Hooked on Spring: March Fishing Report for St. Pete Beach, FL

Hooked on Spring: March Fishing Report for St. Pete Beach, FL

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Spring is here, and that means one thing for anglers in St. Pete Beach—the bite is heating up! As water temperatures rise, the fish get more active, making March one of the best months to hit the water. Whether you’re after Tarpon, Snook, or Kingfish, now’s the time to gear up and set sail with your PRIVATE YACHTFISH Fishing Charter for an unforgettable adventure.

What to Expect on the Water This March

March fishing in St. Pete Beach is all about variety and action. Warmer waters bring baitfish closer to shore, and where there’s bait, there’s big fish. Offshore, nearshore, and inshore fishing all offer exciting opportunities this month.

Inshore Fishing: Snook, Redfish, and Trout Take Center Stage

If you love inshore fishing, March won’t disappoint. The flats and mangroves are teeming with life, and these game fish are hungry.

  • Snook are moving out of their winter hiding spots and feeding aggressively. Live bait like pilchards and pinfish are top choices.
  • Redfish are patrolling the oyster bars and grass flats. Cut bait, shrimp, or artificial lures can get them fired up.
  • Spotted Sea Trout are still in good numbers, especially around deeper potholes and channels.

Tip: Target these fish during the moving tides for the best bite. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times to be on the water.

Nearshore Action: Kingfish and Cobia Make a Splash

The nearshore reefs and wrecks are lighting up with action this month. If you’re looking for a thrilling fight, now’s your chance.

  • Kingfish are making their spring run, chasing bait pods just off the beaches. Slow-trolling live baits like blue runners and threadfin herring work best.
  • Cobia are cruising near markers and wrecks, looking for an easy meal. A well-placed live pinfish or a bright-colored jig can seal the deal.

Tip: Keep a rod ready at all times—Cobia often appear out of nowhere, so be prepared to cast fast!

Offshore Fishing: Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack

For those who love deep-water fishing, March offers plenty of hard-fighting fish offshore.

  • Red Grouper are holding on ledges and hard bottoms. Dropping live or cut bait will get them biting.
  • Mangrove Snapper are stacked up on reefs, making for excellent table fare.
  • Amberjack, also known as “reef donkeys,” are ready to test your strength. Jigging and live baiting are the best tactics to land these beasts.

Best Baits and Tactics for March Fishing

March fishing success comes down to using the right bait and strategy. Here’s what’s working best this month:

Live Bait

  • Pilchards and Pinfish – Great for Snook, Redfish, and Cobia.
  • Blue Runners and Threadfin Herring – Ideal for targeting Kingfish.
  • Shrimp – A go-to for Trout, Snapper, and smaller inshore species.

Artificial Lures

  • Topwater Plugs – Perfect for explosive Snook strikes at dawn and dusk.
  • Soft Plastics on Jig Heads – Effective for Trout and Redfish in shallow waters.
  • Bucktail Jigs – Great for Cobia and Amberjack when cast near structure.

March Weather and Tides – Plan Your Trip Right

Florida’s spring weather can be unpredictable, but that’s where our expertise comes in. At YACHTFISH Fishing Charters, we track tide patterns, wind conditions, and temperature shifts to plan the best possible trip for you. Our Captains know exactly when and where the fish will be feeding, ensuring you’re in the right spot at the right time.

Here’s what to expect in March:

  • Cool mornings, warming afternoons – Layer up for those early departures, but expect comfortable fishing conditions by midday.
  • Tidal movement is everything – We schedule our trips around the best tides, maximizing your chances of hooking into trophy fish.
  • Wind conditions matter – Some days are better suited for inshore action, while calmer conditions open up offshore opportunities.

When you fish with YACHTFISH, you don’t have to guess—we handle the planning so you can focus on reeling in the big ones with your own private charter

For real-time tide charts and marine forecasts, check out NOAA’s weather updates before heading out.

Why Book Your March Fishing Trip with YACHTFISH?

At YACHTFISH Fishing Charters, we bring decades of experience and local knowledge to every trip. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, we customize each charter to match your skill level and fishing goals. Our fully equipped boats, expert Captains, and top-quality gear ensure a stress-free, action-packed day on the water.

What Sets Us Apart?

  • Year-round fishing expertise – We know when and where the fish are biting.
  • State-of-the-art boats and equipment – Comfort and reliability on every trip.
  • Personalized charters – We tailor each trip to your preferences.
  • Guaranteed fish – With our expert Captains and years of experience, you’ll be reeling them in all day long!

With YACHTFISH, you’re not just booking a fishing trip—you’re setting yourself up for the experience of a lifetime! Whether you’re after a trophy catch or just a fun day on the water, we’ll make it happen.

Book Now Before the Bite Slows Down!

March is one of the best months to fish St. Pete Beach, but the prime days fill up fast. If you’re ready to reel in trophy fish and make unforgettable memories, don’t wait! Book your trip with YACHTFISH Fishing Charters today and get ready for the ultimate fishing adventure.

Secure your spot now by visiting YACHTFISH Fishing Charters or calling us directly. Let’s hit the water and get you hooked on an incredible fishing experience!

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About the Author...
Matt Douglas

Matt Douglas

Captain Matt Douglas is the founder of YACHTFISH and is a licensed United States Coast Guard 100 ton Master Captain. Captain Matt grew up on the waters of Tampa Bay and lived and worked in Costa Rica for over 11 years. He has extensive experience in Central America, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Florida. Captain Matt is a tournament-winning captain who has an intense passion for boating, fishing and creating life time memories for his Clients. These passions, combined with his experience, were the catalysts for YACHTFISH. Captain Matt is laser-focused on what he enjoys the most, and knows the best, in Tampa Bay and Costa Rica.
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I cannot recommend Yatchfish St. Petersburg enough! Captain Sam was fantastic - he made sure we had a memorable fishing experience by guaranteeing us fish, and he did not disappoint on a crisp February morning. The boat was clean and well-maintained, and Captain Sam's knowledge of the local waters was... read more
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Matt was great when trying to set up my fishing trip, I had 12 guys total and we took 2 boats out both boat crews were awesome to fish with and they were very knowledgeable! I would highly recommend using Yatchfish to guide your fishing trip!
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My family and I went out with Yachtfish this past weekend with Capt. Nick, and I can honestly say the trip was perfect from start to finish. Great boat, equipment, and weather. We caught red drum, speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, jacks, and a ton of snook. Capt. Nick was very... read more
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My son and I had a great time. Captain Matt and captain Scott are great. Took us out, put us on the bait and then right to the fish! Guy keeps his equipment up, nice boat, immaculately clean, everything went just as expected. Thanks guys for a great experience and... read more
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We had such a good time and we caught so many fish!! The captain was super cool and the mate was really helpful. 10/10 day!!
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Our family recently had a fantastic 6-hour inshore charter in St Petersburg with Captain Johnny and First Mate Cooper! They were very professional and knowledgeable of the area, and put on us fish almost the entire time. After a slow start in the mangroves we moved out to a number... read more
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Awesome experience! Experienced. Professional. Fun! Great for all ages! Captain and crew knowledge really made this enjoyable for our entire family. Took us to a variety of sites to help us catch what we were looking for.
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