March 2026 — Jacksonville: Cobia Arriving, Spanish Mackerel, Spring Transition. March is a early spring month with water in the 60–68°F range — cobia migration in full effect; inshore species moving from winter holes to flats. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics for this month.
What’s Biting — March 2026
Primary targets this month: Cobia, Sheepshead, Redfish.
Cobia
Peak cobia migration. Sight-fishing along the beach, around the Mayport jetties, nearshore reefs (FA, NL), and bait pods within 5 miles of the beach, and following stingrays in clear water is the move. You need calm seas (1–2 ft) and sun overhead to spot fish. Run the beach 1/4 to 1/2 mile off the sand looking for dark torpedoes — single fish, pairs, or pods of 4–6. Cast 4–6″ bucktails (chartreuse, white, pink), large soft plastic eels, or live eels and pinfish. Cobia will often follow the boat after first refusal, so make a second cast.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are present on Mayport jetties (north and south rocks), Sisters Creek bridges, downtown St. Johns River bridges, Trout River pilings, and the Intracoastal Waterway markers near Beach Boulevard but scattered. Fiddler crabs and live shrimp work best, fished tight to structure.
Redfish
Redfish are in the marshes of Pumpkin Hill Creek, Sisters Creek, Browns Creek, Cedar Point flats, and the docks of Black Hammock Island. Cut bait, gold spoons, and soft plastics on light jigheads all produce. Match the tide and look for activity on shorelines with clean water.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 60–68°F. Cobia migration in full effect; inshore species moving from winter holes to flats. Falling tides through the Mayport jetties create the best bite windows; sheepshead and redfish position behind structure where current breaks. Two hours before to two hours after low tide is prime.
Check the NOAA marine forecast and tide charts before launching. Wind direction matters more than wind speed for inshore fishing — east winds tend to push clean water in, while strong westerlies can muddy the bays.
Tactics & Tackle for This Month
- Cobia readiness. Keep a heavy spinning rod (8000-class reel, 40–50 lb braid, 60–80 lb fluoro leader) ready with a bucktail or live eel — cobia don’t announce themselves.
- Sight-fishing weather. Plan trips around calm seas and sun overhead. Polarized lenses (amber or copper for clarity) are essential.
- Bait migration. Spanish, kings, and predators follow bait pods — keep an eye on diving birds and surface activity.
March Outlook
Cobia migration intensifies through the month and peaks in April. Inshore species (snook, redfish, seatrout) shift from winter holes onto warming flats.
Regulations Reminder
Redfish: 18–27″ slot, one per angler per day (verify current FWC zone-specific rules). Sheepshead: 12″ minimum, eight per day. Cobia: 36″ fork length, one per harvester, two per vessel in state waters (Florida — verify current rules). Always verify the current FWC regulations at myfwc.com before your trip — sizes, bag limits, and season dates change.
Local Resources
Bait & Tackle: B&M Bait & Tackle (Mayport, 904-246-6969); Strike-Zone Fishing (Jacksonville, 904-641-2433); Fishin’ Hole (Atlantic Beach, 904-757-7550).
Public Boat Ramps: Mayport (free, fast access to jetties), Sisters Creek (deep-water access to north river), Goodbys Creek (south side ICW), Wayne B. Stevens (Heckscher Drive).
Charter Fishing: $400–$650 inshore (Mayport, St. Johns); $750–$1,400 offshore (Elton Bottom, Hangover). Book ahead during cobia migration (March–April), red snapper opener (June), and the fall run (October–November).
More Jacksonville Resources
Jacksonville Fishing Guide · Jacksonville Seasonal Calendar · All Jacksonville reports →
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