Panhandle Fishing Report 8-21-09

Report for 08/21/2009 Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE
Reports say bottom fishing is steady with live bait. Grouper limits are being picked up in 170-190’ of water in the hard bottom area south of Cape San Blas, lots of red snapper to contend with, but a few more gags and scamps are being caught as well. King mackerel bite remains steady also. Drifting live baits is working the best, but dusters and cigar minnows are also effective. Tarpon are slowly moving east and anglers are enjoying regular hook-ups from outside Cape Shoals to Indian Pass and Bob Sikes Cut. Tripletails continue lurking around structure from Indian pass through Appalache bay.

ST JOSEPH BAY
Several reports of large trout came in this week from St Joseph Bay. Sight fishing for them on the flats between Pigs Island and Eagle Harbor and between Eagle Harbor and Pompano Cove has been very productive during the very early and late hours of the day. Live LY’s or hard/soft jerk baits are working. Redfish reports are coming from anglers fishing the west side of St. Joe Bay. A few flounder caught in the channels off Blacks Island and in the intercostals canal on live bull-minnows fished on a Carolina rig along the drop-offs.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS
Red Snapper season is now closed. The Grouper bite has slowed inshore, but good reports are coming from 20 plus miles out. Use large live baits. Wahoo are being caught from 20-40 miles out. Hi speed trollers, like the Yo Zuri Bonita, are a sure bet. King Mackerel seem to be everywhere. They are being caught steadily from the beach out to 40 miles. Lots of AJ’s are still being caught around the 100 foot mark over bridge spans and large wrecks. Big hard tails are the best bet for keeper AJ’s.

ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
King mackerel are being caught regularly off the new city pier along with Spanish, Bluefish, Lady Fish, Redfish and a few Flounder. Tarpon are on the beaches in better numbers now. 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 and West Bays; while Bull Reds are still being caught with live shrimp and pinfish around the jetties. Trout are being caught on the flats with topwater lures early and live shrimp under a cork later.

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.