BigBendFishing.Net

I'm in Albany. I'm trying to get some input on fishing in the Tallahassee surrounding areas. I have a 15-16 ft C-Gull that just dying to hit the water, but I have no idea where to fish. I have'nt done any saltwater fishing since 87' when I was stationed a Cherry Point. I have a two hour ride down there, which is ok. Can someone give some ideas on where my sons and I begin. I'm looking for Trout, Reds, Flounder,Snook, Croaker, mainly inshore species.

First of all, Welcome.

I would start by going to the "Inshore Fishing Reports" section of this forum.

http://www.bigbendfishing.net/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=4

Read as much as you can stand. There is about 6 or 7 years worth of very good information there. This will give you information from Panama City to Keaton beach. There are fish to be caught throughout the area.

I'm only a new lad on the block and interested in the replies you get, I don't believe there are any snook North of the Tampa area, I hope I'm wrong about that though?

Wadey wrote:I'm only a new lad on the block and interested in the replies you get, I don't believe there are any snook North of the Tampa area, I hope I'm wrong about that though?

They're around here from time to time Wadey...just not as plentiful as they are down south. Not even close to as plentiful as they are down south...okay you're lucky if you catch one...but it happens sometimes I swear!

I suggest all new folks try Keaton Beach or Steinhatchee first. These are the easiest/safest places to get in and out of and a lot of fish are caught out of both. In case you've missed it on here, the bait ticket is gulp shrimp bait on a 1/4 oz jig head fished under a cajun thunder. Good luck and good fishing!

Mook! wrote:
They're around here from time to time Wadey...just not as plentiful as they are down south. Not even close to as plentiful as they are down south...okay you're lucky if you catch one...but it happens sometimes I swear!

Mook.....Just in the summer months? or can they be found in the Fall/Winter? I seem to remember that they can't tolerate temps. below 62f. do any of the rivers have water above this tempreture in the area? as I said in another post, I'm not after locations, just an idea of the direction to look!

I primarily fish in the St Marks area, a little east of where you will be, and most of the rivers and large creeks in that area are spring fed. Spring water from the Florida aquifer maintains a steady temperature of 72-78 degrees year-round, depending on the spring. All the ones I know of around here are 72, which is why we get the reds way up the rivers. As far as snook fishing, they are so rarely caught around here that I couldn't point out a specific pattern, although the few I've heard of in the last few years have been up the spring-fed rivers. If they're up there, then they had to pass through the rest of the river and Gulf to get there, so who knows. It's not a fish you want to target around here or you'll be disappointed for sure.

Spring water....that makes so much sense! this vacation is just getting better and better, I sure am glad that I found this site and that you guys are so helpfull is a huge bonus.
I intend to be fishing the St. Marks areas also!

don't forget top water and spoons. Work as close to shore as your boat will allow.