Report for 09/18/2009
Salt Water
MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE
Scattered thunderstorms and rain have kept the majority of anglers on shore this week. However, those who did make it offshore reported a grouper bite about 40 miles out. Large dead baits such as butter flied Spanish or Boston Mackerel were used and worked very well according to reports. Mangrove snapper are biting strong around the inshore wrecks. Live pinfish we used and responsible for the majority of catches, but jigs and even cigar minnows brought in nice snapper... King mackerel fishing picked up this week and the majority of the fish are out 15-20 miles and averaging 10-15 pounds. Flat lining while bottom fishing is again the most effective method in bringing kings this week.
ST JOSEPH BAY
Redfish continue to be off the grass flats and sand bars and again, the best time for fishing will be the first thing in the morning. Live LY’s are plentiful and make the best bait for both redfish and trout. Some very nice trout were caught this week outside Pigs Island and around the middle grounds. Live shrimp free lined is working well. Do not be afraid to use a Topwater or other artificial baits in the morning and late afternoon as these are still catching nice trout and redfish as well. Mirrolures and Berkley gulp are working well along with the Cajun Thunder popping corks. A few pompano were caught this week around pompano point on a pink fairwater jig.
PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS
King Mackerel are still biting very well from the beach out to 40 miles. Grouper have slowed way down. To find them, fish well offshore 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. 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
Mangrove Snappers are very plentiful under the bridges and at the jetties. Use live shrimp. King Mackerel are being caught regularly off the new city pier along with Spanish, Bluefish, Lady Fish, Redfish and a few Flounder. Ladyfish, Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel are biting good at the jetties on spoons and Gotcha Plugs. 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.
NAVARRE
SURF
The Spanish mackerel and Skipjack are all through the surf. Any bright shiny lure that is travelling very quickly will take their share. As the water starts to cool a little this month, the Pompano bite should be getting better each day. I have had some good reports of small Pompano being caught already. Live or frozen sand fleas will be the ticket. On calmer days Kayak fisherman can reach the King mackerel just at the drop off in 20’ of water. Try live lining or slow trolling live cigar minnows. You can catch a lot of bait by simply jigging some sabiki rigs.
SOUND AND BAYS
Nothing has changed much here. Anglers can expect to see great Trout and Redfish fishing around the grass flats from Tiger Point to the grass flats just east of the bridge. A lot of the fish will be caught on live shrimp under a popping cork. Also try using a 1/4oz jig tipped with a GULP! shrimp or jerk shad under the same popping cork. There have also been plenty of Trout and Redfish landed in East Bay from the Garcon Point bridge up to the power lines crossing the entrance to the East River. These fish are still in a summertime pattern, early morning and late afternoon forays will be the best times to fish. Artificial baits will take their fare share of fish to. Flounder have begun to show up around the docks and bridge pilings, but don’t overlook any type of structure. Live minnows are best. As the water cools this fishing will improve as well. Don’t overlook the summertime night fishing around the lighted docks. There are some nice fish right in the light, but don’t overlook the darker edges of the light either. Live shrimp is a great bait to use, try a smaller hook size so the shrimp swims naturally. The Berkley GULP! baits do well fished with a split shot or under a small popping cork.
NEAR SHORE – GULF
King Mackerel are still the hot bite near shore and continue to bite strong in and around the passes and inshore reefs in 40 to 80 feet of water. Trolling or fly lining live cigar minnows when anchored up has been the top producer. Dolphin continue to show up in increasing numbers especially around anglers fishing for bottom species. Just remember to have a rod ready and rigged with a pitch bait when they do show up. The near shore reefs and wrecks are also producing good numbers of Amberjack, Grouper, Red Snapper (season is closed), Black Snapper, Lane Snapper and Triggerfish. The Grouper are being caught on large pinfish, threadfins or hardtails with their tail clipped to make it easier for the grouper to catch them. The Snappers will nail a live cigar minnow fished on the very bottom.
OFFSHORE – GULF
Amberjack are almost on every wreck from 80’ on out with the largest fish being caught in deeper water of 100’ or more. I have had some nice reports of fish in the 30# to 40# class being landed. Look for Grouper to remain on the near shore reefs and wrecks. Fish in the 10# to 15# range will hit pinfish, threadfins and hardtails. You will have to remove the tails from the Hardtails; otherwise they are next to impossible to get to the bottom on a light weight. Dolphin and Triple Tail can still be found on just about any floating structure. A jig tipped squid or shrimp will take the Triple Tail. A cut or live Cigar minnow or live Pinfish will get you your Dolphin. If you can get out the blue water bite is still smoking hot. Yellow Fin, Black Fin and Wahoo are being caught around most of the deep water oil rigs. Poppers, jigs and slow trolled ballyhoo continue to be the go to bait. The bigger fish are coming off the bridled Bonito or large Blue Runners bump trolled around the rigs. Some reports have the cleaner water holding on the edge, but blue water remains around 100 miles out. There have been some good reports of Blue Marlin and White Marlin caught around the Nipple and the Spur.
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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