Last Updated on February 24, 2026 by Eric Bonneman
March is when the Lower Marsh starts acting like itself again. Winter is still in the room, but it’s no longer running the meeting. Water temperatures begin trending upward, bait shows up in more places, and the marsh “map” expands from tight winter holding zones into a wider spread of shorelines, drains, shell, and ponds.
If you want the quickest pulse check before picking dates, start with our latest fishing reports. If you like planning seasonally, the Gulfport and Biloxi Marsh 2026 fishing guide lays out how March kicks off the spring bite and what typically builds through the next several weeks.
Why March Fishing Is So Productive Here
March fishing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and in Louisiana’s Biloxi Marsh is all about transition. Early in the month, fish still lean on winter comfort zones: deeper pockets, protected cuts, and areas with dependable water movement. As the month progresses, those same fish begin spending more time in shallower feeding areas, especially on calm days with sunshine and good visibility.
The biggest advantage March gives you is variety. On the right day, you can put together a true mixed-bag trip in the marsh, and if the wind is friendly, you can also lean into nearshore water for extra species and nonstop action. That’s why March is one of the most flexible months to fish with a guide out of Gulfport.
For a month-specific breakdown of what March usually looks like on the water, our Gulfport, Mississippi fishing outlook is a great companion read. If you’re coming straight out of the winter mindset, Winter Fishing Guide for Gulfport helps explain what changes first, and what patterns tend to hold on longer.
What’s Biting in March
| Species | Best March locations | Best timing and tide | High-percentage baits and presentations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speckled trout | deeper bayous early, then shell, points, and current breaks as March warms | moving water, especially when conditions stabilize between fronts | live shrimp and soft plastics fished slow, suspending twitch baits when fish get active |
| Redfish | marsh drains, pond edges, grass lines, and shoreline cuts with an escape route to depth | falling tide funnels fish and bait, sunny afternoons can be excellent | live shrimp, cut bait, weedless soft plastics, spoons in shallow lanes |
| Black drum | deeper holes, edges near oyster and structure, bends with steady current | slower water and steady tides, great option when wind is up | shrimp on bottom, patient presentations kept in the strike zone |
| Sheepshead | pilings, docks, rock, reefs, and any hard structure holding crustaceans | moving water around structure, often best early March | shrimp pieces or crab baits fished tight to structure with controlled weight |
| Flounder | sandy drop-offs, creek mouths, and transitions where bait gets swept past ambush edges | strong current stages, outgoing and incoming both produce depending on the spot | jigs worked close to bottom, slow hops and pauses, live minnows when available |
| Nearshore bonus species | open-water edges and structure within sight of land | calmer days, clean water, bait activity | mix of live bait and artificial lures depending on what’s showing that day |
March Speckled Trout
March is one of the best months of the year to chase speckled trout in this region because you can catch them two ways. Early March often fishes like late winter, with trout holding in deeper pockets and protected zones that stay stable through temperature swings. As conditions trend warmer, trout begin sliding back toward classic spring areas like shell, points, and current breaks where they can feed more aggressively.
If you want the bigger seasonal storyline, spring fishing in the Biloxi Marsh explains why March is the month where everything starts stacking up: bait returns, fish get active, and the marsh becomes less of a puzzle and more of a pattern.
March Redfish
Redfish are the anchor species in March. Even when the weather throws a curveball, reds remain catchable, and they tend to give you the most consistent action across the widest range of marsh conditions. In March, focus on areas that concentrate bait: drains, narrow cuts, and shoreline edges that funnel water on a falling tide. When you get calm wind and good clarity, you can also get legitimate sight-fishing opportunities, especially in skinny water with dark bottom and scattered grass.
If redfish are your main goal, the tactics in spring redfish in the marsh match March perfectly, because this is when reds start acting more predictable and spending longer windows shallow.
March Marsh vs Nearshore
March is not a “one plan only” month. The best trips usually come from matching the day’s conditions to the right type of water.
If you want classic marsh fishing, protected water, and a high likelihood of a mixed bag, start with our Louisiana marsh fishing charters. These trips are built for working drains, ponds, and edges in the Biloxi Marsh where reds, trout, drum, flounder, and occasional surprise species can all show up on the same day.
If you want variety with a short ride and you like the idea of staying within sight of land, our Mississippi nearshore fishing charters are a great March option when the wind lays down. Nearshore trips can be ideal for groups that want constant action and a “what’s next on the line” kind of day.
March is also a strong time to think about getting out of the boat and into the experience, especially when the weather is stable. If that’s your style, take a look at our wade fishing charters for barrier island and shallow-water trips where March conditions can be very comfortable and productive.
March Fishing Tactics That Consistently Work
March is a month where small adjustments matter more than fancy gear. A few decisions tend to separate “we caught some fish” from “we stayed on them all day.”
- Let the tide do the work. A falling tide concentrates bait and positions fish on drains, edges, and pinch points.
- Start deeper early, then slide shallow. Early mornings can still feel wintery. Many March days get better as the sun warms the water and fish begin roaming.
- Fish the cleanest water you can find. Wind and fronts can change clarity fast. Cleaner water usually means more aggressive strikes and better sight opportunities.
- Slow down if a front just passed. March fish will eat, but the day after a hard swing in weather is rarely a “burn it back fast” situation.
- Keep a structure pivot ready. If wind makes open water tough, targeting drum and sheepshead around hard structure can save the day.
- Match the trip to the group. Mixed-bag marsh days are perfect for anglers of all levels, while calm-day nearshore trips can deliver a high-energy bite.
Planning Your March Charter Out of Gulfport
If you’re visiting and want to get oriented fast, our Gulfport fishing charters page is the easiest way to see what species and trip styles we run out of the area. If you want a deeper overview of how the Gulfport fishery works across seasons, the complete guide to Gulfport MS charter fishing is a helpful primer.
March is also one of the best months to bring the whole crew, especially families and first-timers. If your goal is steady bites and an easy day on the water, check out our family fun fishing charters for trip formats that are designed around comfort and nonstop action.
For logistics, you can review charter rates, skim the FAQ, then lock in your date through online reservations. If you’d rather talk through timing, tides, and the best trip style for your group, the fastest path is the contact page.
March is when the marsh starts opening up, and it’s one of the best months to be out there when it happens. The fish are moving, the bite is building, and every week leans a little more toward spring.
