General

Question
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Thanks for your answers, I was really concerned about taking my fresh water outboard into the salt, but I guess for a few outings and some elbow grease it should be fine.

I will be in the apalachicola bay area at the first of June.  Do you recommend any specific structure to look for when fishing for red, trout, etc?  And, any common baits you use?  Do fish congregate around bridge pylons or would this be a waste of time?  Thanks again

Answer
-Trent
 
Don't worry about your engine.  Modern marine engines are quite well protected from salt.  Hose it off with fresh water and if you will be using it again within a few weeks at home in fresh water, that will rinse out the cooling system of any residue salt.  If not, then do try to run it with a hose connected to a set of "ear muffs" that fit over the water intake.  

Most of my fishing is done in the North East so I can not be of much help with specifics about the particular species you will be seeking.  One basic rule I believe applies to all species everywhere is the phrase used by fly fishermen when seeking trout.  That is to "match the hatch", and I try to do this with salt water species.  I do a great deal of striped bass fishing.  In the spring the fish are feeding on shrimp and sea worms that are the predominant forage available.  My baits, lures, rigs, and presentation is based upon presenting similar things.  By mid summer, the fish feed on small baitfish of various types and I adjust my selection accordingly.  By fall, there is a great abundance of larger food fish and my choices are adjusted accordingly.  

You will have to find out from a local source just what the fish are feeding on and where, during the time you will be there.  I am sorry I cannot help out on this.  Finding fish is often the most difficult part of fishing.  No matter how well you present your offering, if there are no fish around, you will not catch.  Once you locate the fish, there is no guarantee you will catch, but at least you have a chance.  

My experience has shown that all fish like some sort of structure.  But this does necessarily mean major things such as bridges.  Some of my favorite and most productive back bay spots are small channels where either a sharp bend or quick change in depth holds fish.  Use your depth recorder.  If you are marking fish, even if these are just bait, chances are you are over a location that will attract and hold species you are seeking.  If the recorder shows nothing, chances are you will not catch.  But do not be surprised if the same location that had an empty screen suddenly fills up as you make a second pass as little as just a few minutes later.  Baitfish and the species that feed upon them move around.

Look for anything different in the waters you intend trying.  The changes in depth often result in surface eddys and rips.  These are often slight, but enough to attract fish.  Watch for any surfact activity of feeding fish.  Sea gulls are much better at finding fish than we are, so keep an eye on them and if they start gathering over a spot, check it out.  

I fish both salt and fresh water.  There are really very little differences between the two, especially when fishing in the bays.  If nothing else seems to be working, just imagine the bay is a fresh water lake and ask yourself where you would I try to find fish, then go ahead a do it.  

Good luck, I hope I have been of some help.

-Rich