Salt Water
PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
Well, Red snapper is closed along with Gag grouper and Amberjack so there is a lot of talk about it not being worth going out. Hang in there though, Amberjack opens back up August 1st, and Gag grouper will re open for recreational fishermen September 15th through November 16th. In the mean time, there is a pretty hot pelagic bite, Kings, Mahi Mahi , and Wahoo have been found along the weed lines. Be sure to be ready for the finicky Triple tail, you will need a lighter rig for them, say 15-20 lb. flourocarbon leader and a small hook with a live shrimp or other small live bait. Some artificial baits will work as well, but sometimes you can not beat the attraction of a livey. Some days the weed line is close to shore, and some it is out a ways. High speed trolling lures are a good way to go on the hunt while still fishing. You are out there to catch fish and you can not catch fish with out a hook in the water!
ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
Still a lot of reports of oversize Reds in the pass, and at both Tyndall and Hathaway bridges. Speckled trout and smaller Reds have been reported in good numbers in North bay, and West bay at day break. This early morning high tide we are experiencing is responsible for that. Those fishing with larger baits were catching fewer, but better quality fish. Flounder seem to still be around and local anglers are pretty tight lipped about where. Can you blame them? Don't despair though, this just gives you an excuse to try some new spots and tactics.
Tyler Weldon of Sugar Hill GA caught a 78 inch sailfish, Panama City 3 miles @ the whistle buoy using light tackle he was flat lining cigar minnows with a 4/0 circle hook! .
PANAMA CITY BEACH SURF & PIER
A few reports of Kings and Spanish mackerel at both the county and city pier. Bonita are there as well feeding on the schools of L Y's that have been spotted lately. This has also attracted schools of large Redfish. There has been a lot of June grass along the beach which has made surf fishing difficult but these conditions change daily, so if you are wanting to fish the surf have a plan B just in case the grass is a problem. Those that have managed to catch something have moved around until they found relatively clear water, and of those reports some Whiting, Ladys and Bluefish were reported.
DESTIN
We have heard of some nice trigger fish and Mingo snapper in water 65 to 150 ft both southeast and southwest of the pass. There have been some Red groupers on the east beach and along the edge. Wahoo and Dolphin are on the south edge and out to the Flats, 131 hole and nipple area. Kings are good along the beach and out to the timber holes. Amberjack season opens in a few days, August 1st.
Surf fishing is producing a few ladyfish and hardtails during the day and sharks at night. On the pier tarpon at first light and a few late in the day, Kings have been slow in the pier. On the jetties, lots of small jacks, a little redfish action and a few ladyfish make for a great day of fishing. In the bay, a good bite of trout, a few reds and some flounder. Almost all of the good bay fishing is under dock lights and bridges after dark.
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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