Democrat Fishing Report 3/11

[GeorgeP]

Posted on Fri, Mar. 11, 2005 Fishing report DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

Apalachee Bay Springtime fishing is off and running in Apalachee Bay. Last Sunday 16 teams in the Team Seatrout Tournament weighed in fish, including three over 3 pounds. The better fishing is the result of water temperatures in some places nearing 70 degrees. By the weekend, trout should be on the shallow flats all across Apalachee Bay. Anglers may wish to try setting up a drift in 2-4 feet of water while tossing a live shrimp under a Cajun Thunder. Topwater lures that make noise such as Top Dogs, She Dogs and Chug Bugs could also be effective. Redfish are holding close to the shoreline around creek mouths and oyster bars. A new redfish lure called a Thunderspin, which is built like a spinnerbait, is becoming popular in our area. It runs shallow and holds, and is strong enough to handle a big redfish without tearing up. Reds will also hit surface plugs in the shallow water. Offshore, grouper fishing continues to produce in depths of 50 feet or more. - Scott Paterna, Jerry's Bait and Tackle

Carrabelle/Lanark Village A lot of large grouper were caught last weekend. Although a few were caught closer to shore, the better fishing took place in about 65 feet of water. LYs and squid have been the baits of choice. Amberjack have made their usual spring appearance on the area wrecks and artificial reefs, and around the "K" tower. Bryson Reef has been especially productive for amberjack. Redfish remain plentiful along the shoreline, and reports of good trout fishing continue to come in from the channel at the Marine Lab. The best time seems to be just as the high tide begins falling. - Mike Hopkins, Lanark Village Mart

Apalachicola Increasing numbers of trout have begun showing up around Cat Point Dry Bar. Redfish, sheepshead and trout are also being caught in the deeper water around the old causeway. Large whiting continue to be caught off the beach on St. George Island. A couple small bluefish were also caught off the beach and there was one report of Spanish mackerel around West Pass. There have been a few reports of sheepshead and redfish in Bob Sikes Cut. - Rex Pennycuff, Fisherman's Choice

St. Joe Bay Anglers are started to catch trout and redfish in the potholes that are scattered around on the flats. The fish are holding on the bottom in the 3- to 6-foot holes and have been hitting Mirr-O-Lures and 4-inch grubs in root beer or shrimp colors. Because of the extremely clear water the fish are easily spooked. The best approach has been to drift quietly across the flats between Blacks Island and the head of the bay, casting to the potholes until you find some that are holding fish. Then circle back around for another pass. Flounder have been showing up both in the Intracoastal Canal and in the channels around Blacks Island where chartreuse and pink curly-tailed grubs fished directly on the bottom have proven effective. Two small Spanish mackerel were also caught on Monday. The first influx of mackerel into the bay usually takes place around the 15th of March every year. Pompano should start to show up about the same time as the mackerel. - Eckley Sander, Presnell's Bayside Marina and RV Resort