NAVARRE
We got a break finally from all the rain and this weekend is looking especially promising. The forecast is for highs in the upper 60s and with an incoming tide every day the afternoon bite should be pretty good.

No rain is forecasted for this weekend, but all the rain we had the last couple of weeks is still flowing south and it is affecting the water quality in area bays as well as the sound. Because of the muddy water popping corks and artificial baits with plenty of rattle will be the go to presentations. Bull reds are still around the Destin and Pensacola passes as well as on the near shore reefs. 1 to 2 ounce bucktail and soft plastic jigs are the top producing artificial baits, with live pinfish and croakers the top natural baits for these oversized reds. Good numbers of slot reds can be had in the sound around docks that have at least four feet of water as well as on the flats that have plenty of decaying organic matter on the bottom. Live shrimp fished under a popping cork on the flats or with just a split shot around the deeper docks in the sound are a couple of great presentations right now. Gulp shrimps fished on a jig or on a carolina rig are also producing. There are still good numbers of specks as well as a few white trout in the deeper canals as well as near the entrance to most of the area rivers. DOA shrimp with a rattle inside and small LIVE TARGET Pinfish lures are really doing the job with all this dirty water in the area. Sheepsheads continue to school up around most of the deeper structure in the sound and bays as well as around the jetties in Destin and Pensacola. Live bait is the key to catching these professional bait thieves with live fiddler crabs and live shrimp the top baits.

It’s been Groundhog Day for area pier and surf fishermen the last week. Rough surf and muddy water has made it tough fishing for most, but folks still had a pretty good week overall. Bull reds, black drum and pompano have been the top bite, with live, fresh dead and frozen shrimp the top baits in that order. I’ve also been getting a few reports of folks getting spooled while fishing for sharks, and know of two Makos over 8 feet caught this week on the beach. Those targeting sharks are using cut bonito, whole bluefish and whole mullet butter flied for bait. Hopefully with the calmer weather forecasted we will see more pompano and whiting landings this weekend.

The weather was a lot better this last week enabling a few more off shore trips this week and for the coming week it looks great until Sunday when it starts to go down hill again. Flounder and bull reds are available around the near shore wrecks. 1oz jigs tipped with a Gulp or Trigger X shrimp was all that was needed on the wrecks in less than 70 feet. Many of the near shore wrecks are still holding good numbers of amberjacks, with large live baits landing the more keepers than Jigging. Triggers and are also on many of the near and off shore wrecks and reefs in 70 to 150 foot depths. Cut bonito and cut squid were the top baits. Still have not had any reports, good or bad from the rigs. This is most likely due to the lard amount of fresh water coming out of the Mississippi. From the latest satellite imagery there is a lot of ugly water as far west as the steps. Or it may be just due to the weather keeping everyone at the docks.

Until next week tight lines!

PANAMA CITY BEACH & ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM

Below are pictures of a Spanish Mackerel catch about 2 weeks ago sent in by Capt. Eric Red Fin Charters caught in St. Andrews Bay.

Reports of Sheepshead being caught all around the rocks in the pass at the Jetty; with Redfish being caught freelining and drifting in the middle of the pass.  The water along the beaches and near Shell Island is clearing up with the incoming tide.  Water in the Bay system is still clearing and expected to be clearer by the end of the weekend reported by Capt. Terry McGowen on the "Reel Fun" Charters this morning.

PANAMA CITY BEACH PIERS

Reports of Sheepshead and a few Pompano from the M.B. Miller Pier in the past few days and Sheepshead and Redfish at the Russell-Fields Pier.

DESTIN
Trout and reds in the bay are biting Live Target pinfish and mullet lures.

Sheepshead and reds are biting at the Destin Bridge on live shrimp, fiddler crab and fresh shrimp.

Pompano, whiting and reds are in the surf taking shrimp, crabs and sand fleas.

Spanish---Troll straw rigs in the back of the harbor or cast Gotcha lures and spoons from the jetty.

Bottom fishing offshore is good for vermillion snappers and triggers using squid and mackerel chunks.  Butterfly jigs are working for Amberjack and Scamp.

NAVARRE
Anyone besides me getting cabin fever? It looks like we will be getting a break from all the rain this weekend and back to more normal winter weather.

All this rain we had last week will continue to affect the inshore bite. Bull reds should still be had around the Destin and Pensacola passes as well as on the near shore reefs. 1 to 2 ounce bucktail and soft plastic jigs are the top producing artificial baits, with live pinfish and croakers the top natural baits for these oversized reds. Most of the guides still running trips in our area are catching good numbers of slot reds are in the sound around docks with more than four feet of water and on the flats that have plenty of decaying organic matter on the bottom. Live shrimp fished under a popping cork on the flats or with just a split shot around the deeper docks in the sound are the top baits right now. Gulp shrimps fished on a jig or on a Carolina rig are also producing, but they are really keying in on the live bait right now. The specks and white trout are hitting both natural and artificial baits. There are still good numbers in the deeper canals as well as near the entrance to most of the area rivers and with the colder weather forecasted I would expect to see a lot more heading up river as the temperatures drop. Sheepsheads continue to school up around most of the deeper structure in the sound and bays as well as around the jetties in Destin and Pensacola. Live bait is the key to catching these professional bait thieves with live fiddler crabs and live shrimp the top baits.

Pier and surf fishermen have had another tough week, although the folks having the most luck have been fishing in the surf on the National Seashore beaches just west of Navarre Beach. Bull reds and pompano have been the top bite with life, fresh dead and frozen shrimp the top baits in that order. I’ve also been getting a few reports of folks getting spooled while fishing for sharks, although most of the catches have been in the 50 to 150 pound range. Those targeting sharks are using cut bonito, whole bluefish and whole mullet butter flied for bait

There was only a small window last Sunday for those heading off shore so the reports were few at best. The few reports I did get have flounder and bull reds available around the near shore wrecks. 1oz jigs tipped with a Gulp or Trigger X shrimp was all that was needed on the wrecks in less than 70 feet. I was also able to get out on Sunday and the only wrecks that I could find keeper jacks were on the near shore wrecks although we did have some luck with the triggers on wrecks and reefs in the 100 to 150 foot depths. Cut bonito and cut squid were the top baits. I didn’t bother with live baits for the amberjacks, because we did not have any problems hooking up on vertical jigs. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I will start getting a few reports from the rigs.

Until next week tight lines!

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
Last week was pretty much a blow out in terms o f weather. Between the torrential rains and thirty mile an hour winds I can’t say I have heard much if anything from offshore. A few trips were made inshore say four or five miles out. Some Flounder and big Redfish were found but they had to work for it. Seas were rough and the drift was pretty sporty. We are also hearing of a bunch of Rudder jacks, some Trigger fish and a few Amberjack (though most were short) on the inshore stuff.

Surf anglers have had some nasty weather to deal with too and it really has affected their bite. The water is all stirred up and will take some time to recover. About the only catches I have heard of have been some small sharks. Early in the week they were still catching Pompano, Whiting, and a few Flounder and Redfish.

ST ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
Early last week the Spanish mackerel were pretty easy to find along Alligator Point and up to Courtney Point. Buena Vista and over to Beach drive was good too, but the weather has been so nasty that reports are fewer and with all of the fresh water coming into the bay I have to believe things have changed somewhat. I am sure you can still find them but I bet they will be in deeper water. There have been plenty of good reports on Sheep head in the pass and around the bigger bridges, and I don’t believe the fresh water will deter them. Redfish, Mangrove snapper, Black sea bass, and Black drum have also been getting caught in these same areas. Smaller reds and Speckled trout are getting caught up in two to four feet of water over good grass beds in places like out in front of Upper Goose bayou in North bay and Cedar Pt. in East bay. Fooling them with a soft plastic under a popping cork or without the cork works but a nice fat finger mullet will ring the dinner bell.

DESTIN
The Swoop caught the first King of the season on February 20th!!!!

Bottom boats are getting quite a few triggerfish, vermillion snapper along with a few amberjack and a couple scamps.

Sheepshead are biting live shrimp around the Destin Bridge and Jetties.

Reds are hitting live shrimp around the Destin Bridge, Jetties and deep water docks.

Pompano are off and on in the surf on shrimp, sand fleas and Fishbites.

Spanish and blues are biting spoons and Gotchas in the back of the harbor.

NAVARRE
Will this weather ever give us a break! It looks like we will be dealing with a lot of rain this weekend making it a challenge to get out. Hopefully we will get a weather window or two that will allow us a few hours on the water. .

Inshore bull reds can be had around the Destin and Pensacola passes as well ass on the near shore reefs. 1 to 2 ounce bucktail and soft plastic jigs have been the top producing artificial baits, with live pinfish and croakers the top natural baits for these oversized reds. Slot reds are in the sound and on the flats that have plenty of decaying organic matter on the bottom. Live shrimp fished under a popping cork on the flats or with just a split shot around the deeper docks in the sound are the top baits right now. Gulp shrimps fished on a jig or on a carolina rig are also producing, but they are really keying in on the live bait right now. The specks and white trout are hitting both natural and artificial baits. There are still good numbers in the deeper canals as well as near the entrance to most of the area rivers. The key to finding the slot fish has been to find the schools of mullet or other small bait fish that are just now starting to show up and making your presentation around the bait schools. Sheepsheads are schooling up pretty good around all the deeper structure in the sound and bays. Most are being caught on live fiddler crabs and live shrimp, however fresh crushed oysters have been the top bait for them right now around the Mid Bay and Destin Bridges.

Picture of a nice flounder catch sent in by One Shot Charters, Flounder were caught out of Destin in 65' using artificial baits.

Pier and surf fishermen have had a tough week and the coming week looks like more of the same. Those brave enough will be targeting pompano, redfish, black drum, bluefish, whiting, and sharks. For the pompano, redfish, black drum and whiting live or frozen shrimp as well as live sand fleas are the baits of choice. Those targeting sharks are using cut bonito, whole bluefish and whole mullet butter flied for bait. Most of the sharks are under a hundred pounds and don’t be surprised if a bull red eats your shark bait. It’s not unheard of.   

Not sure if anyone will want to head off shore this week, but if you find a weather window to get out the pass flounder, triggerfish, and amberjack are available on many of the close in reefs and wrecks. The flounder are in 60 to 70 feet of water feeding around wrecks holding plenty of baitfish. Top baits have been live pinfish, finger mullet, bull minnows and live shrimp. The near shore wrecks have also been producing good numbers of legal amberjacks as well as good numbers of triggerfish. The amberjacks are hitting large live baits, but vertical jigs are landing more than their fair share of 30 plus pound fish. For the trigger fish, small pieces of squid or bonito fished 10 to 15 feet off the bottom have been the best presentation. I have not received any reports from anyone heading out to the rigs and I don’t expect the get any with the current weather conditions. That said be careful and have a great week!

Until next week tight lines!

DESTIN
Sheepshead and redfish are biting around the Destin Bridge on shrimp, fiddler crabs and oysters. Spanish are in the back of the harbor and around the Shalimar bridge, troll spoons or cast Gotchas. In the surf more reports on pompano, whiting and reds.

Out in the gulf there are good numbers on triggers, mingo snapper, amberjack and a few scamp. Some black fin tuna reported around the edge and timberholes.

NAVARRE
We have another rollercoaster week ahead of us weather wise and fishing wise with this latest cold front that is heading our way. It will affect both offshore and inshore anglers, but those wanting to head out will be affected the most as strong winds will make it for those heading out area passes. Let’s just hope that the weather man has it wrong.

Inshore anglers are landing good numbers of bull reds around the Destin and Pensacola passes as well ass on the near shore reefs such as the bridge rubble just out of Destin. 1 to 2 ounce bucktail and soft plastic jigs have been the top producing artificial baits, with live pinfish and croakers the top natural baits for these oversized reds. Slot reds are in the sound and on the flats that have plenty of decaying organic matter on the bottom. Live shrimp fished under a popping cork on the flats or with just a split shot around the deeper docks in the sound has been the go to presentations. Gulp shrimps fished on a jig or on a Carolina rig are also producing, but they are really keying in on the live bait right now. The specks and white trout are hitting both natural and artificial baits. There are still good numbers in the deeper canals although most are on the small size. The key to finding the slot fish has been to find the schools of mullet or other small bait fish that are just now starting to show up and making your presentation around the bait schools. Sheepsheads are schooling up pretty good around all the deeper structure in the sound and bays. Most are being caught on live fiddler crabs and live shrimp, however fresh crushed oysters have been the top bait for them right now around the Mid Bay and Destin Bridges.

Pier and surf fishermen are going to have it pretty tough the coming week with the surf all churned up. Those heading out will be targeting pompano, redfish, black drum, bluefish, whiting, and sharks. For the pompano, redfish, black drum and whiting live or frozen shrimp as well as live sand fleas are the baits of choice. Those targeting sharks are using cut bonito, whole bluefish and whole mullet butter flied for bait. Most of the sharks are under a hundred pounds with a few exceeding that and don’t be surprised is a bull red eats your shark bait. It’s not unheard of.  

If you find a weather window to get out the pass flounder, triggerfish, amberjack, vermillion snapper are available within 20 miles of most passes. Flounder are still on many of the near shore wrecks and will readily hit live pinfish, finger mullet, bull minnows and live shrimp. The amberjack bite is still pretty hot right now out along the edge as well as on many of the near shore wrecks such as the liberty ship and Janet out of Destin. Large live baits catch most of the bigger fish, but vertical jigs are landing more than their fair share of 30 plus pound fish, besides its just plain fun jigging for them! For trigger fish and vermillion snapper, small pieces of squid or bonito fished on or near the bottom will deliver the best results. On one last note, please carefully release all grouper species the next few months as they are restricted form harvesting in both federal and state waters. This will ensure that they will be plenty around when they open back up April 1

Until next week tight lines!

DESTIN
Good week of fishing this last week even with the weather; plenty of redfish and sheepshead around the Destin Bridge and jetties. In the back of the harbor; Spanish, blues, reds and sheepshead, and more Spanish around the Shalimar bridge.

In the gulf, the bottom fishing for Mingo snapper, triggerfish, amberjack and scamp was good. Several of the party boats had real nice catches of all these species.

In the surf pompano are picking up with the warmer temps, quite a few whiting and a few reds.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
Some big Amberjack are getting caught in waters of a hundred feet or more, even better out further. Water temperatures of sixty eight degrees are being found at the twenty mile mark so the AJ’s are somewhat aggressive. Triggers, Beeliners, White and Black snapper are around as well so you can still bring home some filets if you play your cards right. There are even some Flounder still around the inshore wrecks so don’t forget the proper tackle for that job, might as well give it a try while you are out there.

Surf anglers are reporting a pretty good Pompano bite lately. Whiting, Bluefish, the occasional Flounder and Redfish have surprised anglers looking for Pomps. Fishbites, Sand fleas or shrimp has been the bait of choice. And we are still getting spotty reports of Spanish mackerel in the surf.

ST ANDREWS BAY SYSTEMI think the Redfish and Trout are as confused as our thermometers are lately. The best reports I have on them has been in the upper reaches of the bay in places like Fannin Bayou in North Bay, California Bayou in East bay and Breakfast Point in West bay. High tide has been in the afternoon but will move to the middle of the day and in the afternoon this week. This would be the best time to work the grass beds. Sheep head, Mangrove snapper and Black sea bass are good bets in the shipping channels, around the bridges and the marinas. Big Black drum and Redfish are working these same areas and will hit just about any live bait as well as many cut baits. Some good runs of squid are still happening and there is not much better bait this time of year. Daytime the birds will give them away, but at night places like the local marinas that have a pretty good amount of light shining on the water are good. The light attracts all kinds of activity including squid. Spanish mackerel are getting caught all over the bay, some reports have come from way up in places like Smack Bayou! They are kind of early so I guess they are seeking out the warmer spots too. Time to give your tackle the once over, spring has either arrived early or will be here soon.

PANAMA CITY BEACH OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
Amberjack have been in the crosshairs of most who have ventured out. This is true now more than ever as all Grouper are now closed. Dropping a bait all the way to the bottom on a wreck is very likely going to land a fish you will have to vent and release. However if you try, you can still make your trip out worthwhile by trying to specifically target fish you can keep. Simply put, choosing larger wrecks with plenty of relief and placing your bait or jig at the proper depth can definitely cut down or eliminate unwanted catches. Watch your bottom machine for the telltale arches and drop to that depth or just below it. This strategy should put you in AJ and trigger fish territory. Now if you have some drop offs or natural bottom spots you should try bottom fishing them, there may be Black snapper, White snapper or Bee liners there. If you have kept a log of what you have caught and when, it can be invaluable and if you have not it’s never too late to start. This has to be some of what is going on out there because there were some fat Trigger fish and AJ’s getting cleaned at the local marinas, not to mention all of the Bee liners, White and Black snapper.

In the surf, anglers are experiencing those days where you just never know what you are going to catch. Some Flounder, Redfish, Pompano and Whiting are all being reported. And yes the rumors you may have heard are true, we are getting an early run of Spanish mackerel mixed in with the schools of Bluefish.

Below is Jason Smith with a couple of Redfish caught last week.

ST ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
Redfish and Speckled trout are still being found up in the canals and bayous but they are also getting caught out on the grass flats after the tide has risen and the sun has had a chance to warm them up some. They are real easily spooked up in these tight quarters so be sure to be aware of the noise you make as you approach these spots or you will simply not get an opportunity to throw on them. You may even have to get out of the boat and wade fish for them. Bottom machines, bait wells, trolling motors all are pretty noticeable under water. We are hearing plenty of reports of Spanish mackerel getting trolled up along the channel just inside the pass on an incoming tide, kind of an early run but we’ll take it. Sheep head, Mangrove snapper and Black sea bass are still getting caught in the pass, at the bridges and around the marinas. If you are seeing squid getting caught you have found fish. Night time has been better for the squid but they are around some during the day too. You may also find Red and Black drum in these same areas so rig accordingly or risk losing the big one.

NAVARRE
Our week is going to start just how it will end, rainy! The good news is that throughout the week, especially through the weekend, we are going to see warm sunny days. Winds will be minimal through the weekend which will make for a great time to hit the water in the bays as well as the wrecks offshore. Get your boats and poles ready!

Inshore: Bull reds, slot redfish, black drum, speckled trout, white trout, sheepshead and the occasional flounder are on hand to those willing to get out from in front of the TV. Due to all the changing weather going on, the fish have been moving around a lot. Fish are being caught on and around the flats that have a lot of organic matter on the bottom.  The key to targeting the fish in the shallows is to shut down well before you get on the flats and ease your way in or you will end up spooking everything. Mullet schools are also a great indicator of trout and reds on the flats as well as most of the deeper canals in the sound. Most of the reds in the bays and sound have been just a little under the limit, but there are enough legal ones for you to be able to catch as well. Live shrimp and Berkley Gulp shrimp and flats worms have been the go to baits.  If you are willing to take the trip out to Mid Bay Bridge in Destin, there have been some reports of sheepshead stacking up along the pylons especially those pylons that still have a lot of barnacles on the side. Fresh crushed oysters have been the top bait for them right now; however fiddler crabs have become readily available for them to snack on as well. Blackwater is experiencing some good speckled trout catches. Mirrodine lures worked starting in the shallows and allowed to sink along the drop-off. And presented in a slow and erratic retrieve has been a killer presentation. The best bet for tangling with bull reds is in and around the Pensacola and Destin passes. Jigs and crank baits will work, but live shrimp and cut mullet has been deadly when targeting these hard fighters.   

Not much has change from last week pier and surf fishermen are still targeting pompano, redfish, black drum, bluefish, whiting, and sharks. The pompano, redfish, black drum and whiting are all hitting on live or frozen shrimp as well as live sand fleas, with the live bait producing the most strikes. Those targeting sharks are using cut bonito or whole bluefish and whole mullet butter flied for bait on stout outfits holding at least 600 yards of 65lb braid. Most of the sharks are under a hundred pounds, but the occasional four to six hundred pound is not uncommon.   

Offshore flounder, triggerfish, amberjack, vermillion snapper are available with 20 miles of most passes. Out around the Nipple and on out to the rigs yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, wahoo, are available for those willing to run a little. The amberjack bite is pretty good right now out along the edge, but decent fish can also be found on some of the close in wrecks such as the liberty ship and Janet out of Destin. Large live baits catch most of the bigger fish, but vertical jigs are landing more than their fair share of 30 plus pound fish, besides its just plain fun jigging for them! For trigger fish and vermillion snapper, small pieces of squid or bonito fished on or near the bottom will deliver the best results. Blackfin tuna continue to show up around the edge, however the best tuna reports are coming for out around the oil rigs. Vertical jigging, chunking and trolling both work for tunas, but those who are jigging seem to be producing the most strikes. In addition to tuna, trolling deep diving plugs are producing a few wahoo. On one last note, all grouper species are restricted form harvesting in both federal and state waters until April 1.

Until next week tight lines!

NAVARRE
The weather last week was outstanding for getting out on the water and it looks like we are in for another great week following this latest cold front. The weekend is looking really good for those of us fishing in the bay as well as on the near shore wrecks. Those heading off shore should see favorable conditions by Saturday afternoon.

Pier and surf fishermen are targeting pompano, redfish, black drum, bluefish, whiting, and sharks right now. The pompano, redfish, black drum and whiting are all hitting on live or frozen shrimp and sand fleas, with the live bait producing the most strikes. Those targeting sharks are using cut bonito and cut mullet for bait on stout outfits holding at least 600 yards of 65lb braid. Most of the sharks are under a hundred pounds, but the occasional four to six hundred pound is not uncommon. 

Offshore flounder, triggerfish, amberjack, red grouper, scamp grouper, vermillion snapper are available with 20 miles of most passes further out around the Nipple and on out to the rigs yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, wahoo, tilefish, and snowy grouper are available for those willing to run a little. The amberjack bite is pretty good right now out along the edge, but decent fish can also be found on some of the close in wrecks such as the liberty ship and Janet out of Destin. Large live baits catch most of the bigger fish, but vertical jigs are landing more than their fair share of 30 plus pound fish, besides its just plain fun jigging for them! For trigger fish and vermillion snapper, small pieces of squid or bonito fished on or near the bottom will deliver the best results. Blackfin tuna continue to show up around the edge, however the best tuna reports are coming for out around the oil rigs. Vertical jigging, chunking and trolling both work for tunas, but those who are jigging seem to be producing the most strikes. In addition to tuna, trolling deep diving plugs are producing a few wahoo.

Until next week tight lines!

DESTIN
For some reason there have been quite a few pompano in the back of the harbor, multiple reports of people catching 2 to 4 fish a trip fishing on or near the docks. Reds and Sheepshead are good around the Destin Bridge and east jetty using live shrimp or live fiddler crabs.

Bottom fishing boats are coming in with nice catches of vermillion snapper and triggers using cut mackerel and squid. Fishing frozen cigar minnows are working for amberjack near the edge and along natural bottom for scamp.

In the east end of the bay and mouth of the river trout are biting live shrimp, DOA’s, Mirr-o-lures and Gulp baits.

On the pier Sheepshead, whiting and a few reds mostly biting live shrimp are the main targets until the Spanish show up.

Surf fisherman are getting a few pompano on sand fleas and shrimp, mixed in with the pompano are some big redfish and a few whiting.

NAVARRE
Speckled trout, white trout, bull reds, sheepshead and the occasional flounder is what’s biting right now inshore. The speckled trout along with a good number of white trout and small redfish are in the deeper canals and rivers right now. Work your baits weather live or artificial slowly along the bottom to get the bite. The cannels around tiger point and East River are two spots that consistently produce good numbers. There is also a good chance of hooking up on a 15 to 20 pound striper in East River right now. Sheepsheads are available around most of the deeper structure in the bays. The Destin, Navarre, 3-Mile, Bob Sykes Bridges as well as the Destin and Pensacola jetties are great locations to target them. Live fiddler crabs and live shrimp fished on the smallest hook and lightest weight is what it will take to land these professional bait thieves. Bull reds are in the passes as well as around the 3mile Bridge in Pensacola and Mid Bay Bridge in Destin. Trolling deep diving plugs such as Mann’s Stretch 25s, Berkley X-Rap, and YoZori 3d minnow will get the bite when slow trolled in these areas. If you are not into trolling you can also target them in the passes on live bait such as pinfish or finger mullet, but cut mullet and cigar minnows will work just as well most days. Site fishing for them along the beach this time of year is also a great way to get into them.

Pompano, redfish, black drum, bluefish, whiting, and sharks are all available in the surf and from the Navarre pier right now. The pompano, redfish, black drum and whiting are all hitting on live or frozen shrimp and sand fleas, with the live bait producing the most strikes. Those targeting sharks are using cut bonito and cut mullet for bait on stout outfits holding at least 600 yards of 65lb braid. Most of the sharks are under a hundred pounds, but the occasional four to six hundred pound is not uncommon this time of year.

Offshore flounder, triggerfish, amberjack, red grouper, scamp grouper, vermillion snapper are available with 20 miles of most passes further out around the Nipple and on out to the rigs yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, wahoo, tilefish, and snowy grouper are available for those willing to run a little.

The amberjack bite is about as good as it can get out along the edge, but they can also be found on some of the close in wrecks such as the liberty ship and Janet out of Destin. Large live baits catch most of the bigger fish, but vertical jigs are landing more than their fair share of 30 plus pound fish, besides its just plain fun jigging for them! For trigger fish and vermillion snapper, small pieces of squid or bonito fished on or near the bottom will deliver the best results. Blackfin tuna continue to show up around the edge, however the best tuna reports are coming for out around the oil rigs. Vertical jigging, chunking and trolling both work for tunas, but those who are jigging seem to be producing the most strikes. In addition to tuna, trolling deep diving plugs are producing a few wahoo.

Until next week tight lines!

DESTIN
Plenty of redfish and sheepshead biting around the Destin Bridge and Jetties on live shrimp and oysters. Bottom fishing in the gulf is good for triggers and vermillion snapper on squid and cut mackerel. Red groupers, amberjack and scamp are biting on frozen cigar minnows. In the surd a few redfish, some whiting and a few pompano biting on fresh peeled shrimp and sand fleas.

PANAMA CITY BEACH
This past week has allowed more trips out than previous weeks and they have proved worthwhile. There are plenty of Amberjack out there and they are hungry. Water temps in the mid to upper sixties is making for an aggressive bite. All of your usual AJ jigs are working just fine and they sure won’t turn down live bait. The best reports have been from wrecks in at least 100 feet of water or more. Trigger fish have been plentiful and of a good size too, use a “chicken rig” baited up with squid and you can be catching two at a time. Red grouper, Black snapper, White snapper, Bee liners and a few Scamp were brought to the filet table as well. The Red snapper were problematic for some but not so much that they could not make a day of it. Also there are still Flounder hanging out around the inshore wrecks and reefs, so don’t forget to take along your favorite light tackle and try your luck for these succulent oddballs. Live or frozen minnows will work, rig it up Carolina style or use a fish finder rig.

In the surf, some Flounder, Redfish, Pompano and Whiting are getting caught. And believe it or not there are already some Spanish mackerel being reported mixed in with schools of Bluefish! Spanish in January?! Well with the water temperature along the beach in the 63 degree range I guess anything can happen.

ST ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
Speckled trout have been a little harder to find, warmer weather has probably allowed them to venture out a little from the usual cold weather haunts. Also affecting the bite lately was the recent full moon. Redfish are being caught around the local creeks and up in the grass late in the day when the tide is up. Larger Bull reds are in deeper water like the bridge channels and shipping lanes, drift these areas with a live pinfish or even better a finger mullet. Watch your bottom machine for rough bottom along the edges of the channels and you should find fish. Some large Black drum have been found the same way. Sheep head, Mangrove snapper and Black sea bass are around these same areas too. On a different note, I sure did not expect to be reporting that we are hearing of some Spanish mackerel being caught in January but we are! I might not have believed it had I not seen it for myself just inside the bay from the pass. Another early spring? Guess we will just have to wait and see.

NAVARRE
It looks like we are going to do a 180 weather wise this week. Winds are going to be out of the north and incoming tides for most of the day. This weekend is looking especial good with light winds out of the north making it perfect for both inshore and off shore fishermen.

Expect to see the trout head back to the deeper canals and rivers this weekend. Work your baits weather live or artificial slowly along the bottom to get the bite. The cannels around tiger point and East River are two of my favorite spots to target trout when these cold fronts come in. Besides the trout and reds there is also a good chance of hooking up on a 15 to 20 pound striper in east river right now. Sheepsheads are available around most of the deeper structure in the bays and sound such as the Destin, Navarre, and Bob Sykes Bridges. Live fiddler crabs and live shrimp fished on the smallest hook and lightest weight is what it will take to land these professional bait thieves. Bull reds are in the passes as well as around the 3mile Bridge in Pensacola and Mid Bay Bridge in Destin. Trolling deep diving plugs such as Mann’s Stretch 25s, Berkley X-Rap, and YoZori 3d minnow will get the bite when slow trolled in these areas. If you are not into trolling you can also target them in the passes on live bait such as pinfish or finger mullet, but cut mullet and cigar minnows will work just as well most days

Pier and surf fishermen are catching whiting, redfish, pompano, bluefish, and sharks for the most part with the occasional bonita thrown in. The whiting and pompano are all hitting on live or frozen shrimp, with live shrimp producing the most strikes. The redfish in the surf and around the pier are hitting pinfish, live shrimp and cut mullet.

Offshore the bite has not changes much with the best bite coming from amberjack, grouper, vermillion snapper and flounder. The amberjack bite is about as good as it can get out along the edge, but can also be found on some of the close in wrecks such as the liberty ship and Janet out of Destin. Large live baits catch most of the bigger fish, but vertical jigs are landing more than their fair share of 30 plus pound fish. For vermillion snapper, small pieces of squid or bonita fished on or near the bottom will deliver the best results. Blackfin tuna continue to show up around the edge, however the best tuna reports are coming for out around the oil rigs. Vertical jigging, chunking and trolling both work for tunas, but those who are jigging seem to be producing the most strikes. In addition to tuna, a few wahoo and swords can be had.

Until next week tight lines!

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
Not much has changed since last week, it has been too windy for most. Those anglers that have gone out on charters had good catches included Red grouper, Scamp, Black snapper, and Bee liners from off the bottom. Further up in the water column Amberjack were there, and they were not acting finicky. Live bait was working the best for the jacks, but frozen mackerel and squid worked fine on the bottom.

In the surf, the Whiting bite can be hot one day and not so much the next. They are definitely still around but maybe they are more on the move. Every now and then the occasional Redfish, Flounder or Bluefish comes along to get the heart pumping. Even better a few Pompano are being found in the mix, no real run yet but shouldn’t be long now.

ST ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
The Speckled trout bite is definitely improving. Places like Grand Lagoon, Fresh water bayou, Sandy creek, and up near Deer Point have all been good. All you need is an area that holds warmer water and you should find fish. I will say that live bait was out fishing artificial from my perspective, but I would take both anyway. Do take along some bug spray, the sand gnats are pretty bad when you get out of the wind. We are still getting plenty of reports of Bull reds, Black drum and mangrove snapper around Tyndall and Hathaway bridges as well as the pass. Don’t think you are wasting your time hunting for Flounder, some nice ones have surprised us around some the local docks and marinas. Get off that couch and Get Out There, you know you want too! 

DESTIN
Bottom fishing boats have been coming in with good catches of vermillion snapper, triggers, amberjack and a few red groupers.

Bay fishing boats are getting reds and sheepshead around bridges, deep water docks and the jetties. Trout are mostly on the far eastern end of the bay and mouth of the river.

Surf fisherman are getting whiting, reds and an occasional pompano.

Pier and jetty fisherman are getting reds, whiting, bonita and sheepshead.

NAVARRE
This week weather will have a dramatic effect on a lot of inshore species. It is also going to make it next to impossible to get off shore with the high southerly winds forecasted. The warmer weather along with the southerly winds will move most inshore species from their normal winter homes to their spring time foraging location. 

Trout and redfish will be moving from the deeper canals and rivers out onto the nearby grass and sand flats. The last couple of weeks have seen some extremely low tides. You can expect to see the opposite this week with many areas that were dry land now under a foot of water. The key to finding the trout and reds will be to find the bait. Work your baits weather live or artificial around the schools of mullet that will be cursing the shallows. This week would be a great time to break out you top water as well as floating crank baits, although free lined finger mullet or shrimp are also a great presentation. Sheepsheads are available around most of the deeper structure in the bays and sound such as the Destin, Navarre, and Bob Sykes Bridges. Live fiddler crabs and live shrimp fished on the smallest hook and lightest weight is what it will take to land these professional bait thieves. Bull reds are in the passes as well as around the 3mile Bridge in Pensacola and Mid Bay Bridge in Destin. Trolling deep diving plugs such as Mann’s Stretch 25s, Berkley X-Rap, and YoZori 3d minnow will get the bite when slow trolled in these areas. If you are not into trolling you can also target them in the passes on live bait such as pinfish or finger mullet, but cut mullet and cigar minnows will work just as well most days  

Pier and surf fishermen are catching whiting, redfish, pompano, bluefish, and sharks for the most part with the occasional bonita thrown in. The whiting and pompano are all hitting on live or frozen shrimp, with live shrimp producing the most strikes. The redfish in the surf and around the pier are hitting pinfish, live shrimp and cut mullet.  

Offshore the bite has not changed much with the best bite coming from amberjack, grouper, vermillion snapper and flounder. The amberjack bite is about as good as it can get out along the edge, but can also be found on some of the close in wrecks such as the liberty ship and Janet out of Destin. Large live baits catch most of the bigger fish, but vertical jigs are landing more than their fair share of 30 plus pound fish. For vermillion snapper, small pieces of squid or bonita fished on or near the bottom will deliver the best results. Blackfin tuna continue to show up around the edge, however the best tuna reports are coming for out around the oil rigs. Vertical jigging, chunking and trolling both work for tunas, but those who are jigging seem to be producing the most strikes. In addition to tuna, a few wahoo and swords can be had. 

Until next week tight lines!

 PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
There have not been many recreational boaters that have been able to head off shore, it has been too windy for most. The report from some anglers that have gone out on charter has been good though. Their catch included Red grouper, Scamp, Black snapper, and Bee liners from off the bottom. Further up in the water column Amberjack were there, and they were not acting finicky. Live bait was working the best for the jacks, but frozen mackerel and squid worked fine on the bottom. 

In the surf, the Whiting bite can be hot one day and not so much the next. They are definitely still around but maybe they are more on the move. Every now and then the occasional Redfish, Flounder or Bluefish comes along to get the heart pumping. Even better a few Pompano are being found in the mix, no real run yet but shouldn’t be long now.

ST ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
The Speckled trout bite is definitely improving. Places like Grand Lagoon, Fresh water bayou, Sandy creek, and up near Deer Point have all been good. All you need is an area that holds warmer water and you should find fish. I will say that live bait was out fishing artificial from my perspective, but I would take both anyway. Do take along some bug spray, the sand gnats are pretty bad when you get out of the wind. We are still getting plenty of reports of Bull reds, Black drum and mangrove snapper around Tyndall and Hathaway bridges as well as the pass. Don’t think you are wasting your time hunting for Flounder, some nice ones have surprised us around some the local docks and Marinas. Get off that couch and Get Out There, you know you want to!

DESTIN
Sheepshead are around the Destin bridge and jetties eating live shrimp, fiddler crabs and oysters. 

Reds fish are biting around all bridges, the channel around crab island and the mouth of Joe’s and Indian Bayou. 

Whiting are biting in the surf on shrimp, sand fleas and Fishbites.

Mingo Snapper, Trigger fish and Amberjack are being caught by the bottom fishing boats in 85 to 180 ft of water. 

Trout are in the mouth of the river system, and deep water bayous.

Bonita are plentiful trolling near shore or casting form the surf most mornings.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
We are still not hearing much from offshore but of the reports we have heard, the bite has been pretty good. Lots of Jacks to be had over the spans and larger wrecks like Warsaw, Putnam.and Strength. Red grouper, Scamp, White, Black and Vermillion snapper are around too. You will find yourself battling with species you can’t keep but those that have gone have managed to make the trip worthwhile. And yes there are still Flounder out there to be had, live bull minnows, live shrimp or even better live cigar minnows have done best. You don’t have to go far from shore, but the further you get from the pass the better.

In the surf, Whiting is still the headliner. Blues, Redfish, some Flounder and Pompano are being found too.

Capt. Eric with RedFin Charter's took out a family from California and fished the pass in the afternoon, had a great day 4 big Red fish! 

ST ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
Speckled trout are starting to move into their winter haunts, creek mouths and canals are good bets. With the bay water temperatures dropping into the fifties any bayous that are holding warmer waters will attract fish as well. Redfish, Black drum, Sheep head, Mangrove snapper and Black sea bass can still be found in the channels around the pass and the bridges. Squid for the sea bass, shrimp for the mangroves and sheep head and all the above for the red and black drum. If you know of some oyster beds in deeper water you will likely find reds, sheep head or black drum working those areas. Rig up with light flouro carbon leader and use a small strong hook. We have spotty reports of squid showing up around P.C. and St. Andrews Marina at night, calmer nights seem best and that could explain the spotty nature of the action. We have morning low tides all through January so be aware of the tide table when you go as the bite gets real slow when it bottoms out. Let us know how your last trip went, facebook us or just send an e mail. See you on the water!

NAVARRE
It’s going to be another tough weekend for inshore anglers. With north winds forecasted most days and low tides every morning there is not going to that much water around to fish in. Sheepsheads should be available around most of the deeper in the bays and sound such as the Destin, Navarre, and Bob Sykes Bridges. Live fiddler crabs and live shrimp fished on the smallest hook and lightest weight is what it will take to land these professional bait thieves. Bull reds are in the passes as well as around the 3mile Bridge in Pensacola and Mid Bay Bridge in Destin. Trolling deep diving plugs such as Mann’s Stretch 25s, Berkley X-Rap, and YoZori 3d minnow will get the bite when slow trolled in these areas. If you are not into trolling you can also target them in the passes on live bait such as pinfish or finger mullet, but cut mullet and cigar minnows will work just as well most days. Most of the trout action this weekend will be in the deeper holes in the Escambia, Black and East Rivers as well as the deeper canals in the sound. The cold weather has the trout extremely lethargic and will not strike anything but the slowest of presentations. Live shrimp is hard to beat, but DOA Shrimp and soft plastic grub tails fished slowly along the bottom are a deadly presentation. Suspending twitchbaits such as Mirrolure’s MirrOdine, YoZuri’s 3D Minnow. Rapala’s XR-8 Albino Shiner and XR-10 Moss Back Shiner as long as they are fished slowly will produce some spectacular catches.

Pier and surf fishermen are catching whiting, redfish, pompano, bluefish, and sharks for the most part with the occasional bonita thrown in. The whiting and pompano are all hitting on live or frozen shrimp, with live shrimp producing the most strikes. The redfish in the surf and around the pier are hitting pinfish, live shrimp and cut mullet.

Offshore the bite has been good to those of us able to get out with the best bite coming from amberjack, grouper, vermillion snapper and flounder. The amberjack bite is about as good as it can get out along the edge, but can also be found on some of the close in wrecks such as the liberty ship and Janet out of Destin. Large live baits will probably catch the biggest fish, but vertical jigs are landing more than their fair share of 30 plus pound fish. For vermillion snapper, small pieces of squid or bonita fished on or near the bottom will deliver the best results. Leader size can play a role when the bite slows so moving down in size may be the ticket when you need to firing up the bite. Blackfin tuna have been reported as close in as the edge. However, the best tuna reports are coming for out around the oil rigs in particular out around the Nakika and the adjacent drilling ship. Vertical jigging, chunking and trolling both work for tunas, but those who are jigging seem to be producing the most strikes. In addition to tuna, a few wahoo and swords can be had.

Until next week tight lines!