 850-933-8804
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