Panhandle Fishing Report 12-26-08

Report for 12/26/2008
Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE
A few good reports coming in on grouper caught trolling Mann’s Stretch lures around the inshore wrecks of Dog Island and Mexico Beach. Some good amberjack and grouper with a few black-fins caught off the deeper wrecks like the Zinnia. The big redfish have not quite turned on in this area however, around the bell shoals and the buoy line; a few were brought in. Use any big artificial lure like the 5-inch Calcutta flash foil or trolling a stretch 25' will cover more ground. The key for the reds still the birds, just look for any significant bird activity and more than likely you will find the reds working below them.



Capt. Pete White from Port St. Joe with a Redfish

ST JOSEPH BAY
Not much change here, larger trout continue to move into the intercoastal canal. Lots of fresh water influx from the rivers has slowed the trout bite beyond the T and the best catches are from the T to the George Tapper Bridge. The PSJ marina basin offers the most consistent trout bite in the area. Live shrimp Carolina rigged or on a ¼ oz jig-head working well, but the DOA shrimp is working well. In the canal, you can also catch some nice sheepshead. Whiting are still with us and are caught in good numbers using fresh shrimp.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS
Grouper are being caught more consistently closer to shore. Try areas out to 10 miles. Amberjack are still plentiful over the bridge trusses and large artificial reefs from 8 – 14 miles offshore.



Our very own Gary caught this 30" Gag Grouper approximately 2 miles offshore.

Effective January 1st 2009, the total aggregate Grouper limit will remain at 5 fish. But, Black/Gag Grouper will be reduced to 2; while Red Grouper will remain at 1. The remaining portion of the limit can be made up with other Grouper species including Warsaw and Scamp. Also, Amberjack and Trigger Fish size limits will change in State waters to 30” for AJs and 14” for Triggers.

ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
Bull Reds are being caught with live shrimp and pin fish around the jetties. Trout have moved into the creeks and bayous with the cooler temperatures. The Steam Plant is producing a lot of fish. Live shrimp will produce the most fish.

DESTIN
We are ending a fantastic year of fishing with a bang and looking forward to 2009. At the jetties there have been plenty of Sheepshead, some Reds and surprisingly this month there has been a very good supply of keeper grouper. In the bay the trout have been good in the east end of the bay mostly east of the 331 bridge. On the west end it has been mostly reds and flounder around the bridges with some white trout action in the harbor.

In the gulf the flounder bite is good and some grouper not too far off shore, both Gags and Red grouper. Off at the rigs the tuna bite has been good and a few Wahoo and Dolphin are being caught. The big surprise has been Killer Whales spotted in the gulf. I guess they are coming in for there snapper dinner fix.

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.