By Capt. David Lifka
mail@floridanewsline.com
We are finally reaching the time of year where our portion of the globe starts leaning closer to the sun again. With that comes spring and eventually summer. But first comes spring. With spring comes a rebirth of nature such as plants, trees, flowers, birds, and more importantly (in some people’s minds) — fishing.
The month of March is the kickoff of a new fishing season. River, lakes, ponds, beach, jetties, inshore, and offshore will all have some kind of increased fishing activity. Certain species of fresh or saltwater fish will offer some of the best fishing of the year in the spring, while other species will begin to show and only get better as spring progresses to summer.
For folks that are new to fishing, spring is probably the best time of year to give it a try. Weather is usually mild and pleasant. Catching certain species such as whiting in the surf, or bream or bass in a neighborhood pond or creek are at their easiest.
Because of the many benefits that springtime fishing offers, it’s the perfect time of year to introduce fishing to the family or to oneself. Fishing is more than being about catching fish. It’s family time, outdoor time, recreation time, time to take notice of the splendors of nature and recognizing all that it has to offer.
There are lots of different ways to get started fishing. One of the easiest ways is to find a friend already with fishing knowledge. Hiring a guide to take you fishing is yet another. Watching people and asking questions (especially if they are catching fish), or doing a little research online reading articles and watching YouTube videos.
Regardless of how you learn and what success you have, the fringe benefits and enjoyment that you may discover fishing will far outweigh never giving it a try. Springtime fishing is ready and waiting. Remember the old saying “A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work.” For a lot of people, that saying holds true.
Fishing Report: Great surf fishing for whiting everywhere. Pompano will be on the increase, especially St. Johns County and Flagler County beaches. Bass bite continues in all area freshwater.
Whether you catch one, some, or none, the family time spent fishing will last a lifetime.
Email your Catch of the Month photo to catchofthemonthpictures@gmail.com. Be sure to include the name of the person(s) in the photo, the name of the person who took the photo, the type of fish and date and location of the catch. We will select a photo each month for publication.
