Hey all, names Eric  I’m a firefighter paramedic from St. Augustine.  I’m pretty new to fishing but dove in pretty heavy. I have always been more into hunting, but this has me addicted. I go every chance I get. I don’t have a boat, and mostly fish ponds in world golf village. Just looking for advice on good spots around St. Augustine, and baits you have had success with. I have had a lot of success with chatter baits and senkos recently but always looking for tips to improve. Also if anyone fishes matanzas inlet, I could always use tips on getting flounder or reds. Thanks in advance!

Welcome!

Welcome to the forums ! 

I haven't fished in W. G. Village due to the limited access, but the pond behind caddyshack used to be full of fish.

If you haven't tried flukes in those ponds, give em a try ! Fish as weightless as possible.

I grew up fishing matanzas inlet. It's no secret, but I'd fish from the North side beach with finger mullet  ( live and cut ) mud minnows , shrimp, and sand fleas for pompano. 

11 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

Welcome!

Thank you

5 hours ago, N Florida Mike said:

Welcome to the forums ! 

I haven't fished in W. G. Village due to the limited access, but the pond behind caddyshack used to be full of fish.

If you haven't tried flukes in those ponds, give em a try ! Fish as weightless as possible.

I grew up fishing matanzas inlet. It's no secret, but I'd fish from the North side beach with finger mullet  ( live and cut ) mud minnows , shrimp, and sand fleas for pompano. 

Thanks for the reply. I’ll have to check that pond out. 

I was going to experiment with flukes next. Most of the ponds here are pretty clear with a dark bottom. What do you suggest for color?

We went out to the inlet the other day on the north side. I was fishing mud minnows because that’s all the bait shop had, been wanting to invest in a cast net. But everyone was getting skunked while I was there. They said the secret is to get there early as possible. Guess I’ll have to try that next. 

On the flukes, I’d use watermelon red or ( I think it’s called) Golden bream. On cloudy days, use watermelon seed. Another good color is watermelon slice. June bug is good early or late in the day. These colors are good in the water clarity you mentioned and are good for any soft plastics. 

Mantanzas can always be hit or miss. Early in the day is fine, but I think tides and wind are more important and the barometer and time of year. I never fish on a southwest wind. My favorite time of year is fall. I would put out 3 rods, at different distances with different baits. Try to find holes and sloughs.

Welcome aboard, Eric!

 

Does your wife know your choice of screen name?  

Welcome

 

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to the forum.

5 hours ago, N Florida Mike said:

On the flukes, I’d use watermelon red or ( I think it’s called) Golden bream. On cloudy days, use watermelon seed. Another good color is watermelon slice. June bug is good early or late in the day. These colors are good in the water clarity you mentioned and are good for any soft plastics. 

Mantanzas can always be hit or miss. Early in the day is fine, but I think tides and wind are more important and the barometer and time of year. I never fish on a southwest wind. My favorite time of year is fall. I would put out 3 rods, at different distances with different baits. Try to find holes and sloughs.

I’ll go grab some of those next time I’m out. 

Yeah, from what I’ve researched the barometer plays a big roll but I didn’t check it that day. 

5 hours ago, Darren. said:

Welcome aboard, Eric!

 

Does your wife know your choice of screen name?  

Haha, yeah she set it up for me. She said.. “what do you want your display name to be?” I said “I don’t know just make it Ilovemywife.” Lol she said she tweeted it and that’s what I ended up with 

2 hours ago, Ilovemywifebutiliketofishmore said:

Haha, yeah she set it up for me. She said.. “what do you want your display name to be?” I said “I don’t know just make it Ilovemywife.” Lol she said she tweeted it and that’s what I ended up with 

You've got a great one there, Eric. Do NOT let go  

Welcome fellow Floridian!!!

Hello Eric and Welcome to Bss Resource ~

A-Jay

Hello and welcome to BR

Welcome home!  We're glad you're here.

Eric, I’m down here now visiting my wife’s grandparents (I’m from Chicagoland), and I brought a rod and a few lures. Not sure which ponds to try in the village though. Any ideas? They’re in LaTerra links by the king and bear