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

Report for 07/24/2009

Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE

Bottom fishing continues to be good however challenging, as you may have to try several locations before finding fish. When you find them, they are hitting everything you drop down to them. Live baits are getting easier to catch, but dropping down frozen baits like cigar minnows will work almost as well, or try the new Lucanus bottom jigs from Shimano. The king mackerel bite is still strong with many fish seen skyrocketing after baits. All you have to do is troll dusters or cigar minnows and the fish will come to you. Start your trolling on the buoy line and work your way out to deeper water until you find the bite. Trolling offshore is picking up with some nice dolphin picked up 50 miles out trolling ballyhoo with a skirt.

ST JOSEPH BAY

Scallop reports are good with many people getting their limit in only a few hours. Try the grass flats around Eagle Harbor and Blacks Island. The trout report is good with the majority of fish caught at first light and late afternoon. The redfish are still with us and like the trout, target them the first few hours after sun up. If artificial baits are your favorite use a soft plastic jerk bait or shrimp imitation. The Spanish mackerel and many bluefish caught this week, they can be caught on live bait rigs or using a double speck rig or a gotcha plug for casting.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS

The Red Snapper bite has remained constant over the wrecks and hard bottom areas. 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 Mackeral are being caught in great numbers. They are being caught steadily around the Whistle and Weather bouys trolling and free-lining cigar minnows. The Grouper bite has slowed inshore,but good reports are coming from 30 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

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 Mackeral 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. Tristan Dawson, 13 years old, of Dunlap, TN caught this 36″ Cobia while fishing in Panama City Beach.

Fresh Water

The bass have moved in over grass beds. Fish wild shiners along the grass lines, or if you want to use an artificial, your best bet will be shallow running jerk baits and topwater along the shore.

Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE

The king mackerel bite is hot. Trolling dusters along the buoy line, and over and around wrecks and structure will get you your bag limit. Live lining for kings will get you larger kings and afford you the opportunity to do some bottom fishing for grouper and red snapper too. Further, out, the Wahoo and dolphin bite is good. Some scattered weed line occurring at about fifteen miles and a good place to target dolphin, and further at about twenty miles you will find blue water and Wahoo.

ST JOSEPH BAY

St Joe bay continues to be active this week with redfish trout and triple tail Redfish are hitting topwater plugs in the early morning and the area between Black’s Island and Simmon’s Bayou is the hot spot this week. Trout are favoring live baits, like live shrimp and LYs. The tripletails are nailing live shrimp beneath buoys, markers, and submerged structure. Reports of Spanish mackerel, Bluefish and small sharks continue from St Joe bay also.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS

Red Snapper are very plentiful over the inshore wrecks and hard bottom areas. Wahoo are being caught from 20-40 miles out. Hi speed trollers, like the Yo Zuri Bonita, are a sure bet. King Mackerel are being caught in great numbers. They are being caught steadily around the Whistle and Weather buoys trolling and free-lining cigar minnows. Several reports of Mahi Mahi being caught from 6-8 miles out are coming in. Spanish Mackerel are biting sporadically out on the beaches. Grouper are biting well from 20-30 miles out. Use large live baits to get past the Snapper! Lots of AJ’s are still being caught around the 100 foot mark over bridge spans and large wrecks.

ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM

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 Bay; while Bull Reds are still being caught with live shrimp and pin fish around the jetties. Trout are being caught on the flats with topwater lures early and live shrimp under a cork later.

DESTIN

Red snapper are very good on almost all reefs and wrecks. Amberjack and grouper are good offshore in deep water.

Kings are good at the seabouy the broken bottom and timberholes.

On the pier, a few kings, reds, ladyfish and hardtails, mostly the same at the jetties but no kings there.

Offshore is really hot with lots of dolphin, wahoo, tuna and marlin action. The pretty water has been from due south to southeast the last few days.

Fresh Water

No changes in the Bass, catfish, and bream report this week. All are actively feeding and providing great freshwater action.

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

Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE

Those of you who are dragging lures will find the king mackerel over and around wrecks and structure, also the buoy line. Going further out from about ten miles the Wahoo and dolphin activity is heating up. A rigged ballyhoo trolled behind a Boone jet or the high-speed duster of your choice will get you one of these hot rods. If you prefer bottom fishing for grouper and snapper you won’t be disappointed, the snapper are plentiful and hungry. Grouper fishing has been excellent in the one hundred to one hundred fifty feet of water.
ST JOSEPH BAY

Fishing St Joe bay couldn’t be better this week with redfish trout and triple tail all eager to make your day. Redfish are hitting topwater plugs in the early morning around Black’s Island and Eagle Harbor area. They are well scattered throughout the bay so be sure and cover you favorite spots. The Trout are striking topwater plugs also but are favoring live baits, like live shrimp and LYs. As the day progresses you will find the triple tail haunting buoys, markers and submerged structure. They are readily accepting offers of live shrimp. In addition, the bay continues to be quite active with Spanish mackerel, Bluefish and small sharks.
APALACHICOLA /WHITE CITY

Apalachicola is a smorgasbord of good fishing. Triple tail, trout, redfish, and even an early season tarpon were caught this week. Throughout the bays and estuaries Apalach’ is hot fishing.
PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS

Red Snapper are very plentiful over the inshore wrecks and hard bottom areas. Wahoo are being caught from 20-40 miles out. Hi speed trollers, like the Yo Zuri Bonita, are a sure bet. King Mackerel are being caught in great numbers. They are being caught steadily around the Whistle and Weather buoys trolling and free-lining cigar minnows. Several reports of Mahi Mahi being caught from 6-8 miles out are coming in. Spanish Mackerel are biting sporadically out on the beaches. Grouper are still biting well from 7-10 miles out. Use large live baits to get past the Snapper! Lots of AJ’s are still being caught around the 100 foot mark over bridge spans and large wrecks.

ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM

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 Bay; while Bull Reds are still being caught with live shrimp and pin fish around the jetties. Trout are being caught on the flats with topwater lures early and live shrimp under a cork later.

Fresh Water

Bass, catfish and bream are all actively feeding and provide some great action. There is some great late afternoon topwater action for bass at Howards Creek and the Dead Lakes in Wewahitchka. Fly-fishing for Bluegill should be part of your day too. It is easy and fun for all. Some really large catfish can be caught throughout the river and lakes system using anything from stink baits to live bream.

Report for 06/04/2009

Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE

We had great weather over the last weekend and the king mackerel bite was on over the Air Force tower and out around the buoy line and car bodies. The bite has slowed though over the last couple of days due to the weather fronts, but the kings will be here all summer long. Trolling widgets and dusters with cigar minnows is everybody’s favorite and is a good producer.

It is taking some searching to find the keeper grouper without the interference from red snapper. The main bite has been over the natural bottom starting at about 180’. Live baits were the main choice, but butter flied northern mackerel and cigar minnows are always a good back up. Live baits are still plentiful around the inshore structures. The Snapper bite is good for this first week of opening season and excellent bag limits reported by most anglers who targeted them.

Dolphin are showing up at about 10 miles plus. Try trolling skirted ballyhoo or Boone Sea Minnows to pick them up.

ST JOSEPH BAY

Redfish and trout are reported everyday by anglers now and the quality of the catch is improving steadily. Working the area south of Blacks Island to the area around Pigs Island is a great first stop for both of theses species. Use free lined LY’s/shrimp or a live bait under a Cajun thunder. Always pay special attention to the deeper holes as most fish are hanging out at the bottom of the holes. For artificial, no change here, use the white gotcha grubs with the pink tail and work it along the bottom and for the top water, use the Mirrolure Top Dog/Top Dog Jr. in the bone color. Also, try the DOA deadly combo under a rattling cork.

APALACHICOLA /WHITE CITY

Tripletails are plentiful and hungry in Apalachicola. Work the weed beds and around under crab buoys…

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS

Red Snapper are very plentiful over the inshore wrecks and hard bottom areas. Wahoo are being caught from 20-40 miles out. Hi speed trollers, like the Yo Zuri Bonita, are a sure bet. King mackerel are being caught in great numbers. They are being caught steadily around the Whistle and Weather buoys trolling and free-lining cigar minnows. Several reports of Mahi Mahi being caught from 6-8 miles out are coming in. Spanish mackerel are biting sporadically out on the beaches. Grouper are still biting well from 7-10 miles out. Use large live baits to get past the Snapper! Lots of AJ’s are still being caught around the 100 foot mark over bridge spans and large wrecks.

ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM

Flounder are being caught on the beach close to the state park using live bull minnows. Ladyfish, Bluefish, and Spanish mackerel are biting good at the jetties on spoons and Gotcha Plugs. Mangrove Snappers and Sheepshead are still being caught off the rocks with live shrimp. Redfish have been found on the flats in East Bay; while Bull Reds are still being caught with live shrimp and pin fish around the jetties. Trout are being caught on the flats with topwater lures early and live shrimp under a cork later.

NAVARRE

SURF

We are now into June. Hopefully the weather will stabilize a little this month and offer some fishing opportunities. Area fishermen have been experiencing some of the best fishing in recent memory. We should see good numbers of Jack Crevalle in the 20# range as well as small schools of bull Redfish. The Jacks are hitting best on top water poppers and Rapala Skitterwalks. The Black Tip Shark bite is also heating up. Live Hardtails or cut mullet have been the go to bait. The Pompano bite has remained steady with most fish being landed on fresh dead shrimp and live sand fleas when you can find them. On calmer days Kayak fisherman can reach the King Mackerel just at the drop off in 20’ of water. 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

Area 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.

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, 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.

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 upcoming week. They are hitting jigs, live bait and deep running hard baits trolled over shallow reefs and wrecks. Amberjack are almost on every wreck from 60’ on out with the largest fish being caught in deeper water of 100’ or more. With all the bad weather last month the Grouper have almost been left alone. Look for them 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. The amount of debris in the water has also increased this last week. So has the amount of Dolphin and Triple Tail on it. 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.

Fly-fishing action is really turning on in the river. Try Howard’s creek. The bream are biting in bear man creek. The bass action is starting to pick up too. The bass are feeding on shad and other baitfish. Don’t pass up any opportunity to throw crank baits. Many of the fish are between one ½ to 2 pounds. Although there is, the occasional 4-6 pound fish mixed in with them. Generally, this time of year the best baits you could be fishing are the soft plastics. This is the time of year when the fish start moving out to their summer haunts. So look for offshore weed lines, humps, channel bends, and just anything that could attract the baitfish right now.

Weekly fishing report brought to you by Half Hitch Tackle on Panama City Beach.

Report for 05/21/2009

Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE

Grouper fishing picked up this week with respectable fish brought to the docks. The bite is over natural bottom starting at about 180’. Large live baits accounted for most of the larger fish. The king mackerel catches are increasing on the buoy line. Dusters and cigar minnows Yozuri Hydro-Mags and stretch 30’s are accounting for these catches. Closer inshore, the Spanish mackerel are still being caught along the buoy line and over at crooked island. Trolling a plain Clark spoon seems to be the best option for the bigger Spanish.

ST JOSEPH BAY

Some nice big trout caught this week on live LY’s and many over the slot redfish too. The head of the bay is the place to be especially with the winds we have been dealing with. In the head of the bay, the best area seems to be right between Black’s Island and the shoreline. Using a Cajun thunder float or free lining bait while drifting will pay off in fish. Pay attention to the deeper holes as most fish are hanging out at the bottom of the holes. Some Spanish mackerel are still moving around inside St Joseph Bay from the buoy line to Blacks island and huge schools of ladyfish and bluefish being reported outside Eagle harbor. The flounder bite is still happening around the deeper holes near the head of the bay and around Black’s Island but has slowed significantly under the Tapper Bridge.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS

King mackerel are being caught in great numbers. They are being caught in close and out further trolling and free-lining. Several reports of Mahi Mahi being caught from 6-8 miles out are coming in. Spanish mackerel are biting sporadically out on the beaches. Grouper are still biting well from 7-10 miles out. Use large live baits to get past the Snapper! Lots of AJ’s are still being caught around the 100 foot mark over bridge spans and large wrecks.

ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM

Flounder are being caught on the beach close to the state park using live bull minnows. Ladyfish, Bluefish, and Spanish mackerel are biting well at the jetties on spoons and Gotcha Plugs. Mangrove snappers and Sheepshead are still being caught off the rocks with live shrimp. Redfish have been found on the flats in East Bay; while Bull Reds are still being caught with live shrimp and pin fish around the jetties. Trout are being caught on the flats with topwater lures early and live shrimp under a cork later.

NAVARRE

SURF

The Cobia have just about gone for the season, but there are plenty of King and Spanish mackerel to keep us busy. The Tarpon have showed up early too. Pompano, Redfish, Bluefish and Skipjack (ladyfish) are showing up in increasing numbers as the water continues to clear. This week should see an increase in landing if the wind stays mild. The Pompano and Redfish are hitting best on live sand fleas and fresh shrimp just outside of the first sand bar. Silver spoons and Bubble rigs are working best for the fast moving Spanish, Bluefish and Skipjack.

SOUND AND BAYS

Navarre area anglers can expect to see Redfish and Trout on the flats early and late in the day. They should also see an increase in Flounder landed as they continue to migrate into the shallows to chase bait fish. The Trout are responding best to a popping cork rig with a live or D.O.A. shrimp. Spanish, Blue and Skipjack are also making a good showing with small schools popping up along the area flats. These fish are feeding on the schools of menhaden and threadfins that have begun to show up in increasing numbers. Speaking of increasing number, Flounder are being caught around docks in the sound with Tiger minnows. Gold spoons are taking their share, but it may be time to break out the 1/4oz jig head with GULP! Shrimp or jerk bait combinations and specifically target the Flounder. These same baits will also take the Redfish, so it’s a win win situation for you.

NEAR SHORE – GULF

King are biting strong in and around the passes and inshore reefs in 60 to 80 feet of water. Trolling or fly lining live cigar minnows when anchoring up had been the top producer. Dolphin have also started to show up on the few weed lines that have begun to make their way toward shore. 1/2oz to 1oz buck tail jigs or live cigar minnows free lined near the weed line or any floating structure will get the job done. Just remember to leave one hooked fish in the water to keep the school around when you encounter a large school. The near shore reefs and wrecks are also producing good numbers of Grouper, Black Snapper and Trigger fish. Just remember to have a spinning rod rigged up with a pitch bait in case a Cobia shows up.

OFFSHORE – GULF

Wahoo and Dolphin have been showing up in greater numbers this week. Most of the hoos are being caught while fast trolling between bottom spots. The Dolphin are being caught while trolling the edges of increasing weed lines or by free lining live baits near the weed lines. Tripletail are on the same weed lines as well, so keep an eye out for them. Keep a rod rigged and ready so you can cast a live shrimp or small baitfish to them when the opportunity presents itself. Without a doubt the hottest bite this week has definitely been Red Snapper. Most fish caught have been in the double digits. Just remember that Red Snapper opens June 1, so release them until then. The Grouper bite has remained strong with the larger fish coming in 150 plus feet of water. Fish the largest bait you can find. The blue water bite has exploded this week with the influx of clean water. The Yellowfin bite has been exceptional with most fish being caught during daylight hours. Poppers, jigs and slow trolled ballyhoo will all work. But for the really big fish, a bridled bonito or large blue runner bump trolled around the rigs is the way to go.

Great shell cracker/bluegill action happening in the rivers. Live crickets or wigglers fished outside of structure are working great and fly-fishing action is really turning on in the river. The bass action is a little slow. Try the new zoom super hog in green pumpkin purple, pumpkin, and June bug. There have been some reports that the bass are biting buzz baits in the Dead lakes. However, generally this time of year the best baits are soft plastics.

Report for 05/18/2009

Salt Water

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS

King mackerel are being caught in great numbers. They are being caught in close and out further trolling and free-lining. Several reports of Mahi Mahi being caught from 6-8 miles out are coming in. Spanish mackerel are biting sporadically out on the beaches. Grouper are still biting well from 7-10 miles out. Use large live baits to get past the Snapper! Lots of AJ’s are still being caught around the 100 foot mark over bridge spans and large wrecks.

ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM

Ladyfish, Bluefish, and Spanish mackerel are biting good at the jetties on spoons and Gotcha Plugs. Mangrove Snappers and Sheepshead are still being caught off the rocks with live shrimp. Redfish have been found on the flats in East Bay; while Bull Reds are still being caught with live shrimp and pin fish around the jetties. Trout are being caught on the flats with topwater lures early and live shrimp under a cork later.

NAVARRE

SURF

The Cobia have just about gone for the season, but there are plenty of King and Spanish mackerel to keep us busy. The Tarpon have showed up early to. Pompano, Redfish, Bluefish and Skipjack (ladyfish) are showing up in increasing numbers as the water continues to clear. This week should see an increase in landing if the wind stays mild. The Pompano and Redfish are hitting best on live sand fleas and fresh shrimp just outside of the first sand bar. Silver spoons and Bubble rigs are working best for the fast moving Spanish, Bluefish and Skipjack.

SOUND AND BAYS

Navarre area anglers can expect to see Redfish and Trout on the flats early and late in the day. They should also see an increase in Flounder landed as they continue to migrate into the shallows to chase bait fish. The Trout are responding best to a popping cork rig with a live or D.O.A. shrimp. Spanish, Blue and Skipjack are also making a good showing with small schools popping up along the area flats. These fish are feeding on the schools of menhaden and threadfins that have begun to show up in increasing numbers. Speaking of increasing number, Flounder are being caught around docks in the sound with Tiger minnows. Gold spoons are taking their share, but it may be time to break out the 1/4oz jig head with GULP! Shrimp or jerk bait combinations and specifically target the Flounder. These same baits will also take the Redfish, so it’s a win win situation for you.

NEAR SHORE – GULF

King are biting strong in and around the passes and inshore reefs in 60 to 80 feet of water. Trolling or fly lining live cigar minnows when anchoring up had been the top producer. Dolphin have also started to show up on the few weed lines that have begun to make their way toward shore. 1/2oz to 1oz buck tail jigs or live cigar minnows free lined near the weed line or any floating structure will get the job done. Just remember to leave one hooked fish in the water to keep the school around when you encounter a large school. The near shore reefs and wrecks are also producing good numbers of Grouper, Black Snapper and Trigger fish. Just remember to have a spinning rod rigged up with a pitch bait in case a Cobia shows up.

OFFSHORE – GULF

Wahoo and Dolphin have been showing up in greater numbers this week. Most of the hoos are being caught while fast trolling between bottom spots. The Dolphin are being caught while trolling the edges of increasing weed lines or by free lining live baits near the weed lines. Tripletail are on the same weed lines as well, so keep an eye out for them. Keep a rod rigged and ready so you can cast a live shrimp or small baitfish to them when the opportunity presents itself. Without a doubt the hottest bite this week has definitely been Red Snapper. Most fish caught have been in the double digits. Just remember that Red Snapper opens June 1, so release them until then. The Grouper bite has remained strong with the larger fish coming in 150 plus feet of water. Fish the largest bait you can find. The blue water bite has exploded this week with the influx of clean water. The Yellowfin bite has been exceptional with most fish being caught during daylight hours. Poppers, jigs and slow trolled ballyhoo will all work. But for the really big fish, a bridled bonito or large blue runner bump trolled around the rigs is the way to go.