BigBendFishing.Net

Hello to you all,
I will be visiting Alligator Point from Nov/Feb and will be fishing as often as I can, I would like to get some advice from you all on various aspects, but will take it one step at a time,
1] I will have an 18ft crestliner canadian Aluminum boat with me "v" hull and would like to fish bay and rivers, would any of you give me some locations of where to launch on suitable rivers and bays [I know a couple of slipways[ramps] on A/P but thats about all, I'm not after anyones fishing hotspots here, just a pointer in a general direction,
I do have a few more questions regarding the boat and fishing but will ask those later.

Many thanks in advance,
Wadey. U.K. Lure Angler

There is a ramp on Alligator Point. Another at Mashes Sands,southeast of the Panacea bridge at Ocklochonee River.Another in Lanark about 8 miles west of A/P.Another at Carrabelle. Another at Apalachicola River.A couple in Eastpoint.

I would add the ramp at the Ochclockonee River State Park to the list for winter fishing.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/ochloc ... efault.cfm

Good choice of boat. I love my crestliner.

I like to launch at mashes sands and fish the oyster bars at the mouth of the bay. During the winter the docks up the ochlockonee hold fish as well.

Welcome Wadey I hope your experience here is a good one. I'm sure that our NFGFC folks would love to have you visit one or two of our meetings while your here. That would be a good source of information and entertainment given our Club President's propensity to pour stuff all over himself

Not just STUFF namely BEER Welcome aboard If yer half the gent as our other brother from across the pond "Cranfield" you will certainly be amused by our antics While you will find some fish around the AP area, Mashes Sands will give you more of an opportunity to fish the Bay as well as the river

I like the ramp at Mashes Sands - you got oyster bars, deep water, shallow water, fresh water, mud flats, and grass all within a mile or two of that ramp, not to mention oyster bars in river mouths like that tend to hold fish pretty thick during the changing tides, especially in the cooler weather.

Also, south of the Ochlocknee river mouth, the environment turns in to a more 'offshore' type environment closer to shore than other areas around here, and I've caught a lot more nearshore type fish inshore in those parts (kingfish, cobia, grouper, all sorts of jacks etc), which is always a fun bonus when you're lookin for reds or trout on light tackle

Mook! wrote:I've caught a lot more nearshore type fish inshore in those parts (kingfish, cobia, grouper, all sorts of jacks etc)

You must not fish west of there too often...

On topic... those are the deadest (by far) months for inshore fishing around AGP. Your best bet... head up the river...

Team Bad Company wrote:

Mook! wrote:I've caught a lot more nearshore type fish inshore in those parts (kingfish, cobia, grouper, all sorts of jacks etc)

You must not fish west of there too often...

On topic... those are the deadest (by far) months for inshore fishing around AGP. Your best bet... head up the river...

Good point - I don't fish between AGP and Destin more than a couple times a year. What I was trying to say is it's a good place to catch all sorts of stuff in one spot and even a ways up the river.

Also, X2 on the last part...I like the mouth when it's 'cooler' as in cooler than it is right now, but when it's 'cold' (or at least fer us southern boys), "go up up up the river."

Blimey! I didn't expect such a huge response, great imfo, thanks guys, I was over there 2 years ago, no boat then, I know the ramp at Mashes Sands but had forgotten about it! I realise I am over in the poorest months for fishing, but it's the only time I can get away from the buisness, I found Red Drum, Trout and Flounder right off the dock when I was last there, but when the cold fronts moved in the fish went, I guess way up river, hopefully this time I can follow them.

Fish On!! I have a 14ft Lowe boat over here and was looking at possibly another or a Lund, when the Crestliner showed up, I am glad you think it is a good boat as I know nothing much about them, so you think it will do the job in the rivers etc. was thinking of a jon boat as I saw them everywhere when I was last over! but went for the "V" hull!

Sir Reel [love the username] sorry to be thick but what is the NEGFC if it involves fishing and ALE I'm up for it!

Wevans. So you like a beer or two? We'll get along just fine mate!

It would be great if I could meet up with some of you guys, while I'm over on the water maybe, I will stand a few rounds for you at the bar as a thankyou for all the imfo and advice you are giving out!

My next question is:-
My boat is coming down from IL, I know about fishing licences, but do I have to register the boat for fishing in Florida?.....Taxes etc.

I will be vacationing in Florida this summer. Do I need to register my vessel there?

Florida recognizes valid registration certificates and numbers issued to visiting boaters for a period of 90 days. An owner who intends to use his vessel in Florida longer than 90 days must register it with a county tax collector. However, he may retain the out-of-state registration number if he plans to return to his home state within a reasonable period of time.
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/dmv/faqboat.html#5
We aim ta please

Good afternoon Wadey.

The acronym NFGFC stands for the North Florida Gulf Fishing Club. We have monthly meetings on the third Thursday of the month. The location is in Tallahassee at a "Beef-O-Brady's" which is a chain of sports bar's. We typically have a speaker, raffle, verbal banter competition, etc. I don't think there will be a meeting in Dec because of the Christmas party but the other months will have one. There was some discussion about changing the date of the meetings next year to the first Thursday. There is a link to the Club activities on the Homepage of this site. We look forward to your visit.

wadey, my Crestliner is not the typical deep V crestliner that you see up north fishing for walleye. It is a shallow V center console similar to a G3. However I have been very pleased with its performance. I am sure any Crestliner will be ideal for the flats and rivers around here.

Sir reel wrote:Good afternoon Wadey.

The acronym NFGFC stands for the North Florida Gulf Fishing Club.

Good afternoon to you "Sir reel"

Just signed up, look forward to the third Thurs in November!

Welcome Hadley,
I suggest that you search reports from prior years for the months that you will be here. You'll find a lot of relevant information that way. Also, it will be helpful to have on-line access while you are here.