Panhandle Fishing Report 1-2010

Report for 01/14/2010

Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE
Few anglers reporting from offshore yet again this week due to frigid temperatures however, many anglers are gearing up and readying their boats for trolling. Winter months are excellent times to troll for grouper. Mann's stretch series lures and Yozuri deep diving plugs are very effective lures for this type of bottom fishing. Traditional bottom fishing techniques are still your best tactic for grouper beyond depths of about forty feet. One other report this week indicated heavy Amber Jack activity over high relief wrecks and structures like the “Empire Mica” A variety of bait and lures will work for these hearty fighters.

ST JOSEPH BAY
The trout bite continues to improve in the intercoastal canal as freshwater runoff and flood conditions subside. Of course, more rain is forecast for the southeast this week and fishing conditions in the intercoastal may continue to be depressed until the fresh water influx subsides. The redfish are biting well in nearly all of the deeper holes and channels in St. Joseph’s bay and along the beaches. The very best spot for trout continues to be the Port St. Joe marina. Savvy anglers are taking advantage of tides and using solunar tables to pinpoint the best times for fishing. Others are braving the cold and wind, are rewarded by nice catches of trout simply by putting the time in with a Carolina rigged live shrimp or any number of shrimp imitations like the DOA.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS
The Flounder numbers are starting to slow down over the inshore wrecks. Use live bull minnows, shrimp or pilchards on a Carolina rig and target the edges of the wrecks. Amberjack are closed in Federal waters Oct. 24 through the end of the year, state waters are still open, remember the new 30 inch length limit. Grouper are being found well offshore from 20 plus miles out, best bet is to use large live baits.

ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
Sheepshead have shown up under the 79 bridge in the Intracoastal Waterway and a few are being caught around the jetties. The White Trout bite is still very good. They can be found in deep water under the Hathaway and Tyndall Bridges. Use live shrimp on a Carolina rig for best results. Redfish are being caught in very shallow water on the flats in East and West Bays. The Bull Reds are still being caught with live shrimp and pinfish around the jetties. Speckled Trout are starting to move into the Intracoastal Waterway, creeks and bayous. Use live shrimp fished on the bottom for best results.





John Prine sent in these pictures of his catch last week!

Fresh Water
Sorry, no freshwater reports this week.


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.