Southwest Florida Fishing Report and Forecast – March 8th, 2020

Warm stable temperatures in the 80-degree range equaled a hot bite last week, with both good numbers and sizable fish coming to the boat. Largemouth bass in the 1 to 3-pound range took Blakemore Swim’n Runner in the bluegill pattern when fished using a medium to slow retrieve around drop-offs and ledges. We also had a few large pre-spawn fish in the 4 to 6-pound range take 2.75-inch Z-Man TRDs rigged on 1/10 ounce ShroomZ jigheads and worked around staging areas using a swim-glide-shake retrieve.

As you plan for your freshwater trips this week, make sure you have a few finesse presentations on hand for Monday and Tuesday as largemouth bass continue to adjust to the temperature dip following last week’s front. As temperatures climb back into the 80’s and the wind picks up mid-week, it’ll be time to stash the small stuff and break out larger-profile spinnerbaits.