Happy Fishing! Here is this weekend's Big Bend fishing report
APALACHEE BAY
Otto Hough (myhometownfishing.com) says, ”Wintertime cold fronts have been making all to frequent visits across Apalachee Bay these past few weekends, much to the chagrin of weekend anglers. Last weekend, anglers had great conditions Friday and Saturday for some fine catching. However, Ma Nature brought gale force winds Sunday on into Monday, throwing a monkey wrench into many holiday weekend fishing plans for those two days. It appears she may again try to mess with parts of coming weekend plans. Elevated winds and rains that will be arriving Thursday might be slow moving across Apalachee Bay, possibly lingering well into Friday.
"If the conditions do improve after the predicted Friday morning showers, expect to find the trout and reds well up the rivers as well as in the far back reaches of the many creeks along the Big Bend coastline. However, a bigger factor than the chance of wet stuff over the weekend will be somewhat elevated northerly winds. Those negative late morning low tides reflected on the tide charts over the coming three day period will be considerably lower than published levels. It's pretty much a given with stiff northerly winds that the water will be pushed out well before the bottom of the tide, exposing lots of "Real" Florida to provide anglers a chance to get familiar with the skinny water bottom configurations. For sure, many oyster bars from Bald Point eastward will be exposed along with hundreds of rock piles from the Rock Garden east to the Aucilla and beyond. If not fishing up the rivers over the weekend, take some time to slide along the coastline east of the Lighthouse to mark some potential high tide fishing spots. Exploration now can prove to be extremely productive when springtime fishing returns.
"As for all the rivers, with skinny water temps presently hanging in the mid-to-upper 50s, lots of trout have migrated far up all the Big Bend rivers. Be it the St. Marks, Wakulla, Pinhook or Aucilla rivers, there are lots of keeper trout under 19 inches hanging in the warmer river waters. It's that time of year when the northerly winds are in the mix, so figure on hiding from the wind on a sheltered river bend or over a honey hole. Once located and anchored up, try soaking a lively shrimp on a Carolina rig or jighead if working artificials in these holes isn't a preferred method of wintertime fishing should find willing takers. Those deep holes during the low tide periods with moving water will have lots of hungry finned occupants; from trout to reds to mangrove snappers.
"Above all else over these three days, take time to check the NWS Marine Forecast closely before dropping in the hole. Over the last two weekends, a total of five individuals did not heed NWS Advisories leading up to lifesaving cold water rescues. All have either heard or read it from me often, wear those auto-inflatable PFDs. As for me personally along with those on board my boat, if it's cold all shall be wearing a Mustang Survival jacket that is U.S. Coast Guard approved lifesaving apparel. Stearns also makes a quality Coast Guard approved Bomber style jacket that doesn't hurt the wallet quite like the Mustang version. If air temps are decent, wearing a standard auto-inflatable PFD works fine in an emergency overboard situation. In every case, be it jacket style or auto-inflatable PFDs, it's a fantastic life insurance policy to wear comfortably. Be safe out there as the water is extremely cold should an unexpected event put someone in the drink. A unexpected dunking can all to quickly bring on hypothermia. Have fun while boating safely. Just FISH!"
ST GEORGE ISLAND
Captain Russ Knapp (850-653-5072) reports, “The story of this week has been the weather as Old Man Winter has made his presence very clear to everybody with wicked storms last weekend. This weekend has one fair day which is Sunday with forecast winds N 15 knots -- seas 2 to 3 feet and the bay having a moderate chop but the high temperature will only be 54. There is an FSU basketball game on Saturday and honestly, it's your best idea as the Saturday forecast has North winds at 20 knots and the bay choppy (read that as rough).
"In the bay, things are still in a state of change to winter fishing which will push the fish up into the deep holes found in the bay and the creeks and rivers of East Bay. The water temperature in the Cut does tend to stay a little warmer so it's worth a run by to check things out for Redfish and Sheepsheads. Best time to fishing everywhere is on the first rise of a low tide which works out great on Sunday with a 0.0 low which happens at 11:42 am at the Cut and 1:04 pm at Apalachicola. If you're fishing the holes for Redfish try hooking a live or fresh shrimp in the tail on a 1/8 oz or 1/4 jig head. Remember the water and the fish are cold so don't try to set the hook on the first nibble but give the fish about 2 to 3 second to eat your bait. Sheepshead are still hanging around the bridge pilings and a good trick is to scrape the growth off the pilings to chum up the fish.
" Offshore, Capt. Clint Taylor (850 370 6631) says if you just have to go out head for live bottom and fish for Red Grouper with live baits. Capt. Clint suggests avoid the reef and wrecks as they will be covered up with out of season Gag Grouper and Red Snapper.
"Tip of the week -- If you're going to be on the water during cold weather than do yourself a HUGE favor and buy a Mustang Deluxe Anti-Exposure Work Suit. I have used one before and trust me they are wonderful and can be purchased for $425 (free shipping) from Landfall and other on line stores. These suits are USCG class 5 rated and will keep you alive for three hours in 40-degree water so spend that Christmas money on something that will keep you comfortable and might save your life."
MEXICO BEACH
Captain Kevin Lanier, (KC Sportfishing 850-933-8804) reports, “This week the inshore fishing has been the focus of attention. The bite has been good on and off throughout the day with the best bite being late in the afternoon up until sunset. Except for the day before these cold fronts roll through fishing has been constant. Live Shrimp is still your best option but, dead will work as will a DOA shrimp. Keep your baits still with the sinker resting on the bottom."
"Offshore is a crap shoot on if and when you can even get out. I choose January to do the bulk of our maintenance for our offshore boat because of the uncertainty with weather this time of year We had our second Permit of the year caught in the area Saint Joe Bay is certainly not the keys, but it is awesome to see a few of these fish in our area. This is go time for the shore bound anglers in our area Check us out over at KCsportfishing.com. We are running a winter fishing special during February."
FRESHWATER
Otto Hough reports, “For those anglers with small jon boats, Gheenoes, canoes or kayaks, Lake Jackson water levels have recharged. Though still not enough water for the concrete ramp launches, hard bank launches for lighter trailered boats are doable. There are lots of hungry buck bass.
"Over on Iamonia, it's all systems go for most every size freshwater boat to launch from either Bull Headley or St. Rd. 12 landings. Regardless, Iamonia remains a quality bass lake with easy access from Bull Headley and St. Rd 12 landing for all types of boats. Just remember, it's still duck season through January 30th so no internal combustion propulsion methods are allowed on the lake. Only paddling or electric motors are allowable methods to navigate on the lake until Jan. 31."
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Happy Fishing! Here is this weekend's Big Bend fishing report
