St Martin/St Maarten

[stark1728]

I'm headed down to St Martin next week and was wondering if it was worth the effort to bring my flats fishing gear. I don't have room in the budget for a guide so I'll just be walking the shoreline or flats. Can anybody clue me in? Thanks.

[catspaw]

I haven't been in many years but the water around Simpson Bay on the Dutch side used to have snook, tarpon and bonefish. After dark when the water dumps out of Simpson Bay tarpon used to stage on the downcurrent side of the drawbride and slurp shrimp. Some bones and snook could be found either inside the salt pond or on the beaches outside where the water empties into the bay. Again I haven't been there in many years, I'm sure things have changed a lot. Hope this helps.

[fleshfly]

I don't have much info, but I was down there this past december, I didn't find out about the salt ponds until I got down there. I did bring my stuff, but found travling/driving on the island was a pain in the butt, so I didn't venture over to the ponds. In addition, the wind kicked up pretty fierce during the day, which limited any fishing from the beach. I'd definatly bring your stuff, as you may be close to the ponds.

[stark1728]

thanks for the tips. where are the salt ponds? do you think there will be activity in the early am (when my wife will be sleeping and i can get away for some fishing)?

[ericj1968]

I'm heading down there in a few days and I'm having a hard time finding any shore fishing tecniques too.I'm bringing my 8 weight fly rod and reel and an 8 foot med/heavy spin casting set up.I'll cruise the shore lines at dusk by the sounds of it and look for "finning", hopefully there's a tackle shop down there but I'm bringing shrimp paterns and top water lures.I'll keep searching for info and post as I find it.

[ericj1968]

I'm heading down in a few days and am also having a tough time finding shore fishing tecniques.Sounds like cruising the shore line at dusk for "finning" fish and some tidal pools are the thing.I'm bringing my 8 weight fly rod and 8 foot med/heavy spin cast set up.I'm hoping there is tackle shop down there but I'll bring shrimp patterns and top water lures with me.I'll keep searching and post as I find things.Cheers Eric

[Dangerous]

Hey there, just checking in to see how you guys did recently?