Ladyfish Fishing in Apalachicola, Florida
Ladyfish are aggressive, high-jumping fish that provide exciting action for anglers of all skill levels. Common in the inshore waters around Apalachicola, they’re often found in schools chasing bait. While not considered good table fare, they’re fun to catch on light tackle and are great for introducing beginners to saltwater fishing.
Where to Catch Ladyfish
Ladyfish are frequently found in:
Bay mouths and tidal creeks
Sandbars and inshore flats
Beaches and passes with moving bait
They feed aggressively during moving tides, especially at dawn and dusk
Best Time to Fish for Ladyfish
| Season | Ladyfish Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring | Abundant — large schools move inshore |
| Summer | Excellent near passes and beaches |
| Fall | Still active — good numbers around bait schools |
| Winter | Fewer fish — some hold near warm outflows |
Peak Season: April through September
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Spoons, jigs, and small topwaters
Bait: Live shrimp or small baitfish
Leaders: 15–20 lb mono or fluorocarbon
Technique: Use quick retrieves to trigger reaction bites
