Salt Water
MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE
The weather was sketchy this week however, the snapper bite continued to be good on near and offshore structure, weather and seas permitting. No Mahi or Wahoo reports this week but King mackerel, again weather permitting was excellent, on and around local structures. The big news was a rather large Warsaw grouper landed near the Apalachicola bridge rubble site SE of St George Island. The fish was not weighed, but based on the fish’s length and girth; it may have had world record potential. The estimated weight was about 446 lbs. Kudos to Clint Haley, and Shawn Daniels.
Picture of young angler “Tennessee Chuck received fishing lessons from youngster, Speckled trout 5.1 pounds, 27 inches”
ST JOSEPH BAY
Redfish and trout catches remain very good this week. Fishing early is a good idea because of the masses of people harvesting scallops in St Joe bay. As usual, the hot spots are around Black’s island and in the channel by Pigs Bayou. This week, reports had more catches with DOA popping corks rigged with an artificial shrimp imitation. Of course, live LYs accounted for the vast majority of trout hook ups.
PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS
A few Sailfish have been caught free-lining live baits out the buoy line and Cobia are popping up on the wrecks. The Red Snapper bite is still real good over the wrecks and hard bottom areas. Wahoo are being caught from 20-40 miles out. Hi speed trollers, like the Yo Zuri Bonita, are a sure bet. King mackerel are being caught in great numbers. They are being caught steadily around the Whistle and Weather buoys trolling and free-lining cigar minnows. The Grouper bite has slowed in shore, but good reports are coming from 30 miles out. Use large live baits to get past the Snapper! Lots of AJ’s are still being caught around the 100 foot mark over bridge spans and large wrecks.
ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
Tarpon have shown up on the beaches for their annual migratory run. Be stealthy, throw live baits, and keep your fingers crossed for a hook up! Ladyfish, Bluefish, and Spanish mackerel are biting good at the jetties on spoons and Gotcha Plugs. Mangrove Snappers are still being caught off the rocks with live shrimp. Redfish have been found on the flats in East Bay; while Bull Reds are still being caught with top water plugs on the out-going tide around the jetties. Trout are being caught on the flats with topwater lures early and live shrimp under a cork later.
Fresh Water
The Shell cracker and Bluegill bite remains hot. Fishing in 3-4 ft. of water with a wiggler will fill your stringer. In the after noon, try the zoom brush hog in 6 to 8 foot of water for bass.
Half Hitch Tackle
850-234-2621
2206 Thomas Dr
Panama City, FL 32408
www.halfhitch.com
Fishing Report prepared by Half Hitch Tackle Staff.
The Captains Corner Fishing Report is provided by local charter captains and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Half Hitch Tackle.
This report is dedicated to the memory of Al Hubbard.
Al Hubbard was a field editor for Florida Sportsman magazine, an outdoor writer for the News Herald and a board member of the Florida Outdoor Writer's Association.
Mr. Hubbard was also the owner of Al's Outdoors Outfitting Services.
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