Guided Mr. Fred Nordmeyer and his son, Philip, this morning before the rain. The father and son duo wanted to learn more about the upper bay systems particularly the Blackwater and East Bay area. Although the Blackwater Bay area is still very fresh and cloudy from the rains, Fred and Philip are now armed with some very valuable knowledge for producing huge numbers of redfish in Blackwater. It seemed the fish were a bit less active this morning but we still produced some quality fish. Concentrated on small schools of mullet in 3-4 feet of water with Gulp 5″ Jerkshads in camo, some with rattles and some without. Ended up with 14 very nice Flounder, 8 respectable Redfish and 10 hefty trout. We also dropped and missed quite a few good fish. *Philip really came through at the end with 2 Redfish and 1 Flounder on his own with artificial baits. He stuck with it all morning and I hope he learned a ton about fishing. All fish released except 6 flounder and 2...
Read MoreImportant Announcement regarding upcoming Redfish University trips-March 2, 2009
Dear Clients and scheduled anglers, Thanks to everyone who has enrolled and graduated from Redfish University. We continue to stay very busy with 3-5 Redfish U. classes per week. Thank you everyone. The month of March is typically a boat transition period for me and this March is no exception. With several Redfish University trips tentatively booked in the coming weeks, I have contacted several of you to reschedule if possible. Today, I cleaned out my 2008 Hewes 21 Redfisher to take delivery of my brand new 2009 Hewes Redfisher. Unfortunately, I will be personally boatless for a few weeks. But never fear!! For those that have the flexibility to reschedule have done so, those that would like a Redfish University session on their OWN boat(insurance and waiver) are very welcome to here locally. For those who wish to experience a Redfish University trip on a 2009 Maverick/Hewes flats boat, trips will be available in Destin and Panama City ONLY for the next few weeks. A 2009 Maverick 17 HPX with a Yamaha F90 will be my temporary redfish catching machine. My apologies for the short inconvience and see everyone at Redfish U. soon....
Read MoreDozens and dozens at Redfish University-2/27/09
Guided Mr. Jim Lawrence and his son Brett this morning on an epic Redfish University trip. What a fun day with some really nice people!! We absoluting hammered the redfish sticking over 30 quality fish(23-27″) with a few 3-4# trout mixed in. Concentrated on very shallow flats with large schools of mullet. All fish caught on 1/4oz. Johnson Gold Spoons. All fish released. This was definitely a Top 5 Redfish U. Trip of the...
Read MoreEmerald Coast Saltwater Seminar Series-2/18/09
Hey Everybody, Sorry for the delay. This is a rough draft but they are my notes. There’s actually two pieces. Thanks for coming to the seminar and see you in March! Sightfishing for redfish seminar. Tonight’s topic is sightfishing for redfish. Looking forward to this seminar. Sightfishing is exactly what is says, Fishing from sight. Much more goes into this technique though besides seeing and casting. Sightfishing is performed in 1′ of water to about 3′ of water. Bay boats with drafts of less than 14″ or so are fine. Rods and reel Light to medium action rod able to make long, accurate casts. Spinning or baitcaster is fine. Generally, spinning tackle will allow better distance and accuracy. Reels with 8-12 pd test mono or 10-20 braid. 10-20 pound fluorocarbon leaders 30-40″ long. Try not to use a swivel. A line to leader knot will increase success. Bait Livebait is possible but difficult in sightfishing. Gold spoons, Gulp Shrimp, crabs and jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, suspending plugs. Topwater is not recommended but can be used while blindcasting. Also, anything that a bass will eat, a redfish will eat, including plastic worms. My favorite baits in this area(Pensacola): 1. 3 inch Gulp Shrimp or Crab on a flutterhook or Gamakatsu 1/16 oz lead. 2. 1/8 Johnson Gold spoons 3. Gulp 5″ Jerkbaits on flutterhook or 1/16 or 1/8 oz. Areas to sightfish for redfish in our area: Any shallow flats or bank will hold redfish. Areas that contain oyster bar or shells, sawgrass, black root systems on the bank, dark muddy bottoms, sand bottoms and grass bottom will all have redfish. All the above in one section is the best. North Escambia Bay, Garcon point, East Bay, Big Lagoon, North Santa Rosa Sound are great places to sightfish for redfish. Things to look for when sightfishing: Clear water- redfish love clear water. You can see the fish much easier and you can identify bottom conture and vegetation. Also bait will be easier to see. Water movement- incoming and outgoing flow is important. Redfish like a little water movement like most fish and they feed better. Look for bait (particularly mullet)- When...
Read MoreRedfish U. prefishing!! 1/29/09
Got out this afternoon with friend, Eric M, to do some prefishing for several upcoming Redfish University trips. Fished for a few hours and did very well with several nice redfish from 23-27″(one at 8#) and some very nice trout. All fish caught on Gulp! 5″ Jerkshads in camo and nuclear chicken. All fish...
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