Boat doesn't float that skinny. Where do I go for Florida inshore?

[broadwayc]

I just bought a 16' jon boat with a ridiculously heavy and powerful 65 HP motor. I bought it to go to the "flats" off of Aripeka, Crystal River, Mosquito Lagoon etc. BUT right now it's a little to heavy in the stern to risk going in 1' of water. Where could I go to catch trout/reds/snook/blues/grouper...basically anything inshore? I know I can go out in deeper water but is the fishing as good? Any thoughts would help.

Thanks,
Jake

 

[wavrider]

Re: Boat doesn't float that skinny. Where do I go for Florida inshore?

Best bet is to run your backwater canals of of the intercoastal and see what the depth is, you can float fish the flats from the deeper channels for the reds, trout, and other inshore species you are targeting.

I have a Bayliner CC that is deep draw, nephew has a Carolina skiff, if the Jetties are not producing we will run the Bayliner up into the creeks staying in the channel and target the reds and trout. Not as productive but still do able.
Now his skiff we use just for shallow water.

Lift that outboard up out of the water, put you a good trolling motor on the front, this should balance out the weight and get you on the flats and hopefully not hung on a sandbar.

 

[polk county]

Re: Boat doesn't float that skinny. Where do I go for Florida inshore?

You can troll the channels for grouper. Sometimes we catch trout in the channel during low tide. Sharks are pretty fun. Anchoring under a bridge with live bait on a tide change is fun too.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Boat doesn't float that skinny. Where do I go for Florida inshore?

The big redfish bite has already started at the Crystal River power plant channel. If you can get this month's Florida Sportsman there is a real good article on it.

Also, it is pretty close in, so you won't have to venture so far to get on the bite. Helps if you toss a net or use a Sabiki to get somelive bait. If not, Berkely gulp or the old standard for reds, the gold spoon.


Here's a link to Fla. Sportsman...save it!! Go to fishing 4cast...