Bob Smith
bob@bassinbobs.com
Pensacola
Blue
Angels
Bass Page
hook.
com
"BOBS LOCAL RIVER REPORTS"
Local Reports and Fishing Articles
Coastal River Fishing
Where can you go to catch Largemouth Bass? Where can you go
to catch Speckled Trout or Redfish? Now, where can you go and
have a chance to catch both Bass and Trout, on back to back
casts?
The coastal rivers (Blackwater, Choctawhatchee, Escambia, and
others) of Northwest Florida offer unique fishing opportunities. In the lower reaches, where the freshwater and saltwater mix, both freshwater and saltwater species can be caught. But, there are some tricks.
First of all, if you plan on fishing for both types of fish in the same place you need a bait that is versatile enough to be effective on a wide variety of species. Then, the place you fish needs to be considered.
For the bait, a plastic worm should work well and will definitely
catch both species. I have had the experience, frequently, of
thinking I had caught a good “keeper” Bass, during tournaments,
only to find out that it was a decent sized Flounder! A good fish,
but not worth much in a bass tournament. Spinnerbaits, and in-line
spinners, will work quite well also. Besides Bass, Redfish and
Specks strike these flashy baits with gusto. The Fin Shad, a killer
Speck and Red bait, works quite well for Bass also.
Where to fish is another matter. A happy medium has to be found where the salt content is high enough for saltwater fish and low enough for freshwater fish. As a general indicator, the presence of Mullet lets you know that there is sufficient salt for the saltwater species. If you find Mullet leaping in areas where you normally catch Bass then you have a potentially productive place.
Both type fish will relate to structure and cover, so just fish like
you normally would. If there are other species present you may
catch them as well as bass.
So, the next time you are out on one of our coastal rivers and get
a good bit, don't be surprised if the gigantic Bass you think you
have turns out to be a healthy Redfish, Speckled Trout, or other
saltwater resident. But, like in any kind of fishing, there are no
gaurentees for success.
Good luck.
Bob
