BigBendFishing.Net

Dear all --
I am camping at St. Joe's Peninsula State Park and was wondering if it would be worth it to take my kayak. If I head out into the bay (protected waters) will there possibly be any redfish or trout still around? Or would I be better served surf fishing on the ocean side, or just leaving all the fishing gear at home? What would be the best fishing strategy in other words? Thanks for any help.

I can't speak for St Joe specifically, BUT, as the saying goes: "You can't catch fish if you don't have a line in the water..."

aka, bring your yak, your gear, etc. Catching fish or not, never pass up an opportunity to cast a line

Bring the kayak. The ocean side may have some pompano this time of year, but other than that you will mostly catch ladyfish and catfish.

Eagle Harbor, where the boat ramp is inside the park is a good place to kayak. Also, if you drive around to the other side of the bay, go past Presnell's about 1/4 of a mile, there is a creek that passes through a box culvert under the road. This creek is a good place to launch and paddle out into the bay.

Steve Stinson

One more idea - if you don't want to haul your kayak, I believe the BP store on the right as you go out onto the peninsula rents kayaks.

- Steve Stinson

If I were looking to catch fish in PSJ right now I would launch in the ICW and go towards the "T"

While there are some large boats in the ICW I wouldn't be affraid to launch in a yak

If you can still get the internet call my buddies John and Todd at the Cape Tradin Post for a report. 850-229-8775 Or just stop by the store... Last I heard the trout were really scattered but sheephead and flounder were showing up around the mouth of the ICW. They might have started moving on in by now. There were some reds in that area too.
If you are in the State Park take the yak and follow the road to where the rental cabins are. There is a pull off on the right just before the first cabin where you can park and drag the yak about 80 yards down to the bay. Hit the edge where it it begins to drop off and try for trout in the 8 to 10 foot range.
BTW if you need anything they have a full line of groceries, fresh meats, fresh cooked pizza and subs, beer, wine, a liquor store, fire wood, and all the tourist type stuff.