Fishing in the Canals off Charlotte Harbor (Christmas: to buy, living)

[ActionMgt]

My husband and I just moved to a salt water canal on Bedford Drive (end lot) and was wondering what the fishing is like in our canals here? if you look at the map of the canals off of Charlotte Harbor, we are all the way on the top one at the very end, which makes me think that not very fish make it up this far. Do you think this is true? I am told to use shrimp as everything likes shrimp... any other advice? What's the best way to get started? My husband has a variety of assorted rods and reels that were quite expensive... We are living on Social Security alone now and money is tight so we would like to try to catch some fish from our back yard. Any advice you could give us on the best way to get started would be very helpful. Also can you find any oysters or clams or mussels in this area? We did notice a few blue crabs by our dock pilings... what's the best way to catch them? We're beginners, as you can tell!
Thank you and Merry Christmas to all of you! So glad to be down here where it's warm and sunny!

[1dobiedude]

Welcome to the area. Can't help with your canal but you can go to Fishin Franks on 41 and talk to them. They also give seminars so you can learn as well.


The store is on 41 on the left coming from PG about a mile or so from the bridge.


Their website is www.fishinfranks.com.


Good luck


Clint

[HarborRat]

That is not far from the harbor at all. There should be plenty of fish and crabs there. Use shrimp or lures for the fish and a good crab trap or two for the crabs. And I second Fishin Franks, they will tell you everything you need to know.

[ActionMgt]

okay good, I knew about Fishin' Franks, just haven't had a chance to go there yet, what with the holidays and all...Thanks for the advice and the information! Much appreciated! Getting excited...

[Harbor Hopper]

Yes, you will get plenty of fish up there. Snook, sheephead, mangrove snapper, an occasional redfish, and others. Shrimp on the bottom (you'll get a lot of catfish if you let it sit too long), or under a cork. Cut bait (mullet or ladyfish) works good too. Whitebait/greenies will also get eaten.
As far as the crabs, you'll need to get you a crab trap (~$20-25) and stuff the bait basket with meat scraps. Let it soak for 2 days and check it. Good luck, and most important, HAVE FUN!!!!

[Macgregorsailor]

If your not having fun its probably time to try something else..

Originally Posted by Harbor Hopper

Yes, you will get plenty of fish up there. Snook, sheephead, mangrove snapper, an occasional redfish, and others. Shrimp on the bottom (you'll get a lot of catfish if you let it sit too long), or under a cork. Cut bait (mullet or ladyfish) works good too. Whitebait/greenies will also get eaten.
As far as the crabs, you'll need to get you a crab trap (~$20-25) and stuff the bait basket with meat scraps. Let it soak for 2 days and check it. Good luck, and most important, HAVE FUN!!!!

[SeaRay35]

Don't listen to people who tell you you are not having fun fishing. It is fishing not catching and a little time and determination pays off ten fold. Enjoy!

[fisher419]

Originally Posted by SeaRay35

Don't listen to people who tell you you are not having fun fishing. It is fishing not catching and a little time and determination pays off ten fold. Enjoy!

Yeah this! I fish all the time and I stink at it. One day I hope to be the man like MA...haha.

[Messing About]

Originally Posted by fisher419

Yeah this! I fish all the time and I stink at it. One day I hope to be the man like MA...haha.

you're just being nice....
But keep that up!

Look in the real fishing forum.

[ActionMgt]

thanks for all your replies.. we plan to buy at least one crab trap and will try our hand at fishing the canals sometime this winter, as soon as we recover from our two moves this summer... we aren't spring chickens any more!