Fishing St Marks

[Chill-N-Grill]

Anyone catching trout on the flats east of the lighthouse?
If so, what depth are you fishing.
Batting zero out there lately.

[lordsfisher]

I posted earlier this week (Tues). I was seeing plenty of reds in very shallow water on an incoming tide. The water was less than 2'. They were extremely spooky even at the sight of me casting to them 30' away. They seemed to want white plastics. I saw/caught no trout on the flats. I have a feeling they're going to move back to deeper holes now as the weather cools. Just my opinion, others who fish more may disagree. Good luck.

[Chill-N-Grill]

I have a bay boat and I am nervous about getting to shallow.
I have a 15 year mortgage on it.
Don't want to beach it or hit an oyster bar.
Is the trout in any deeper water.
Maybe around 4 or 5 feet.

[Natureboy]

I have a bay boat and I am nervous about getting to shallow.
I have a 15 year mortgage on it.
Don't want to beach it or hit an oyster bar.
Is the trout in any deeper water.
Maybe around 4 or 5 feet.

I feel ya CUZ! That is why I play in the deep water!

[boggob]

No pain, no gain.

[Jumptrout51]

To catch fish....you have to go where the fish are.
90% of the fish are in 10% of the water.

[Reel Cowboy]

I hadn't been out of St. Marks but if you plan on catching fish in that area, plan on bouncing off some stuff.
If you don't mind me asking, what kinda boat do you have that it'll take 15 years to own? Gotta be kidding me.

[Flint River Pirate]

If you don't mind me asking, what kinda boat do you have that it'll take 15 years to own? Gotta be kidding me.

That is the exact same thing I was thinking!

[Chill-N-Grill]

Skeeter zx20 bay boat
needed low payments
Wife got diagnosed with cancer the day I picked it up
she has finished the chemo on Dec 4 and is doing great, but still has 6 weeks of radiation
The bills are piled very very high even with insurance.....The Boat has been the best therapy for her

[Flint River Pirate]

That's cool Chill, boats and being on the water have a way of making you forget about your troubles. I am glad she is doing better!!

[lordsfisher]

Chill, Let her know we are pulling for her and praying for her health (and your finances). Wish I had better advice on fishing deeper water. I have a 13' boston whaler, and often think of trading up. But when I'm floating over bars with 6" of water... I think I'd better be thankful for this one. Notice that the guys in kayaks and jon boats are doing well this time of year. I'm probably among the least experienced on this site, but if I were you, I'd keep it easy. I'd put in at the St. Marks fort. I'd turn up the Wakulla and try to catch some pinfish near the shallower water off the marina (as has been previously posted). I'd put live pinfish on the bottom (they are cheaper than buying live shrimp). I'd fish the deep (safer) stretches of river within 1/2 mile around the ramp and up the St. Marks to 1/2 mile past the power plant. It'd be an easy trip on a cold day and fresher water is easier on the boat and trailer. I haven't fished that area much, but there's gotta be redfish there. Just my opinion, others may disagree. Hope you post your experience no matter what you try. All fishing info (fish or not) helps us narrow down to the 10 percent of water with fish!

[Redfish Jim]

I agree that the St.Marks river would be a good place to try this time of year. You can catch fish and it's a clean ride all the way up to the bridge at Newport and beyond. There are some rocks in the river that you could hit so you should proceed cautiously if you go above the bridge. You can catch some nice sheepshead off those rocks by the way so it could very well be worth the trip. I've caught trout, redfish, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and white trout. I would keep a close eye on the depth finder and try the deep holes and the numerous areas with structure. The guys at Shell Island should be able to give you some good advice in terms of general area to fish. It may be that folks are doing better going down river toward the lighthouse.

Glad your wife's doing well

[Billy Miller]

Glad your wife is doing better.
Billy

[Reel Cowboy]

Chill, I'm sorry to hear about your wife.
You 2 are in our prayers.

[Chill-N-Grill]

I thank all of you for your kind words and prayers..
Also fishing tips, I'll try next time I go out:)