Democrat Fishing Report 3/26

[Flats Rascal]

Apalachee Bay

Spanish mackerel have been plentiful beyond the "Stake Line". Captain Action and Crippled Herring spoons have done well. Big Spanish have also been caught near the channel in front of the lighthouse and in deeper water of the West Flats. The East Flats are holding "school-sized" spotted sea trout with larger fish hanging in shallower water along the shoreline and in the creeks. The East River is also still holding trout. Live shrimp or DOA artificial shrimp fished under a Cajun Thunder can be effective for big or small fish. Schools of redfish have also been spotted in the shallows, where some anglers prefer Johnson gold spoons or Flats Candy spoons. There's also been a number of reports of cobia cruising the flats, in many cases trailing behind stingrays.


Apalachicola Bay

A number of limit catches of Spanish mackerel have been reported from the east end of St. George Island. Mackerel are also being caught in the deeper waters of Apalachicola Bay, but in fewer numbers. Whiting fishing is still going strong along the beaches and a few pompano have been caught, but not in any real numbers. Sand fleas on the beach have been running small, so some are turning to the new artificial fleas for bait. Redfish have been caught on the inside of Little St. George Island near Bob Sikes Cut, and on the inside of St. George Island along the state park. Trout fishing continues to be strong at both Cat Point Dry Bar and St. Vincent Dry Bar.


Ochlocknee River

Offshore fishing is mostly concentrated on grouper, with the best depths around 60-65 feet. Dead baits are still working, but live pinfish will only improve the catches. There have been a few amberjack around the "K" tower and over Bryson Memorial Reef. Inshore, redfish have shown up around the oyster bars at the mouth of the river but many are "shorts". A few scattered trout have also taken up residence around the bars. Sheepshead are being caught around the docks lining the river and around the oyster bars.


Lanark Village/Carrabelle

Offshore, anglers have been catchingd grouper in less than 40 feet of water. Live pinfish have been the bait of choice for many. Also, a number of cobia have been spotted and some caught around "K" tower. Trout and redfish action has continued along the shoreline and around the docks of Lanark Village. Shrimp, and freshwater plugs have been used to success. There are plenty of Spanish mackerel in the bay, but only one pompano has been reported caught so far.