About Crooked River, FL

The Crooked River is found in Franklin County, Florida. It is a waterway that serves as a tidal channel connecting the Carrabelle River with the Ochlockonee River, separating St. James Island from the mainland. 

Franklin County is also known as the Forgotten Coast and is considered as every angler’s paradise. The county’s freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities provide a truly memorable adventure. It features highly productive marine habitats because it is situated on the Gulf coast. This means that the Crooked River is surrounded by a wide variety of fishing hotspots such as the Apalachicola River basin, estuary system, wetlands, barrier islands, oyster bars, sand flats, seagrass flats, and bountiful artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico.  

All About Fishing in the Crooked River, FL

Some of the fish species that you can encounter in the Crooked River include largemouth bass, channel catfish, redfish, and sea trout. The largemouth bass is considered native in most parts of North America. It is a popular food source throughout the world and one of the top fish species for United States fish sports. If you’re hunting a largemouth bass, keep in mind that they like to stay in spots where it is easier to hide such as thick weeds and sunken objects. The most effective way to catch it is by fishing with swim-baits, dragging, and wacky fishing tricks in shallow water and grass-rich areas. 

The channel catfish can also be spotted in the Crooked River. It is a common game fish that is famous for its whiskers or barbels that extend its range of sight to make up for its poor vision. Anglers can use stink bait to lure a channel catfish. Its strong scent attracts this fish species. Keep in mind that it’s best to use sharp hooks to get a good grip on the channel catfish. 

Redfish prefer to stay in shallow waters, bays, oyster reefs, coves, and lagoons. For anglers who like to catch one, keep in mind that this fish species is also considered as protected game fish so there are some regulations to follow. Using prey as live bait is deemed as one of the most effective techniques in catching redfish.

Another fish species that you can spot in the Crooked River is the sea trout. The sea trout migrates from the sea to freshwater during its spawning season. It is known for its torpedo-shaped and elongated body. It is very popular among commercial anglers because it is a common food source that is usually processed and frozen. Most commercial anglers agree that using jerk baits, topwater plugs, plastic shrimp, spoons, and plastic tail grub jigs are effective in catching sea trout. 

Aside from these four fish species, the Crooked River is also home to flounder, tripletail, pompano, and Spanish mackerel. It is a good spot for anglers who want to encounter a wide variety of fish species. Many bait and tackle shops surround Franklin County so anglers who lack specific fishing gear do not need to worry. If you’re an amateur, you can also find a local guide easily.  

Fishing Seasonality

Bass fishing in Florida is a year-round event. However, most anglers agree that the best time to catch a largemouth bass would be the months of March, April, and May. Fishing for a channel catfish is best experienced during late May through early July and October to November. The best time to fish for a redfish is between the months of September through November. The sea trout is at its peak during the fall months of October and November. 

In order to ensure a smooth and fun fishing experience, it is best to be familiar with the different fishing regulations in Franklin County. You can visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) official website for the information you need in planning your next fishing trip.  

Fishing Seasonality

Bass fishing in Florida is a year-round event. However, most anglers agree that the best time to catch a largemouth bass would be the months of March, April, and May. Fishing for a channel catfish is best experienced during late May through early July and October to November. The best time to fish for a redfish is between the months of September through November. The sea trout is at its peak during the fall months of October and November. 

In order to ensure a smooth and fun fishing experience, it is best to be familiar with the different fishing regulations in Franklin County. You can visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) official website for the information you need in planning your next fishing trip.  

All About Fishing in the Crooked River, FL

Some of the fish species that you can encounter in the Crooked River include largemouth bass, channel catfish, redfish, and sea trout. The largemouth bass is considered native in most parts of North America. It is a popular food source throughout the world and one of the top fish species for United States fish sports. If you’re hunting a largemouth bass, keep in mind that they like to stay in spots where it is easier to hide such as thick weeds and sunken objects. The most effective way to catch it is by fishing with swim-baits, dragging, and wacky fishing tricks in shallow water and grass-rich areas. 

The channel catfish can also be spotted in the Crooked River. It is a common game fish that is famous for its whiskers or barbels that extend its range of sight to make up for its poor vision. Anglers can use stink bait to lure a channel catfish. Its strong scent attracts this fish species. Keep in mind that it’s best to use sharp hooks to get a good grip on the channel catfish. 

Redfish prefer to stay in shallow waters, bays, oyster reefs, coves, and lagoons. For anglers who like to catch one, keep in mind that this fish species is also considered as protected game fish so there are some regulations to follow. Using prey as live bait is deemed as one of the most effective techniques in catching redfish.

Another fish species that you can spot in the Crooked River is the sea trout. The sea trout migrates from the sea to freshwater during its spawning season. It is known for its torpedo-shaped and elongated body. It is very popular among commercial anglers because it is a common food source that is usually processed and frozen. Most commercial anglers agree that using jerk baits, topwater plugs, plastic shrimp, spoons, and plastic tail grub jigs are effective in catching sea trout. 

Aside from these four fish species, the Crooked River is also home to flounder, tripletail, pompano, and Spanish mackerel. It is a good spot for anglers who want to encounter a wide variety of fish species. Many bait and tackle shops surround Franklin County so anglers who lack specific fishing gear do not need to worry. If you’re an amateur, you can also find a local guide easily.