Escambia County Lake-Trophy Gills and Crackers!

[Jim Gronaw]

Hey Guys and Gals...

I have been searching the net for likely spots to catch trophy gills in our country and came up with Escambia County Lake, also known as Leon Brooks Hines Lake, in southern Alabama. Recent catches in the past two years have produced cn bluegills to almost 2 1/2 pounds and a lake record red ear sunfish of 3 pounds and 13 ounces, caught this past spring.

This is a 185 acre lake with some facilities like boat ramp and concession/bait shop. It has Only daytime hours and they vary throughout the seasons. It is located near the Florida border in Conecuh National Forrest. I think the park is currently closed on Weds and Thurs. There appears to be a variety of local regulations on this water, so a call to the park manager [phone] would be a wise move if anybody is interested.

If you google 'trophy bluegill photos' you will see some of those giant gills. This may well be a small public waterway that has all the components to yield world class gills in a public venue. Numerous 10 to 13 pound largemouths are caught there as well.

This one, I think, is still under the radar. Check it out!

[Jeremy R. Mayo]

IF AT FIRST YOU DONT SUCCEED !!!!!! TRY TRY AGAIN!

Boogie on down my friend
Mayo

[Troy Dorman]

Boogieman,

I'm coming down to Panama City in Feb., my grandma has a condo down there. Would that be a good time to hit some of those lakes you're talking about? I won't have a boat, so it'll have to be a little bank fishing. I'd love to catch some hog shellcrackers and big gills. I go right through Defuniak Springs and also go through Florala where there's a big lake behind that Hardee's. That lake looks good from the road and that's a cool town too. 55 from Georgiana runs me through those little towns. Anyway, coming down for my birthday, Valentines day, and I'd love to wet a line. What would you suggest?

[bluegillboogieman]

Come on down Troy. Mid February is still a little early in my mind for gettin' on 'em but what do I know. Depends on the weather, might be some crackers bedding that early. I'll put on my thinking cap and see what I can recommend later this month. I've never heard of anything coming out of the lake in Florala. In the warm months it's too busy with water toys. Escambia would have some decent bank fishing areas near the bait shop as would most county lakes in Alabama. A lot of them also have rental john boats and trolling motors. i'll see what I can find closer to PC for you and get back to you.

Boogieman

[Dan Gwaltney]

Hey Troy, keep us posted on the exact dates of your visit. I gotta do a little work on my boat, but hope to have it ready before then. Like Boogieman said, it all depends on the weather at the time, but we might can find a puddle to drag a line through. ;-)

[Jim Gronaw]

Hey Boogieman or Jeremy...can you guys offer some info for Troy here about the best timing for gills and crackers in y'alls area? What I am hearing is that March and April will have fish near the banks. Jim

[Jeremy R. Mayo]

http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/where/lakes/escambia/

heres the web site to find out everything you need from maps to times, managers, rates, rules and baits!

[mike doering]

The best time to catch bluegills and red ear's is WHEN YOU CAN!!!!!

[Jeremy R. Mayo]

NAAA ITS JUST GOTTA BE WET!