South Padre: March 2023

I announced recently that I signed with Z-Man Fishing Products, a company based in Charleston, South Carolina. I was invited to visit their factory last fall and witnessed a smooth-running operation that produces soft plastics of a wide range of styles, sizes, and colors to target many species of fish around the world. I have used Z-Man baits extensively over the past months and find them very effective. I am thus far very pleased with their performance and durability.

Everyone has their personal toughest fishing month. Catch rates decline for a variety of reasons; some of which might be difficult weather patterns or perhaps heavy boat traffic; for me it’s mostly weather related. March is one of the windiest months with gusting 25-35 mph wind almost daily. Many days we are forced to fish protected areas with decent water clarity, not necessarily where fish might be most concentrated. Checking Google Maps for areas with heavy grassy bottom is suggested as the grass helps hold bottom sediments in place, even on the windiest days. With this in mind, during March, I tend to fish more on the east side of the ICW, where the water remains relatively clear even in blustery conditions.

Strong wind means the water will be more highly-oxygenated on average, which relates to more aggressive feeding behavior. Persistent strong wind also influences baitfish movement and migration, which means bait will often be more concentrated along windblown shorelines. If you prefer drifting rather than wading, I recommend deploying two drift anchors to help slow your drift. Don't let extreme wind ruin your day; using it to your advantage can bring you some luck.

One more thing to remember about less than ideal water clarity. When fish cannot see your lure so well they can still zero in on it when it produces vibration and rattling sounds in the water. This is where the rhythmic thumping of the large paddle tail of the 5-inch Z-Man Diezel MinnowZ becomes more effective than other soft plastics. The sheer size of the lure and greater buoyancy of the Elaztech material it is made of also aids in keeping it out of the grass during the presentation. Topwaters can also be effective in drawing strikes in somewhat murky water conditions for the same reasons.

Our trout fishery continues to show steady improvement, thanks to the post-freeze regulations enacted by TPWD and the generally more conservative attitude of so many anglers now practicing catch and release. There is still a noticeable lack of true heavyweights but we have definitely been finding encouraging numbers of four- to six-pound fish with occasional sevens.

During the colder months it is common for trout to travel back and forth from shallow to deep water according to conditions, but now in March they will remain in shallow water for longer periods as temperatures continue to rise. The females will be in spawning mode soon and a noticeable weight gain in the females will occur as they feed heavily on bigger mullet and their eggs start to develop.  

Here are a few places to look for trophies this spring. You can start by concentrating on areas that contain numerous potholes in knee to thigh depths. Trout are very opportunistic predators and potholes offer excellent ambush points.

Next would be shallow windblown shorelines where mullet often become stacked due to the force of the wind. The best of these also have plenty of grass on bottom where trout can hide and ambush their prey.

Finally, the windward and leeward edges of spoil islands also provide ideal structure to attract bait and camouflage predators lying in ambush. You might be surprised the number of truly large trout we find during springtime using spoil islands.

Now catching them can be a whole other story. Patience and stealth are always factors that enhance success, along with paying attention to tide movement and solunar feeding periods. And, as always, having the right lures is also very important. Smaller topwaters, for sure, and I would also encourage that you check out the many Z-Man products in natural colors at zmanfishing.com.  

I will be working in the Fishing Tackle Unlimited booth during the Houston Fishing Show at the Geo. R. Brown. The show runs March 1-5, and I will be there March 3 and 4. FTU just received a fresh stock of their Excel G2 rods in both casting and spinning models so be sure to check them out. FTU and many other exhibitors will be offering special pricing on many products. This is one show you don’t want to miss.