BigBendFishing.Net

I have a 18' xpress bay boat and would like to keep it on the water and not in the shop. Any advice for fishing the flats from St. Marks to the Ecofina would much appreciated.

It not a matter of IF you're gonna hit a rock, it's WHEN. My best advice is to get someone that is familiar with the area to show you the safest places to run. Even this plan is not foolproof. Good luck!

My plan is foolproof "even JT proof" any time I fish in that area, I do so from someone elses boat otherwise, I don't fish it

That's what I was afraid of... Thanks!!

What they all said, hit two gooduns in the past 3 years.

Also if fishing around rock island, beware the rock pile near the bird rack on a negative tide. That one caught me by surprise...

It takes time to learn and get comfortable. From St. Marks run deep, stake line, and then work your way in. Have someone up front keeping an eye out. After several trips to the same general locations you will have tracks on your gps you can follow, mark any rocks you see and over time you will get more comfortable. I just don't get on plane in the danger areas, I'll troll or rig up, etc. while we go slow. Google maps and earth have some real good satellite photos, you can see the rocks in the shallower areas.

Get good insurance. A gps and Idle in less than 4' of water and mark any rocks that you see in your gps. The more you go the more you will learn.

Danver wrote:I have a 18' xpress bay boat and would like to keep it on the water and not in the shop. Any advice for fishing the flats from St. Marks to the Ecofina would much appreciated.

421-1490 Porter Marine, Elgin Rd,Woodville.
SeaTow 519-4756

Find a map with the well known rock piles on it and draw a line from 200 yards South of Black Rock to Cobb's Rock. If you idle when you go North of that line, you will be okay MOST of the time with the exception of Peter's Rock (which you will find South of Cobb's Rock a little).

This method will at least help you when you are between St. Marks and the Aucilla.

Steve Stinson
President
NFGFC

Actually, I just found an old map here in my desk at work. If you will shoot an email to Steve@msmincorp.com I will scan it and email you a copy.

- Steve Stinson

All who requested the map - I have it scanned, then corrected the spelling but can not reach my email server from the house for some reason. I will send them out in the morning.

No more requests please - ended up with way more than anticipated.

Thanks - Steve Stinson

Rocks? What rocks?

http://www.bigbendfishing.net/reefs.htm

added to a chart plotter, makes me feel more comfortable about the area...It may not be bullet,or rock, proof; but at least it is a heads up.

There's three ways to not hit a rock eventually at econfina... wade, kayak, or get an airboat.

Good insurance, a good welder, and a sea tow membership will come in handy if you fish down there enough.