Article Highlights:

  • Bonefish and permit peak in the Caribbean and Central America with warm weather and steady conditions.
  • Seychelles delivers bucket-list fishing for giant trevally, bumphead parrotfish and bonefish at Farquhar and Astove Atoll.
  • Florida shines with bass in Lake Okeechobee and offshore swordfish, sailfish, permit and tarpon.
  • Patagonia’s Jurassic Lake and Tierra del Fuego offer world-class trout fishing during the late-summer season.
  • Europe and the US freshwater fisheries kick off trout, crappie and ice-fishing seasons in February and March.

 

 

February and March may mark the transition between seasons, but for anglers around the world, it is prime time to chase some of the most exciting species. From bonefish and permit in tropical flats to swordfish offshore and from rainbow trout in Patagonia to redfish along the US coast, these months deliver opportunities as diverse as the destinations themselves.

 

Bonefish in Central America & the Caribbean

In February and March, the Caribbean and Central America offer near-perfect conditions for flats fishermen. Bonefish and permit are the stars of the show in the Bahamas, Cuba, Belize and Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. According to an expert at Yellow Dog Fly Fishing, “Warm temperatures, clear skies and stable winds make February and March some of the most reliable months of the year for bonefish and permit.”

Permit fishing heats up across Belize, Honduras and Cuba as the water warms and winds settle, creating the perfect conditions to stalk these notoriously wary fish. Juvenile tarpon also begin to make appearances along the northern Yucatán coast, adding another layer of excitement for anglers who want variety. With sunny skies and cooperative tides, this is arguably one of the best times to be on the flats.

 

Seychelles: Exotic Adventure in Farquhar and Astove Atoll

Halfway across the world, the Seychelles open their legendary atolls to traveling anglers during February and March. Farquhar and Astove Atoll are among the crown jewels of the Indian Ocean, offering once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to hook giant trevally, bonefish and even the powerful green humphead parrotfish (aka bumphead parrotfish).

These remote waters provide a mix of species unmatched anywhere else. Flats fishing can yield double-digit bonefish in a single session, while deeper edges hold trevally, milkfish and permit. For anglers seeking an exotic destination where nearly every cast brings the possibility of a new species, the Seychelles in late winter is unrivaled.

 

Swordfish and Bass in the Southern US

Florida shines during February and March, offering both freshwater and saltwater opportunities. In freshwater, Lake Okeechobee and Lake Istokpoga deliver world-class bass fishing. Cooler weather triggers spawning and anglers can expect trophy-size largemouth bass during this period.

In Islamorada, offshore waters light up with migrating sailfish along the reef edges. Farther offshore, swordfish are a prized target in deep water. An inshore trip may produce gag and black grouper, mutton snapper, kingfish, Spanish mackerel and tarpon. Flats anglers will find permit and bonefish feeding aggressively, making the Keys a true multi-species playground.

Other southern US hotspots also come alive in late winter. Hilton Head Island’s inshore waters hold redfish, speckled trout and flounder. A FishingBooker expert notes that “redfish, also known locally as spot-tail bass, are the highlight of February and March, often schooling in shallow water for incredible sight-fishing opportunities.” The Gulf of Mexico, meanwhile, offers reliable action for yellowfin tuna, wahoo and redfish.

 

Marlin and Dorado Along Mexico’s Pacific Coast

March marks the beginning of spring fishing on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Nutrient-rich waters attract dorado, marlin and tuna, creating ideal conditions for offshore anglers. According to SunHeron, “March is when West Coast Mexico begins to flourish, with nutrient upwellings drawing pelagic species close to shore and setting the tone for the spring season.”

Whether trolling for blue and striped marlin or casting for dorado in shimmering waters, this part of Mexico provides world-class offshore experiences.

 

Patagonia: Jurassic Lake and Tierra del Fuego

Patagonia’s late summer and early fall — February and March — offer some of the most productive trout fishing of the year. Jurassic Lake in Argentina becomes especially exciting as cooler temperatures push massive rainbow trout into the shallows. With fish commonly surpassing 10 pounds, it is no wonder this lake has become a bucket-list destination.

In Tierra del Fuego, nymphing and streamer fishing for sea-run brown trout delivers trophy-sized fish. These are some of the strongest brown trout on earth and late-season conditions often produce the best specimens. For serious freshwater anglers, this is one of the ultimate challenges.

 

Europe and the US: Trout, Ice Fishing and Spring Kickoff

Across Europe, March brings the official start of trout season in countries like Ireland and Slovenia. Rivers swell with early-season water and local anglers return to their favorite beats for the first casts of the year.

In the US, opportunities are equally diverse. Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods offers world-class ice fishing for walleye and sauger in February. Along Georgia’s coast, large schools of redfish and big trout provide consistent action. Florida’s Steinhatchee region produces outstanding trout and redfish fishing, with trout often averaging between 21 and 27 inches.

Farther north, Connecticut’s Farmington River is renowned for trout and also offers pike and smallmouth bass in late winter. In Kentucky, Green River Lake kicks off its fishing season in late March, drawing anglers eager for crappie, smallmouth bass and walleye.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

While fishing delivers adventure and connection to nature, it also comes with risks, particularly when travel takes anglers to remote waters. Illness, injury or limited medical access can quickly transform a trip into a crisis.

Angler Dolly Webster learned this while tarpon fishing on Great Inagua in the Bahamas. When she fell seriously ill, her partner faced the grim reality that the island lacked adequate medical care. A call to Global Rescue dispatched a medically equipped jet, transporting her to Miami for urgent treatment that saved her life. Without professional intervention, her condition could have escalated dangerously.

Whether it is dehydration on a flats boat, injury from offshore big-game fishing or sudden illness in a remote camp, anglers benefit from knowing that emergency evacuation and medical advisory services are just a call away.

Fishing in February and March spans the globe: bonefish and permit on Caribbean flats, wahoo and swordfish off Florida, marlin off Mexico and trophy trout in Patagonia. Each destination offers its rewards, but also its risks. Remote waters, unpredictable weather and limited medical care can all jeopardize even the best-planned adventure.

That’s why experienced anglers trust Global Rescue. With a membership, fishermen gain the confidence to pursue bucket-list species knowing that expert-led evacuation and medical support are available anywhere in the world. Dolly Webster’s story is proof that quick, professional intervention can mean the difference between a safe return home and a life-threatening situation.

For those planning to cast into exotic waters this season, the best catch may not be a marlin, wahoo or bonefish, but the peace of mind that comes from traveling with Global Rescue.