BigBendFishing.Net

Hey, everyone. New guy here.

Name is Mike. Located in Gainesville. 31 years old and been fishing at least 20 of those years. Ive been a bass guy buy recently really loving inshore. I also just picked up a little skiff from a buddy of mine so it's go time!

I usually go out at Shired or Horseshoe. I know a few spots around but wondering if anybody had any tips, knowledge, hot spots, etc... they would be willing to share with me? I am hell bent on finding some Bulls but I am not quite sure where to target them.

Glad to be a member of the community. Tight lines.

- Mike

Welcome Mike. Your area is a little south of where many here normally fish. That said, here a few general tips for you and all new posters who ask for similar information.

Take the time to use the search function and read previous posts on this site. Lots of good information here, along with other valuable sources like magazines, newspapers, fishing clubs, etc.

Get a Hot Spots or FS chart and study it. Get out on the water, go slow and explore. Pay attention to tide charts, solunar tables and what you run across like bait, bottom contours, structure, etc. Keep a log. Inshore fish are creatures of habit. When you find them once on certain tides/moon, chances are good you'll find them again on the next similar cycle.

Many of us share knowledge that has taken years to acquire, within reason. Would you post spots where you've had bass fishing success after many hours spent finding them? Don't think so.

For me, one of the fun aspects of this sport is discovery. Experience is always the best teacher. Good luck.

Most of us use about the same half-dozen lures. Bone Super Spooks, Paul Browns, Gold Redfins, Miro-dines, Gulp / Jigs combo in either glow or New Penny, and soft jerk baits like Zoom Flukes. Preferred colors change depending on the water clarity.

If you want bull reds (over slot limit), you probably need to fish any passes you can find in your area. Slot-sized reds will be around the sawgrass line or oyster bars. Reds are somewhat predictable based more on the tide than the time of day. If you figure out a spot that is good a certain tide, it will likely work again on that same tide.

Good Luck and give us some reports. As Silverking mentioned, most of us don't fish that far South.

I would check out Cedar Key as well. I did real well there on a maiden voyage (met some friends) and had zero knowledge of the area.

the Hot Spots map gets you looking and within a couple of years, it will be stowed and never taken out again as you will find your own spots and when they produce. If you can bass fish, you can flats fish. You just need to learn the differences, but the curve will not be that hard.