BigBendFishing.Net

Longtime lurker but desperate times call for desperate measures. Recently transferred over to Tally for school after growing up in Panama City. Have been making the trip the lighthouse during the spring and summer with my old '75 Mako 17. We've managed to find a few trout holes here and there but the lack of Reds in the boat has been devastating for morale as you might imagine.

So I'm here to seek help. I'm not looking for GPS numbers for any top secret spots(although they would be begrudgingly accepted), but any guidance on how to find a nice school of Reds for the few times I actually get to get out on the water at sunrise to catch them.

Your advice is much appreciated.

Find yourself a day with a good morning low tide and get as shallow as the Ol' Mako will go. If you don't already have one, put a trolling motor on the bow or use a push pole. Move around until you see tails or nervous water. East of the lighthouse consistantly holds good numbers of fish if that is the area you intend on fishing.

If you are looking for schools then this is the best way to locate them. You could always catch an incoming tide and sit back in a creek with shrimp or cut bait as well, just not as much fun.

dang EK, I thought you would just publish your rate card

Mouth of the East River on a high tide at sunrise can be productive... Just get a map or go a few times at low tide to get familiar. I've not had much luck on the flats for reds but I know they are there. If you go east, go slow and watch for rocks! I myself am a big fan of sunset fishing and do rather well on just about any bar going back up the st marks from the lighthouse. I anchor and throw out live mullet, pins...

I don't know about schools but if you work the oyster bars and rocks piles on a fast moving tide you will find em. Usually pretty big right now as well.

As for the Lighthouse area don't pass up the close bar either, not going to give specifics but that should help.