The Daily Catch | Fishing Report – March 2026

As we move out of winter and wrap up March, offshore fishing off Clearwater is showing some exciting changes. The water is warming up, the bite is on fire, and a variety of species are starting to make regular appearances. Anglers are seeing more action on both bottom and trolling trips, and the shift into spring fishing is becoming more apparent each day.

Bottom Fishing Updates

Hogfish continue to make frequent appearances on our bottom trips. These tricky fish aren’t easy to catch, which makes every successful hookup especially rewarding. Using shrimp, our anglers have been carefully working the hard bottom and ledges, and the challenge of getting a hogfish to bite keeps everyone on their toes. When one finally comes over the rail, it’s always a memorable and exciting moment.

Red grouper have been a little slower than usual, but we’re starting to see a few keeper sized fish on recent 10-12 hour trips. This is a great sign that the red grouper bite should continue to improve as the water warms and the fish become more active. These quality bites make longer trips especially worthwhile, giving anglers the chance to land that impressive grouper they’ve been hoping for.

Gag grouper are still around and putting up their signature battles. While they’re currently out of season, the thrill of dropping down and getting one on the line is still a highlight for any trip. Catch-and-release makes it all about the fight, and it’s a lot of fun to watch anglers battle these hard-pulling fish before letting them swim safely back to the reef.

Pelagic Action

The first kingfish and Spanish mackerel of the season have started showing up this month, bringing fast moving trolling action to our trips. These fish are always an exciting sight this time of year, and they’re perfect for anglers who enjoy constant bites, covering ground, and lively trolling action. On shorter trips, targeting these species adds a thrilling change alongside the bottom fishing, giving every angler something to keep their rods bent.

The combination of bottom fishing and trolling right now makes for very full, engaging trips. You can enjoy the challenge of a tricky hogfish, the reward of a solid red grouper, and the excitement of chasing a fast kingfish—all in the same day. That variety is what makes late March such an exciting time offshore.

Trip Details and Tips

On our 4–6 hour trips, most of the action has been in shallower waters where Key West snapper, porgies, smaller red grouper, and hogfish are biting consistently. Using fresh baits like sardines, squid, and shrimp has been key to dialing in the bite, and anglers are getting rewarded with a mix of species that keeps every rod bending.

Our longer, 10-12 hour trips allow us to push deeper and cover more ground. With extra time, we’ve been able to locate more keeper-sized red grouper while still putting attention on hogfish. Those longer trips also give anglers more opportunities to target the seasonal pelagics as kingfish and Spanish mackerel become more active. The combination of bottom and trolling action makes these extended trips especially exciting for experienced anglers and families alike.

One thing that continues to make fishing in March so interesting is the variety of bites. The bite can be unpredictable at times, so patience and attention to the conditions are key. When the seas are calm and the Gulf is smooth, trips tend to be productive and enjoyable, giving anglers a chance to settle into the day and make the most of the fishing opportunities available.

Looking Ahead

As we head further into spring, the bite is only expected to improve. Kingfish and Spanish mackerel will become more abundant, and red grouper should continue to show more consistent bites as the water warms up. Hogfish will remain a tricky but rewarding challenge, and gag grouper will continue to give exciting catch-and-release fights for anyone dropping down on the reefs.

Late March is shaping up to be a fantastic time offshore. Whether you’re interested in a shorter half-day trip close to shore or a full-day adventure with a mix of bottom and pelagic action, there’s something for everyone right now. The variety, combined with steadily improving conditions, makes it a perfect time to get out on the water and enjoy what Clearwater has to offer. Give us a call at (727) 496-3474 or click HERE to book your trip and experience the action firsthand.