This is a unique 202acre springfed impoundment with crystal clear waters near the city limits of marianna. Merritts mill pond is renowned for its trophy redear shellcracker fishing. Were at blue springs recreational area on merritts mill pond. The taking of fish and wildlife with rifles is prohibited. It has over 200 pullthrough sites, with full hookups and cable. Northwest region florida freshwater fishing regulations. It is important to keep in mind that when the nights start warming into the high 50s and the days warm into the mid 70s, spawning will occur. May 02, 20 a fwc biologist hefts a trophy largemouth bassone of many recently documented by sampling in merritts mill pond. Kayaking in marianna, fla, on merritt mill pond northwest. It will add safety to blue springs park with all the washouts, holes, missing blocks, as well as divert storm water away from the spring discharge. Merritt mill pond is best accessed by canoe, kayak, or small boat. Merritts mill pond a sleeper hit florida sportsman. Square at merritt mill is the eastern shores newest affordable apartment community. Merritts mill pond jackson county tourist development.
Officers little and scott were on vessel patrol on merritts mill pond. Hook and line mullet fishing in the choctawhatchee bay estuaries. Beautiful merritts mill pond in jackson county, florida. March 2011, dad, dale, sandy, falen, and myself finding and catching giant shell cracker.
Great weekend camping and diving at merrits mill pond. Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission division of. If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit tackle, guides, charters. This weeks adventure begins with a two hour drive from the city of fort walton beach to merritt mill pond near the city of marianna, fl, where a gem of a lake lies just waiting to be explored. Merritts mill pond flows into spring creek, which starts just south of the dam on hwy 90. Paddling on an unexpected treat in the florida panhandle.
Merritts mill pond paddling trail guide the waterway merritts mill pond is a unique 202acre springfed lake about 4 miles in length with crystal clear waters in marianna. A fwc biologist hefts a trophy largemouth bassone of many recently documented by sampling in merritts mill pond. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station. Divers, paddlers and anglers find scenic getaway in jackson county. Fed by jackson countys blue springs and numerous other smaller springs, the 4mile, 202 acre pond was. In south florida, shellcracker may spawn as early as the last week of february but more likely around the fourth week of march. Aug 01, 2011 fishing is a popular activity on the pond and several state record holding fish, including a 4. The head spring is called blue spring by the locals, jackson blue by cave divers. The more i explore florida the more i find to love about it. Since 1938, merritts antiques has been a worldwide provider of clock parts, clock repair supplies and antique clocks. This waterway is best know for canoeing and kayaking because of the number. Our boat ramp and boat docks are always open for our guests. Max had researched an interesting area named merritts mill pond near marianna, fl which is.
Fishing is great at the pond and it currently holds the state record for redear sunfish at 4. Merritts mill pond was historically known for its trophy redear sunfish shellcracker fishing. Alabamas record bluegill and shellcracker fishingbama. The pond has existed in its current length since about 1866 when a dam was built at the present site. The dam contains the water issuing from jackson blue spring and the outflow from the dam creates spring creek, another great paddling site. A marianna teenager who caught a potential worldrecord shellcracker weighing nearly five pounds thinks there are fish in the panhandle pond that are much larger. The pond is more known for shellcracker fishing than bass fishing. Redear sunfish, bluegill and spotted sunfish crickets, earthworms, wigglers and catalpa worms are generally the best natural baits.
The subject was cited for possession of undersized shellcracker. We had some tough little guys with us that can hang with the big boys and were tougher than most of my friends in 6265 water and 4060 air temps. Fed by firstmagnitude jackson blue spring and nearly a dozen smaller springs, merritts mill pond is a waterway unlike any other in florida, its unusual hues trapped between rocky slopes and edged with mossdraped cypress trees. The current world record, weighing 5 pounds, 7 12 ounces, was caught in south carolina in august 1998. Diving into discovery at merritts mill pond wfsu local. The pond currently holds the state record for redear at 4. Merritts mill pond near marianna, florida, a crystal clear springfed pond surrounded by cypress forest, is a beautiful setting and a pleasant discovery on our trip to paddle the nearby chipola river. First time i have been on the lake since the late 50s so didnt remember anythng about it.
The souths best shellcracker holes night hawk publications. When i first moved here i didnt know too much about it other than some of the obvious information. Lake homes for sale in florida, lakefront real estate. For some reason, shellcracker prefer a little cooler temperature than bluegill and other bream species. Northwest florida water management district 81 water management drive havana, fl 323334712 850 5395999 800 91518 tollfree 850 5392777.
Merritt mill pond is truly a wildlife lovers dream. Located in marrianna nw fl, merrits mill pond offers excellent cave diving and snorkeling ventures. Georgia lake seminole and worldrecord shellcrackers caught click to enlarge. Merritts mill pond marianna, florida home facebook. What is the best trophy redear, and bluegill lake in america. People often ask me about the history of merritts mill pond. Merits millpond is one of many natural bodies of waters that make for.
Chuck hatcher is the director of jackson countys parks and recreation department. Fishing jackson county tourist development council. Ray scott, archies guest, talks about the history of merritts mill pond in tallahassee, florida. Merritts mill pond fishing hot spots near marianna fl. Merritts mill pond ia a springfed impoundment with crystal clear waters near the city limits of marianna. The lake is fed primarily by blue spring, a first magnitude spring, and a number of smaller springs. Mill cove 2 miramar lakes mizner country club lake 1 moccasin branch creek 1 moultrie creek 1 nassau river 1 newmans lake 1 north fork black creek 1 nurmi isles canals 4 ochlockonee river franklin county 1 ocklawaha river 1. If so are motors allowed or just trolling motors how about cabins to rent. Paddle, swim, fish or cave dive at merritts mill pond in.
Fishing merritts mill pond, fl on 4302020 will be best from 12. Mill pond golf course is a beautiful, 18 hole championship golf course located in medford, ny on long island. Season 1 episode 9 3m 6s we kayak over the clear, spring fed waters of merritts mill pond. Alabamas state and worldrecord bream, both bluegill and shellcracker. Its water feeds the apalachicola watershed and its caves are a draw to divers from around the world. Remember to adjust these times based on barometric pressure, and weather changes. While merritt s mill pond still produces quality redear sunfish, it also produces quality largemouth bass. There are tons of great lakes in this country for bluegill, and redear fishing, but what about for trophy bluegill and redear fishing. Photo of joey with his four pound, thirteen ounce world record shellcracker caught from merritts mill pond in florida. Ray scott, archies guest, talks about the history of merritt s mill pond in tallahassee, florida. Pat lawrence alabama 4 pounds, 4 ounces, chattahoochee state park, 050562, angler. Redear sunfish shellcracker typically begin spawning about one month before bluegill.
Giant shell cracker and bass at the mill pond youtube. Trolling small spinner baits is an effective technique for panfish. Merritts mill pond the dominant sport fish include largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, and spotted sunfish. This waterway is best know for canoeing and kayaking because of the number of stumps that limit motorized boats from speeding across the water.
Shellcracker fishing tips sheelcracker fishing florida. Beautiful merritt s mill pond in jackson county, florida. For the next stop on our florida tour, we were looking for something to break up the drive between floridas springs and the gulf coast. Jan 10, 2018 march 2011, dad, dale, sandy, falen, and myself finding and catching giant shell cracker. Have been wanting to fish this place for a while since it is known for huge shell crackers redear sunfish. The gorgeous caves attract divers from all over the world. Went over to merritts mill pond in marianna yesterday for a few hours. Merritts mill pond jackson county bass fishing florida. The pond currently holds the state record for redear sunfish at 4. Enjoy the ecotourism activities or just rest and watch nature at its finest. Merritts mill pond is a large springfed pond that covers four miles and offers cool crystal clear water yearround.
The focal point of the park is merritts mill pond famous for fresh water fishing. Florida caverns rv resort florida caverns rv resort. Our resort has almost 1800 feet on the crystal clear, spring fed, merritts mill pond. Jackson blue tmdl florida department of environmental.
View more property details, sales history and zestimate data on zillow. Merritts mill pond in jackson county fun 4 emerald coast kids. Merritts mill pond florida fishing map and location information. Dad even caught two 6 lb bass in the same bed he was catching shell cracker.
Windham of ariton, in dale county, caught a 4pound, 10ounce shellcracker from merritts mill pond, which is only 16 miles from chattahoochee state park but that pond is in northwest florida. Zillow has 0 homes for sale in marianna fl matching merritts mill pond. Merritts mill pond outfall northwest florida water. The pond holds the state record for the largest shellcracker, at 4. Ask us to customize your salad with any ingredients from our menu. The mill pond is a 202 acre impoundment created in the 19th century by construction of a dam for a grist mill. They checked a subject who was in possession of seven undersized shellcracker. Jul 19, 2016 great weekend camping and diving at merrits mill pond. The 270acre, 1012 foot deep pond is located in marianna, fl. Florida caverns rv resort is a quiet and tranquil country like setting along the banks of a crystal clear spring fed river. Considered to be one of the most beautiful springs to explore by divers, jackson blue. Redear sunfish less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Dec 17, 2015 we got to see some of the paddling and cave diving opportunities on merritts mill pond, but its also a renowned fishing spot. The links style layout situated on over 200 acres is reminiscent of classic scottish. Fishing far from your boat, on cloudy or rainy days or when there is a ripple on the water may produce the best results when fishing in this clear water. The 202 acre pond is a paradise for swimming, boating, fishing and cave diving. Joseph floyd georgia 4 pounds, 2 ounces, richmond county pond, 060695, angler. Merritts mill pond marianna pensacola fishing forum. These brand new apartment homes feature modern amenities and comforts that make coming home something special. As a well established clock parts supplier, merritts offers any hobbyist or experienced repairman an extensive selection of clock and watch repair tools, supplies, parts and books. Diving into discovery at merritts mill pond season 1. Merritts mill pond is created by a dam at highway 90 just east of marianna. Here is where the state record red ear sunfish, aka shellcracker one of the fish served on our recent rivertrek adventure was caught.
Mar 20, 2011 merritt mill pond is about 4 miles in length from the dam to the springs. Two of those awards were for stories produced for the wfsu ecology blog. What i do remember was the water was crystal clear and the shellcracker were huge. Join us on the 22 acre bigrig friendly rv resort where you can fish, dive, snorkel, swim, boat, paddleboard, kayak, tube, lounge, hike, relax, and reunite with nature, with resort amenities at your fingertips. Fishing times for merritts mill pond near marianna.
Merritts mill pond is fed by a first magnitude spring, it pumps more than 64 million gallons of water per day. The pond currently holds the state record for shellcracker at 4. See more ideas about lake dock, pond and house styles. From the worldrecord shellcracker out of merritts mill pond, to the 79 species swimming the depths of lake seminole, jackson county is a nationally known. Merritts mill pond is renowned for its trophy redear sunfish shellcracker fishing. Got a couple of small bass on worms while fishing for shellcrackers and hung a nice one on a swim bait that got off. This was last spring, they should be starting up again soon. Merritts mill pond is a lake in jackson county, florida and can be found on the marianna usgs topo map. Merritts mill pond paddling guide florida department of. Apalachicola river and bay ecoadventures kayak and canoe adventures rivers and streams.
We caught a few crawfish, but not enough for a meal,so we released them back into the pond. This is a private campground on merritts mill pond in marianna. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is chipley 3 e which is approximately 19 miles away and has an elevation of feet 55 feet higher than merritts mill pond. Oct 01, 2017 ray scott, archies guest, talks about the history of merritts mill pond in tallahassee, florida. The lake is accessible off us 90 in marianna by taking sr 71 north 1. While merritts mill pond still produces quality redear sunfish, it also produces quality largemouth bass. Kayaking merritt mill pond near marianna, fl northwest. Merritts mill pond topo map in jackson county, florida. We are conveniently located off us highway 90 and interstate 10 in marianna, florida. Merritts mill pond fishing, jackson county fl marianna area.