Apalachee Bay/St. Marks
There are enough fish being caught throughout Apalachee Bay to keep anglers busy. There's been a number of reports of "keeper-sized" trout in the shallow water on the flats east of the Econfina River. Sea trout also have been caught, mostly on live shrimp, in the slightly deeper water off the mouths of the Aucilla and St. Marks rivers. These patterns should continue until the water temperature drops back down. Local rivers and creeks still are holding fish. Redfish have been reported in Deep Creek, where D.O.A. artificial shrimp proved effective. The reds also were reported to be bronze-colored, which indicates they've been in the creeks for some time. Although many of the fish in the creeks have been small, the pattern has been consistent.
-Scott Paterna, Jerry's Bait and Tackle
Ochlockonee Bay
Trout and redfish still can be found in the Ochlockonee River as far up as Ochlockonee River State Park. Grouper are biting offshore in 30-foot depths and out, but a lot of time is being spent catching and releasing red snapper; their season is closed until April.
-Stan Brown, Mashes Sands BP
Apalachicola Bay
Fishing has been slow in Apalachicola Bay, although whiting have been consistent in the surf for the few anglers giving it a try. Anglers fishing in the bay and up the rivers have been finding a few trout, reds and hybrid striped bass, but they've had to work hard for every one. Because of a one-tide-a-day pattern, there's been very little water movement to trigger feeding activities. However, the tide situation should get better over the coming weekend.
-Rex Pennycuff, Fisherman's Choice
St. Joe Bay
Whiting have been plentiful along the beaches of the St. Joe Peninsula, particularly at Stump Hole. Because of the warm weather, fishing in the Intracoastal and the deep water near the St.Joe Marina has slowed considerably. There was one report of a flounder-gigger doing well in the canal. A lot of trout and redfish have apparently moved back into the bay where they are easy to spot, but largely unwilling to take a bait, possibly because of the exceptionally clear water. Another problem has been a tide cycle with rising water, which often triggers a feeding response, occurring mostly at night.
-Eckley Sander, Presnell's Bayside Marina and RV Resort
Lake Talquin
A lunker largemouth bass, just shy of 12 pounds was caught in the Ocklawaha Creek last weekend along with lots of other small fish. The big fish hit a Spot, which is a rattling crankbait, in about 3 feet of water. The bass have been following small bream into the creeks. Perch fishing has been slow and unpredictable, with the best action taking place in the deep channels around Goat Island and between the island and the mouth of Ocklawaha Creek. Trolling with Hal-Flies has been far more effective than using minnows.
-Josh Ingram, Ingram's Marina
Lake Seminole
Last weekend, the landing at Wingate's was loaded with bass boats and tournament anglers. The best action, as reported by a couple of different parties, was on buzzbaits, which produced at least one 5-pounder and plenty of smaller fish. One angler landed a 28-pound flathead catfish on a crappie hook and 4-pound test. It took him almost two hours to land fish.
-Jack Wingate, Wingate's Lodge
