Heading towards spring and the fish are finally moving to the bars in the bay. The bars in Ochlockonee River, Piney Island and Shell Point are holding, trout, redfish, and flounder. Sheepshead can still be caught in the rivers and outside as well. Live shrimp will get gulped up but Bite-A-Bait Fighters, Mirrodines, Redfins and just about any shiny gold/dark back, lipped or twitch baits will make the time fly by with action. Topwater plugs like bone colored Super Spooks should wake up the bite this month as the water temperatures rise and fish get more active.
This time of year you will also find an abundance of wildlife in and around our waterways and some of these species will be fishing right alongside us. Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and Hawks dive down and snatch fish that are so big you’re not sure they will be able to fly back to their nest to feed their chicks. As the fish get more active, the predatory birds will as well.
Gag grouper season opens in State waters off of Franklin, Wakulla, Taylor and Jefferson Counties from April 1st—June 30. Daily bag limit being: 2 Gags/4 grouper total. Remember: Gear rules require circle hooks and de-hooking tools. There should be plenty to choose from because anyone who has ventured out this winter has been reporting plenty of large fish being caught and released while filling coolers with black sea bass.
This is an exciting time of year so make sure your equipment is serviced and hit the water. Remember to take a kid fishing and let them experience and enjoy the outdoors!