BigBendFishing.Net

Next week I start a new job so I planned on a lot of fishing this week. Then the hurricane! Nonetheless headed for St. Marks today to launch at the Fort only to be turned away by a Deputy.

On to Bottoms Road, Weavan's country. Never used the ramp before. On the way in the wrack was piled up like snow drifts. Good ramp but shallow. Wish I brought the old car.

Fished the mouth of the bay without luck. Ran over to a beach and netted some bait. Drifted near the duck blind and caught a small trout and a few ladyfish. Onto Oyster Bay and did great if you like catfish. Worked around the back side of Piney Island and then back south to Dickerson. Used to be some helpful PVC pipes along the way.

Another great time!

Whoops - make the date July 13. Long day.

WTG - Glad you made it out there! Sounds like it may be another week or so before our usual ramps are open around St Marks and the LH.

While not as productive, still sounds like another fun trip

Guess I'd better call and check again. I was told on Tuesday by FWC that the ramp at the Fort was open and Skag reported

With sister-in-law from Naples launched at the Fort at 4. Two other vehicles in lot.

They may have decided it wasn't safe after all. Anyone else have some information?

I did speak with the store at Econfina yesterday and all I can say is they said the ramp was open.

It would be nice to know if the St. Marks ramp will be open for the weekend. On Tuesday there was a Wakulla Deputy parked on the northern edge of town who let us through. On Wednesday there was a Leon County Deputy in the same spot who said that all launches were closed and we would need to turn around.

I must admit feeling a little bad about recreating amidst so much property damage. On the other hand it helps the local businesses (Jerry's B&T anyway).

it would be nice to know

I've got another call into FWC regarding the launching access at the Fort. I'm sure there may be some confusion between all the entities who have an interest in making the call for that location.

EDIT:

I just spoke with the manager at the Saint Marks refuge. They hope to be able to reopen the launch access at the Light House in the middle to later part of next week. That would be the earliest, based on how things come together for repairing some "blow outs" to the some of the levee/dike areas.

OH....by the way, when I spoke with the SM folks...they said "You can use the Fort....it's open" When I shared Skag's experience from yesterday, they said "that's good to know, we were told it was open and we've been telling everybody to go there"

All,
Jerry's posted this update as of today,, very descriptive
rs YBNORMAL

Welcome to Jerry's Bait and Tackle!
home of the Big Bend Angler

LOCAL ACCESS TO BOAT RAMPS:
Please understand that we are trying to get the most accurate information. The situation is constantly changing.
Shields Marina will be open on Saturday.
The St. Marks Wildlife Refuge will REMAIN CLOSED TO VISITORS UNTIL NEXT WEEKEND. Read damage report
The San Marcos Fort Public boat ramp is not damaged. (The floating docks were submerged). As of 7.14.05 at 10:30 am, anglers were able to get to the San Marcos fort boat ramp. This situation keeps changing.
The county campground in Newport (St. Marks River) has a boat ramp and it is open.
Mashes Sand boat ramp on Mashes Sand road is open.
Road access to Shell Point is blocked. Road access to Spring Creek is blocked.
Econfina State Park Boat ramp is open.
(Call Bobby Stefanelli 850-584-2135 if you need more details).
As soon as we get more information, we will post it right here. Feel free to call 421-3248 for latest info