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John's Journal... Entry 140, Day 3

SECRETS OF CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY

Fishermen Strike Out

EDITOR'S NOTE: Some of the best speckled trout fishing in the nation is in Destin, Florida. Captain Mike Parker's Guide Service books for three different captains who fish the Choctawhatchee Bay area around Destin almost daily. Captain John Tenore of Mary Esther, Florida, has fished in Choctawhatchee Bay for more than 15 years.

When I questioned Tenore why most anglers strike out on Choctawhatchee Bay, he explained, "Most of the bay's first-time fishermen use the wrong baits. They usually fish with either live shrimp or lures. But in this extremely clear water, the live menhaden that the trout feed on every day produce more fish than shrimp or lures do." Tenore went on to explain that anglers often don't know where to look for trout at different times of the year on Choctawhatchee Bay. "During the Dog Days of summer, the trout primarily hold on the grass flats," Tenore says. "In the winter months, the trout move back into the creeks and the rivers that feed the bay and to the mud-bottom bayous. At that time of the year, trout prefer a 3- to 7-inch-long-live mullet instead of menhaden."

Although the trout primarily follow these two seasonal patterns, they also frequent other spots during the year. For instance, during March and April, Tenore will fish the channels around deep docks, bridges and deep mud bottoms. He expects to find his fish in 15 to 25 feet of water. During May and June, the trout make a transition between their summer and winter homes. So you'll find them in-between the deep docks and the grass flats.

As the weather heats up, the trout arrive back on the grass flats. "I've caught and released 40 trout in one day in May," Tenore comments. "And I've caught 11 trout longer than 20-inches each during a day in May. May offers the best trout fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay. In that month, we often will find trout that weighs 5- to 7-pounds each."

For more information on fishing Choctawhatchee Bay or to fish with one of the guides, contact Mike Parker at 408 Lee Lane, Destin, Florida, 32541, call (877) 827-7667 or check out his website at www.destincharterboats.com.

TOMORROW: THE WIND TELLS YOU WHERE TO CATCH TROUT

 

 

Check back each day this week for more about the Secrets of Choctawhatchee Bay...

Day 1 - Learn How and Where To Catch Speckled Trout
Day 2 - Live Chum
Day 3 - Fishermen Strike Out
Day 4 - The Wind Tells You Where to Catch Trout
Day 5 - Reds In Choctawhatchee Bay


John's Journal