Salt Water
MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE
The Grouper bite is improving this week as they are moving in closer. Trolling Mann’s stretch 25s or 30s in 50’ or shallower water and the stretch 40s in sixty feet of water is accounting for the majority of catches this week.
Amberjack continue to hit on the offshore reefs, and Black Fin Tuna reports are beginning to come in and anglers say to go fifty miles or so out trolling a skirted ballyhoo.
ST JOSEPH BAY
The Trout and Slot Reds are moving in with good numbers in the intercostals canal. Live shrimp are best, but grubs will work, along with DOA’s and Gulp.
Whiting are hitting along the surf all day long, but better numbers are at first light and at dusk.
Flounder are around inshore wrecks. Carolina rig a Bull Minnow on a 1/0 mutu light circle hook with 15lb. fluorocarbon leader and drift near and over the structure.
PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS
Snapper season is closed. For catch and release of these fish, try to stay in 60 feet of water or less to help insure a better mortality rate.
King Mackerel can be caught on hard bottom areas well offshore. Troll Dusters and free-line live or dead bait for the most action. Try a Stretch 25 or large Drone Spoon with 4-6 ounces of lead for bigger Kings.
Grouper are being caught in shallower water. Scamp are being caught within 5 miles of the beach. Lots of Red Grouper can be caught within 10 miles over hard bottom areas. Live bait, whole Boston Mackerel and jigs(Shimano Butterfly or Williamson) are working well. Jigs with a glow color to them are a sure bet.
Amberjack are on many of the inshore wrecks and reefs in good numbers. Try the Bridge Spans for lots of action. The larger fish will be well offshore over hard bottom. Live Cigar Minnows or Pinfish will entice the larger fish, while jigs (Williamson Jig or AJ Jig) will trigger the most bites.
Ladyfish, Bluefish and Bonita are everywhere up and down the beaches right now. Throw Pompano Jigs, Gotcha’s and Spoons on light tackle for a lot of fun.
Team Half Hitch employees: Capt. Dan, Tanya, Gary, and Jay showing off their Bull Reds. Fish caught on Perfect Cast Charters, (850) 227-5149.
ST ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
Mangrove Snappers are all over the jetties right now. They are easy to catch and great to eat. Use live Shrimp with light weight and small hooks for best results.
The Flounder bite has been great. Best reports are coming from close to shore structure in up to 75 feet of water. Also, try Deep Water Point in the state park. Use a Carolina rig with live Bull Minnows for the best results. For artificial bait fishermen, use a 3/8 oz. jig with Gulp Curl Tail Minnows in a variety of colors.
The Trout bite is very good as many have started to move into the creeks, marinas, and intercostals’ waterway. The cooler water temperatures will push these fish into deep holes in these areas. Not much is better than live Shrimp worked slowly on the bottom with a jighead or Carolina rig.
Bull Reds have moved into the pass in numbers. Gulp, Gold Spoons, Live Shrimp, LY’s, Bull Minnows, Pinfish and Cut Bait are working well.
Fresh Water
Bass fishing is slow but reports say fish in 10-12’ of water along drop-offs. They are hitting the bait on the way down, so keep your line tight, and watch for the slight movement.
The Crappie fishing is in high gear and anglers are using live minnows. Fish submerged cover with a small cork and vary your depth until you catch your first one and then do not leave until you get your limit.
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.
