SECRETS OF CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY

Reds In Choctawhatchee Bay

EDITOR'S NOTE: Some of the best 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 Daniel Pike of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, has fished Choctawhatchee Bay for more than 10 years and also goes to the bay to learn how to fish.

The once scarce redfish have made a comeback in Choctawhatchee Bay. Captain Daniel Pike explains, "I've caught more redfish this past year in the bay than in the past two years combined." To take the redfish, Pike fishes around the bridges that cross the bay and in many of the deep cuts and deep channels in the bay.

"We change baits during April, May, September and October when we fish the cuts and the bridges for redfish," Pike explains. "Instead of using the menhaden, we'll fish with a 3- to a 5-inch-long croaker. Unlike the menhaden that like to swim close to the surface, croakers want to feed on the bottom." Pike doesn't tie up to the main line but uses a 1- or 2-ounce weight up the line. During a strong current, he may add a sinker as heavy as 6 ounces. Below the sinker, he'll tie a barrel swivel. Next he'll tie 2 feet of 15- to 17-pound-test leader off the second eye of the barrel swivel. Then he'll tie on his No. 1 Kahl hook. He brings the point of the hook from the bottom lip of the croaker up and out through the croaker's nostril. When no current runs, Pike won't use lead but still will use a barrel swivel and 2 feet of leader. The redfish in Choctawhatchee Bay have made a dramatic comeback, and they offer a good bonus fish once you catch all the trout you want for the day.

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.