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

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.

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.

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.

One the outside, by name and exterior, one might think Flamingo Joe’s transplanted right out of Key West. But the second you bite into one of their signature Grouper sandwiches, you’ll know the flavor’s all Panama City Beach. Loved for great food, laid-back atmosphere and the tastiest salsa West of the Mississippi, Flamingo Joe’s is basically a residential right-of-passage for beach lovers.

Flamingo Joe’s is located at 2304 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 233-0600

9. Ms. Newby’s

Every city has a local bar to which locals, after a night of fun or dinner, just gravitate. No matter what new bar opens, or what spot becomes a summer trend, Newby’s, for lots of PCB locals, is like home. What began as a liquor store has, over the years, transformed into PCB’s #1 good-times tavern. Bikers, breakers and locals all hanging out under one roof, that’s Ms. Newby’s.

Ms. Newby’s is located at 711 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 234-0030

8. Half Hitch Tackle

Half Hitch is the local destination for all things fishing. Whether you’re a tournament-tested fisherman or a guy who just likes to throw a line every now and then, Half Hitch Tackle has had the beach covered for years. With the most knowledgeable staff practically anywhere, locals go to Half Hitch to get all the gear, the bait and information on what’s biting where.

Half Hitch Tackle is located at 2206 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 234-2621

7. RockIt Lanes

Few places on Panama City Beach have more than enough space to include the locals and the tourists, but one place does and does so with style: RockIt Lanes. 50,000 square ft worth of absolute fun, PCB locals love RockIt Lanes because of the rows of billard tables, the bowling, the arcades but mostly because of Thursday night Bar Wars where locals get well drinks and domestic beer for $1.50.

RockIt Lanes is located at 513 Beckrich Rd Panama City Bch, FL 32407. Call Ahead at (850) 249-2695

6. J. Micheal’s

If you walk into J. Micheal’s you’re likely to see city officials, hotel GMs and even restaurant owners hanging out in the same place they’ve been frequenting for years. Although the location has changed, the great food and chilled atmosphere has not. If you’re in PCB, you have to go to J. Micheal’s and order the red beans and rice; it’s a world famous dish that can tell you all you need to know about PCB in one bite.

J. Michael’s is located at 3210 Thomas Dr. Panama City Beach, FL. Call ahead at (850) 233-2055

5. S. Rick Seltzer Park

Locals have several secret beach spots where they get away from the crowds of tourists. I can’t give away all those locations, but one of the most popular of those locations is S. Rick Seltzer Park.This 4.7 acre cut of gulf is absolutely impeccable, one of the best places to get your “tan on”. With lots of restaurants and shopping nearby, and no high-rises on either side, you really feel like you have the whole beach to yourself. So grab a swimsuit, a bite to eat and just lounge like the locals do.

S. Rick Seltzer Park is located at 7419 Thomas Drive

4. Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar

Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar is the season/off-season locals hangout simple because you get great food, live music, awesome drinks and sports on 360 degrees worth of HDTV. While tourists spend their time in the adjacent Pineapple Willy’s restaurant, locals are kicking back with a Fat Tuesday drink, listening to a great band rip the stage all the while watching their favorite sports team kick some butt. It’s the life, and it’s why we’re locals.

Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar is located at 9875 S Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408

3. Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop

If you were to go into Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop, you’ll know you’re in a PCB landmark the moment you see the wall of fame. Years of PCB residents and tourists are plastered on the wall, images of boys buying their first board only to, years later, take a photo with their son and his first board. Serving up the surf since 1980, Mr. Surf’s is the local stop for all things beach from surf and skim lessons to boards and bikinis. Surf’s is more than just a store.

Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop is located at 7220 Thomas DR Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at 850-235-2217

2. Spinnaker’s

When locals want to get out and party and don’t want to be mobbed by the crowds, they head to one spot and that’s Spinnaker’s Beach Club. During the day it’s an amazing restaurant, serving up treats at the Paradise Grill or the beachside Cantina taco & tequila bar. At night it transforms into one of the most exciting club experiences in NW Florida. The Groove Room, The VIP Lounge and the Rock Arena provide enough room to get your dance on all night long.

Spinnaker’s Beach Club is located at 8795 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 234-7882

1. Liza’s Kitchen

Over a relatively short period of time, Liza’s Kitchen has become Panama City Beach local’s favorite place. This eccentric gourmet sandwich spot on Panama City Beach makes  the most original and tasty sandwiches on the entire beach. Everything is homemade down to the mayonnaise and everyday the delicious foccacia bread is freshly made. Serving lunch all week long, breakfast and tapas on the weekend, Liza’s is without a doubt, the local’s number one place. Oh, and did I mention the magical wine machine? Visit Panama City Beach and go to Liza’s. Thank us later.

Liza’s Kitchen is located at 7328 Thomas Dr # L Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 233-9000