Panhandle Fishing Report 9-4-09

Report for 09/04/2009

Salt Water


MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE
The 13th Annual MBARA Kingfish tournament was a huge success this last weekend with over one hundred ninety boats entered. Congratulations to John Douglas and crew aboard the "Chicken Sack" with the first Place King category weighing in at 37.85 lbs. The first place Wahoo prize went to Lynn McKeithen and crew aboard the Amanda Lee with a super nice Hoo weighing in at 70.60, and finally the “Popeye” crew took first place with a 4.85 lb in the Spanish mackerel category.

King mackerel fishing is still the main target this week with a few caught off the buoy line and inshore wrecks on drone spoons and dusters. The bigger schools are at about 18 miles out with the hot spot still being the 30-mile buoy off Cape San Blas. Offshore reports from the "squiggles" have some nice Wahoo, dolphin, and tuna caught on blue islander skirts and ballyhoo.

ST JOSEPH BAY
The redfish are coming alive around the grass flats and sand bars now that the number of people scalloping is diminishing with the approaching close of season. Most reports have the reds in the area between Eagle Harbor and pompano point producing the most the last few days. Anchor up on a sand bar and catch the schooling reds on the outskirts of the thick grass on an outgoing tide. The trout are mixed in with these schooling redfish. Top water and artificial baits are still catching nice trout and redfish in the early morning and late afternoon.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS
Several Mahi Mahi are being caught around the bouys and over structure out to 10 miles. 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.

Fresh Water
Reports have the largemouth bass near tributaries and readily hitting spinner baits. If you are looking for that bucket mouth bass, fish a wild shiner along the grass lines, or if you want to use an artificial, try shallow running jerk baits and topwater along the shore.

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.