Fishing - Horseshoe Beach?

[Salt'nLine]

My family is spending a week in the Horseshoe Beach area over Easter and would appreciate any fishing tips or information from area experts. I have never fished in the gulf so any/all info is welcome. Thanks

[Reel Cowboy]

There is plenty of good fishing on either side of the channel leading out of Horseshoe.
I've only fished there once or twice but we did pretty well just running 5 minutes either way and starting a drift. Plenty of nice grass flats, some structure in close and part of the channel has some pretty nice jetties.

[Salt'nLine]

Thanks for the info. Did you use live bait, artificial, or both and what were you targeting?

My 5 year old son is lukewarm about fishing so I'm hoping to put him on some fish and get him fired up!

[Reel Cowboy]

We used SWA jerk shads under Cajun Thuders and GULP!.
We caught quite a few Speckled Trout and Sand Trout.

[GatorBaiter]

Are you fishing from a boat or shore? For either I would reccomend Shired Island. It's just a short trip from Horse SHoe and has plenty of shore fishing and a nice (free) ramp. There's always action to be had in this area and it's off the beaten path. Here's a link to a map..I think it's a county park if you want more info. I have always been able to net a few pinfish or small mullet by the ramp and get action throwing them in the channel. Good Luck...I am sure the boy will catch the fever the first time he feels the drag go off and brings in dinner! One last thing if you go out the channel there...go slow! There are several oyster beds right under the surface on high tide and that's a sure way to end a good day.
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&gl=us ... e&resnum=1

[Salt'nLine]

GatorBaiter

We have an 18' CC boat that we fish from and will definitely check out Shired Island. Thanks for the info and the map.

S&L

[Salt'nLine]

GatorBaiter

We have an 18' CC boat that we fish from and will definitely check out Shired Island. Thanks for the info and the map.

S&L

[GatorBaiter]

SnL without giving up any points....try running out a mile or 2 and looking for some grass flats in the 3-4 ft range. The best locations (I've found) are normally where you have a deeper cut or drop off. Find these on the fish finder and give them a try. Fishing techniques certainly vary but I always like to throw out a couple live pin fish behind the boat and try caasting around while waiting for a hit. Usually dont have to wait too long. Bite is always best while the tide is moving and keep your eyes open for schools of bait fish. Good Luck!!!