Where Blackfin Boaters Can Get A Head Start On Spring Fishing

Ah, springtime. The warm relief of balmy weather (and beautiful boating) is right around the corner — but for some of us still experiencing the heart of winter, it might feel like a longer wait than that!

Fortunately, you have options when it comes to bringing your Blackfin Boat out for an early spring adventure. Just like there are annual maps for fall foliage, there’s plenty of data out there predicting when spring will settle into your corner of the country! The National Phenology Network, for example, has a helpful First Leaf Index that points to regions experiencing spring ahead of schedule (like parts of California and Arizona).

There are also several coastal communities worth checking out if you want to relish the arrival of mild spring weather before your friends up in New England or the Great Lakes — and we’re taking a virtual tour of them today! Here are five spots worth considering if you want to get a head start on spring fishing fun from your Blackfin Boat.

Savannah, Georgia

This charming Peach State city is perfect for those who love a blend of history and high-octane water fun. You can cruise your Blackfin Boat along Savannah’s storied riverfront before venturing out to the Golden Isles for some serious fishing action — including prized species like sea bass and speckled trout. The average daily high is 65 degrees, so you can count on a pleasantly mild backdrop to your day out.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head might be a short boat ride away from Savannah — but it’s located in the Low Country, which is a unique culture, cuisine, and boating scene all its own. When you’re in need of a siesta, Hilton Head’s iconic beaches have you covered — but when you’re ready to hit the water again, a thriving fishing scene awaits! Red snapper and flounder are a few of the familiar species you’ll likely be able to spot at this time of year. Back on land, you can refuel with a classic seafood boil — a cherished Low Country tradition that will remind you that spring and summer picnics are right around the corner.

Key West, Florida

The Southern tip of Florida’s beloved island chain is known for its stunning flats and pastel-hued waterfront that make a perfect spring postcard. But don’t be fooled: While the environment looks peaceful, there’s a lively fishing scene happening both inshore and offshore! At this time of year, just about every species is putting up a voracious fight: cobia, bonito, sailfish, and so many more.

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

There are so many beautiful cities on the Gulf Coast that it’s easy to miss a hidden gem or two in the shuffle — like, say, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The charming coastal town was one of USA Today’s 2022 Reader’s Choice Awards, and it’s easy to see why. From the old-fashioned facades that overlook Biloxi Bay, you can make your way past the Gulf Islands National Seashore for breathtaking views — or east toward the Florida Panhandle, where snapper and speckled trout abound in these waning winter months.

San Diego, California

We couldn’t finish our list without a trip to the West Coast! The San Diego region of California is the first to feel the arrival of spring — not that the local winter was too bad, of course — so now is a great time to go on a Blackfin Boat excursion of the beautiful bays, where you’ll find halibut, bonito, and spotted sand bass (to name just a few popular species).

When spring feels out of reach, these beautiful beaches remind us that warm and sunshine are never more than a boat ride away! We hope these ideas help you enjoy spring break ahead of schedule.