BigBendFishing.Net

Is the Mashes Sands pier still open?
and Is anyone catching anything form it recently?

Why would it be closed?

That place is a huge hit or miss. It's been a big miss for me lately, although I havent fished there since the end of April.

Yesterday we went there for a few minutes. Took woodville hwy to 98 to search for Rocket's missing fishing gear. Cut across 98to Panacea to look at a boat at Mikes' and went on down to the pier. It's open, and is still in good shape (hasn't been vandalized). It also looks like they have been keeping the place very clean. There were about 7-8 people fishing, and not one even had an ice chest.... That told me that there was a bunch of fishing, but no catching. Passes are still $2 for the day, and they say it's only open at night for those who hold "annual passes". (any one know how much those are?) .....The tide was coming in, and the dark tanic water was moving up-river at a quick pace. It was a beautiful hot sunny, afternoon with a light southerly breeze. In the eastern sky big T-clouds were building and moving northward.... I wanted to wet a line, but the wifee was "over-heating" and the kids were going wild by that point.......

I go there every now and then, probably once a month. last time I was there was July 1st. I was only there for about three hours. I caught a big pilot fish and there were tons of crabs. There was only one other couple fishing while I was there. They guy caught two small reds, maybe 17's and another that bent the hook before he brought it up. I was catching spanish off there in june, sometimes flounder, whiting, and cobia are often in the channel. I just got a penn senator 10/0 so next time I go I'm looking for a shark.

Exactly how do you find the pier?

Stevo-
It is good to know that you have some experience fishing from that pier at masjes sands. Like any other fishing spot, the timing of the tides and moon cycles is important to planning a successful trip to Mashes Sands pier-

Redbelly-
To find the pier from Tallahassee, head south on 319 (crawforville hwy) and take a right on Hwy 98. Continue on through Panacea, and turn left on (St Rd 372) immediately before the bridge that crosses the bay. There is a BP station on the corner of 98 and 372 that sells the annual and daily passes. Drive down 372 about 2.8 miles and you should come to a public boat ramp, and then the entrance to the Pier, and then the entrance to the park (in that order). Between the park entrance, and the public boat landing is a sand road with a sign that says Mashes Sands Pier. You can't see the pier from the road. Is is less than an 1/8th of a mile drive and parking is somewhat limited. It is a nice get-a-way for the day.

Thanks.

Is it wadable around there? Thnking of taking the kids for a crab/flounder gigging trip. Or would it be better to launch the boat for that area? Is there a closing time for the pier/boat ramp?

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Yes it's wadable. At times there can be quite a current flowing when the tide changes. Depending on the time of day and the wind, you might run into some biting horseflies. They have a nice boat ramp with restroom facilities very close to the pier. If it were me, I'd prefer to use a boat. There is a nice peninsula with some marine grass at the mouth of the river that looks as though it would be an excellent spot for either redfish or trout to hang on an incomming tide. I am not sure about floundering in that area. I would flounder over around Lanark Village. You might want to take a dry run with out the kids to help you plan. Hope you all have fun whatever you decide....