Democrat Fishing Report 10/6

[Flats Rascal]

Fishing Report


Apalachee Bay and Big Bend rivers

A traditional trout pattern that has been emerging involves running out the St. Marks Channel past the sandbars on both sides, then turning either right or left and looking for spotty bottom in about 6 feet of water. Some anglers run as far as the second stake or Peter's Rock. Cast plastic jigs, shrimp under a Cajun Thunder, or use lures such as Bite-a-Baits or Redfins. The West flats typically receive less attention but are holding just as many fish. Plus there are fewer oyster bars to navigate around. The ancient river channel that runs from the edge of the West Flats to Live Oak Island is worth exploring this time of year because of the deeper and cooler water. For now, the fish will be holding in deeper water and won't move into shallow water until the temperature drops a little more. Redfish are gathered in deep holes in the creeks and the deeper creek mouths in places like Stony Bayou, Big Cove and Horns creeks. The oyster bars at the mouth of the Aucilla River are holding plenty of trout and redfish. Be cautious of shallow water and hard bottom when approaching the Aucilla from the bay. Many anglers coming down the river go out through West Pass and fish the mouth of Sulfur Creek and the Pinhook River.
- Scott Paterna, Jerry's Bait and Tackle



Lanark Village/Carrabelle

Trout fishing has slowed, but some are still being caught along the outside of Lanark Reef, mostly toward the east end of the reef. Pompano have shown up at the west end of Dog Island between the stump hole and the end of the island. Redfish continue to be plentiful along the shoreline. Offshore fishing continues to be sporadic, with good days and bad. Some of the better action has been reported by fishermen who are trolling between 35 and 60 feet of water. There are also a few kingfish still being caught.
- Mike Hopkins, Lanark Village Mart



Apalachicola Bay and River

Redfish fishing is still excellent throughout the bay from Bob Sikes Cut to the Apalachicola Bridge and up to the East and St. Marks rivers. Trout fishing is going well, with the bulk of the activity taking place for about 30 minutes around the tide change. The trout are moving from the grassflats toward the head of the bay. One of the best areas for now is around the edges of the dry bars. Pier anglers are catching a few trout and redfish along with an occasional big flounder. There's also been a few big tarpon hooked off the piers the last few days. Surf anglers are catching whiting, bluefish and the occasional redfish.
- Rex Pennycuff, Fisherman's Choice



St. Joe Bay

In response to falling water temperatures, seatrout have shown up in big numbers in all the right places including the flats, the potholes and the channel edges. A good approach is to move around, casting a shrimp-colored plastic grub with a one-quarter or three-eights ounce lead head. There are “tonsâ€