fishing the canals around shell point

[sjnjg]

does anyone ever catch anything on the canals around shell point? i'll be staying at a house that has dock on the canal, and was wondering if you can catch trout, mackeral. etc. there or do i need a boat?
thanks for any info or help you can give me on fishing that area without a boat.

[mjsigns]

In the canals, you can probably catch blue crabs if you have a trap of sorts. I'm not a crabber
Or you can wade fish of the beach west toward toward Oyster Bay. There are some grassy areas in those flats that hold Trout & Red fish and flounder. Live shrimp or pin fish under a bobber or a (even top-water lure) (gulp on an 1/8oz jig head under a cajun thunder) would also be more productive than trying to catch fish in the canals. Fishing the in-coming tide will be most productive. (take your fishing hat, sunscreen and foot protection) I don't think there are any rocks in that vicinity, but I've seen sting rays in that area, so watch your step.

[TallyFish]

The largest spotted trout I have seen was taken from the canal on the right side just north of the entry to the boat ramp in the St.MWLR by a guy working the bank . The fish was in the 32"-36" range. Good luck.

[sjnjg]

thanks so much!you've been very helpful. when i was younger, i used to come down several times a year and charter a boat with friends and fish for anything from mackerel and sailfish to grouper and snapper etc. at 76 i don't get to get out as much, but still love to drown a worm or two in hopes of catchin Jaws! again thanks for the info. i understand you can also fish underneath the bridge and also fish off a pier nearby in a state park. i look forward for any and all of it. grew up in central fla. but really love the big bend area and try to come as often as i can. thanks again and any other advice will be most helpful. sjnjg

[SS-342]

sjnjg...you sound like a die hard fisherman! 76 and still after um!

My brother is your age. He lives near Ocala and needs a fishing pardner. Sounds like you and him would make a good team.

[Salty Gator]

Make sure to throw some live shrimp under the docks. A buddy does well on certain docks usually on hi tide. Just try ones you can get to. Reds, trout and sheephead can all be caught. Also if there is a dock light, freeline a shrimp under the light( the edge is the best) at night. The trout will stack under the lights at night. Good luck