St. Marks Refuge - Impoundments?

[Noles2008]

First off, a little introduction - my name is Chris and I have been reading this forum for the past few months. I'm 23 and only recently really gotten into fishing. I grew up in Oyster Bay, but never really enjoyed fishing... until I moved away from the water. Now, every spare minute I have, I'm looking for new spots (freshwater and inshore) and fish to catch.

I had a question about the impoundments in the St. Marks Refuge down 59... are they freshwater or saltwater? Silly question, I know, but I remember fishing there as a young child and they were both freshwater. The reason I ask if anything has changed is because of Hurricane Dennis and the storm surge that accompanied that 'cane.

Has anyone fished the pools in recent years?

Thanks for any reply!

Chris

[One Keeper]

Welcome aboard Noles08 haven't fished the pools in a couple of years and don't really know why because the last time me and trouttrent was there we litterally slayed em, bass that is from 2 to 7 plus pounds be aware that season is only open a few months a year in certian pools for boats. The one we had the best luck in was the east river pools, thats the first big pond on the right going in. It has a nice boat ramp to launch a small boat. Also be aware of the water levels as we have had to drag the boat several times to get to where the fish are. The water in this pool is purdy mush fresh only. The big pond across from there is brackish but still has some purdy good fishin for bass and bream. All the ditches along the roadway have bass and bream in them. There is another pond on down from there that we used to fish that requires some serious wading through some gator infested waters but if I told you where that one was I'd have to kill ya, Kinda of a secret spot if ya know what I mean Hope this helps ya out a little . Oh I almost forgot we used to catch em on plastic worms an top water plugs. Keep us posted if you get down there

[flyboy]

Don't know nothin bout them ponds at St. Marks, but we are sure glad to have ya!

[Noles2008]

Thanks for the welcomes, guys.

The pools open up tomorrow (March 15th), so that's why I was asking.

I don't have a boat, but my buddy has a 12' jon and a 40# Minn-Kota trolling motor so we'll probably try the pools tomorrow. We might also try the Wakulla River, from upper bridge to lower bridge, if we have enough time.

I will post a report and pics on the freshwater thread when I get back in tomorrow.

[bman]

I know my dad fished them years ago.
The pool on the left side has Mullet- Ive seen guys cast net them!

Go get us a report!

[Noles2008]

A year later, I finally have a report... although it's not much of one. I went out to the pools on Sunday for a little hiking and fishing. Just before the boat ramp on the left side of the road (East River Pool?), I parked and walked to the end of the first little canal. Saw about 20 alligators. I finally found a spot I could fish and on the first cast caught a 13" bass w/ a deep runner Rapala. I had my 11 year old brother-in-law and the gnats were going crazy, so we didn't fish too long. So... there are fish out there. We spent maybe 30 minutes out there, maybe. Will bring bug spray next time, lol.