What's up with fishing around the 98 Bridge in St. Marks?

[Midwest2South]

I'm launching by the 98 bridge this weekend with a group of friends, canoes, and my new fishing kayak. To paddle around, FISH, drink beer / grill out , etc.

I have not been to this spot before... BUT... what is the water clarity like? Clear, sandy or murky muddy? Do I have to paddle down river a bit to access more saltwater species like trout, reds, etc? Or will they be around the 98 bridge area? Baits to use? Troll behind kayak with a lure/spoon?

Any tips, advice, etc? I would love to hook something... sheepshead possibly (I have heard they are prevalent in the area.)?

Thanks again, everyone.

This board has been super helpful to me as I try to figure out the local fishing situation!!!

-Matt

[RodBow]

The Wakulla would be "prettier" as its crystal clear.
Either way, you'd be paddling a LONG ways to find salt water species this time of year.. but there was a recent report of the bream biting good on the Wakulla.

[Midwest2South]

Oh man, that is disappointing to hear. I guess I should have known they would travel farther down river. At what point on the river are the saltwater species hanging out? Or do you pretty much have to make it to the bay for that?

My friend who is a knowledgeable spear fisherman seems to think there's Sheepsheads in abundance around the 98 bridge on St Marks... is this incorrect?

[Midwest2South]

Actually, ***CORRECTION*** My friend just informed me that we are putting our canoes/kayak in at San Marcos De Apalache Park. Obviously this is further down the river. Are the trouts and reds even further south than this point? How far down river do we need to get to the flats where good fish can be taken? Thanks, RodBow.

-Matt

[onefishtwofish]

Mid, if it were my choice this time of year with a yak, that is not where I would start. About 3 months ago, you would be perfect, now, not so much. You should put in at the lighthouse for a shorter paddle and be "into the fish" in no time from there. Lots of shallow bars to your north as you come out the mouth. It ain't no secret, just get on Google Earth and you can see all of them. Or you can go around to the south and fish the water south of the lighthouse. Not saying there are no fish in the river, just not concentrated like in the colder months.

[fishinfool]

What he said
FF

[Williamsdad]

Was about to say the same as 1 Fish (above). from the fort, you won't find any clear water unless you get up into the Wakulla, and the boat traffic between the fort and the flats will be substantial.

From the lighthouse, you can launch from shore, and find your own quiet place, or paddle to a bar (long bar right in front) and get out and walk it (in shoes), until you get a feel, and figure out where you want to go.

[Tom Keels]

Go to the lighthouse. Launch into the gulf. Fish east around the creeks.

[captkeyser]

For fishing, then I absolutely agree that you launch at the Lighthouse, or even from the beach at Shell Point if yakking. As for the rivers, the upper St. Marks North of the 98 Bridge is crystal clear right now, gets even clearer the further you go up. Yes, there are Sheapshead there this time of year, but they are locals. I saw about 10 in the 2-3lb range last weekend just cruising up the river with the wifey.

[Midwest2South]

I agree with all of you. The whole reason my friend wants to put in at San Marcos de Apalache is because one of the girls we are going with has "Lyme Disease" and hasto stay out of the shade. My good friend, and fishing buddy, is trying to accommodate her and thinks that this launch site will provide the best bade camp so that she can chill in the shade and not spend the whole day in the Sun on the water.

Also, he has the truck with the roof rack, and my car is a small Nissan Centra... so unless I try tying it to the roof, I'd rather go with him. But we have run into a conflict..... he wants to accommodate a lady friend and I want to catch fish.......One of us needs to get their priorities straight

Let's say we did launch kayaks/canoes at San Marcos, how far down river would we need to paddle to get to the good fishing grounds?

[FUTCHCAIRO]

IF IT WERE ME I WOULD LAUNCH AT THE LIGHTHOUSE AND WORK TO THE LEFT, EAST, ALL THE SMALL INLETS AND EVEN SOME WOULD BE RIVERS LIKE AT STONEY BYOU, WHICH IS ABOUT 2-3 MILES EAST, GOOD FISHING IN ALL OF THE LITTLE INLETS TIL THE SHARKS SHOW UP , THEN YOU DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO BUY A FISH IN THOSE WATERS.
I WOULD USE TOP WATER BAITS, SPLASHING PLUGS, POPPER PLUGS, ANYTHING THAT SHAKES THE WATER. I USE MAINLY DALTON SPECIALS SILVER FLASH, DEVIL HORSE SILVER WITH RED STREAK DOWN THE BELLY. YA MIGHT EVEN TRY A BUZZ BATE THAT WE USE FOR BLACK BASS, I HAVE CAUGHT MANY TROUT AND REDS AT NIGHT WITH THAT BUZZ BAIT, JUST USE IT VERY FAST KEEPING IT ON TOP OF THE WATER WITH THE BLADES GOING AS FAST AS YOU CAN. HOPE THIS WILL HELP YA.
PA THE OLD MAN OF THE SEA
SEMPER FI

[Midwest2South]

These are all spots that I fully intend to fish in the coming weeks, but it looks like tomorrow I'll have to be a good sport and go along with putting in at San Marcos park.

So, realistically, how far down river will I need to go to hook up on some reds, and how much further down river are the trout? Or are the trout even in the river any more this time of year?

I'm disappointed I can't fish the real spots, but I'll have to make due for tomorrow at least... Also, south of San Marcos, are there any clear, sandy bottomed spots or is it all deep and murky???

Thanks again, everyone has been suer helpful as usual.

[red_yakker]

If I were you, I'd forget trying to get any serious fishing in tommorow and just take some time getting used to your new kayak. You probably want to practice turning around and reaching into the back area of your kayak in shallow water. It takes some getting used to, the secret is to keep your weight in the center of the boat. Also, remember that you are required to have a life jacket and a whistle on your kayak (and a light if after dark). I've never been stopped by the FWC on my yak, but I have friends who have been. If you have the same kayak I do (and I believe you do), the rod hoders that come on it have a design flaw. They hold your reel right out over the water so that everytime you paddle hard, you are spraying your reels with saltwater. I got a milk crate and mouted some home-made PVC rod holders on it for mine. They hold my rods and reels up out of the splash, plus the crate is nice for holding tackle, dry bag, life jacket, etc......

Good luck, have fun!

[captkeyser]

From the Fort to the mouth of the River is about 7.5miles. You can find Reds in the river year round, but your best bet would be down by the mouth. As for trout, you are also going to need to get close to the mouth as well.

If it were me, in your shoes, then I would put in at the 98 Bridge and head North. There are plenty of over hanging Oaks and other trees that make for a very shady ride. Grab a couple of ultra light combos and some Beatle Spins (black/yellow) and flip them along the banks and around downed trees. You can also swim when it gets to hot, as that water is mighty cold.

As you can probably tell, I am a big fan of this stretch of river. Far less congested than the Wakulla and in my opinion, just as beautiful.

Afraid you will be wasting your time (as far as fishing goes) if you launch at the Forts as you have quite the paddle to get to "fishy" grounds. Just my thoughts, you'll have a blast with whatever decision you make.

[big bend gyrene]

Realize your fate is set for this trip but two more spots to put on your to-do list should be Wakulla Beach and Hickory Mound. I like out-of-the way/less frequented spots and Hickory Mound is at the top of the saltwater list of places I've fished using my canoe. Lots, and lots, AND LOTS of redfish spots to be hit out of Hickory Mound... just launch and follow the creek out into the bay and hit all the grass points w/oyster bars and you'll have some amazing days.