March 2026 Boca Grande & Punta Gorda Fishing Report

March fishing in Charlotte Harbor has started off very strong, and the warming weather around Boca Grande and Punta Gorda has brought in large schools of bait. That influx of baitfish has been a complete game changer for inshore fishing throughout the harbor, and the action should only continue to improve as we move deeper into spring.

Anglers fishing with ReelFishing Charters are seeing excellent action throughout Gasparilla Sound, Pine Island Sound, and the east side of Charlotte Harbor.

If you’re planning a trip this spring, take a look at our Boca Grande fishing charters which provide quick access to some of the best inshore fishing in Southwest Florida. Anglers staying farther north can also fish these productive waters by booking one of our Punta Gorda fishing charters.

Snook fishing has been absolutely on fire to start March and should continue strong throughout the month.

Fish are spread across Gasparilla Sound, Pine Island Sound, and the east side of Charlotte Harbor, and we’re seeing a great combination of high numbers and quality fish.

Most of the snook are averaging 22–25 inches, but I’ve also been hooking several fish over 30 inches.

Depending on the weather and tides, we’ve been averaging 30–50 snook per day, which is excellent spring fishing for this area.

Best Snook Baits Right Now

Live bait has been the key:

• Live sardines (top producer)

Artificial lures are also working well, especially the Berkley Paddlin Power Stinger in Sightcast and Pinfish colors.

Redfish have also been very plentiful throughout Gasparilla Sound and Pine Island Sound.

In fact, this is the most redfish I’ve seen in the spring since 2012.

We are seeing a lot of over-slot redfish (over 27 inches), with most fish averaging 25–30 inches.

Depending on the conditions, we’re landing anywhere from 5 to 20 redfish per trip.

Best Redfish Baits

The most productive baits lately have been:

• Live shrimp

• Live pinfish

Artificial lures have also produced some great days including:

• Berkley J-Walker topwater

• Berkley Gulp Nemesis Prawn

Topwater bites have been especially exciting when the fish are feeding aggressively.

The bigger trout have finally started showing up in Charlotte Harbor, and we’re catching a lot of trout over 20 inches.

Live sardines have been the best bait, but artificial anglers should also try throwing a Berkley Twitch Shad, which has been banging the big trout lately.

Along with the main inshore species, we’re also seeing a nice mixed bag of fish showing up.

Recent trips have included:

• Spanish mackerel

• Pompano

We’re also starting to see more sharks cruising the flats, which means it’s almost time to bring out the big rigs and listen to those drags scream.

Shark fishing around Charlotte Harbor usually starts heating up late March and into April.

With the warming weather and the arrival of baitfish, March is one of the best months of the year to fish Charlotte Harbor.

Whether you’re visiting Boca Grande or Punta Gorda, anglers can expect excellent action targeting snook, redfish, trout, and a variety of other species throughout Gasparilla Sound, Pine Island Sound, and Charlotte Harbor.

Spring dates are already filling quickly as the fishing continues to improve.

If you’d like to experience some of the best inshore fishing Southwest Florida has to offer, check out our charter options below:

🎣 Boca Grande Fishing Charters

🎣 Punta Gorda Fishing Charters

Trips target snook, redfish, trout, sharks, pompano, Spanish mackerel, and seasonal tarpon throughout Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding waters.

What fish are biting in Boca Grande in March?

Snook, redfish, trout, Spanish mackerel, pompano, and sharks are all active in March around Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor.

Is March a good time to fish Punta Gorda?

Yes. March is one of the best months for snook and redfish fishing around Punta Gorda, especially in Charlotte Harbor and nearby flats.

What bait works best in Charlotte Harbor in March?

Live sardines, shrimp, and pinfish are producing the most fish. Artificial lures like Berkley Paddlin Power Stingers and Twitch Shads are also working well.