Fishing the Choctawhatchee Bay
If you’re a tourist visiting Choctawhatchee Bay and planning to fish near the Clyde Wells Bridge (also known as the U.S. Highway 331 Bridge), you’re in for a great experience! This area is a prime spot for targeting redfish and other native species like speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead, and flounder, thanks to its mix of structure, tidal flow, and access to both shallow flats and deeper channels. Here’s what you need to know about bait and what you can pick up at Copeland’s Gun and Tackle Shop in Freeport, just a short drive north of the bridge.
Bait for Redfish and Other Native Species
For redfish, which are a signature catch in this area, they’re aggressive feeders with a keen sense of smell and sight, often foraging near the bottom. Here are some top bait options:
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Live Shrimp: A universal favorite for redfish. They’ll hit it hard, especially near the bridge pilings or grassy flats. Rig it under a popping cork or free-line it with a light weight to keep it near the bottom.
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Live Mullet or Pinfish: Small finger mullet or pinfish (3-5 inches) are irresistible to big reds. Hook them through the lips or back and let them swim naturally around structure or drop-offs.
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Crabs (Fiddler or Blue): Redfish love crustaceans, especially around oyster beds or rocky areas near the bridge. Use a small hook and light weight to present them naturally.
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Artificial Lures: If you prefer lures, go for a gold or silver spoon (like a Johnson Weedless Spoon) to mimic baitfish, or a soft plastic paddle-tail (like a Gulp! Shrimp or Z-Man MinnowZ) in natural colors (white, chartreuse, or new penny). Work these with a slow retrieve or twitch them near the bottom.
For other native species:
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Speckled Trout: They’ll hit live shrimp or mullet too, but also love topwater plugs (like a MirrOlure Top Dog) or soft plastics under a popping cork. Look for them in grassy areas or where the current breaks near the bridge.
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Black Drum: Similar to redfish, they’ll take shrimp or crabs, especially fiddler crabs or cut blue crab. Fish these on the bottom near pilings or deeper holes.
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Sheepshead: These structure-lovers go crazy for fiddler crabs, shrimp, or barnacle scraps. Drop them right next to the bridge pilings with a small split shot.
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Flounder: Use live minnows (like mud minnows or finger mullet) or a soft plastic jig bounced along the sandy bottom near the bridge or adjacent flats.
Seasonally, since it’s April, redfish and trout should be active post-spawn, feeding heavily in the bay. The bridge area will have tidal movement stirring up bait, making it a hotspot.
What to Buy at Copeland’s Gun and Tackle Shop
Copeland’s, located at 17290 U.S. Hwy 331 S, Freeport, FL, is a local gem about 2.5 miles north of the Clyde Wells Bridge. They cater to anglers fishing Choctawhatchee Bay and the nearby river, so they’ll have what you need. Here’s what you can pick up:
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Live Bait: They typically stock live shrimp and freshwater minnows (like mud minnows or bull minnows), which work great for redfish, trout, and flounder. Call ahead (850-835-4277) to confirm availability, as live bait can vary day-to-day.
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Frozen Bait: Look for frozen shrimp, mullet, or squid. These are reliable backups if live bait is scarce and still attract redfish and drum.
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Tackle: Grab some 2/0 or 3/0 kahle or circle hooks for live bait, and a few 1/4 oz to 1/2 oz jig heads for soft plastics. Pick up 15-25 lb fluorocarbon leader (redfish have sharp eyes), split shots, and a couple of popping corks for versatility.
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Lures: They’ll likely have gold spoons, soft plastics (like Gulp! or Z-Man), and maybe some topwater plugs. Ask for local favorites—staff at Copeland’s know what’s biting in the bay.
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Gear: If you’re light on equipment, get a medium-action spinning rod (6’6” to 7’) paired with a 3000-series reel, spooled with 20 lb braid. They might have combos ready to go.
Tips for Fishing Clyde Wells Bridge
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Tides: Fish the incoming or outgoing tide when baitfish get pushed around the pilings and channels. Check a local tide chart (the bridge is near the bay’s midpoint, so tides are strong).
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Spots: Cast near the pilings for sheepshead and drum, along the grassy edges for trout and reds, or in the deeper channel for bigger redfish and flounder.
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Regulations: You’ll need a Florida saltwater fishing license (available online or possibly at Copeland’s). Keep redfish 18-27 inches (1 per person daily) and check size/bag limits for other species.
Stop by Copeland’s early (they open at 6 a.m. Monday-Saturday) to gear up, chat with the staff about what’s working, and head to the bridge. It’s a straightforward spot for a tourist—accessible by shore or boat—and you’re likely to hook into something memorable. Enjoy your trip!