Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE

The King mackerel bite improved this week and were hitting flat lines or trolling Mann’s Stretch 25’s and 30’s. Spanish mackerel and bluefish schools are at the buoy line and around the Air Force tower. A few schools of Spanish are scattered along the beaches and in St. Joe Bay. You can catch them by throwing gotcha lures, spoons, or any variety of plugs.

ST JOSEPH BAY

Redfish are the hot bite right now. Fishing a live shrimp under a Cajun thunder is working the best. A real hot spot for reds as reported are the grass flats and sand bars around Black’s island. Using this same rig in the same areas is also producing some decent trout. For artificial, use a gold spoon or a topwater plug at first light. A few more pompano catches reported along the shore of Mexico Beach using a pink pompano jig, and inside crooked island sound are some large Spanish mackerel working and are being caught on live LY’s and rattletraps.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS

Schools of Bonita can be found all over inshore right now. Free-line cigar minnows or herring, or throw jigs and spoons for a lot of action. The 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’ mark over bridge spans and large wrecks. Big hard tails are the best bet for keeper AJ’s.

ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM

Flounder are just beginning their migration out of the bay and some smaller fish have been found around the inshore buoys. Slowly drag live bull minnows across the bottom to catch these fish. The Redfish action is heating up on the flats in East and West Bays. Slowly and quietly drift the flats in 3 feet or less water using a ½ ounce Gold Spoon or your favorite Top-water Plug. The Bull Reds are still being caught with live shrimp and pinfish around the jetties. Trout are biting well on the flats in 3 to 5 feet of water with top-water lures early and live shrimp or Gulp under a popping cork later. Larger Trout are being caught free-lining live Alewives. 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 well at the jetties on spoons and Gotcha Plugs.

DESTIN

Fishing is very good right now over the past week there have been some very nice catches of Yellowfin tuna, Blackfin tuna and Dolphin on the off shore scene. Trey Windes caught a nice blue marlin on Wednesday at the knuckle.

Kings and blackfin tuna are still good near shore mixed with a few dolphin. The bottom fishing has been good for amberjack and grouper. In the bay the reds are very good with some nice trout but not many numbers of them. Plenty of flounder are in the harbor but there are some throwbacks there.

The pier is getting a few kings, ladyfish and blues.

FRESH WATER

The largemouth bass are at the tributaries and hitting spinner baits regularly. For the big boys, fish big 10-12” worms in dark colors around the tree trunks

For more information on Panama City Beach fishing go to www.halfhitch.com

Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE

Fishing the hard bottoms off Cape San Blas will yield plenty of grouper, so say the reports from offshore this week. Cigar minnows did well along with butterfly jigs. The bite was in 150’ of water. The king mackerel are hitting flat lines and trolled Mann’s Stretch 25’s and 30’s. Bonita are also hitting the flat lines and cigar minnows. Spanish mackerel and bluefish schools are at the Air Force tower thick. Throw a gotcha plug or troll a Clark spoon, or try trolling the stretch 25’s in natural color (black/chrome or mullet) for the larger Spanish.

ST JOSEPH BAY

Pompano are hitting great outside eagle harbor and along St Joe beach in the surf. Pink pompano jigs and shrimp on surf rigs are working well. The trout are still working the head of the bay from the middle grounds to Pigs Island. Although the water is stained from all the runoff from rain, top water lures are working well in the morning hours and soft plastics in the afternoon. Bass assassins and DOA shrimp imitation baits are the most popular. Live baits were small LY’s caught on the grass flats and free lined. Redfish schools reported off the grass flats and sand bars around Black’s island. The best time for the reds has been first thing in the morning using live bait and gold spoons. A few pompano caught this week around Pompano Point and along the shore of Mexico Beach using a pink pompano 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.

Flounder are just beginning to bite better. Start looking for them to migrate out of the bay in the next few weeks. 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 well 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.

DESTIN

Fishing is great right now as kings and sailfish still take the spot light near the pass just around the sea buoy. Also the Destin Fishing Rodeo kicks off on October 1st which brings all sorts of opportunities. Offshore there has been a good bite of wahoo and blackfin tuna with the cooler weather. Along the edges the grouper and amberjack have been good.

In the surf, some pompano and whiting are being caught bottom fishing; there have been some blues and ladyfish being caught on spoons.

In the bay, there are loads of redfish and some trout, in the harbor they are getting some flounder. Lastly, on the pier they have had some good king runs this week, a couple sailfish, blues, ladyfish and pompano.

Fresh Water

Shell cracker and Bluegill bite is very strong still. Bottom fishing in 3-4 ft. with a wiggler is producing a full stringer and little beetle spins have been bringing in hand sized bream. The largemouths are at the tributaries and hitting spinner baits regularly. For the big boys, fish wild shiners along the grass lines, or if you want to use an artificial, your best bait will be shallow running jerk baits and topwater along the shore.

For more fishing information go to www.halfhitch.com

Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE

Reports have the grouper at the one hundred to one twenty-foot mark and the complaint remains the same, the nearly extinct red snappers are making it difficult to reach the grouper. Using larger baits may improve your chances for grouper. The king mackerel reports are coming from the Air Force tower this week with some reports from outside the car bodies and Virginia reef areas. Drifting live baits and trolling dusters with cigar minnows are the way to go. Spanish mackerel continue to be caught trolling Clark spoons and Mackerel trees, or drifting cigar minnows along the buoy line and the cape shoals area.

ST JOSEPH BAY

Redfish are widely scattered this week with all the rain and reports are coming in from all over the bay. Try fishing the flats from town beach on the east side and on the west side starting outside the fire tower all the way up to Pompano Point. Be on the flats in the early morning or late afternoon for the best bite. The flounder bite improved some with the water temperatures dropping slightly. The main bite for flounder is in the channels off Blacks Island, but quite a few taken in gulf canal under the George Tapper Bridge and also farther up at the “T” with the intercoastal waterway. The best trout bite is on the west bank of St Joseph Bay. Fish the edges of the flats between Pigs Island and Eagle Harbor and between Eagle Harbor and Pompano Cove. Pompano are starting to show up in the bay as well as the surf along our beaches.

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+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’ 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.

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 Fish Report September 14th 2009

Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE

The trout and reds will still be in their summer routine of invading the flats first thing in the morning and late afternoon. Top water lures will work well during these times. During the heat of the day, the trout and redfish will move off the flats to the channels, so your next rig might be a Carolina rig with a live shrimp or an LY. For Flounder, try the edges of the grass flats in the sand and also at the entrances to the canals and bayou’s to include the area under the George Tapper bridge. Fishing live bull minnows Carolina rigged is best. September will more than likely be your last chance at the Tarpon for this year along the forgotten coast. Live pogies caught along the shore outside Indian Pass are your best bait as always for these giants. Pompano will start their fall run towards mid September, maybe a little late this year due to the warmer water temperatures this year. Some whiting and black drum will be available for the surf angler this month. Rigged up with a fresh shrimp on a double pompano rig and you will be set for most species normally caught in the surf. The redfish will start to congregate outside the passes for their annual spawning run and can be caught fishing live pinfish on heavier tackle as the some of the reds will be pushing 40 pounds.

ST JOSEPH BAY

Look for grouper in 120’ of water and use live bait or jigs. The hard bottoms to the south of Cape San Blas are a popular area to visit and bring aboard some nice fish. Triggerfish are here year round and can be caught using a double drop rig with squid on small hooks approximately a #4 hook depending on brand will work perfectly. We continue to get reports of king mackerel caught over many local wrecks and reefs and quite a few larger Spanish mackerel are being caught along with them. Further out in blue water the Wahoo bite seems to be very good especially early in the morning and we have had several reports of tuna catches in these same areas.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS

A few Sailfish have been caught this past week free-lining live Cigar Minnows and Herring around the Whistle and Weather buoys! Grouper are still being caught 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. 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

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. 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 fishing around the grass flats from Tiger Point to the grass flats just east of the bridge. Redfish and Flounder are also in the same waters with most of the fish 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. 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 to.

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, 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. 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. King mackerel are being caught daily around the mouth of the passes and buoy lines on cigar minnows slow trolled or free lined. 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.

Report for 09/07/2009

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.

Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE

Reports say bottom fishing is steady with live bait. Grouper limits are being picked up in 170-190’ of water in the hard bottom area south of Cape San Blas, lots of red snapper to contend with, but a few more gags and scamps are being caught as well. King mackerel bite remains steady also. Drifting live baits is working the best, but dusters and cigar minnows are also effective. Tarpon are slowly moving east and anglers are enjoying regular hook-ups from outside Cape Shoals to Indian Pass and Bob Sikes Cut. Tripletails continue lurking around structure from Indian pass through Appalache bay.

ST JOSEPH BAY

Several reports of large trout came in this week from St Joseph Bay. Sight fishing for them on the flats between Pigs Island and Eagle Harbor and between Eagle Harbor and Pompano Cove has been very productive during the very early and late hours of the day. Live LY’s or hard/soft jerk baits are working. Redfish reports are coming from anglers fishing the west side of St. Joe Bay. A few flounder caught in the channels off Blacks Island and in the intercostals canal on live bull-minnows fished on a Carolina rig along the drop-offs.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS

Red Snapper season is now closed. 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.

Weekly fishing report brought to you by half hitch tackle on Panama City Beach.

Report for 08/17/2009

Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE

Bottom fishing is been steady with live bait working well on grouper and snapper. Reports have the strong Snapper bite at about 80’ however; many respectable snapper are being caught in much shallower water. Grouper continue to be picked up in 170-190’ of water south of Cape San Blas, mainly red snapper, but a few more gags and scamps are being caught as well. King mackerel bite remains steady also. Drifting live baits is working the best, but dusters and cigar minnows are also effective. Tarpon are schooling and feeding in the Indian Pass, area and tripletail have continued to be great sport from Indian pass through Appalache bay.

ST JOSEPH BAY

Trout fishing continues to be great in St Joseph Bay this week. There are many reports of trout on the flats between Pigs Island and Eagle Harbor and between Eagle Harbor and Pompano Cove. The key is to fishing very early in the day or very late. The height of day is proving to be sparse where fishing is concerned due to the large numbers of scallopers visiting St Joe Bay. The reports for redfish are coming from all the west side starting outside the fire tower all the way up to Pompano Point. Hit the flats early morning and late afternoon for your best chances at and redfish.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS

Red Snapper season is coming to a close. The last day for Snapper is August 14th. They are still biting good over the wrecks and hard bottom areas within 12 miles. Larger snapper are being found further out. 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. The Grouper bite has slowed inshore, but good reports are coming from 20 plus miles out. Use large live baits. Lots of Amberjack’s are still being caught around the 100’ mark over bridge spans and large wrecks. Big hard tails are the best bet for keeper Amberjack’s.
ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM

King mackerel are being caught regularly off the new city pier along with Spanish, Bluefish and Lady Fish. 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.

DESTIN

Finally after several weeks of so so offshore fishing it has finally turned back on. From the nipple, across the flats and towards the elbow there has been a good bite of offshore species. The best catch I have heard of was from a private boat that had 2 white marlin and 2 blue marlin and a 40lb dolphin.

Kings are still very good near shore with a few mixed blackfin tuna, dolphin and bonita.

The last week of snapper season has been very good and it is a shame that it closes midnight on Friday the 14th. Grouper have been ok and very good numbers of Amberjack.

On the pier, there have been a few Kings in the afternoon, a few Spanish, some ladyfish and a few hardtails.

In the bay, trout have been very good sized and some very nice reds at the Destin Bridge. Most of the action has been very early on the morning or very late in the day.

FRESH WATER

Black bass can be found following schools of shiners right now. You can enjoy some great topwater action under these conditions. Look for schooling shiners on the surface and you can bet the bass will be nearby waiting on lunchtime. Toss you favorite crank baits or topwater lures and hold on the fishing is great.

Weekly fishing report brought to you by half hitch tackle on Panama City Beach.

Everyone who visits Panama City Beach with any intention on fishing don’t want to go where the tourists go, they want to know the secret places the locals go. And there is a reason those places are secret; its the best fishing in NW Florida. It is likely I will be mobbed by local fishermen for letting a few of the secret places out of the bag, but I’ll do it because I care about our tourists. So, here are 5 places you shouldn’t know about. Just promise you’ll keep it to yourself.

Crooked Island Sound – 29.974639,-85.476809

This place is a bit of a drive, but definitely worth it. Crooked Island is actually not an Island at all, but a combination of two narrow peninsulas that form a nice sized saltwater lagoon. Located just between Panama City Beach and Mexico Beach, Florida, the Crooked Island area is a favorite location for surf fishing, shelling, kayaking and possibly overnighting in a small boat.

Access to the eastern peninsula is via a generally-well-maintained dirt road off US Hwy 98, approximately 1.4 miles west of the Mexico Beach Visitor Center. Follow the dirt road to a nice parking lot located approximately 800 feet from the water’s edge. The gulf-front hike to the tip of the eastern peninsula is at least 5 miles, so pack something to drink if you plan to make the trip.

There is also a boat launch area for the lagoon located at the end of a nice paved road (see marker). From the Mexico Beach Visitor Center, follow US 98 west 2.6 miles and take a left at the first paved road. The lagoon at this point is a great example of a salt marsh coastal eco-system. This would also be a great location to begin a longer kayak trip inside the protected lagoon, with access to the Gulf.

Beach Drive Jetties and Flats – 30.165855,-85.688138

I remember fishing this spot since I was a kid with a cane pole. Fishermen of all types frequent the jetties on Beach Drive in Panama City. Beach Drive is a picturesque part of the St Andrews Bay flats fishing system known as a place anglers can put their fishing skills and knowledge to the test against some of the best marine creatures nature has to offer.

To fish the Bay’s Beach Drive jetties and flats by boat make sure you have vessel that has a very shallow draft which just means the boat can get into very shallow areas to pursue their target fish.

The best and most exciting way to hit the Bay at Beach Drive Jetties is sight fishing. Because of the shallow water you can see the schooling fish or even a lone fish rather easy allowing you to flip your bait right to the fish. If you are accurate enough with your casting then you can fire your lure right in the path of the fish where you hope he will gobble it down.

You can access Beach Drive Jetties from many locations, but the best it to take the drive down Beach Drive using Frankford Avenue just off 98.

West Bay Bridge – 30.249666, -85.834866

This is one place I actually will get in trouble telling you about. West Bay Bridge is a haven for fishermen all over Bay County.

West bay has a very low country, swampy, and marsh feel to it, so it is great for Reds, and Speck and the occasional jack bustling around the grass flats and feeder creeks.

Wading, kayaking, and skiff fishing are the most popular ways to maneuver this water way. A barrier Island that protects this bay is Shell Island , which is known to be home for Tarpon, Cobia, and some big Bull Reds. Bay fishing for black drum in the winters is good, running into spring time Reds and Specks heat up along with a good Cobia run, Spanish Pompano and Tarpon start to heat up with the weather in the summer months.

The old draw bridge lends fishermen a nice sort of pier over the boondocks that is opened for the public. The best fishing can be had from the channel just off the boat ramp, but if you don’t have a boat the bridge is arguably the best fishing spot in Panama City Beach.

Powell Lake – 30.271336,-85.975142

While most tourists are hanging out at the beach, it’s one of Panama City Beach’s lakes that is drawing the attention of fishermen. Lake Powell is attached to Phillips Inlet which discharges into the gulf creating perfect brackish conditions and your chance to catch a multitude of species.

There is a ramp to the lake for boaters. Access to the gulf by Philips Inlet is dependent on water conditions and always a minimum draft boat. Children always find the small pier on the lake for brackish water fishing and crabbing The adults as well as the children enjoy a slow tube ride when the Philips Inlet, to the West, is open.

Right next door is Camp Helen State Park which is great for offshore fishing during the seasonal Pompano run. And don’t forget your fishing license.

Lake Powell Recreational Area, 23104 Lakeview Dr., US 98, Panama City Beach.

East Bay – 30.132891, -85.510762

East Bay has long been the premiere fishing destination for Bay County residents. Fish stories from East Bay go back over a century, tales of amazing catches and good times. Located just past Tyndall Air Force base in Panama City, East Bay is known for having a year-round bite.

Similar to West Bay, East Bay is also swampy and  great for Reds, and Speck in the grass flats and feeder creeks. What distinguishes East Bay is its size and quiet. While hundreds of fishermen hit the area all year, if you launch your boat, you’re unlikely to see another fisherman for hours, which makes for a perfect getaway and challenge.

East Bay has several boat ramp entrances, like Cooks Bayou and the Sandy Creek entrance. But the best of them is the Overstreet Ramp which leads right in to the Intracoastal Waterway. To get there use County Road 386 just off Highway 98.

Happy fishing and don’t tell anyone I told you. For more information on fishing in Panama City Beach, stop by Half Hitch Tackle on Thomas Drive or go to the website at http://halfhitch.com

Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE

All Reports indicate good bottom fishing inshore. There is a good chance fish will be on many of the inshore numbers inside twenty miles. Live baits are proving to be the best bait and they are plentiful around the inshore wrecks. To be on the safe side carry frozen baits like Cigar minnows or Boston mackerel. Next to live and frozen baits, jigging with Braid slammers or the Shimano butterflies are a great option. The king mackerel bite is strong and many anglers are boasting super catches this week. The vast majority of the larger kings were caught over inshore wrecks using a flat line while bottom fishing.

ST JOSEPH BAY

The trout report has not changed much with good fish caught at first light and late afternoon around the middle grounds and the flats between Pigs Island and Pompano Point. They are hitting on top water lures like the Heddon Spooks but the number one bait is a live alewife (LY). The redfish are still with us and using live Alewife or finger mullet will bring them in at the outskirts of the grass flats. The flounder are in their summer pattern. This means you can catch them in the sand outside the grass flats and in deeper sand holes on the edge of the flats. Bull minnows Carolina rigged with a size 1 circle hook using fluorocarbon leader material and a 1 oz or smaller egg weight is the easiest and most common rig.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS

Red Snapper season is coming to a close. The last day for Red Snapper is August 14th. They are still biting good over the wrecks and hard bottom areas within 12 miles. Larger snapper are being found further out. 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. The Grouper bite has slowed inshore, but good reports are coming from 20 plus miles out. Use large live baits. 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 and Lady Fish. 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.

DESTIN

Lots of Wahoo action out near the edge, there has been a nice stretch of blue water from about the rock cliffs out toward the elbow and the fishing is good there. Other than that, the blue water is almost 100 miles to the south.

Closer to home there have been a good bite of kings near shore and some dolphin. The snapper are still good and you have just over a week before the season closes so now is a good time to take advantage. As for groupers and jacks the best action is on or near the edge.

For the pier, guys there have been catching a few kings in the afternoons and some tarpon just before dark along with the regular catches of ladyfish, blues, hardtails and a red every now and then.

On the surf and jetties, there are some ladyfish and hardtails in the morning and then in the late afternoon. The sharks have been biting well at night on cut baits.

Back in the bay, the trout and reds are best at night under the dock lights but a few can be found working the flats and grass beads just before dark and at first light.

NAVARRE

SURF

July has arrived and with it the heat has come. With light winds in the morning there should be some fishing opportunities. We should continue to see good numbers of Jack Crevalle in the 5# to 20# range. The Jacks are hitting best on top water poppers and Rapala Skitterwalks. The Pompano bite has remained steady with most fish being landed on fresh dead shrimp and live sand fleas when you can find them. The Spanish Mackerel and Skipjack are all through the surf. Any bright shiny lure that is travelling very quickly will take their share. On calmer days Kayak fisherman can reach the King Mackerel just at the drop off in 20’ of water. There are also some Dolphin on the beach this time of year in the same areas. Look for the schools of threadfins and cigar minnows and troll with deep diving hard baits. Try trolling live baits around these baitfish schools as well.

SOUND AND BAYS

Nothing has changed much here. Anglers can expect to see great Trout fishing around the grass flats from Tiger Point to the grass flats just east of the bridge. Redfish and Flounder are also in the same waters with most of the fish 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. With the heat of July setting in, early morning and late afternoon forays will be the best times to fish. 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 if you can get it. If not, 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 60 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, 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

Red Snapper has been the top predator on most reefs and wrecks this week and we should continue to see more of the same this month. They are hitting jigs, live bait and deep running hard baits trolled over shallow reefs and wrecks. Amberjack are almost on every wreck from 80’ on out with the largest fish being caught in deeper water of 100’ or more. 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. King mackerel are being caught daily around the mouth of the passes and buoy lines on cigar minnows slow trolled or free lined. 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 baits. 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.