Last Updated on February 24, 2023 by Eric Bonneman
As winter winds down, Gulfport, Mississippi anglers start gearing up for prime inshore fishing in the Mississippi Marsh. March is an excellent time for anglers to target various species, with plenty of fish biting and the mild weather making for an enjoyable day on the water.
What to Expect: Weather and Tides
Before heading out to the Mississippi Marsh, it’s essential to check the weather and tides. The weather can be mild in March, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s. However, rain is not uncommon, so be prepared for wet conditions. Checking the tides is also essential, as it can significantly impact fishing success. A falling tide is typically best for targeting inshore species, as the water will move out of the marsh, and fish will feed.
Speckled Trout
March is an excellent time to target Speckled Trout in the Mississippi Marsh. These fish tend to prefer cooler water temperatures, and in March, the water is still cool enough to find them in the deeper pockets of the marsh. As the month progresses, the water temperature will slowly rise, causing the fish to move to shallower waters. This makes March the perfect time to target Speckled Trout in deep and shallow waters.
Live bait or soft plastic baits are the most effective when targeting Speckled Trout. Shrimp, mud minnows, and croakers are all good live bait options, while soft plastic baits like Gulp shrimp or curly tail grubs can also produce bites. It’s best to fish these baits slowly along the bottom, as Speckled Trout tend to feed near the bottom of the marsh. Anglers can also use topwater lures on warmer days, drawing strikes from these ferocious strikers. Overall, March provides good fishing conditions and plenty of opportunities to catch these prized gamefish in the Mississippi Marsh.
Redfish
Redfish are another popular species to target in the Mississippi Marsh in March. These fish can be found in the shallows, feeding on shrimp and crabs. As the water begins to warm up in March, Redfish become more active and will start moving from their wintering areas to shallow waters. As a result, anglers can find them in shallow and deeper waters throughout the month.
Using live or cut bait is the most effective method when targeting Redfish. Live shrimp or mullet is popular, but cut bait, like crab or squid, can also be effective. To catch Redfish, anglers can also use artificial lures, such as gold spoons, soft plastics, or topwater plugs. The best time to target Redfish is during the falling tide, as they will be moving out of the marsh and feeding.
Black Drum
Black drum is also present in the Mississippi Marsh in March and can often be found in deeper water. These fish tend to be more active during a falling tide, as the water will move out of the marsh and push baitfish toward them. When targeting Black Drum, live or dead shrimp, and cut bait are effective bait choices. Anglers can also use artificial lures, like soft plastics, to catch these fish.
It’s worth noting that Black Drums tend to be more sluggish than other inshore species, so anglers should be prepared to wait for a bite. That being said, they can grow quite large, with some specimens weighing over 50 pounds. March is an excellent time to target Black Drums in the Mississippi Marsh, as the water is still cool enough for them to be present in deeper water, and the falling tide can increase their activity level.
Fish With Us
March is an ideal time for anglers looking to experience the fishing that Gulfport, Mississippi, has to offer. Inshore waterways are teeming with Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Black Drum, eagerly awaiting your bait and lure. The mild weather in March creates ideal conditions for a successful day of fishing. To get the most out of this unique experience, it’s essential to consider the forecast and plan around the tides. For an unbeatable Mississippi Marsh fishing adventure, look no further than Legends of the Lower Marsh charter service – book your trip today!
