Have you ever taken off from the boat ramp and forgot to put the plug in? Or forget to take the plug out once your home? This one just happened to me the other day.
I knew it was going to rain and I wanted to get a little water in the back of the boat to rinse off the saltwater from the weekend. Imagine my surprise at 4am after listening to it rain all night and seeing my boat staring into the night sky at a 30 degree angle. Ugh… Anyway, how about stringing your pole with new line and missing an eyelet? How about left the boat keys at the house, or forgot to stow the jack in the up position before leaving the driveway? If you can honestly say you’ve never done any of these things chances are you never owned a boat.
How many of you would like to be able to fish more? I know, you’re all thinking what a dumb question that one was. But seriously, is it time, money, knowledge or perhaps a combination of them that keeps you away from the water.
As I get older weather plays a significant role in fishing. My bones feel brittle, my skin feels burnt and my muscles ache like I ran a marathon after fishing in cold, windy weather. I keep saying to myself, “JR, suck it up and go, today may be the day you catch something super special.”
Like many others I was born with Fishitis. Usually as one ages the disease gets worse. I’ve tried and tried to control it but there just doesn’t seem to be a cure. Some of you may be able to relate. There’s other similar sicknesses out there like golfitis, huntitis and shoppingitis. Families of the ill-stricken can relate. True love is the ONLY reason I can think of widows or widowers continue to allow this, this uncontrollable urge to participate.
One great thing about fishing is anyone can do it. A sense of accomplishment comes when even the smallest of fish are brought to the net. “HA”, we say,” I knew you were mine” as we slip them into the net. From the net to the cooler, then to the fillet table and into the frying pan
Speaking of frying pan, I have some of the best fish cooking recipes on the planet. Most are simple and can be completed with minimal cost. Of course I also have some that will satisfy even the most expensive pallet. One will learn this stuff after 50 years of fishing.
I fillet most everything, and very picky when keeping fish. Playing by the rules is a must for me as limits are in place for good reason. For example, redfish slot is between 18” and 27” respectively. I’ve eaten from both ends of the tape and I gotta tell ya the mid-size ones are my favorite. Same goes for seatrout, red snapper and many other species.
As March begins the warming season many will soon be catching and filleting up and down the coast. New rules and regulations have once again popped up so be sure to know them. As always, MyFWC.com has all the information you’ll need to be in compliance. Beaches, boat ramps and tackle shops will soon be booming with business. Keep in mind the Western portion of the panhandle, seatrout are now in season as it opened the 1st this month.
While we’re on the subject of Spring, Caitlyn Snyder from Florida Department of Environmental Protection contacted me and is in search of volunteers to help with the Lake Jackson spring clean project. Two pick up stations will be set up. One at Millers Landing and one at Sunset Landing. Anyone with a kayak, canoe, duck boat, mud boat, pontoon boat or bass boat is welcome to join. No boat, no worries! Also need non-boaters to stationed at Miller Landing and Sunset Landing for the cleanup duration, about 8:30-12:30pm to man the table, hand out information, sign in, distribute supplies to borrow (gloves, buckets, bags). For more information please contact Caitlyn Snyder@ 850-670-7720.
Before scrolling down to see what’s happening around the region please keep this in mind. Our contributors do a wonderful job of keeping us informed. We are all affected by the aforementioned virus and that keeps the drive going even when conditions are at their very worst. Seems like each weekend a new cold front comes rolls through our region making it very difficult to do what they do best and then share that information with everyone. I’d like to take a moment and offer each and everyone a golf clap and say thank you.
For more information or any questions feel free to send me an email at flpanhandleoutdoors@yahoo.com. Cliff “JR” Mundinger. Until next week, be safe have fun and ALWAYS wear a life jacket while boating!
Otto Hough (myhometownfishing.com) says “Well, Ma Nature is back at it as she's brought in her March winds like the proverbial "lion", most definitely not the "lamb". With the predicted double digit north/northeast winds for Friday and Saturday, those pre-full moon negative morning lows around safelight will make for near "water-less" conditions up close to the hill for the better part of the morning. In fact, these first two fishing days over the coming three day stretch of angling days will somewhat mirror last Saturday. That northerly wind will be a big factor again this weekend. Incoming waters won't be coming back hardly at all during the rising (using term lightly) tides into the tail end of the lunchtime hour. Sunday, not so much with easterly winds, but Friday and Saturday will see slow returning water during the rising tides. On a positive note, over this past week water temps have popped up into the mid 60s to help stimulate the overall bite. Those warmer skinny waters, when there is water will entice the trout to slip out of the deep river and creek holes later in the day after the morning chill burns off. As what skinny water there is warms, those trout will begin frequenting the edges of the flats over the rockier bottoms as the trout prefer some semblance of ambush cover for now in the absence of grass bed. Those submerged rock piles and oyster bars are just the ticket until the grass beds begin to spring forth to create large patches of spotty bottom with thick peripheral growth over the coming weeks.
"It's getting to be that time and what a glorious time it is to live and fish in this area. The end of ABWS (Apalachee Bay Withdrawal Syndrome) is here thanks to a warm run of near springtime daytime air temps this week. Those trout and reds are going to be in a feeding mode with the warmer waters coupled with increased tidal flows going into the full moon next week. Working the creek mouths after enough water comes back to get the boat in close enough to the hill should be rewarding, though the winds off the hill will be cause for some degree of angling angst. During this period of water temperature transition into the upper 60s across Apalachee Bay, working a plug like the MirroDines or Rip-n-Slash 70s slightly down in the water column will create excitement at the end of the fishing line. If calmer conditions arrive Sunday as predicted, working those topwater lures like the One Knocker, Super Spook, Skitterwalk and Top Dog will elicit the attention of gator trout and reds when worked along the grasslines during the flood tides. An aggravation the winds are likely to create these next few days will be floating grasses. If encountered, drop down in the water column by shifting gears to toss a softbait like the Saltwater Assassin, Gulp! and Z-Man five inch jerk shads. Both the trout and reds will attack those offerings aggressively.
"Water clarity along with salinity levels east of the Lighthouse are great. Those rains north of the coastline really haven't pushed too much new water onto the flats, though further west near the mouth of the Ochlocknee clarity has diminished as the Ochlocknee is presently putting out some dingy post storm freshwater. Shifting back eastward, it is also that part of the springtime fishing season when the larger mustard mouth trout that wintered up the creeks will be fattening up for the upcoming spawn. Those white mouthed trout that wintered offshore in the deep waters have yet to make their presence known in the skinny water, but they too will be here soon to gorge on baitfish pods and dapper mullet. From the Rock Garden eastward to Hickory Mound, there ought to be fish to be snookered close to shore during the last of the rising tides through a few hours of the subsequent falling tides.
"Given the predicted intensity of the northerly winds the first two days ahead, just know that the further the boat gets from the hill the bouncier it's going to get. For sure, outside won't be the place to be in a smaller boat this weekend. Remember, the Gulf can be truly unforgiving at times,especially when it's sunny. There's a semi-false since of security all is well with the weather when the sun is shining brightly, but those elevated winds can whip up the Gulf into a washing machine chop in a heartbeat when blowing against the tidal flow. Simply put, give the Gulf the utmost respect while having safe boating fun plying the waters to catch 'em up. Give yourself and those on board a higher level of safety, wear those auto-inflatables. Just FISH!"
March usually brings in the appearance of cobia migrating through our Gulf waters along Panama City, but it will likely be later in the month before we really start to see them appear. Water temps and clarity are key to the sight-fishing we enjoy here and I think we’re still a few weeks away for that.
Spanish mackerel will however be showing up any day now. A few have been taken, but as the water warms, these guys will start showing up in large numbers. Keep your eye’s peeled for diving birds and baitfish activity near the surface and go investigate anything you see like that…it’s a good bet Spanish will be in the mix. Our bay system here usually loads up with Spanish early in March, but they can be found nearshore as well.
Trolling Christmas tree rigs with Clark spoons on the trailing end are always a good bet. Have a few rods rigged for casting other lures like Gotcha Plugs and a variety of other spoons because sometimes you’ll find yourself surrounded by Spanish and at times casting can be a more effective technique than trolling.
I always suggest keeping only a small mess of these fish to eat right away. The meat is delicate, mild and very tasty, but I’ve found freezing them does the meat no justice. I prefer to grill fillets or whole fish wrapped in foil with butter, salt/pepper and maybe some onions then drizzle some lemon juice on and enjoy. Fresh Spanish makes for a great dish and they are tons of fun the whole family will enjoy fishing for.
Good fishing and God bless. Capt. Randy “C-note” Cnota, Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine. randyc@coastalanglermag.com
Captain Pat McGriff ((www.onemorecast.net, onemorecast@gtcom.net (850)838-7541) reports “Sorry no fishing report this week except a very sparse report form the North Florida Gulf fishing club who had 15 boats in the water Saturday. Biggest Trout ,5 plus pounds, Biggest trout stringer and Biggest Redfish 7 pounds and redfish with the most spots came in on the Aman/Faulk team. Sorry I don’t have more details , but the water temps were 58 degrees.
Meanwhile our SOUTH Georgia Saltwater Fishing Seminars are THIS Saturday, March 7th: Best Western Motel 133 Liberty Street Thomasville , Ga. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. four hours of Instruction, Lunch , Captain’s Bags and Door Prizes Galore all for a mere $50.00 fee. Call Captain Mike McNamara at 850.510.7919 to register or show up Saturday. Looking forward to a Great group of anglers and a Great Day. Sponsors include Sea Tow, WoodsnWater, MirrOlure, Precision Tackle, Flying Fisherman, Mike’s Marine Supply, Coastal Angler Magazine, FishBites/FightClub, TrikFish ,SureKetch, ClarkSpoon , American Angler, and Star Rods.
Kristin Skipper sent results from February 29 Casting for Healing and Hope tournament. Check out these phenominal weights from the legal redfish. Amazing this quality exists in our region. 1st place Tracey Rowe- 8.51lbs, second Tyler Aultman 8.24lbs and 3rd place went to Lee Adkins 8.15lbs respectively. Kids winner went to Carson Moon 5.64. For more information on this or future tournaments contact Kristin at, Sea Hag Marina / Marketing 352-498-3008.
Captain Russ Knapp (850-653-5072) reports “the huge amount of rain that has fallen north of us has the Apalachicola River at low flood stage. For best results look for clean water this weekend.
Capt Jack Frye ( 850 247 8134) suggests drifting the Cut for over slot Reds. If you’re looking for dinner, Silver Trout are to be found just west of the low rise in the SGI bridge. At the beach nice Whiting can be caught with Pompano due to start running soon. Fishermen’s Choice in Eastpoint has fresh shrimp and that’s the bait of choice for best results about anywhere you fish in the area.
Offshore, look for things to be a bit on the bouncy side. Forecast for Saturday is wind NE 15-20 knots and seas of 2 to 4ft. Sunday look for winds from the East at 15 knots and seas again at 2 to 4ft. If you do get out the fish are hungry with good catches of Mangrove Snapper and Triggerfish reported by Capt Clint Tayler ( Big Fish Charters 850 370 6631 ), Capt Clint also is getting reports of Bonita cruising the area which means the Kings and Spanish aren't far behind so things are getting ready to cut loose early this year!
Captain Randy Peart (captpeart@yahoo.com) reports “Fishing in the lower Ochlockonee River is a little slow because of high water levels. But if you get in the little creeks there are some nice bass available, try small crankbaits or Roostertail spinners in brown or chartreuse colors. Also try Wacky rigged plastic worms in blue color are good.”
Good fishing and God bless. Capt. Randy “C-note” Cnota, Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine randyc@coastalanglermag.com
Captain Paul Tyre reports, “Bass fishing on Lake Seminole is heating up, the water temperature is in the low 60’s and the Bass continue to move shallow. A variety of lures have been working this week on Lake Seminole. Spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits and Lipless Crankbaits have produced some nice Bass. The Spring Creek arm of Lake Seminole has cleared up some this week while the Flint and Chattahoochee River arms of the lake remain stained to muddy. Crappie have been bedding for the last couple of weeks and are being caught on minnows and jigs.” For an exciting Lake Seminole Fishing Adventure email us at Lakeseminolefishingadventures@gmail.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @lakeseminolefishingadventures
Cliff “JR” Mundinger (www.fishtallahassee.com, Facebook @fl panhandle outdoors) 850-296-4071 reports “First I’d like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Raingod. Double edge sword though, as strong winds out of the North follow each front, preventing anglers from angling.
Full moon this weekend should make for some great catches. With water temperatures in the low 60’s bass have moved onto spawning beds in some parts of the lake. Plenty of bass staging too in 4’ to 6’ of water.
Last several guide trips produced very good numbers of bass, even the average size is looking well. Many male bass make for a great day. Throw in the occasional mid-range female makes it that much better. This trend should continue through the next couple months. Cool weather keeps a lot of the fish from moving up. There has already been one wave of fish that spawned in early February. Those that do their thing the next two weeks should make for more fun fishing as post spawn bass will be mixed in with the next wave.
Baits to use range from soft plastic jerk baits, paddle tail swim baits, lizards, worms and creature baits. Blind cast these near bedding areas with 1/8th oz bullet weight as some thick vegetation still exists. This will enable you to cover more water without getting hung up every cast. Once located, slow down and mine the area pitching and flipping to specific grass or other vegetation targets.”
Boat participation! We are targeting the fishing and boating community for the upcoming Lake Jackson cleanup project to cover some ground. If you have a shallow draft outboard, mud motor, row boat, kayak, canoe…please bring and join in! Lake levels are rising and this should enable us to cover more water. We also need volunteers to man Sunset and Millers landings and help pass out clean up supplies. For more information please contact Caitlyn Snyder at 850-670-7720.