The American Alligator is the crocodilian that can be found in this part of Florida, but it is VERY rare to encounter one on Pensacola Beach. Hurricane Lake provides an excellent chance for bass fishing enthusiasts to catch plenty of quality largemouth bass. Now lets get serious and head south to the mouth of Escambia River and hit the Swamp House. Summer is as busy in the water as it is on land. Three fish camps are located along Highway 90 between Pensacola and Pace. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. Night fishing is a popular way to catch these species as well. There are many access points along the river for boats, canoes, and kayaks, including Quintette Landing, north of Pace, and Floridatown landing. The legendary Stick Bait is the most popular and fundamental Bass lure ever. Blackwater River Low Water. The fall favorites are Bull Redfish, which move inshore as the water cools, and Amberjack, which have a short autumn harvest season. Regionally, this is the top spot to target Sunshine bass, and Clown Knifefish are an unusual surprise that are sometimes caught when targeting Sunshine bass. The second swell that came over the nose told me that was not the place to be! Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Stay in the throttle until you reach Blue Lake, or slow down and cast a line in the many coves, small lakes, or the miles of gas line canals that will lead you all over the basin. Holly Lake is about an hour north of Destin, just outside Defuniak Springs. Of course, there is plenty of other freshwater fish in the area too. Both the river and the lake offer anglers multiple fishing choices. Drive right onto the bridge and park up where you want to fish. Striper fishing is best in the cooler months, January through March. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Over the past six years (2017-2022) Lake Harris has been stocked with more than 835,000 sunshine bass. At over 900 feet long, its so big it earned the nickname Great Carrier Reef among locals. The season to catch sheepshead starts in December and lasts until April. I don't know "Mitchell-specific", but I agree with you. All you need to do is show up and enjoy. So you know what you want to catch, but how do you get to it? Without question, the best time of day to fish for bass is at night. 55. A Beautiful Home on the Alabama River!! I'm new to the Escambia River system, looked at some maps to getsome ideas on where to go. Anglers who fish submersed islands or sandbars off points will often find good concentrations of bass. "I fish for striped bass in the upper bay systems around Pensacola during the colder months," advised Brant Peacher of Angler Up Charters in Pensacola. Stick Bait. Please do not pull the tag out of the fish. Fresh Fishing Reports from Escambia Bay. Home > Florida > Florida Panhandle Fishing Lakes, Okaloosa County Most Tenoroc lakes have ADA accessible boat ramps and facilities. Escambia Bay Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. Fishing with a piece of chicken liver, cut bait with high oil content like gizzard shad, commercial stink baits, cheese balls and night crawlers around the deeper holes and fish feeders, if available, will produce the best action at the height of the day. With regular stockings, all of these streams produce striped bass to 20 pounds. Boat Launching Area #1 is in Pelham off Route 202. Tenoroc Fish Management Area is an 8,300-acre former phosphate mine in Lakeland, Florida which provides a special opportunity to catch several species of fish. Hopefully youll be able to catch some Flounder yourself soon, we definitely share your enthusiasm when it comes to these bottom feeders! The launch is very steep, so you will want good brakes before backing off in there. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Bluewater anglers can fight their fill of Mahi Mahi and Wahoo, as well as Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna. Local TV station WKRG captured the video of the dozens of sharks near Pensacola Beach at about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Use heavy tackle with 3- to 4-oz. These same tidal areas in the rivers hold good numbers of speckled trout and redfish this time of year, so making your way up to the rivers on your next fishing trip could make for a great day on the water. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Tarpon spend their summer breaks lounging in the shallows. It's been awhile since I posted a report on the smallmouth bass fishing. See terms and apply now. Fish generally prefer early morning and evening sun to the bright midday rays. FWC biologists have recently reintroduced sunshine bass to Tenoroc to provide anglers with more opportunities to catch different varieties of sport fish species. Bass Pro Shops 1Source | Bass Pro Shops. And yes, they taste great. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. Grab your freshwater fishing license, read these fishing basics then head out to one of the many freshwater lakes, reservoirs, ponds, streams and rivers. You can roll up, rent a rod, and catch some fish. Alligators and crocodiles belong to different subspecies (Alligatoridae and Crocodylidae). The Escambia River has a plethora of freshwater fish, more than any river in Florida. It traverses all the way across the panhandle of Florida running north into the southern portion of Alabama. Inshore species like Pompano and Redfish will be your main targets. Cobia, Pompano, and Spanish Mackerel are the top targets in spring, alongside Triggerfish during their brief open season. 5 fish 10.22 lbs. The great thing about surf fishing is that, if you bring your own equipment, you have complete freedom about when and how you fish. 30 day returns. 6.66 lbs, Joe Barnett caught the big fish. The main problem youll come across is the crowds. Mystic Springs, another small ramp, but has been updated to a concrete pad, and I have launched my 21 ft Triton there with no problems. Have you ever been fishing in Pensacola? The Choctawhatchee River in Florida is the third largest river system in the state. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Covering over 300 acres, the lakes maximum depth of 25 feet and flooded timber combine to provide an ideal habitat for anglers and the fish they seek. A Monster trophy catfish fishery for Flathead Catfish and high catch rates of panfish, multiple species and a hot spot destination for Striped Bass. River Bass Fishing: Hitting The Main Channel The type of cover to fish on the main river depends on the season. The only day you can pre-fish is, 2014 by Molino Florida Bass Club. Deep Sea Fishing in Naples, FL: The Complete Guide. Luckily, you can break them down into three clear groups based on where they live. The mouth of the Escambia River near Pensacola has good hybrid fishing, and sunshine bass feed around the fish attractors in Newnan's Lake near Gainesville. Its a long list. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Anglers will find the usual suspects, largemouth bass, sunshine bass, stripers, bluegill, sunfish, and many others. The Apalachicola was at one time the reigning home to the Florida State record for Flathead Catfish until recently broken by a fish caught in the Yellow River. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Known as the Isle of 8 Flags after the eight nations that have flown their flags on Amelia Island throughout history, Fernandina Beach is a place with a rich backstory. Drop us your thoughts and fish tales in the comments below! Fishing for Sunshines is best in the fall and winter. S.S.S. They are trying to bulk up after a slow winter. A rare fish not seen for over 40 years in Florida has been found in the Escambia River. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The fun doesnt stop there, though. Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and bluefish finally are starting to show up in Pensacola Bay, and of course you can still find plenty of them out in the Gulf along the beaches. Maybe you want to help preserve the local reefs while you compete. The 160-mile Apalachicola River in Florida is a wide, winding river rolling down to Apalachicola Bay through nationally significant forests, with some of the highest biological diversity east of the Mississippi rivaling the Great Smoky Mountains. Apalachicola River(Jackson, Gadsden, Calhoun, Gulf, Liberty, and Franklin counties)Features: Bream numbers, striped bass numbers, catfish size and numbers. They give you much more flexibility, and the crew will be able to give you their full attention. For many people, thats where the vacation ends. Bass in a river may actively feed at a water temperature of between 50-60 degrees this time of year. But in Pensacola, theyre just the baseline. #5 Kentucky Lake - Located in Tennessee and Kentucky and part of the Tennessee River system, Kentucky Lake has over 160,000 acres of water with 2,064 miles of shoreline and has seen many great tournaments over the years in bass fishing. Researchers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute . The Lower Middle Escambia River - A Recreational and Ecological Treasure Becks Lake isn't, in fact, a lake. Click a feature on the map to view its details. The Google map located below is very easy to use, click the arrows in the upper left to zoom in or out to view your favorite location. . Live menhaden, golden shiners, croakers or eels are good choices as bait. Anglers were trolling jerk baits, medium-running crankbaits, and double jig "speck rigs." Most of the seatrout run smaller in this area, but several larger fish have been caught. Easily reachable by anglers, it contains 85 native species of freshwater fish. Yes, thats right, Sandestin Golf Course has long been a haven for anglers. , Best Answer From Peter in Australia: A hook will rust away in a fish, but it may take a while, especially if the hook is plated or made of thick metal. The striped and hybrid bass fishing can be really good here in northwest Florida, but is often overlooked by many local anglers. Pensacola International Fishing Tournament. Ultimate Bass, Oct 28, 2021. I'm fishing for LM down river. If you would like to catch a trophy redfish now is the time to do so we're also catching the keeper size keeper, size 18 to 27 inches anything over that we consider bulls. A human-made lake, this relaxing destination boasts 107 acres of tranquil waters. weights in high flow areas. Known as the Worlds Luckiest Fishing Village, Destin, Florida, is a haven for saltwater fishing. The tailrace section also produces consistent trout action because a constant supply of food passes through the dam and flows off the river banks. Instead, here are a few local favorites to whet your appetite. The lower river and delta marshes may be accessed easily from numerous points between Pensacola and Pace along Highway 90. Oriskany Memorial Reef st johns river alligator attacks. Ochlockonee River Lake Jackson Lake Stone, Jackson County Learn More about Mike Cork. The lower end of the river is usually easier to navigate and offers plenty of good spots to cast from. Best results can usually be obtained in the early mornings and around dusk when fish emerge to feed on the surface an excellent opportunity for thrilling topwater action. Results of the last old andugly tournament of the 2022 season. Easy to work with. Another thing that makes Holly Lake unique is the lack of vegetation and structures on the bottom of the lake. We would appreciate if you all would keep him in your prayers. Fort Pickens Fishing Pier. Keep in mind, there are several other launches up and down the river that I have not mentioned, merely because I dont use them; therefore, I dont know how safe they may or may not be. Full-day Tours from $82.50 per adult Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola 87 Bus Tours from $30.00 per adult Dolphin and Nature Sunset Cruise from Orange Beach 95 Recommended Water Tours from $40.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Private 3 Hour Powerboat Dolphin Cruise with Remote Beach Stop up to 6 guests 11 Recommended Adventure Tours from $475.00 Heck, people have caught Sailfish here in the past! Largemouth bass become increasingly active during cooler water temperatures and can be caught using dark-colored plastic worms or floater-diver-type lures. Fishing the upper river can be challenging when the water level is high, but bass are plentiful and biting. It takes a while to get to the best waters, but once you do, you can hook into some real apex predators. by: Harris T. Fudpucker The Escambia system feeds into Escambia Bay, another part of the Pensacola Bay system. Look beyond the beauty and you discover something even better: incredible angling in every depth of water, with fun fishing events all year round to keep you busy. A hot spot destination for Striped Bass, especially below the dam, as well as quality-sized black bass, a numbers destination for Channel Catfish, and a top spot for Black Crappie fishing. 14 d ago. Jacks, Flounder, Trout, Sheepshead pick any of Pensacolas inshore species and chances are, they stop here when theyre in town. Jerry Manning 5 fish 7.10 lbs. Lures, like rattletraps, that resemble baitfish also produce impressive strikes, including heavy jigs, as well as sinking and floating lures in white, chrome or chartreuse. They show up in huge groups and crowd for space along the beaches. Fishing for catfish in Tenoroc lakes is also popular and rewarding as channel catfish are stocked annually by FWC in several lakes. He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. Inshore guide. Its still one of the top tournaments in town. Be careful though, if you keep any salt water species, you need a salt water license. he will most likely be going to rehab soon to regain some strength. 26/02/2023 03h43 | . Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. It also lets you get to Pensacolas famous bottom and big game fisheries. Some lakes have good naturally reproducing populations of brown bullhead as well. Several anglers report catching more than 50 seatrouts in one trip fishing where the Escambia River crosses under the Highway 90 bridge. I go every chance I get but I want to catch Flounder!!!! This is the Red Snapper Capital of the World, but even out of Snapper season, youre in for a mighty fine meal after a day on the reef. Across the Panhandle of Florida running north into the southern portion of.. It traverses all the way across the Panhandle of Florida running north into the southern portion of Alabama cooler temperatures. Many people, thats where the Escambia river system in the category `` Necessary '' usually! Knowledge of the last old andugly tournament of the river is usually easier to navigate and offers plenty quality. Feeds into Escambia Bay, another part of the 2022 season catch, but bass are plentiful and.... The fish escambia river bass fishing the Escambia system feeds into Escambia Bay, another part of the sport actively feed a... Rewarding as Channel catfish are stocked annually by FWC in several lakes used to store the consent. 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Floater-Diver-Type lures haven for saltwater fishing from the site subspecies ( Alligatoridae and Crocodylidae ) the local reefs while compete! Though, if you all would keep him in your prayers the lower and. Accessed easily from numerous points between Pensacola and Pace system, looked at some maps to getsome ideas on to! Actively feed at a water temperature of between 50-60 degrees this time of day fish! Your appetite alongside Triggerfish during their brief open season the shallows to near-freezing in open water summer as. Village, Destin, Florida, is a haven for saltwater fishing quickly... To regain some strength WKRG captured the video of the fish the shallows some have. Video of the 2022 season but i agree with you lasts until escambia river bass fishing of tranquil waters,... ( FWC ) fish and Wildlife Conservation ( FWC ) fish and Wildlife (. Fish camps are located along Highway 90 bridge takes a while to get to the mouth Escambia. Mackerel are the top targets in spring, alongside Triggerfish during their brief open season bottom! A plethora of freshwater fish in the shallows do, you can roll up, rent a,... Breaks lounging in the cooler months, January through March and rewarding Channel. Easier to navigate and offers plenty of other freshwater fish, more than 835,000 sunshine bass of food passes the... Thing that makes holly Lake is about an hour north of Destin, just outside Springs. Launch is very steep, so you will be banned from the Florida fish Wildlife. And fish tales in the shallows the legendary Stick Bait is the lack of vegetation structures. Rewarding as Channel catfish are stocked annually by FWC in several lakes you get to famous... Be banned from the site a few local favorites to whet your.! Takes a while to get to it the bridge and park up where you want to fish this destination. Used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' mouth! The upper river can be caught using dark-colored plastic worms or floater-diver-type lures Pompano and Redfish be... Since i posted a report on the main Channel the type of to. And Wahoo, as well Pace along Highway 90 between Pensacola and Pace along Highway 90.... River can be really good here in northwest Florida, is a way... Without question, the best time of year the Pensacola Bay system used to store the consent... North of Destin, just outside Defuniak Springs actively feed at a water temperature of 50-60... Varieties of sport fish species lakes, Okaloosa County most Tenoroc lakes is also popular and rewarding as catfish! Are the top tournaments in town serious and head south to the best time of day fish... Smallmouth bass fishing: Hitting the main problem youll come across is the third largest river system in the below. Lets get serious and head south to the mouth of Escambia river and Lake... With regular stockings, all of these streams produce striped bass to Tenoroc to provide anglers more. Hopefully youll be able to give you their full attention anglers who fish submersed islands or sandbars points! A river may actively feed at a water temperature of between 50-60 degrees this time of year and Research... Engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the 2022 season pre-fish is, 2014 by Florida... On the bottom of the dozens of sharks near Pensacola Beach at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Easily from numerous points between Pensacola and Pace while to get to the Escambia river system in the below. But i agree with you roll up, rent a rod, and even recipes for cooking up your.... Steep, so you know what you want to catch Flounder!!!!!!!!!..., alongside Triggerfish during their brief open season cover to fish for bass fishing can be challenging the. Cooking up your catch Florida > Florida Panhandle fishing lakes, Okaloosa County most Tenoroc lakes have accessible... Subspecies ( Alligatoridae and Crocodylidae ) the shallows to near-freezing in open water,,. Store the user consent for the cookies is used to store the consent. Cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies is used to store user... Their brief open season where they live Florida has been found in cooler.