Just back from visit up to Dothan. Did a little recon along Chattahoochee River all the way up to dam at south end of Lake Eufaula. Man, that is some dam to see.
On the Alabama sideThere is fishing available from special built walkway below the dam as well as fishing from the riprap side if you can brave climbing down the rocks. Much to far for me to even attempt, up or down. Good place to fall and get messed up.
They were not generating power so the river was barely moving and very clear. Was surprised to see the color so clear. Not like the Choctawhatchee River as all.
An angler came in at the first landing below the dam as I was there and he told me the best time to fish for big cats is when they are generating power. The water rises rapidly when that starts so you have to be aware. He was fishing bass and bream and had a few. I imagine the color changes when everything gets stirred up.
Drove across the river below the dam to Ft Gaines, Ga to see the Ga. side. There is a road off the top of dam down to a lower
level by the water. Could be a fishing place down there but I did not check it out.
Big contrast in topo on Al and Ga sides. On Al side it's pretty flat and a lot of farm land. On the Ga. side there are big hills in the Ft. Gaines area. Rough country it looked like. In 1800's there was a fort on the hills overlooking the river. Settlers took refuge there during Indian unrest.
It was a good recon trip. I found a place to store my boat in Dothan when I visit so plan to get an Alabma license and fish the Hooch some when I'm up there.
In the meantime, I'm headed to the river next week and hopefully the bay as well.
Went to indian pass thursday didnt catch any bream, but the scallops are thick and good size. long ride there and back is the worst part. Had alot of fun though, it was nice to bring back a limit of something for a change
A lot of folks from De Funiak have been going to St. Joe and bringing home a limit of scallops. Best year in many years so they say.
I'm going up to Dothan this afternoon for several days and taking the boat. Plan to fish some in the Chattahoochee River and might even try to find a protected area in Lake Eufaula to scout out and fish a little. Got myself an annual Alabama license.
At least you found some good action for a change, that's good. I'm in Dothan to get car fixed {again} tomorrow morning then I'm headed over the the Chattahoochee River tomorrow afternoon to wet a hook. Don't have any idea what to expect but go Al. license and may a well use. it. Hope to get over to Talh in a couple of weeks and hit the Ochlocknee. Where did you launch to fish north of hwy 90. I seem to remeber there is a ramp nearby but it's been years. Also, the water is swift up there and people tightline with heavy weight.
There is a pretty good concrete ramp at the bridge on 90. As you go west from Tallahassee, get in the left lane as you cross the bridge. Just past the bridge there is a left turn lane. Take this and it will take you back to the landing. I have launched twice recently by myself and the water was hardly moving. Standing at the landing you will see a train tressle on the right. That tressle ends lake talquin water and any rules associated with its special rules(10 in Crappie etc).
Thanks Jeff for the ramp info. I'm still hoping to get over there soon. It's been one thing after another which has delayed a trip.
Just got back to De Funiak this afternoon after a week in Dothan and with a seriously lighter wallet from buying hearing aids. You could buy a pretty good river boat and motor for what these things cost.
Fished the Chattahoochee River out of Abbie Creek which is about 28 miles from Dothan. Made two afternoon trip while the dam about 10 to 15 miles upstream was generating power, thus the river was up and running at a good clip. According to what the locals told me this is the best time to fish, especially for catfish. This is a place you have to learn from ground zero. It's much different than the Choctawhatchee. Water is very clear and deep. Found tons of fish on the sonar and most were in 10 to 20 foot water. I learned the technique is tight-line on or near the bottome for cat and bream. The bottom has a lot of hard sand and rock so shellcrackers are reported to be everywhere. However, all of the anglers I spoke with are having the same problem catching as we are over here on the Choctaw. They tell the same story, heat.......
I did talk to one angler who said he prefers top fish for bream when the dam is not generating and the water is hardly moving.
The Hooch has several dams upstream from Hwy 90 at Seminole. When there is no power generation going on the river is more like a huge lake in between each dam. I have to go back in a couple of weeks and want to try to still water.
While it was easy to find fish with the sonar all I caught was two challens about 1 1/2 lb ea and maybe 25 to 30 small bream non-keepers and one keeper shellcracker. I will have different tackle next time to do a better job tight-lining on the bottom.
I did try my fly rod for maybe an hour yesterday afternoon late but not a single bite.
The Hooch banks on both sides are steep and many are linestone rock. It can be 20 ft deep 10 ft from a bank wall. Not nearly the cover along bank as we have in the Choctaw, but enough to provide fish cover.
Was told the best fishing is up closer to the dam at lower end of Lake Eufaula. It's about a 45 mile drive from Dothan buy I hope to try that area.
I forgot to mention it's legal to jug fish the Hooch and both sides of the river with Al or Ga license. However I saw no jugs. Also saw only 3 other boats total fishing on my two trips. Anglers there has pretty much backed off for a while.
Had high hopes of fishing Lost Lake tomorrow but current river level prediction is down to near 4 ft... That means it will be difficult to launch anything but a small light Jon or a yak.
Two days ago 8 ft was predicted for Thursday. Wonder where all the water went or did NOAA just make a bad call on predicted rainfall up in Alabama.
So. won't waste our time on Lost Lake and go on down to Smokehouse and give that a try.
Clint: We had to bypass Lost Lake this morning. The ramp is not in good shape and the water was too low for me to pull my boat out with my little Honda CRV. My last attempt a few months ago I had to get a pick-up to hook up to me and pull both the car and boat out. And with all that we still could not get into the lake.It didn't take much help from the pickup but it was necessary. Good thing my buddy from South Port met me there with his PU.
We ended up going to SmokeHouse. Got there about 6:15. Went about 3 or 4 miles up river then fished downstream. Water was slightly stained but in good shape. We fished until 1:30. Fished the main river and several lakes.
The keeper catch was 1 bass about 2 pounds and 5 or 6 bream and warmouth. Beautiful day but bite was poor. Fly fished about 2 hours total and did not get a decent hit, just a few bumps.
We saw 4 other boats. Passed one as soon as we got to the main river. 4 hours later when we came back down river he had moved only about 50 yards. Made a mental note on that spot.....
I rarely fish on Saturday but may give it a shot this weekend if the weather is anything like today.
Will be hitting the Chattahoochee at Abbe Creek late next week if nothing happens.
Panhandle Flyfishers........Nice article in The Destin Log this morning about the Panhandle Flyfishers Association. Was not aware it existed. My just drive down and visit one of their sessions.
Joey, glad you had a decent trip to Bozeman;s. I just got home this afternoon from Alabama trip. Fished out of Abbe Creek on the Chattahoochee last Thursday. To make a long story short about a mile upriver my motor overheated and I had to shut down. My own mistake trying to bull through a mud/sand bar in the creek fouled up the thermostadt in motor. I didn't know the motor ha\d a thermostadt. My old trusty 1973 Johnson 20 hp would handle a bar like this and flush itself out, but not these new fangled motors with un-needed gizmos on them.
Anyway, after I shut down it was early do decided to just fish down river back to the landing. Caught maybe 15 small bream, not a decent keeper in the bunch. Tried fly rod for about an hour but no go. What was caught was with wigglers.
The motor problem messed up a highly anticipated trip on Friday to Lake Eufaula. Will get the motor fixed and be back up there is a couple of weeks.
I had two reports last week the reds and bass were hitting well in the Point Washington Area. There is a band new ramp there with parking for maybe 5 or 6 rigs. Reall nice.
Went fishin today with my partner joey, went to deer point. Fly fished, little cricket fishin and beetle spin fishin, no luck we might have had 3 small bream. Left there went to holmes creek same thing no fish. Both places looked real good , just couldn't get em to bite. It was still nice to get out on the water .
Thanks for the report Clint. I have never fished Deer Point so would not know where to start. Have heard a lot about it and have seen some videos on the early morning fishing shows on WMBB ch 13. Since y'all did no good at Holmes Creek that's a bit of a surprise. Just figured a little something should be going on over there. I was across the river at Caryville yesterday and the sand bars are still all over the place due to low water.
Good news on my motor. No damage. Water is pumping after removal of thermostadt and flushing. I'm ready. Now just have to find an open day.
I think the fishing at deer point would be better late in the afternoon, water is real clear. this was my first trip there also, but it looks like a good place to fly fish
I will have to make a trip down there just to check out the place.
Went out in the Gulf today. I'm dog tired. Up at 3:45am and got home about 6:30PM. On the water from about 5:45am until about 4:30PM. Log day. Got a nice mess of fish but it was hard work. The catch was down from previous trips but sufficient to feed a bunch of folks.
It's been a while, headed to Commanders Landing with a new fishing partner early tomorrow. Water very low as always it seems, but just want to check out this part of the river for a change.
Well, I'm giving up on the upper Choctawhatchee. This morning, 1 8 inch bass, 5 tiny bream, 1 keeper shellcracker, and it two two of us to do that much.
Clint, you are absolutely right. Sure do hope it happens this winter.
Went down to Black Creek this morning. Launched at the ramp on hwy 3280. The idea was to target bass and reds. We happened upon literally acres and acress of a feeding frenzie. Shad were in a state of panic as far as you could see down the creek.
Turned out to be primarily Lady Fish feeding although reds were there. My partner caught 4 rats and one 22 incher. All I caught was Lady Fish and cats. He was using a small Bomber crank bait, white and silver. I was using a silver/bllue rattle trap.
Will be sticking to the lower river for the time being. Smoke House will be seeing a lot of me.
Went down to Black Creek yesterday. Sort of a repeat of a few days ago. Started off using minnows by the bridge at the ramp. Not a bite. After about half hour we headed down the creek to Mitchell River and started plugging for whatever would bite. Ended up with a few red fish, speckled trout, bass, and lady fish. Action was slow but worth the effort. Beautiful day and good to be on the water. Saw several boats, mostly single guys, except the usual line-up of mullet anglers at Nancy's Cut has two to the boat.
We ended up with one speckled trout about 17 inches. I'm about to cook him for early supper to go with a new hush puppy mix I'm trying out, called Sweet Betsy, made up in South Carolina. Only place I know of it can be bought is Daffin's Merchantile in Marianna.
I plan to try again Friday but this time go a little further up the river and hit a few bream holes to see if anything is going on. If not, will make the run back down stream and do some plugging.
Incidentally, fished yesterday in friends Carolina Skiff J16 with 25 Honda. Was very impressed. Believe it or not that boat is 100 pounds lighter than my 14 ft aluminum Jon
I'm going to find a way to skip work and hit the pond at sundown. All the missing fish has me nervous... hope these haven't run off. Will post pics of any results. Going to buy fresh bread, because it WORKS here. Might bother the bass a little while I'm there!
We have had the "missing fish" down here in certain parts of the river for months. Haven't used bread since I was a kid. May as well try it here and see what happens............LOL
Tried getting my boss Baker acted, 72 hours in the loony bin, so I could go fishing... but they wouldn't take him, and I never wet a hook. I think it's time to be unemployed again. I never have time to fish.
Better work while you can......With the way things are going who knows what the future job market will be.
I got the boat ready this morning for trip to the river and bay tomorrow. Will start out looking for red fish and speckled trout. If that doesn't work in a couple of hours I'll head up the river to a few bream spots.
Got a late start on Wednesday so forewent looking for bream. Right now I'm planning on Smokehouse for next Monday. That may be the only day I can fish next week. I'm bream hungry.
Anyway, on Wednesday launced at Black Creek bridge and not far down stream the birds were working shad so I stopped and fished the area for an hour. Not a single bite. There was hardly any feeder activity on the shad.
So, went on down to the lower Choctawhatchee near the bay. Haven't been to that specific area in many moons. Anyway, was moving along barely on plane when I ran across a picture perfect image of bait fish with large fish mixed in them. The old 1995 era Humminbird was working beautifully. Slowed and putt putted back to the spot and then my electric would not work. Eased over to the shore and just tied up to a cypress knee. With a Gulf Shrimp, first cast, BAM.......... 18 inch Red landed. Put in ice box and a little later caught a 20 and 22 incher. They lucked out and were released. Ended up with the 3 slot reds, 8 or 9 rats up to 16 inches, 4 specks with one keeper, and a bunch of croakers. Kept six croakers to see what they taste like.
Question........anyone doing anything on bream and shellcrackers? I don't have any later reports here.
Just finished watching the Jim Wilson show on WMBB in Panama City. For those of you who are familiar with Jack Wingate over on Lake Seminole, Jim reports that he has imporved and doing some writing. Jack reports this past week the bream and shellcrackers are on the bed with the full moon we had this week and that crappie are on the bite. Hopefully this will translate to the rivers and small lakes most of us fish.
This afternoon I'm going to run down to Freeport and fish Lafayette and 4 Mile Creeks with a few worms and see if I can find a few bream. No telling what can me caught in these brackish waters .
Sportsmans Lodge is Wausau is on right now and Ron is reporting some fine catches of flounder.
Sure sounds like fishing of all types is starting to pick up, so let's get out there and see what we can put in the box.
Just got back from the river, put in at bozeman, joey and I did some fly fishin with no luck. Fished with some crickets and wigglers, had a bass, five bream and 1 catfish. Water low, but we still had fun. The weather was perfect
Hi Clint, well at least you and Joey had fun and the weather was perfect. Since it's a bit slow out of SmokeHouse I may go back to Black Creek and the lower river tomorrow.
Yesterday I road down to Copeland's to pick up a bunch of jigs I ordered and stopped by Lafayette Creek in Freeport on the way home. Fished off the docks for 2 hours until nearly dark. Second cast I caught a flounder that looked just short of 12 inches. Only fish hooked or caught. Something kept biting the tails oof my plastic curly tail baits so switch to Gulf shrimp. Probably croakers and pin fish getting the tails. Beautiful afternoon even fishing from shore. At this spot you can catch both fresh and saltwater species.
Think I will launch at Freeport a bit just to get the feel of the area. It's only 16 miles from home to the ramp so it's close. A lot of bass and bream have been caught in Lafayette and 4 Mile Creeks, and you might catch a red, flounder, or speck.
Family issues have me grounded for at least another week. Man, this cool weather is really turning on the south river areas. Have had several reports from friends. Here is one from Tuesday this week>
",,,,, and I went this morning and got wet. However, we caught our limit of redfish and four keeper specks plus three nice "Green Trout". We also lost a couple of "Big Boy" redfish. We started in Mitchell River and caught maybe two throw back specks. We then went to Indian river and started watching the birds and minnow action on top. Started catching fish. When that slowed, we went to Cypress River and did the same. Also went to mouth of Choctawhatchee and caught some. We probably caught 30 or 35 small specks plus the usual lady fish. At times it was sloooow, then it was like every cast. This coming cool snap ought to really get them going. Later............... "
These cold nights and cool days will drop the water temps rapidly. Not sure how this will impact bream and shellcrackers, but should improve the crappie bite.
Anyone had experience with cool weather fishing for bream?
For those of you who can get to the Choctawhatchee I'm receiving daily reports the lower river is really picking up. I was out there yesterday and today. I was after reds and specks, but noticed a good number of boats slash fishing for bream.
I'm headed out Friday afternoon for a change in approach. Haven't fished just an afternoon in a long time. Will start out looking for shaded areas to give bream a shot. If that does not work will switch to reds adn specks. Actually you catch bass, bream, reds, and specks in the same water. Will close out the day at a crappie hole to see if they are there. Nearby is a warmouth hole I will try.
not having much luck with the bluegills but been tearing the crappie up at Talquin. Heck, a mans gotta eat! Got some good pictures but cant get them to load. Anyone else having trouble loading lately?
Hi Jeff: Have been hearing about the slabs at Talquin and Seminole. Over here they are scattered and few. No one I know of are doing much except one here and there.
I was out yesterday for reds and specks and checked a couple of my crappie holes in Black Creek. Nothing there yet.
I haven't seriously fished for fresh water species in about 2 months or more. Gave up until things improve, however, I did hear about a nice catch of shell crackers last week out of SmokeHouse. The river is still so low you have to get well below Hwy 20 to find suficient water.
Yesterday I was fishing Black Creek which is brackish. Fish from noon until 4:30. Partner and I caught 20 rat reds and one 22 inch keeper, two keeper hybreds, one keeper bass, and about half dozen speckled trout....no keepers. Water temp 56/57
Hi gang: Anyone chasing gills lately? I have had some health problems for a while but back to normal. Will be back on the water next week. Weather not at all that hot for this week.
Before illness I was fishing lower Choctawhatchee and over in West Bay in Bay County. Red and speckled trout were the target.
Would like to pass along http://www.waltonoutdoors.com/ which is a good source for info in this area. The Friday Fishing Report is pretty good.
Wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year......... May be rain help our rivers and fishing will improve.
I think many folks have switched gears for a while. But reading the WaltonOutdoors.com report about crappie I plan to start looking for them next week. Will make a two prong attack. Crappie first and if we can't find them just start fishing for specks and reds in the same water. That's the way it is in the lower river areas.
One of my fishing partners is hunting a couple of time a week. Said so far squirrel hunting has been very poor. He's switched to deer and has seen a good number of bucks and does, but not one he wants. He hunts in Eucheeanna Valley.
J. B. Hillard
Ooops.... here is the correct URL
http://www.bigbendfishing.net/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=6
Aug 16, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Just back from visit up to Dothan. Did a little recon along Chattahoochee River all the way up to dam at south end of Lake Eufaula. Man, that is some dam to see.
On the Alabama sideThere is fishing available from special built walkway below the dam as well as fishing from the riprap side if you can brave climbing down the rocks. Much to far for me to even attempt, up or down. Good place to fall and get messed up.
They were not generating power so the river was barely moving and very clear. Was surprised to see the color so clear. Not like the Choctawhatchee River as all.
An angler came in at the first landing below the dam as I was there and he told me the best time to fish for big cats is when they are generating power. The water rises rapidly when that starts so you have to be aware. He was fishing bass and bream and had a few. I imagine the color changes when everything gets stirred up.
Drove across the river below the dam to Ft Gaines, Ga to see the Ga. side. There is a road off the top of dam down to a lower
level by the water. Could be a fishing place down there but I did not check it out.
Big contrast in topo on Al and Ga sides. On Al side it's pretty flat and a lot of farm land. On the Ga. side there are big hills in the Ft. Gaines area. Rough country it looked like. In 1800's there was a fort on the hills overlooking the river. Settlers took refuge there during Indian unrest.
It was a good recon trip. I found a place to store my boat in Dothan when I visit so plan to get an Alabma license and fish the Hooch some when I'm up there.
In the meantime, I'm headed to the river next week and hopefully the bay as well.
Aug 20, 2011
clint johnson
Went to indian pass thursday didnt catch any bream, but the scallops are thick and good size. long ride there and back is the worst part. Had alot of fun though, it was nice to bring back a limit of something for a change
Aug 26, 2011
J. B. Hillard
A lot of folks from De Funiak have been going to St. Joe and bringing home a limit of scallops. Best year in many years so they say.
I'm going up to Dothan this afternoon for several days and taking the boat. Plan to fish some in the Chattahoochee River and might even try to find a protected area in Lake Eufaula to scout out and fish a little. Got myself an annual Alabama license.
Aug 27, 2011
Jeffrey Mitchell
Fished the Ochlocknee river North of Hwy 90 today. Bite was good all day and caught about 50. Only a few over 8 inches. All went back.
Aug 28, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Aug 28, 2011
Jeffrey Mitchell
Aug 30, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Thanks Jeff for the ramp info. I'm still hoping to get over there soon. It's been one thing after another which has delayed a trip.
Just got back to De Funiak this afternoon after a week in Dothan and with a seriously lighter wallet from buying hearing aids. You could buy a pretty good river boat and motor for what these things cost.
Fished the Chattahoochee River out of Abbie Creek which is about 28 miles from Dothan. Made two afternoon trip while the dam about 10 to 15 miles upstream was generating power, thus the river was up and running at a good clip. According to what the locals told me this is the best time to fish, especially for catfish. This is a place you have to learn from ground zero. It's much different than the Choctawhatchee. Water is very clear and deep. Found tons of fish on the sonar and most were in 10 to 20 foot water. I learned the technique is tight-line on or near the bottome for cat and bream. The bottom has a lot of hard sand and rock so shellcrackers are reported to be everywhere. However, all of the anglers I spoke with are having the same problem catching as we are over here on the Choctaw. They tell the same story, heat.......
I did talk to one angler who said he prefers top fish for bream when the dam is not generating and the water is hardly moving.
The Hooch has several dams upstream from Hwy 90 at Seminole. When there is no power generation going on the river is more like a huge lake in between each dam. I have to go back in a couple of weeks and want to try to still water.
While it was easy to find fish with the sonar all I caught was two challens about 1 1/2 lb ea and maybe 25 to 30 small bream non-keepers and one keeper shellcracker. I will have different tackle next time to do a better job tight-lining on the bottom.
I did try my fly rod for maybe an hour yesterday afternoon late but not a single bite.
The Hooch banks on both sides are steep and many are linestone rock. It can be 20 ft deep 10 ft from a bank wall. Not nearly the cover along bank as we have in the Choctaw, but enough to provide fish cover.
Was told the best fishing is up closer to the dam at lower end of Lake Eufaula. It's about a 45 mile drive from Dothan buy I hope to try that area.
Sep 2, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Sep 2, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Had high hopes of fishing Lost Lake tomorrow but current river level prediction is down to near 4 ft... That means it will be difficult to launch anything but a small light Jon or a yak.
Two days ago 8 ft was predicted for Thursday. Wonder where all the water went or did NOAA just make a bad call on predicted rainfall up in Alabama.
So. won't waste our time on Lost Lake and go on down to Smokehouse and give that a try.
Sep 7, 2011
clint johnson
Sep 8, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Clint: We had to bypass Lost Lake this morning. The ramp is not in good shape and the water was too low for me to pull my boat out with my little Honda CRV. My last attempt a few months ago I had to get a pick-up to hook up to me and pull both the car and boat out. And with all that we still could not get into the lake.It didn't take much help from the pickup but it was necessary. Good thing my buddy from South Port met me there with his PU.
We ended up going to SmokeHouse. Got there about 6:15. Went about 3 or 4 miles up river then fished downstream. Water was slightly stained but in good shape. We fished until 1:30. Fished the main river and several lakes.
The keeper catch was 1 bass about 2 pounds and 5 or 6 bream and warmouth. Beautiful day but bite was poor. Fly fished about 2 hours total and did not get a decent hit, just a few bumps.
We saw 4 other boats. Passed one as soon as we got to the main river. 4 hours later when we came back down river he had moved only about 50 yards. Made a mental note on that spot.....
I rarely fish on Saturday but may give it a shot this weekend if the weather is anything like today.
Will be hitting the Chattahoochee at Abbe Creek late next week if nothing happens.
Sep 8, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Panhandle Flyfishers........Nice article in The Destin Log this morning about the Panhandle Flyfishers Association. Was not aware it existed. My just drive down and visit one of their sessions.
http://www.thedestinlog.com/articles/flies-19164-panhandle-flyfishe...
Sep 10, 2011
joey mckenzie
Sep 16, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Joey, glad you had a decent trip to Bozeman;s. I just got home this afternoon from Alabama trip. Fished out of Abbe Creek on the Chattahoochee last Thursday. To make a long story short about a mile upriver my motor overheated and I had to shut down. My own mistake trying to bull through a mud/sand bar in the creek fouled up the thermostadt in motor. I didn't know the motor ha\d a thermostadt. My old trusty 1973 Johnson 20 hp would handle a bar like this and flush itself out, but not these new fangled motors with un-needed gizmos on them.
Anyway, after I shut down it was early do decided to just fish down river back to the landing. Caught maybe 15 small bream, not a decent keeper in the bunch. Tried fly rod for about an hour but no go. What was caught was with wigglers.
The motor problem messed up a highly anticipated trip on Friday to Lake Eufaula. Will get the motor fixed and be back up there is a couple of weeks.
I had two reports last week the reds and bass were hitting well in the Point Washington Area. There is a band new ramp there with parking for maybe 5 or 6 rigs. Reall nice.
Sep 18, 2011
clint johnson
Sep 19, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Thanks for the report Clint. I have never fished Deer Point so would not know where to start. Have heard a lot about it and have seen some videos on the early morning fishing shows on WMBB ch 13. Since y'all did no good at Holmes Creek that's a bit of a surprise. Just figured a little something should be going on over there. I was across the river at Caryville yesterday and the sand bars are still all over the place due to low water.
Good news on my motor. No damage. Water is pumping after removal of thermostadt and flushing. I'm ready. Now just have to find an open day.
Sep 19, 2011
clint johnson
Sep 21, 2011
J. B. Hillard
I will have to make a trip down there just to check out the place.
Went out in the Gulf today. I'm dog tired. Up at 3:45am and got home about 6:30PM. On the water from about 5:45am until about 4:30PM. Log day. Got a nice mess of fish but it was hard work. The catch was down from previous trips but sufficient to feed a bunch of folks.
Sep 21, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Sep 26, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Sep 27, 2011
clint johnson
Sep 30, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Clint, you are absolutely right. Sure do hope it happens this winter.
Went down to Black Creek this morning. Launched at the ramp on hwy 3280. The idea was to target bass and reds. We happened upon literally acres and acress of a feeding frenzie. Shad were in a state of panic as far as you could see down the creek.
Turned out to be primarily Lady Fish feeding although reds were there. My partner caught 4 rats and one 22 incher. All I caught was Lady Fish and cats. He was using a small Bomber crank bait, white and silver. I was using a silver/bllue rattle trap.
Will be sticking to the lower river for the time being. Smoke House will be seeing a lot of me.
J. B
Sep 30, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Went down to Black Creek yesterday. Sort of a repeat of a few days ago. Started off using minnows by the bridge at the ramp. Not a bite. After about half hour we headed down the creek to Mitchell River and started plugging for whatever would bite. Ended up with a few red fish, speckled trout, bass, and lady fish. Action was slow but worth the effort. Beautiful day and good to be on the water. Saw several boats, mostly single guys, except the usual line-up of mullet anglers at Nancy's Cut has two to the boat.
We ended up with one speckled trout about 17 inches. I'm about to cook him for early supper to go with a new hush puppy mix I'm trying out, called Sweet Betsy, made up in South Carolina. Only place I know of it can be bought is Daffin's Merchantile in Marianna.
I plan to try again Friday but this time go a little further up the river and hit a few bream holes to see if anything is going on. If not, will make the run back down stream and do some plugging.
Incidentally, fished yesterday in friends Carolina Skiff J16 with 25 Honda. Was very impressed. Believe it or not that boat is 100 pounds lighter than my 14 ft aluminum Jon
Oct 5, 2011
Mike Stacy
Oct 5, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Oct 5, 2011
Mike Stacy
Oct 6, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Better work while you can......With the way things are going who knows what the future job market will be.
I got the boat ready this morning for trip to the river and bay tomorrow. Will start out looking for red fish and speckled trout. If that doesn't work in a couple of hours I'll head up the river to a few bream spots.
Oct 6, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Oct 10, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Got a late start on Wednesday so forewent looking for bream. Right now I'm planning on Smokehouse for next Monday. That may be the only day I can fish next week. I'm bream hungry.
Anyway, on Wednesday launced at Black Creek bridge and not far down stream the birds were working shad so I stopped and fished the area for an hour. Not a single bite. There was hardly any feeder activity on the shad.
So, went on down to the lower Choctawhatchee near the bay. Haven't been to that specific area in many moons. Anyway, was moving along barely on plane when I ran across a picture perfect image of bait fish with large fish mixed in them. The old 1995 era Humminbird was working beautifully. Slowed and putt putted back to the spot and then my electric would not work. Eased over to the shore and just tied up to a cypress knee. With a Gulf Shrimp, first cast, BAM.......... 18 inch Red landed. Put in ice box and a little later caught a 20 and 22 incher. They lucked out and were released. Ended up with the 3 slot reds, 8 or 9 rats up to 16 inches, 4 specks with one keeper, and a bunch of croakers. Kept six croakers to see what they taste like.
Question........anyone doing anything on bream and shellcrackers? I don't have any later reports here.
Oct 14, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Just finished watching the Jim Wilson show on WMBB in Panama City. For those of you who are familiar with Jack Wingate over on Lake Seminole, Jim reports that he has imporved and doing some writing. Jack reports this past week the bream and shellcrackers are on the bed with the full moon we had this week and that crappie are on the bite. Hopefully this will translate to the rivers and small lakes most of us fish.
This afternoon I'm going to run down to Freeport and fish Lafayette and 4 Mile Creeks with a few worms and see if I can find a few bream. No telling what can me caught in these brackish waters .
Sportsmans Lodge is Wausau is on right now and Ron is reporting some fine catches of flounder.
Sure sounds like fishing of all types is starting to pick up, so let's get out there and see what we can put in the box.
Oct 15, 2011
clint johnson
Oct 15, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Hi Clint, well at least you and Joey had fun and the weather was perfect. Since it's a bit slow out of SmokeHouse I may go back to Black Creek and the lower river tomorrow.
Yesterday I road down to Copeland's to pick up a bunch of jigs I ordered and stopped by Lafayette Creek in Freeport on the way home. Fished off the docks for 2 hours until nearly dark. Second cast I caught a flounder that looked just short of 12 inches. Only fish hooked or caught. Something kept biting the tails oof my plastic curly tail baits so switch to Gulf shrimp. Probably croakers and pin fish getting the tails. Beautiful afternoon even fishing from shore. At this spot you can catch both fresh and saltwater species.
Think I will launch at Freeport a bit just to get the feel of the area. It's only 16 miles from home to the ramp so it's close. A lot of bass and bream have been caught in Lafayette and 4 Mile Creeks, and you might catch a red, flounder, or speck.
Oct 16, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Family issues have me grounded for at least another week. Man, this cool weather is really turning on the south river areas. Have had several reports from friends. Here is one from Tuesday this week>
",,,,, and I went this morning and got wet. However, we caught our limit of redfish and four keeper specks plus three nice "Green Trout". We also lost a couple of "Big Boy" redfish. We started in Mitchell River and caught maybe two throw back specks. We then went to Indian river and started watching the birds and minnow action on top. Started catching fish. When that slowed, we went to Cypress River and did the
same. Also went to mouth of Choctawhatchee and caught some. We probably caught 30 or 35 small specks plus the usual lady fish. At times it was sloooow, then it was like every cast. This coming cool snap ought to really get them going.
Later............... "
These cold nights and cool days will drop the water temps rapidly. Not sure how this will impact bream and shellcrackers, but should improve the crappie bite.
Anyone had experience with cool weather fishing for bream?
Oct 20, 2011
J. B. Hillard
For those of you who can get to the Choctawhatchee I'm receiving daily reports the lower river is really picking up. I was out there yesterday and today. I was after reds and specks, but noticed a good number of boats slash fishing for bream.
I'm headed out Friday afternoon for a change in approach. Haven't fished just an afternoon in a long time. Will start out looking for shaded areas to give bream a shot. If that does not work will switch to reds adn specks. Actually you catch bass, bream, reds, and specks in the same water. Will close out the day at a crappie hole to see if they are there. Nearby is a warmouth hole I will try.
Oct 26, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Oct 30, 2011
joey mckenzie
im trying to post a pic of a fish i caught on the river friday but having difficulty getting it to post going to try and get clint to post it.
Oct 30, 2011
clint johnson
Oct 30, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Clint and Joey............Were you guys ever able to ID that fish?
Nov 8, 2011
clint johnson
yes we were and it was a shaddow bass. sent pic to fwc and they confirmed this
Nov 10, 2011
J. B. Hillard
"shaddow bass", that's a new one on me. Will have to research and read up on it. Will be interesting to see how it got that name.
Nov 10, 2011
J. B. Hillard
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadow_bass Here is a little info on the shadow bass.
Nov 10, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Not a fish story but you got to see this.
Deputy carries frightened deer from road to safety (video)
Nov 17, 2011
J. B. Hillard
This one shoud work correctly.
http://tinyurl.com/73f9lkl
Nov 17, 2011
Jeffrey Mitchell
not having much luck with the bluegills but been tearing the crappie up at Talquin. Heck, a mans gotta eat! Got some good pictures but cant get them to load. Anyone else having trouble loading lately?
Dec 3, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Hi Jeff: Have been hearing about the slabs at Talquin and Seminole. Over here they are scattered and few. No one I know of are doing much except one here and there.
I was out yesterday for reds and specks and checked a couple of my crappie holes in Black Creek. Nothing there yet.
I haven't seriously fished for fresh water species in about 2 months or more. Gave up until things improve, however, I did hear about a nice catch of shell crackers last week out of SmokeHouse. The river is still so low you have to get well below Hwy 20 to find suficient water.
Yesterday I was fishing Black Creek which is brackish. Fish from noon until 4:30. Partner and I caught 20 rat reds and one 22 inch keeper, two keeper hybreds, one keeper bass, and about half dozen speckled trout....no keepers. Water temp 56/57
Dec 3, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Take a look at this. Amazing.
http://fishingtackletips.net/fishing-lures/106-mattelures-ultimate-...-
Dec 3, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Hi gang: Anyone chasing gills lately? I have had some health problems for a while but back to normal. Will be back on the water next week. Weather not at all that hot for this week.
Before illness I was fishing lower Choctawhatchee and over in West Bay in Bay County. Red and speckled trout were the target.
Would like to pass along http://www.waltonoutdoors.com/ which is a good source for info in this area. The Friday Fishing Report is pretty good.
Wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year......... May be rain help our rivers and fishing will improve.
J. B.
Dec 21, 2011
clint johnson
i havent been fishin in weeks, huntin season started up, so joey and i have changed gear for a while
Dec 22, 2011
J. B. Hillard
Hi Clint:
I think many folks have switched gears for a while. But reading the WaltonOutdoors.com report about crappie I plan to start looking for them next week. Will make a two prong attack. Crappie first and if we can't find them just start fishing for specks and reds in the same water. That's the way it is in the lower river areas.
One of my fishing partners is hunting a couple of time a week. Said so far squirrel hunting has been very poor. He's switched to deer and has seen a good number of bucks and does, but not one he wants. He hunts in Eucheeanna Valley.
Dec 22, 2011