The Top Fish Species to Target in April

Now that Spring and warmer weather are here we know you’re ready to get out on the water and go fishing! It’s been a cold winter and you’re just itching to fill your tackle box, grab your rod, and get the bait on the hook. And maybe you’re visiting your favorite (secret) fishing spot… or you could be looking for that fish that has eluded you all this time. Here is what fish are running, and where to find them (generally… we’re not giving fishing spots away here).

Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit

Known as the triple threat – these three species keep anglers coming back for more. Tarpon (affectionately referred to as the Silver King) are cruising the coasts, bays, flats, and rivers of Florida during the Spring migration. And since the waters are the perfect temperature, that means Bonefish are frequenting the Florida flats as well. Permit, can still be found around the wrecks and shallows of the Florida Keys. Whether you’re fly fishing, drifting, or spinning, getting a tarpon, bonefish, or permit on your hook this April is always a great day! Redfish (Red Drum)

Another popular April fish on the Gulf Coast is the Red Drum (or “Reds” as more commonly referred to). Again, with warmer waters they are on the move from the outer bays to the estuaries and brackish waters. Texas is another hot spot for Red Drums, especially around Laguna Madre.

Sailfish

Think of Sailfish as cousin to the Marlin, another billfish that start their run in April. The Atlantic sailfish are bountiful near the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico; and anglers who hit the water mid-morning or in the early evening are bound to see some action. Off the east coast of Florida is another great place for the Atlantic Sailfish; setting out from Islamorada, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, or Stuart can also yield big catches. Try targeting sailfish in the Florida Keys with live bait around the reefs and drop-offs, we can almost guarantee you’ll see some action! Marlin

If there was a 2019 Fish Calendar, then April would most certainly be the Marlin. As the water gets warmer all species of Marlin make their appearance. Anglers can expect to see the Atlantic Blue Marlin in the Caribbean, specifically near the Bahamas, Bimini, Great Abaco, and other islands. In Costa Rica the Pacific Blue Marlin is also active and plentiful; you could pull in a good 200-400 pound marlin near the northern towns of Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo. Other marlin species running include the Black Marlin (near Ecuador), White Marlin (around the Dominican Republic) and Striped Marlin (found near Cabo San Lucas, Mexico).

The Pacific Sailfish

THE place to be for Pacific Sailfish is without a doubt Guatemala – with Costa Rica being the second top spot. In Costa Rica the Sailfish fishing is strong the entire coast, from Playa Hermosa to Puerto Jimenez. They are one of the fastest fish in the ocean, so trolling for them is all about boat speed. Try using a medium-sized bait fish such as the Mackerel, or rubber skirts if you prefer lures.

Tuna

Tuna fans can get their fill on either coast: Yellowfin Tuna and Blackfin Tuna are both great options for April. This is like an East Coast vs. West Coast type thing – Yellows are hot in California, while the Blackfin are bountiful in Florida. Drifting for the tuna is a great way to set your hook; and get ready for a epic dinner as tuna is one of the most popular fishes to bring home for a feast.

Snook

Snook are one of our favorite fish to catch – distinctive with its black stripe down the side. With warmer waters they have moved closer to open waters and put up a heck of a battle once hooked. Spring time fishing for snook in Florida can be exceptional!

Sea Trout

Another favorite in the Texas/Louisiana area is the Sea Trout. In April the Sea Trout are really running in the Gulf of Mexico, mostly because the shrimp and oysters are plentiful as well. Try using live shrimp or oysters as bait; or you could use a small plastic topwater lure at first light. Inshore fishing for Sea Trout in April is never a bad choice!

Salmon

If you’re looking for some freshwater action, Lake Michigan should just be thawing out and ready for some good action. The Salmon in particular is pretty good, with Coho Salmon hot right from the start of the season (April 1). Towards the end of the month you can also expect to see Steelhead (or Rainbow Trout).

Lake and Brown Trout

A few other favorite fish species in April on Lake Michigan is the Lake Trout and Brown Trout. These fish are heavily feeding nearshore and offshore so make sure you have plenty of bait or lures. These trout are tough fighters, so be prepared for a battle… but trust us – it’s worth it!

Striped Bass

If you’re fishing near the Northeast part of the country, check out the Striped Bass near Maryland and New Jersey. Swimming in many of the inlets and bays (like Pocomoke Sound) the Striped Bass are plentiful. Try live baits or jigging with soft plastics for some good results.

Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi)

The April Fishing Season would not be complete without mentioning one of our favorite fish species: the Dolphin (also known as Mahi-Mahi). In Hawaii they are in season just off the first drop from the shore, so smaller boats and even kayak fishermen/women can reel them in. For anglers in Florida, Dolphins are riding the Gulf Stream through the Keys, so get trolling and reel those bad boys in! Let’s Go Fishing!

As you can see, there are lots of fish in the sea, and rivers, lakes, estuaries… you get the idea. If you’re not sure how to catch the fish species of your dreams, contact FishAnywhere.com and we can connect you with a Professional Charter Captain or Fishing Guide who is ready to take you on the adventure of a lifetime. Don’t let April pass without at least one fishing trip on the books – let’s go fishing!