PORT ST. JOE/MEXICO BEACH
Warriors Persevere.

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the anglers fishing the opening day of Red Snapper season.

By late morning the foul weather began to subside and bag limits of Red Snapper were filled across gulf waters. Many of our local Charter Captains had the good fortune of taking some of our countries wounded warriors fishing. Despite the weather, which at times made the trips a white knuckle ride, our American Heroes were able to fish and enjoy a great day on the water.

While red snapper were the target this week, earlier in the week anglers also reported nice bag limits of triggerfish, grouper, and amberjack. Of course, with the opening of snapper season, our fisheries experts have closed Amberjack (greater) until August 1st 2012. Gray Triggerfish will close June 11th and Gag Grouper will remain closed until July 1st and reclose again November 1st 2012.

Closer to land, surf fishermen and women are reporting Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Whiting and Croaker from along our gulf county beaches. The intra-coastal canal was a flurry of activity this week with large schools of baitfish moving inland along the waterway. Beneath them, big bull Redfish! Anglers enjoyed some great action but most fish brought to the boat were over-slot sized. Another bruiser cruising beneath the pogies were Jack Crevalle in the fifteen to twenty pound class.

St. Joe Bay remains alive with Redfish, Trout, and Flounder. Anglers report excellent fishing throughout the bay.

Fishing is good, just go!

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
Everyone was biding their time last week waiting on Red snapper to open, but those who went found plenty of action with Kings, Wahoo and Mahi of all sizes. Down deeper Red grouper, Trigger fish, Bee liners, and Amberjack have all been hauled in. Heads up on Trigger fish though the Fed’s have set a closure on them in Federal waters for June 11th through Jan 1st 2013. Also while we are on the subject of closures, Amberjack has closed just as Red snapper opened and will remain closed until July 31st.

Along the beach, we are still hearing about some Whiting and Pompano catches but the warmer temps are bound to push them out deeper soon. A few Flounder, Reds and some large Spanish are getting picked up in the surf as well.

 ST ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
The pre dawn bite on Reds and Trout was pretty good last week, the early morning high tides really turns them on. We are still hearing about Flounder getting plucked out from under docks and around seawalls by hook and line. The gigging crowd has done well also. Black drum, Redfish and Sea bass are a pretty dependable target around your local bridges and in the channels around the larger markers. Time to get out there and wet a line!!!!

Capt. Eric with Redfin Charters sent in this picture of Mrs. LeeAnn with a 19" Speckled Trout she caught last week!  Way to go!

PANAMA CITY BEACH PIERS
This week saw the King mackerel bite slow just a bit, but those fishing live and dead Cigar minnows did have some luck on some good sized fish. The Spanish turned on to bubble and straw rigs this week especially the orange color. A few Flounder were caught on shrimp on the bottom as well as a few big bull redfish. Early in the week the Blackfin tuna showed up again. Those fishing live baits seemed to catch the most. A 9 and 1/2 foot bull shark was landed off the county pier this week. So for you shark fisherman, grab your gear and come spend the night. Pier stores are open 24 hours a day for your convenience.

DESTIN
Snapper season opened today, it was a little windy and wet this morning but that did not stop many anglers form catching a nice limit of fish in short order.
 
Trolling for kings as been very good but look for the bit to slow up a bit during the day as we move towards the full moon. Most of the best king fishing will be 6-9am and 4 till dark for the next week or so.
 
Offshore fishing has been nothing short of great, lots of wahoo, marlin and tuna. There has also started to be a good supply of dolphin.
 
Surf fishing is producing some pompano and whiting, lots of ladyfish and hardtails and plenty of sharks at night.
 
On the pier kings in the early morning form 5am to 6:30am. Spanish and tarpon are biting during the day and lots of ladyfish and hardtails.
 
In the bay good numbers of trout and reds on the flats early and then big reds trolling the Mid Bay Bridge all day.

NAVARRE
PIER

Cobia- The action has slowed with only a few small fish seen and one small fish caught. I would say it is safe to say the season is just about over. But if you do get an opportunity, most anglers are throwing 3oz Cobia jigs. Some are tipping with squid strips. Other live baits that work well are Pinfish, Hard Head Catfish and live Eels.

King Mackerel- The Kings have moved back in. There have been quite a few fish caught this week. Blue runners and live cigar minnows rigged on stinger rigs are always very effective. Although frozen cigar minnows will work. 

Spanish Mackerel- The Spanish have been chewing the pier down. Gotcha plugs have been the most popular. Bubble rigs and spoons will take their share. Small live baits as well as live shrimp have been working well lately. There’s a lot of natural bait around the pier right now.

Whiting- The Whiting bite has slowed over the last week. Fresh peeled shrimp fished on the bottom will produce fish. A standard two hook bottom rig will produce fish. A better rig is a fish finder rig with a fluorocarbon leader and a #6 hook. 

Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Live sand fleas, live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a double hook rig will produce. Pompano jigs will also take them.

Bonito- I have had reports of a few fish being caught this week. Jigfish jigs, Diamond jigs, Buck tailed jigs and silver spoons will take these fish. 

Blackfin Tuna- I have heard of a few fish being hooked, not sure of they were landed. The same baits that work for Bonito will work for the Blackfin.

Redfish- A few Reds have been caught this week. Some have been oversized and some have been in the slot. Anglers are using live shrimp, live finger mullet or any cut bait. You can catch them with a fish finder rig and a circle hook. Good artificial include a ¾ oz Johnson gold spoon and a 1oz jig with a 4” Berkeley Gulp shrimp. 

Black snapper / Grey Snapper- I have not had any reports of these being caught this week.

Black Drum- I have had reports of fish being caught this week. These fish aren’t particular on what they eat. Best baits are shrimp, live or fresh dead, and a half of blue crab for the big fish. 

Dolphin – I have had reports of a few being caught this week. I have not heard of any sizes of the fish. They are not too particular in what they eat; a live cigar minnow or hardtail will produce. Also, a myriad of artificials like jigs, plugs and spoons will catch them.

Skipjack (Ladyfish) – There have been several caught this week. These fish are not particular, they will take live shrimp, live minnows and frozen bait. The will also hit Bubble Rigs, Gotcha plugs, diving plugs and small spoons.

Sailfish- I had a report of two sailfish caught this week. I do not know the sizes or what they were caught on.

SURF

Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Best baits are live shrimp and sand fleas. Although fresh dead shrimp will work well. Most anglers are using a two hook bottom rig fished in a cut in the sand bars or just over the sand bar.

Redfish- Anglers are catching some big bull reds, and a few slot reds, while fishing for Pompano. The will hit the same baits, but don’t be afraid to try some cut mullet or LY’s.

Sharks- There is several species to catch and area anglers have been catching Black Tip, Spinners, Mako and Bull sharks. Most shark fisherman are fishing high capacity reels with 80# test line on a 50# to 100# rod. They are using fresh Bonito or Skipjack for bait and using a 6’ leader of at least 400# test with large circle hooks and J hooks. They are placing the bait usually behind the first sand bar. There are smaller sharks available in the trough right off the beach.

Skipjack (Ladyfish) – There have been several fish caught this week. These fish are no particular on what they hit. Anything from live shrimp and minnows to frozen baits. They will also hit diving plugs, jigs and small spoons.

Whiting- The Whiting bite remains steady. These are being caught using a two hook bottom rig with live shrimp or peeled fresh dead shrimp.

Spanish Mackerel- There has been some fish caught this week. Most have been caught with small spoons and gotcha plugs fished in the trough and just on the other side of the bar.

INSHORE (bays and sounds)

Speckled Sea Trout- Fishing for trout has been very good all this week. Live shrimp is a great bait fished under a popping cork. A live Croaker, Finger Mullet or Pinfish can be fished on a cork or on the bottom. Good artificial baits include silver spoons, DOA Shrimp, Yozuri Crystal minnows, Yozuri 3-D Crustal shrimp, MirroLure Mirrodine lures and Berkeley Gulp soft plastics. I have had reports of these fish being caught on the grass flats in 2’ to 5’ of water this week. Don’t overlook top water baits early in the morning.

Redfish- These have been caught on the grass flats with the same baits used for Trout. Although don’t leave home without a 1/4oz Johnson Silver Minnow in gold, DOA shrimp and Berkley Gulp on a jig head. Deep water docks, dock pilings and bridge pilings are all good places to find Redfish, they like being around structure. There can be some good top water action early in the morning casting Skitter Walks and Top Dogs on the flats. Live shrimp fishing next to docks on a fish finder rig works well.

Flounder- There has been a few reports of fish being caught. I use as light of weight as possible when fishing with live bait for these fish. Don’t over look the jig and grub combination or jig and Berkley Gulp combination. Flounder should be showing up in the bay in more frequent numbers this month. Flounder love structure, find some pilings, rock piles and oyster bars a little later this month and you should catch fish. Old wooden dock pilings are great structures that hold fish.

Sheepshead- I have heard of some fish being caught this week. Also, these fish will school on the grass flats this time of year. Try fishing around structure like dock pilings, bridge pilings and rock piles too. Best baits are fiddler crabs and small live shrimp.

Black Drum- There has been some nice fish caught around the bridge pilings and any other structure in the sound. Best baits are live or fresh dead shrimp, half of a blue crab and cut mullet. Use a standard fish finder rig and a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fish it on the bottom around structure.

White Trout – The bite has slowed for these fish this week. These fish like structure in deep water, bridge pilings or submerged structure. Jig and grubs and jigs with fresh dead shrimp work well fished slowly on the bottom. Live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a fish finder rig works well too. They will also hit cut bait fished on the same rig on the bottom. As the water warms the bite will slow down.

NEAR SHORE GULF

King Mackerel- I have had some good reports of some nice kings being caught right off the beach on live cigar minnows and hardtails rigged on a stinger rig. Duster rigs with live and dead cigar minnows and silver spoons have been popular too. A lot of reports have come from Kayak fishermen. A stinger rig is made with either seven strand or single strand wire, 31# to 60# works well. A 1/0 front nose hook and a size #6 through #2 stinger treble hook completes the rig.

Spanish Mackerel- Good reports all week. If you are casting, Gotcha plugs, silver spoons and bubble rigs will take their share. If you are trolling, Mackerel trees, silver spoons, live cigar minnows and live hardtails get the nod. Most reports have been from Kayak fisherman fishing right off the beach.

Dolphin- There was some nice fish caught earlier in the week. Most were caught by the kayak fisherman trolling live cigar minnows and hardtails for Kings. When the water conditions are right again we will see these fish being caught most of the summer.

Sailfish- I have not heard of any fish being caught near the beach this week. However, that doesn’t mean that they are not there, especially if you have anglers catching them on the pier.

OFFSHORE GULF

There has been a nice push of blue water last week in the Nipple and 131 area and it is still there.

Trigger Fish- Have had good reports of these fish being caught in 80” to 100” this week.

Red Snapper- This season is now closed for harvesting but will re-open on June 1. Catch and release only. These fish are everywhere! From 2miles out of the pass to the edge. Live cigar minnows, threadfins, hard tails, pinfish and grunts all work well. Frozen squid, cigar minnows and Bonito chunks will work as well. Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs will catch their share. Look for them on the artificial reefs and natural bottom. 

Scamp- These have been caught this week. You can use a lot of the same baits as with snapper, although live pinfish with the top fin cut off and the tail trimmed work for me. Look for them on any natural bottom or artificial reef. The Yellow Gravel area has been producing fish.

Grouper- The Grouper bite has remained good this week. These fish will inhabit the natural bottom and artificial reefs just like the Red Snappers. Live Grunts, Pinfish and Cigar Minnows will produce fish, but so will the Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs. Try butterflying a natural bait and fish it just off the bottom. Fish are being caught this week in 85’ to 120’. Don’t forget that Gag Grouper is still closed. 

Amberjack- Some nice fish have been caught this last week in 200’ plus feet of water. Jigs have been the hot baits, but any live bait should produce well. Bring some stout gear to turn these bruisers.

King Mackerel- I have had some reports of some fish being caught on the beach. Live bait can be caught in Pensacola pass and on the Massachusetts. The Mass is also a good place to troll live bait around for the kings. Also, I have had some reports of fish being caught on the edge fly lining live blue runners (hardtails). Trolling with lipped diving plugs like the Stretch 30 and Rapala X-Rap 30 have been producing well. 

Wahoo- Some nice fish were caught around the Spur trolling Soft Head baits and Islander/ballyhoo combinations around the weed mats. The new Yozuri Bonita in black has also been doing well.

Dolphin- Some nice fish were caught off some scattered Sargasso weeds this last week in 180’ to 200’ this week The anglers were trolling Rapala X-Rap 30’ diver and the Yozuri 3-D Sashimi lures. Some nice fish were also caught around the Spur around floating weed mats trolling naked ballyhoo and the same style of hard baits. 

Black Fin Tuna- Some nice fish have been caught at the edge this week. Bonito were mixed in with them. Anglers were using the Bomber, Shimano and Williamson jigs.

White Marlin – I had a report last week of a possible White hooked up. Unfortunately the fish got its bill tangled up in the line and broke them off. That report was in 180’ feet of water southwest of the Pensacola pass.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
The weed lines have been pretty easy to find and were holding lots of Bonita and flying fish. You know what that means, where there are flying fish the Kings, Mahi-mahi and Wahoo should not be far away. Some decent ones were brought in last week and they did not have to go too far to find them. The weeds are pretty thick so trolling has proved somewhat aggravating having to clear your bait every so often, but the reward has outweighed the hassle.

The Red grouper bite has been great, some real sows were landed using live herring for bait. You can find them at the natural bottom spots to the West and South, and around the outer edges of larger wrecks. Amberjack have proven to be a dependable target especially out in Federal waters. Some keeper size jacks were picked off the Dupont sites too, and those are still in state waters.

Along the beach, some Whiting and Pompano are gracing the early risers surf rigs with a silvery reward. You may even get into some silvery looking Redfish while surf fishing, they tend to lose their reddish hue after being in the gulf for a while. Still a good amount of Spanish mackerel around and they are good sized specimens.

Bob Gilbert caught this 20lb Blackfin Tuna off the County Pier in Panama City Beach recently. He was very happy about his catch!

 ST ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
The Flounder bite has turned on and with the full moon on the 4th of June it should get even better. Sight fishers of reds and trout are reporting the daybreak bite has proven to be best, so long as there was not too much wind creating noise against the boat hull and limiting the visibility. They are pretty spooky up in skinny water.

We are still hearing of Bull reds and Black drum in the channels around the bridges when the tide is really moving. There is also still a lot of Pilchards around and they are a good bit larger than the pinfish we are finding. Bigger bait, bigger fish… right?

DESTIN
Snapper season is only days away but there is no need to wait to go fishing as it is wonderful now.

Trolling for kings is as good as it gets. We are seeing quality catches of fish from 10 to 40lbs and in very good numbers fishing just a few miles from the pass. Also trolling or live baiting for Black fin tuna is very good on the south and southwest edge about 22 to 25 miles from home.

Bottom fishing is producing some nice Trigger fish, Amberjack, Vermillion snapper and Red groupers. I know everyone gets overly excited about red snapper because of their size but in my opinion the Vermillion (Mingo) snapper are better to eat and you can fish them year round.

Offshore trolling is hot for tuna, Wahoo and marlin and they are getting a few nice Dolphin. Mostly they are fishing from the nipple and out to the spur, at night around the spur are some nice swordfish.

On the pier, they are consistently getting Spanish, Ladyfish, Blues and a few Kings.

In the surf, plenty of Ladyfish, some Pompano, a few Whiting and good numbers of sharks at night.

NAVARRE
PIER
Cobia- The action has slowed with only a few small fish seen and one small fish caught. I would say it is safe to say the season is just about over. But if you do get an opportunity, most anglers are throwing 3oz Cobia jigs. Some are tipping with squid strips. Other live baits that work well are Pinfish, Hard Head Catfish and live Eels.

King Mackerel- The Kings have moved back in. There have been quite a few fish caught this week. Blue runners and live cigar minnows rigged on stinger rigs are always very effective. Although frozen cigar minnows will work.

Spanish Mackerel- The Spanish have been chewing the pier down. Gotcha plugs have been the most popular. Bubble rigs and spoons will take their share. Small live baits as well as live shrimp have been working well lately. There’s a lot of natural bait around the pier right now.

Whiting- The Whiting bite has remained steady over the last week. Fresh peeled shrimp fished on the bottom will produce fish. A standard two hook bottom rig will produce fish. A better rig is a fish finder rig with a fluorocarbon leader and a #6 hook.

Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Live sand fleas, live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a double hook rig will produce. Pompano jigs will also take them.

Bonito- I have had reports of a few fish being caught this week. Jigfish jigs, Diamond jigs, Buck tailed jigs and silver spoons will take these fish.

Blackfin Tuna- I have heard of a few fish being hooked, not sure of they were landed. The same baits that work for Bonito will work for the Blackfin.

Redfish- A few Reds have been caught this week. Some have been oversized and some have been in the slot. Anglers are using live shrimp, live finger mullet or any cut bait. You can catch them with a fish finder rig and a circle hook. Good artificial include a ¾ oz Johnson gold spoon and a 1oz jig with a 4” Berkeley Gulp shrimp.

Black Drum- I have had reports of fish being caught this week. These fish aren’t particular on what they eat. Best baits are shrimp, live or fresh dead, and a half of blue crab for the big fish.

Dolphin – I have had reports of a few being caught this week. I have not heard of any sizes of the fish. They are not to particular, a live cigar minnow or hardtail will produce. Also, a myriad of artificials like jigs, plugs and spoons will catch them.

Skipjack (Ladyfish) – There have been several caught this week. These fish are not particular, they will take live shrimp, live minnows and frozen bait. The will also hit Bubble Rigs, Gotcha plugs, diving plugs and small spoons.

Sailfish- I had a report of two sailfish caught this week. I do not know the sizes or what they were caught on.

SURF
Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Best baits are live shrimp and sand fleas. Although fresh dead shrimp will work well. Most anglers are using a two hook bottom rig fished in a cut in the sand bars or just over the sand bar.

Redfish- Anglers are catching some big bull reds, and a few slot reds, while fishing for Pompano. The will hit the same baits, but don’t be afraid to try some cut mullet or LY’s.

Sharks- There is several species to catch and area anglers have been catching Black Tip, Spinners, Mako and Bull sharks. Most shark fisherman are fishing high capacity reels with 80# test line on a 50# to 100# rod. They are using fresh Bonito or Skipjack for bait and using a 6’ leader of at least 400# test with large circle hooks and J hooks. They are placing the bait usually behind the first sand bar. There are smaller sharks available in the trough right off the beach.

Bull shark caught by Johnny at the third stop on Navarre Beach!

Skipjack (Ladyfish) – There have been several fish caught this week. These fish are no particular on what they hit. Anything from live shrimp and minnows to frozen baits. They will also hit diving plugs, jigs and small spoons.

Whiting- The Whiting bite remains steady. These are being caught using a two hook bottom rig with live shrimp or peeled fresh dead shrimp.

Spanish Mackerel- There has been some fish caught this week. Most have been caught with small spoons and gotcha plugs fished in the trough and just on the other side of the bar.

INSHORE (bays and sounds)
Speckled Sea Trout- Fishing for trout has been very good all this week. Live shrimp is a great bait fished under a popping cork. A live Croaker, Finger Mullet or Pinfish can be fished on a cork or on the bottom. Good artificial baits include silver spoons, DOA Shrimp, Yozuri Crystal minnows, Yozuri 3-D Crustal shrimp, MirroLure Mirrodine lures and Berkeley Gulp soft plastics. I have had reports of these fish being caught on the grass flats in 2’ to 5’ of water this week. Don’t overlook top water baits early in the morning.

Redfish- These have been caught on the grass flats with the same baits used for Trout. Although don’t leave home without a 1/4oz Johnson Silver Minnow in gold, DOA shrimp and Berkley Gulp on a jig head. Deep water docks, dock pilings and bridge pilings are all good places to find Redfish, they like being around structure. There can be some good top water action early in the morning casting Skitter Walks and Top Dogs on the flats. Live shrimp fishing next to docks on a fish finder rig works well.

Flounder- There has been a few reports of fish being caught. I use as light of weight as possible when fishing with live bait for these fish. Don’t over look the jig and grub combination or jig and Berkley Gulp combination. Flounder should be showing up in the bay in more frequent numbers this month. Flounder love structure, find some pilings, rock piles and oyster bars a little later this month and you should catch fish. Old wooden dock pilings are great structures that hold fish.

Sheepshead- I have heard of some fish being caught this week. Also, these fish will school on the grass flats this time of year. Try fishing around structure like dock pilings, bridge pilings and rock piles too. Best baits are fiddler crabs and small live shrimp.

Black Drum- There has been some nice fish caught around the bridge pilings and any other structure in the sound. Best baits are live or fresh dead shrimp, half of a blue crab and cut mullet. Use a standard fish finder rig and a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fish it on the bottom around structure.

White Trout – The bite has slowed for these fish this week. These fish like structure in deep water, bridge pilings or submerged structure. Jig and grubs and jigs with fresh dead shrimp work well fished slowly on the bottom. Live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a fish finder rig works well too. They will also hit cut bait fished on the same rig on the bottom. As the water warms the bite will slow down.

NEAR SHORE GULF
King Mackerel- I have had some good reports of some nice kings being caught right off the beach on live cigar minnows and hardtails rigged on a stinger rig. Duster rigs with live and dead cigar minnows and silver spoons have been popular too. A lot of reports have come from Kayak fishermen. A stinger rig is made with either seven strand or single strand wire, 31# to 60# works well. A 1/0 front nose hook and a size #6 through #2 stinger treble hook completes the rig.

Spanish Mackerel- Good reports all week. If you are casting, Gotcha plugs, silver spoons and bubble rigs will take their share. If you are trolling, Mackerel trees, silver spoons, live cigar minnows and live hardtails get the nod. Most reports have been from Kayak fisherman fishing right off the beach.

Dolphin- There was some nice fish caught earlier in the week. Most were caught by the kayak fisherman trolling live cigar minnows and hardtails for Kings. When the water conditions are right again we will see these fish being caught most of the summer.

Sailfish- I have not heard of any fish being caught near the beach this week. However, that doesn’t mean that they are not there, especially if you have anglers catching them on the pier.

OFFSHORE GULF
There has been a nice push of blue water in the Nipple and “131 area” this week.

Red Snapper- This season is now closed for harvesting. Catch and release only. These fish are everywhere! From 2miles out of the pass to the edge. Live cigar minnows, threadfins, hard tails, pinfish and grunts all work well. Frozen squid, cigar minnows and Bonito chunks will work as well. Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs will catch their share. Look for them on the artificial reefs and natural bottom.

Scamp- These have been caught this week. You can use a lot of the same baits as with snapper, although live pinfish with the top fin cut off and the tail trimmed work for me. Look for them on any natural bottom or artificial reef. The Yellow Gravel area has been producing fish.

Grouper- The Grouper bite has remained good this week. These fish will inhabit the natural bottom and artificial reefs just like the Red Snappers. Live Grunts, Pinfish and Cigar Minnows will produce fish, but so will the Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs. Try butterflying a natural bait and fish it just off the bottom. Fish are being caught this week in 85’ to 120’. Don’t forget that Gag Grouper is still closed.

Amberjack- Some nice fish have been caught this last week in 200’ plus feet of water. Jigs have been the hot baits, but any live bait should produce well. Bring some stout gear to turn these bruisers.

King Mackerel- I have had some reports of some fish being caught on the beach. Live bait can be caught in Pensacola pass and on the Massachusetts. The Mass is also a good place to troll live bait around for the kings. Also, I have had some reports of fish being caught on the edge fly lining live blue runners (hardtails). Trolling with lipped diving plugs like the Stretch 30 and Rapala X-Rap 30 have been producing well.

Wahoo- Some nice fish were caught around the Spur trolling Soft Head baits and Islander/ballyhoo combinations around the weed mats. The new Yozuri Bonita in black has also been doing well.

Dolphin- Some nice fish were caught off some scattered Sargasso weeds this last week in 180’ to 200’ this week The anglers were trolling Rapala X-Rap 30’ diver and on the Yozuri 3-D Sashimi lures. Some nice fish were also caught around the Spur around floating weed mats trolling naked ballyhoo and the same style of hard baits.

Black Fin- Some nice 30# to 40# fish have been caught at night by some Swordfisherman. The fish show up after the boat lights have been on awhile. Diamond and Butterfly jigs have been very productive.

White Marlin – I had a report last week of a possible White hooked up. Unfortunately the fish got its bill tangled up in the line and broke them off. That report was in 180’ feet of water southwest of the Pensacola pass.

PORT ST. JOE/MEXICO BEACH
The only people not catching fish along the forgotten coast this week are the ones that didn't go. I am unable to independently verify the reports, but fishing sources say anglers are having to wear protective head gear due to the number of fish jumping in the boat. Head trauma and tall tales aside, fishing is great throughout Gulf County waters.

St Joseph's Bay trout and redfish are turned on and the bite is good. Especially for anglers tossing top-water lures in the early morning hours. By late morning you should be changing over to soft plastics like the DOA shrimp, or Berkley Gulp in the "Flats Worm" series. Small plastics like Mann's "Hard nose" swim baits are taking Flounder from all over the bay.

Offshore anglers are enjoying catches of King Mackerel, Wahoo, Dolphin and Cobia. Pronounced weed lines or flotsam & jetsam are perfect places to begin trolling for pelagic species. Look for working birds, tidal lines and water color changes too.  Bottom fisherman, are also enjoying great catches of grouper, snapper of all kinds, and trigger fish. Amberjack action is hot on many of the high relief structures and they aren't picky about bait either. AJ fishing is about as simple as it gets...anchor up, throw a big skirted jig (white or glow) or a live pinfish and hang on. June 1st is opening day of snapper season, there are only three red snapper left so be ready! A variety of live and dead baits will work on snapper this time of year. A live croaker or pinfish cant be beaten, but large squid or cut Northern Mackerel fished a few cranks up from the bottom will fill your box too. That is of course, if your box only holds two red snapper! There are regulations you know.

PANAMACITY OFFSHORE & INSHORE
Trolling has been pretty productive, some really nice Kings, Wahoo and a few Mahi-mahi have been brought to gaff. High speed trolling, slow deep trolling and flat lining over a wreck were the most common tactics. If you spot birds diving, you should throw a sturdy top water or buck tail jig into the fray, it is likely Bonita but Blackfin have been mixed in with them. Quite a few Black fin tuna have been landed doing just that.

Justin Hamilton's recent swordfishing trip with Butch Cardenas and Ben Dover produced this Oilfish caught in 1700' waters.  Interesting catch! 

Plenty of Amberjack hanging out over the bridge spans. Drop a jig down and bring one up, usually a few will follow then throw some chum out to keep them up. There is nothing like sight fishing big jacks on top with a popper or pitching a livey to them.

Some fat Red grouper have been picked off of the natural bottom spots to the west and south. Trigger fish, Bee liners, Black snapper, and Black sea bass are also out there to be had. It is still worth going, you just have to be prepared to change up your game in order to target different species.

Matt Parrimore sent in the picture of a nice Mahi Mahi he caught a few weeks ago!  Way to go Matt!

Along the beach, Pompano and Whiting were caught last week by those anglers with the Midas touch. Some Bull reds were found as well out away from the heavy traffic in places like Camp Helen and Tyndall beach.

ST ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
The early morning high tide has paid off with a decent Speckled trout and Redfish bite. Large schools of Pilchards can be found all over the bay, just keep your eyes open for pelicans diving and you will have found the Pilchards (and probably the Reds and Trout). A little chum will help to keep them in an area so you can get a chance to throw your net on them.

Some nice sized Flounder have been brought to the dock and they were caught on Pilchards too. That is not to say you have to use Pilchards but they are a great bait if you can get them.

Bull Reds and Black drum are providing anglers with a run for their money around the local bridges. Live or cut bait has worked just fine, you will need heavy leads to hold bottom in the strong current found in those areas.

Spanish mackerel bite has slowed a bit but they can still be found especially in the morning. The good news is they have been running rather large.

PANAMA CITY BEACH PIER (M.B Miller & Dan Russell)
This week saw King mackerel still being caught in good numbers using cigar minnows with a #4 treble hook attached with 40lb wire leaders. Spanish were hitting mostly Gotcha plugs this week. Try the red head/silver body #301.

There were still a few Blackfin tuna that showed up this week. those fishing live baits for kings caught quite a few incidental blackfins.

A lot of flounder were caught around the pilings using live and dead shrimp fished on the bottom. The bluefish have moved in this week petty strong. Use either bubble and straw rigs or cut bait for the best blue bites.

A ton oif hardtails are hanging out at the piers. Try using larger sabiki rigs or small Gotcha plugs.

There have been some large bonita caught this week on live baits and bubble and straw rigs. Remember they aren"t great table fair, but they are one of the strongest fighters out there. Grab your rods and come see us

DESTIN

Great week of fishing after a rough, rainy and windy weekend.

Some of the best action this week were the Blackfin tuna being caught about 25 miles out near the southwest break south of the timber holes. Most people were catching them drifting live baits while chumming with cut Bonito or Northern mackerel. Mixed in with the Blackfin tuna were good amounts of Kings and Bonito along with an occasional Dolphin.

Closer to home only a few miles from shore the King bite was very steady trolling live Cigar minnows and Yo-zuri lures.

Bottom fishing for Vermillion snapper (Mingo's) and Triggers has been steady fishing 85 to 200 feet deep over structure and natural rock bottom.

The surf has been producing lots of Pompano on Fishbites and Sand fleas. Also in the surf Ladyfish on spoons and sharks at night are a good bet.

Way offshore in the 35 to 60 mile range there is lots of floating Sargasso weed. This has been producing Dolphin, Wahoo, assorted Tuna, White marlin, Blue marlin and some Swordfish at night.

In the bay the Trout bite has improved on the grass flats and the Redfish are in deep water around bridges, channels and docks.

NAVARRE

 PIER

Cobia- There have been a few fish caught this week at the Navarre pier, but the action has slowed. Most anglers are throwing 3oz Cobia jigs. Some are tipping with squid strips. Other live baits that work well are Pinfish, Hard Head Catfish and live Eels.

King Mackerel- The Kings have moved back in. There have been quite a few fish being caught this week. Blue runners and live cigar minnows rigged on stinger rigs are always very effective. Although frozen cigar minnows will work.

Spanish Mackerel- The Spanish have been chewing the pier down. Gotcha plugs have been the most popular. Bubble rigs and spoons will take their share. Small live baits will work as well.

Whiting- The Whiting bite has remained steady over the last week. Fresh peeled shrimp fished on the bottom will produce fish. A standard two hook bottom rig will produce fish. A better rig is a fish finder rig with a fluorocarbon leader and a #6 hook.

Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Live sand fleas, live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a double hook rig will produce. Pompano jigs will also take them.

Bonito- I have had reports of a few fish being caught this week. Jigfish jigs, Diamond jigs, Buck tailed jigs and silver spoons will take these fish.

Blackfin Tuna- I haven’t had any reports of these fish being caught this week.

Redfish- A few Reds have been caught this week. Some have been oversized and some have been in the slot. Anglers are using live shrimp, live finger mullet or any cut bait. You can catch them with a fish finder rig and a circle hook. Good artificial include a ¾ oz Johnson gold spoon and a 1oz jig with a 4” Berkeley Gulp shrimp.

Flounder-I have had no reports of these fish being caught this week.

Sheepshead- I have had no reports of these being caught this week.

Black snapper / Grey Snapper- I have not had any reports of these being caught this week.

Black Drum- I have had reports of fish being caught this week. These fish aren’t particular on what they eat. Best baits are shrimp, live or fresh dead, and a half of blue crab for the big fish.

Dolphin – I have had reports of a few being caught this week. I have not heard of any sizes of the fish.

Skipjack (Ladyfish) – There have been several caught this week. These fish are not particular, they will take live shrimp, live minnows and frozen bait. The will also hit Bubble Rigs, Gotcha plugs, diving plugs and small spoons.

Sailfish- I had a report of a Sail caught by a kayak fisherman at the end of the Pensacola pier.

SURF

Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Best baits are live shrimp and sand fleas. Although fresh dead shrimp will work well. Most anglers are using a two hook bottom rig fished in a cut in the sand bars or just over the sand bar.

Redfish- Anglers are catching some big bull reds, and a few slot reds, while fishing for Pompano. The will hit the same baits, but don’t be afraid to try some cut mullet or LY’s.

Sharks- There is several species to catch and area anglers have been catching Black Tip, Spinners, Mako and Bull sharks. Most shark fisherman are fishing high capacity reels with 80# test line on a 50# to 100# rod. They are using fresh Bonito or Skipjack for bait and using a 6’ leader of at least 400# test with large circle hooks and J hooks. They are placing the bait usually behind the first sand bar. There are smaller sharks available in the trough right off the beach.

Skipjack (Ladyfish) – There have been several fish caught this week. These fish are no particular on what they hit. Anything from live shrimp and minnows to frozen baits. They will also hit diving plugs, jigs and small spoons.

Whiting- The Whiting bite remains steady. These are being caught using a two hook bottom rig with live shrimp or peeled fresh dead shrimp.

Spanish Mackerel- There has been some fish caught this week. Most have been caught with small spoons and gotcha plugs fished in the trough and just on the other side of the bar.

INSHORE (bays and sounds)

Speckled Sea Trout- Fishing for trout has been very good all this week. Live shrimp is a great bait fished under a popping cork. A live Croaker, Finger Mullet or Pinfish can be fished on a cork or on the bottom. Good artificial baits include silver spoons, DOA Shrimp, Yozuri Crystal minnows, Yozuri 3-D Crustal shrimp, MirroLure Mirrodine lures and Berkeley Gulp soft plastics. I have had reports of these fish being caught on the grass flats in 2’ to 5’ of water this week. Don’t overlook top water baits early in the morning.

Redfish- These have been caught on the grass flats with the same baits used for Trout. Although don’t leave home without a 1/4oz Johnson Silver Minnow in gold, DOA shrimp and Berkley Gulp on a jig head. Deep water docks, dock pilings and bridge pilings are all good places to find Redfish, they like being around structure. There can be some good top water action early in the morning casting Skitter Walks and Top Dogs on the flats. Live shrimp fishing next to docks on a fish finder rig works well.

Flounder- There has been a few reports of fish being caught. I use as light of weight as possible when fishing with live bait for these fish. Don’t over look the jig and grub combination or jig and Berkley Gulp combination. Flounder should be showing up in the bay in more frequent numbers this month. Flounder love structure, find some pilings, rock piles and oyster bars a little later this month and you should catch fish. Old wooden dock pilings are great structures that hold fish.

Sheepshead- I have heard of some fish being caught this week. Also, these fish will school on the grass flats this time of year. Try fishing around structure like dock pilings, bridge pilings and rock piles too. Best baits are fiddler crabs and small live shrimp.

Black Drum- There has been some nice fish caught around the bridge pilings and any other structure in the sound. Best baits are live or fresh dead shrimp, half of a blue crab and cut mullet. Use a standard fish finder rig and a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fish it on the bottom around structure.

White Trout – The bite has slowed for these fish this week. These fish like structure in deep water, bridge pilings or submerged structure. Jig and grubs and jigs with fresh dead shrimp work well fished slowly on the bottom. Live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a fish finder rig works well too. They will also hit cut bait fished on the same rig on the bottom. As the water warms the bite will slow down.

NEAR SHORE GULF

King Mackerel- I have had some good reports of some nice kings being caught right off the beach on live cigar minnows and hardtails rigged on a stinger rig. Duster rigs with live and dead cigar minnows and silver spoons have been popular too. A lot of reports have come from Kayak fishermen. A stinger rig is made with either seven strand or single strand wire, 31# to 60# works well. A 1/0 front nose hook and a size #6 through #2 stinger treble hook completes the rig.

Spanish Mackerel- Good reports all week. If you are casting, Gotcha plugs, silver spoons and bubble rigs will take their share. If you are trolling, Mackerel trees, silver spoons, live cigar minnows and live hardtails get the nod. Most reports have been from Kayak fisherman fishing right off the beach.

Dolphin- There was some nice fish caught earlier in the week. Most were caught by the kayak fisherman trolling live cigar minnows and hardtails for Kings. When the water conditions are right again we will see these fish being caught most o the summer.

Sailfish- Had a beautiful sails caught earlier this week in Pensacola. Again, by the kayak fisherman trolling live bait, or fresh frozen, for Kings (see dolphin report). When the water conditions are right we could see more action from these fish all summer.

Blackfin Tuna- No reports this week.

OFFSHORE GULF

Trigger Fish- No reports this week.

Red Snapper- This season is now closed for harvesting. Catch and release only. These fish are everywhere! From 2miles out of the pass to the edge. Live cigar minnows, threadfins, hard tails, pinfish and grunts all work well. Frozen squid, cigar minnows and Bonito chunks will work as well. Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs will catch their share. Look for them on the artificial reefs and natural bottom.

Black Snapper- No reports this week

Scamp- These have been caught this week. You can use a lot of the same baits as with snapper, although live pinfish with the top fin cut off and the tail trimmed work for me. Look for them on any natural bottom or artificial reef. The Yellow Gravel area has been producing fish.

Grouper- The Grouper bite has remained good this week. These fish will inhabit the natural bottom and artificial reefs just like the Red Snappers. Live Grunts, Pinfish and Cigar Minnows will produce fish, but so will the Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs. Try butterflying a natural bait and fish it just off the bottom. Fish are being caught this week in 60’ to 100’.

Amberjack- Some nice fish have been caught this last week on the Tenico and Oriskany rig. Jigs have been the hot baits, but any live bait should produce well. Bring some stout gear to turn some of these fish.

King Mackerel- I have had some reports of some fish being caught on the beach. Live bait can be caught in Pensacola pass and on the Massachusetts. The Mass is also a good place to troll live bait around for the kings. Also, I have had some reports of fish being caught on the edge fly lining live blue runners (hardtails) and trolling the Rapala X-Rap 30’ diver in Orange and Gold.

Wahoo- No report this week.

Dolphin- Some nice fish were caught off some scattered Sargasso weeds this last week in 180’ Southwest of Pensacola. The anglers were trolling Rapala X-Rap 30’ diver in Orange and Gold and on the Yozuri 3-D Sashimi in Gold and Orange glitter.

Tuna- No reports this week.

Black Fin- No reports this week.

White Marlin – I had a report this week of a possible White hooked up this last week. Unfortunately the fish got its bill tangled up in the line and broke them off. That report was in 180’ feet of water southwest of the pass as well.

PORT ST. JOE/MEXICO BEACH

Does size really matter?

The quality of modern day technology as it applies to sport fishing is nothing short of phenomenal. Nearly all manufacturers offer an exceptional selection of fishing rods and reels in a wide variety of sizes to tame the biggest fishes out there. No longer does catching a big fish necessarily mean a big reel and rod. Not only do modern reels have exceptional drag systems, and direct drive gearing, add your favorite braided line and you have a formidable tool for filling the ice box. Not to mention, adding quite a bit of sport back to fishing.

This week I was fortunate enough to go fishing aboard the “Shitari” for a near shore King Mackerel trip. I took along my Shimano Spheros 4000FB mounted on a 7’6” 10-20 lb class Shimano Clarus rod. Not only was I able to troll a cigar minnow behind a duster, I was able to catch and release several Kings in the 15 to 20 lbs range. Additionally my outfit tamed a Red Snapper (released of course) approximately 20 lbs. and performed flawlessly while live bait drifting over bottom structure. In the final analysis, I caught all the same species and sizes my fishing mates did. The difference being I did it lighter and cheaper, considering my outfit came in at well less than half the cost of a big game reel and rod. Will I be able to tackle a four hundred pound marlin or a Goliath Grouper? Probably not, but for a good number of offshore species light spinning tackle can be the ticket to a lot of fun. Now for the weekly fishing reports…

Cobia action has slowed. Anglers continue to throw Cobia jigs and rigged eels at the few fish cruising the shallows, but the vast majority of Cobia catches have been a by product of bottom fishing the local reefs and wrecks.

The King Mackerel are striking anything from live bait flat lined, to Mann’s stretch series lures, and of course, a frozen cigar minnow slow trolled behind dusters near the surface.

Gotcha plugs have been the most popular lure for Spanish mackerel this week followed by Bubble rigs and spoons.

The Whiting bite has remains steady for surf fishermen this week. A two hook bottom rig with fresh shrimp or “Fish Bites” will do the trick. Also in the surf there have been some nice Pompano caught this week using a double hook rigged with either sand fleas, “Fish Bites” or peeled shrimp.

Anglers are using live shrimp, live finger mullet or any cut bait to catch Redfish throughout the bay and along Gulf County beaches.

PANAMA CITY BEACH PIERS

This week saw some amazing pier fishing. The huge schools of cigar minnows and other bait fish still hanging around the pier pilings have brought in a huge variety of species this week.

The king mackerel bite continues to be excellent. Fish a live or dead cigar minnow attached to a #4 treble hook with a 30-40lb wire leader. Spanish mackerel are still the most abundant species at the piers. They are being consistently caught on Gotcha plugs and this week they seemed to prefer the bubble and straw rig. Try the new neon colors straws. We have plenty in stock at each pier.

Flounder continue to be caught on live and dead minnows fished on the bottom. A lot of these fish are on the smaller size. Remember if they are under 12" drop them back in the water.

Oversize Bull Redfish are still being caught on live or dead minnows as well. There was just a few Pompano caught. Those using a jig tipped with a sand flea are landing a few fish at first and last daylight.

A trickle of Cobia still seems to be coming through the area. There have been a handful of fish caught off the county and a few more off the city piers this week. Make sure you have your heavy spinning tackle with a Cobia jig ready and an eye open.

This weekend saw some great floating grass beds come into the city pier. Under those grass beds they caught a bunch of small Mahi Mahi and saving the best for last........They also brought in Sailfish. Three were hooked with one being landed. Great week of fishing.

DESTIN

Fishing is hot especially offshore fishing.

Offshore there are some good tuna action, plenty of Wahoo and Dolphin. Fishing from the nipple out to the spur is the place to be.

Nearshore there are plenty of Kings, Bonita and small Dolphin.

On the pier, they are getting a few Kings, some Spanish and a couple Pompano.

The surf is producing Pompano, Ladyfish, Reds and Sharks at night.

Nearshore bottom fishing you should find plenty of Mingo snapper, Triggerfish and Lane snapper. Offshore bottom fishing Amberjack are the main target but there are good numbers of Scamp and Red grouper.

NAVARRE

PIER

Cobia- There have been a few fish caught this week at the Navarre pier, but the action has slowed. Most anglers are throwing 3oz Cobia jigs. Some are tipping with squid strips. Other live baits that work well are Pinfish, Hard Head Catfish and live Eels.

King Mackerel- The Kings have moved back in. There have been quite a few fish being caught this week. Blue runners and live cigar minnows rigged on stinger rigs are always very effective. Although frozen cigar minnows will work.

Spanish Mackerel- The Spanish have been chewing the pier down. Gotcha plugs have been the most popular. Bubble rigs and spoons will take their share. Small live baits will work as well.

Whiting- The Whiting bite has remained steady over the last week. Fresh peeled shrimp fished on the bottom will produce fish. A standard two hook bottom rig will produce fish. A better rig is a fish finder rig with a fluorocarbon leader and a #6 hook.

Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Live sand fleas, live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a double hook rig will produce. Pompano jigs will also take them.

Bonito- I have had reports of a few fish being caught this week. Jigfish jigs, Diamond jigs, Buck tailed jigs and silver spoons will take these fish.

Blackfin Tuna- I haven’t had any reports of these fish being caught this week.

Redfish- A few Reds have been caught this week. Some have been oversized and some have been in the slot. Anglers are using live shrimp, live finger mullet or any cut bait. You can catch them with a fish finder rig and a circle hook. Good artificial include a ¾ oz Johnson gold spoon and a 1oz jig with a 4” Berkeley Gulp shrimp.

Flounder-I have had no reports of these fish being caught this week.

Sheepshead- I have had no reports of these being caught this week.

Black snapper / Grey Snapper- I have not had any reports of these being caught this week.

Black Drum- I have had reports of fish being caught this week. These fish aren’t particular on what they eat. Best baits are shrimp, live or fresh dead, and a half of blue crab for the big fish.

Dolphin – I have had reports of a few being caught this week. I have not heard of any sizes of the fish.

Skipjack (Ladyfish) – There have been several caught this week. These fish are not particular, they will take live shrimp, live minnows and frozen bait. The will also hit Bubble Rigs, Gotcha plugs, diving plugs and small spoons.

Sailfish- I had a report of a Sail caught by a kayak fisherman at the end of the Pensacola pier.

SURF

Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Best baits are live shrimp and sand fleas. Although fresh dead shrimp will work well. Most anglers are using a two hook bottom rig fished in a cut in the sand bars or just over the sand bar.

Redfish- Anglers are catching some big bull reds, and a few slot reds, while fishing for Pompano. The will hit the same baits, but don’t be afraid to try some cut mullet or LY’s.

Sharks- There is several species to catch and area anglers have been catching Black Tip, Spinners, Mako and Bull sharks. Most shark fisherman are fishing high capacity reels with 80# test line on a 50# to 100# rod. They are using fresh Bonito or Skipjack for bait and using a 6’ leader of at least 400# test with large circle hooks and J hooks. They are placing the bait usually behind the first sand bar. There are smaller sharks available in the trough right off the beach.

Skipjack (Ladyfish) – There have been several fish caught this week. These fish are no particular on what they hit. Anything from live shrimp and minnows to frozen baits. They will also hit diving plugs, jigs and small spoons.

Whiting- The Whiting bite remains steady. These are being caught using a two hook bottom rig with live shrimp or peeled fresh dead shrimp.

Spanish Mackerel- There have been some fish caught this week. Most have been caught with small spoons and gotcha plugs fished in the trough and just on the other side of the bar.

INSHORE (bays and sounds)

Speckled Sea Trout- Fishing for trout has been very good all this week. Live shrimp is a great bait fished under a popping cork. A live Croaker, Finger Mullet or Pinfish can be fished on a cork or on the bottom. Good artificial baits include silver spoons, DOA Shrimp, Yozuri Crystal minnows, Yozuri 3-D Crustal shrimp, MirroLure Mirrodine lures and Berkeley Gulp soft plastics. I have had reports of these fish being caught on the grass flats in 2’ to 5’ of water this week. Don’t overlook top water baits early in the morning.

Devin Malloy below with a nice speckled trout caught at night this week using a Yozuri 3-D Crystal Shrimp near the Ft. Walton Beach area.

Redfish- These have been caught on the grass flats with the same baits used for Trout. Although don’t leave home without a 1/4oz Johnson Silver Minnow in gold, DOA shrimp and Berkley Gulp on a jig head. Deep water docks, dock pilings and bridge pilings are all good places to find Redfish, they like being around structure. There can be some good top water action early in the morning casting Skitter Walks and Top Dogs on the flats. Live shrimp fishing next to docks on a fish finder rig works well.

Flounder- There has been a few reports of fish being caught. I use as light of weight as possible when fishing with live bait for these fish. Don’t over look the jig and grub combination or jig and Berkley Gulp combination. Flounder should be showing up in the bay in more frequent numbers this month. Flounder love structure, find some pilings, rock piles and oyster bars a little later this month and you should catch fish. Old wooden dock pilings are a great structures that holds fish.

Sheepshead- I have heard of some fish being caught this week. Also, these fish will school on the grass flats this time of year. Try fishing around structure like dock pilings, bridge pilings and rock piles too. Best baits are fiddler crabs and small live shrimp.

Black Drum- There has been some nice fish caught around the bridge pilings and any other structure in the sound. Best baits are live or fresh dead shrimp, half of a blue crab and cut mullet. Use a standard fish finder rig and a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fish it on the bottom around structure.

White Trout – The bite has slowed for these fish this week. These fish like structure in deep water, bridge pilings or submerged structure. Jig and grubs and jigs with fresh dead shrimp work well fished slowly on the bottom. Live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a fish finder rig works well too. They will also hit cut bait fished on the same rig on the bottom. As the water warms the bite will slow down.

 NEAR SHORE GULF

King Mackerel- I have had some good reports of some nice kings being caught right off the beach on live cigar minnows and hardtails rigged on a stinger rig. Duster rigs with live and dead cigar minnows and silver spoons have been popular too. A lot of reports have come from Kayak fishermen. A stinger rig is made with either seven strand or single strand wire, 31# to 60# works well. A 1/0 front nose hook and a size #6 through #2 stinger treble hook completes the rig.

Spanish Mackerel- Good reports all week. If you are casting, Gotcha plugs, silver spoons and bubble rigs will take their share. If you are trolling, Mackerel trees, silver spoons, live cigar minnows and live hardtails get the nod. Most reports have been from Kayak fisherman fishing right off the beach.

Dolphin- There was some nice fish caught earlier in the week. Most were caught by the kayak fisherman trolling live cigar minnows and hardtails for Kings. When the water conditions are right again we will see these fish being caught most o the summer.

Sailfish- Had a beautiful sails caught earlier this week in Pensacola. Again, by the kayak fisherman trolling live bait, or fresh frozen, for Kings (see dolphin report). When the water conditions are right we could see more action from these fish all summer.

Blackfin Tuna- No reports this week.    

OFFSHORE GULF

Trigger Fish- No reports this week.

Red Snapper- This season is now closed for harvesting. Catch and release only. These fish are everywhere! From 2 miles out of the pass to the edge. Live cigar minnows, threadfins, hard tails, pinfish and grunts all work well. Frozen squid, cigar minnows and Bonito chunks will work as well. Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs will catch their share. Look for them on the artificial reefs and natural bottom.

Black Snapper- No reports this week

Scamp- These have been caught this week. You can use a lot of the same baits as with snapper, although live pinfish with the top fin cut off and the tail trimmed work for me. Look for them on any natural bottom or artificial reef. The Yellow Gravel area has been producing fish.

Grouper- The Grouper bite has remained good this week. These fish will inhabit the natural bottom and artificial reefs just like the Red Snappers. Live Grunts, Pinfish and Cigar Minnows will produce fish, but so will the Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs. Try butterflying a natural bait and fish it just off the bottom. Fish are being caught this week in 60’ to 100’.

Amberjack- Some nice fish have been caught this last week on the Tenico and Oriskany rig. Jigs have been the hot baits, but any live bait should produce well. Bring some stout gear to turn some of these fish.

King Mackerel- I have had some reports of some fish being caught on the beach. Live bait can be caught in Pensacola pass and on the Massachusetts. The Mass is also a good place to troll live bait around for the kings. Also, I have had some reports of fish being caught on the edge fly lining live blue runners (hardtails).

Wahoo- No report this week.

Dolphin- No reports this week.

Tuna- No reports this week.

Black Fin- No reports this week.

White Marlin – No reports this week.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE

Offshore bottom bumping has landed some nice Red grouper in the cooler. Amberjack, Bee liners, Trigger fish, Black sea bass, Lane snapper have all helped to make the trip out there worth while. There have also been a few very nice Cobia found out there either while on the bottom or they just swim up to the boat to see if you have anything to eat! Trolling has been absolutely great, plenty of Kings, Wahoo, Mahi mahi and even some Black fin tuna to round out your day. The blue water has been in real close lately and made for some really good trips offshore in between fronts. There have even been some Sailfish spotted, caught and released. In closer the surf bite has been on fire on those days with a good southerly wind, calmer days seem to slow the bite down a bit. Pompano have been a good bet, Redfish, Jack Crevalle, Whiting and of course Spanish mackerel have been picked up as well. For the die hard boaters who cruised the coast looking to throw on a Cobe, last Wednesday and Thursday was pretty good. Several fish were caught right around the jetties.

Trey Pike sent in this fishing report and picture below from May 3rd, 2012. 
"I would have to say this was one of the better offshore days I've had. Ran out about 14 miles and could have smoked the Bonitas and Blues all day. Looked like the ocean was quivering for miles.  Landed a few of each and then started bottom fishing. Caught and released several nice Gags and Red Snapper but put a couple Beeliners as well as AJs in the boat. Got a single Rudderfish and filled the limit of lesser Amberjack. Landed one Greater AJ. After the weather started kicking up, we ran back in to the 6 mile line and set troll. Landed 12 Kings, a big Spanish as well as, a 30 lb Blackfin Tuna (According to Bogagrips). To end the day, we stopped and hit the Buoy chains with shrimp and landed several nice Black sea bass. Below is a picture of the Blackfin we landed. We actually had another on and it pulled free."

ST ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM

We have had several good reports of nice sized Speckled trout getting caught pre dawn and right after sunset. They were in areas like Millville, the Cove and back up in Grand Lagoon. Some oversize Redfish were caught in that same time frame using whatever live bait they could cast net up. There are still plenty of anglers getting their limit of Spanish in the sandy point area as well as trolling areas like beach drive and the channel near Courtney point. A few more Flounder were landed last week by hook and line. We have not gotten any reports from the night crew with gigs and lights. Either it has not been good yet or they are not talking. Big drum (both red and black) are still being found in deeper water with a good strong tidal flow, they can’t resist cut up blue crab and chunks of lady fish is a good bait as well (now that is one of the best uses for Ladyfish I can think of).

PANAMA CITY BEACH PIERS
This week saw the bait fish mass up at both piers in huge schools. Those using #4 and #6 sabiki rigs have been catching all the Cigar minnows, Hardtails, and Threadfin they need. Since the bait fish are here in such numbers King mackeral fishing has been fantastic this week with a bunch of fish caught. Most Kingfish anglers are either catching live baits or using dead Cigar minnows attached to a wire leader with a #4 treble hook.

Spanish makerel are still being caught in good numbers as well. Those having the best luck are using either 7/8 ounce Gotcha plugs attached with a 40 to 50 pound monfilament leader or a clear bubble and straw rig.

Pompano were caught on jigs and sand fleas. Early in the morning and the last couple hours in the afternoon seem to be the best times to catch them.

A few oversized Redfish were caught on cut bait fished on the bottom on either side of the first sandbar and a handfull of Blackfin tuna up to 30lb size have been caught in the last few days.

Although Cobia season has been tough so far, there were about a dozen fish seen and a handfull caught off of the two piers this week. So make sure you bring your Ling rod with you when you come out and get in on some of the great mackeral fishing this week.

 DESTIN

Offshore fishing is really heating up!! There plenty of Wahoo and Dolphin being caught around the edge out to the nipple and beyond using Ballyhoo. Once at the nipple and out to the spur, you will encounter White marlin, Blue marlin and some tuna.

Near shore trolling there plenty of Kings, Chicken Dolphin, Bonita and some Blackfin tuna. Very close to the shore line there are still quite a few Spanish mackerel.

Bottom fishing inside 10 miles there are Trigger fish, Mingo snapper, Red grouper and some Flounder. In water 150 to 400 foot some nice Scamp, Amberjack and more numerous Red grouper along with a few Black grouper.

Robert Ratcliff of Destin caught this Amberjack Sunday, April 29, 2012 on 22' Sea Hunt on steal ships south of Destin

Surf fishing is great for Pompano, Whiting and Sharks. If you just want some action there are hoards of Ladyfish to be caught on spoons and gotchas.

On the pier there have been a good bite of Kings, Spanish, and occasional Cobia and lots of Ladyfish.

In the bay the Reds are very consistent and some Trout on the flats along with plenty of Ladyfish, Spanish and Blues.

NAVARRE

PIER
Cobia- There have been a few fish caught this week, but the action has slowed. Most anglers are throwing 3oz Cobia jigs. Some are tipping with squid strips. Other live baits that work well are Pinfish, Hard Head Catfish and live Eels.

King Mackerel- The Kings have moved back in. There have been quite a few fish being caught this week. Blue runners and live cigar minnows rigged on stinger rigs are always very effective. Although frozen cigar minnows will work.

Spanish Mackerel- The Spanish have been chewing the pier down. Gotcha plugs have been the most popular. Bubble rigs and spoons will take their share. Small live baits will work as well.

Whiting- The Whiting bite has remained steady over the last week. Fresh peeled shrimp fished on the bottom will produce fish. A standard two hook bottom rig will produce fish. A better rig is a fish finder rig with a fluorocarbon leader and a #6 hook.

Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Live sand fleas, live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a double hook rig will produce. Pompano jigs will also take them.

Bonito- I have had reports of a few fish being caught this week. Jigfish jigs, Diamond jigs, Buck tailed jigs and silver spoons will take these fish.

Blackfin Tuna- I haven’t had any reports of these fish being caught this week.

Redfish- A few Reds have been caught this week. Some have been oversized and some have been in the slot. Anglers are using live shrimp, live finger mullet or any cut bait. You can catch them with a fish finder rig and a circle hook. Good artificial include a ¾ oz Johnson gold spoon and a 1oz jig with a 4” Berkeley Gulp shrimp.

Flounder-I have had no reports of these fish being caught this week.

Sheepshead- There have been some nice fish caught off the pier pilings. Good baits to use are fiddler crabs, small live shrimp, oysters and crab knuckles. A size 1 to size 6 circle hooks with as little weight as possible is a good rig to use.

Black snapper / Grey Snapper- I have not had any reports of these being caught this week. As the water warms these fish will be readily accessible by late spring.

Black Drum- I have had reports of fish being caught this week. These fish aren’t particular on what they eat. Best baits are shrimp, live or fresh dead, and a half of blue crab for the big fish.

Dolphin – I have had reports of a few being caught this week. I have not heard of any sizes of the fish.

Skipjack (Ladyfish) – There have been several caught this week. These fish are not particular, they will take live shrimp, live minnows and frozen bait. The will also hit Bubble Rigs, Gotcha plugs, diving plugs and small spoons.

SURF
Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Best baits are live shrimp and sand fleas. Although fresh dead shrimp will work well. Most anglers are using a two hook bottom rig fished in a cut in the sand bars or just over the sand bar.

Redfish- Anglers are catching some big bull reds, and a few slot reds, while fishing for Pompano. The will hit the same baits, but don’t be afraid to try some cut mullet or LY’s.

Sharks- There is several species to catch and area anglers have been catching Black Tip, Spinners, Mako and Bull sharks. Most shark fisherman are fishing high capacity reels with 80# test line on a 50# to 100# rod. They are using fresh Bonito or Skipjack for bait and using a 6’ leader of at least 400# test with large circle hooks and J hooks. They are placing the bait usually behind the first sand bar. There are smaller sharks available in the trough right off the beach.

Skipjack (Ladyfish) – There have been several fish caught this week. These fish are no particular on what they hit. Anything from live shrimp and minnows to frozen baits. They will also hit diving plugs, jigs and small spoons.

Whiting- The Whiting bite remains steady. These are being caught using a two hook bottom rig with live shrimp or peeled fresh dead shrimp.

INSHORE
Speckled Sea Trout- Fishing for trout has been very good all this week. Live shrimp is a great bait fished under a popping cork. A live Croaker, Finger Mullet or Pinfish can be fished on a cork or on the bottom. Good artificial baits include silver spoons, DOA Shrimp, Yozuri Crystal minnows, MirroLure Mirrodine lures and Berkeley Gulp soft plastics. I have had reports of these fish being caught on the grass flats in 2’ to 5’ of water this week. Don’t overlook top water baits early in the morning.

Redfish- These have been caught on the grass flats with the same baits used for Trout. Although don’t leave home without a 1/4oz Johnson Silver Minnow in gold, DOA shrimp and Berkley Gulp on a jig head. Deep water docks, dock pilings and bridge pilings are all good places to find Redfish, they like being around structure. There can be some good top water action early in the morning casting Skitter Walks and Top Dogs on the flats. Live shrimp fishing next to docks on a fish finder rig works well.

Maddie Roberts below with a keeper Redfish caught on 5-6-12

Flounder- There has been a few reports of fish being caught. I use as light of weight as possible when fishing with live bait for these fish. Don’t over look the jig and grub combination or jig and Berkley Gulp combination. Flounder should be showing up in the bay in more frequent numbers this month. Flounder love structure, find some pilings, rock piles and oyster bars a little later this month and you should catch fish. Old wooden dock pilings are a great structures that holds fish.

Sheepshead- I have heard of some fish being caught this week. The Pensacola Pass has been very good as of late. Also, these fish will school on the grass flats this time of year. Try fishing around structure like dock pilings, bridge pilings and rock piles too. Best baits are fiddler crabs and small live shrimp.

Black Drum- There has been some nice fish caught around the bridge pilings and any other structure in the sound. Best baits are live or fresh dead shrimp, half of a blue crab and cut mullet. Use a standard fish finder rig and a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fish it on the bottom around structure.

White Trout – The bite has slowed for these fish this week. These fish like structure in deep water, bridge pilings or submerged structure. Jig and grubs and jigs with fresh dead shrimp work well fished slowly on the bottom. Live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a fish finder rig works well too. They will also hit cut bait fished on the same rig on the bottom. As the water warms the bite will slow down.

NEAR SHORE GULF
King Mackerel- I have had some good reports of some nice kings being caught right off the beach on live cigar minnows and hardtails rigged on a stinger rig. Duster rigs with live and dead cigar minnows and silver spoons have been popular too. A lot of reports have come from Kayak fishermen. A stinger rig is made with either seven strand or single strand wire, 31# to 60# works well. A 1/0 front nose hook and a size #6 through #2 stinger treble hook completes the rig.

Spanish Mackerel- Good reports all week. If you are casting, Gotcha plugs, silver spoons and bubble rigs will take their share. If you are trolling, Mackerel trees, silver spoons, live cigar minnows and live hardtails get the nod. Most reports have been from Kayak fisherman fishing right off the beach.

Dolphin- There was some nice fish caught earlier in the week. Most were caught by the kayak fisherman trolling live cigar minnows and hardtails for Kings. When the water conditions are right again we will see these fish being caught most o the summer.

Sailfish- Had some beautiful sails caught earlier this week. Again, by the kayak fisherman trolling live bait for Kings (see dolphin report). When the wwater conditions are right we could see more action from these fish all summer.

Blackfin Tuna- I had a few reports of these being caught right off the beach earlier this week. You guessed it, by the kayak fisherman. I did not hear what they were catching them on, sorry I can’t give you the information.

OFFSHORE GULF
Trigger Fish- No reports this week.

Red Snapper- This season is now closed for harvesting. Catch and release only. These fish are everywhere! From 2miles out of the pass to the edge. Live cigar minnows, threadfins, hard tails, pinfish and grunts all work well. Frozen squid, cigar minnows and Bonito chunks will work as well. Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs will catch their share. Look for them on the artificial reefs and natural bottom.

Black Snapper- No reports this week

Scamp- These have been caught this week. You can use a lot of the same baits as with snapper, although live pinfish with the top fin cut off and the tail trimmed work for me. Look for them on any natural bottom or artificial reef. The Yellow Gravel area has been producing fish.

Grouper- The Grouper bite has remained good this week. These fish will inhabit the natural bottom and artificial reefs just like the Red Snappers. Live Grunts, Pinfish and Cigar Minnows will produce fish, but so will the Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs. Try butterflying a natural bait and fish it just off the bottom. Fish are being caught this week in 60’ to 100’.

Amberjack- Some nice fish have been caught this last week on the Tenico and Oriskany rig. Jigs have been the hot baits, but any live bait should produce well. Bring some stout gear to turn some of these fish.

King Mackerel- I have had some reports of some fish being caught on the beach. Live bait can be caught in Pensacola pass and on the Massachusetts. The Mass is also a good place to troll live bait around for the kings. Also, I have had some reports of fish being caught on the edge fly lining live blue runners (hardtails).

Wahoo- No report this week.

Dolphin- There has been some fish caught on the weed patches around 20 miles out. Anglers pitching live cigar minnows and sardines have been very productive using 30# spin gear with 50# braid.

Tuna- There have been some nice fish caught on the weed patches 20 miles out, live cigar minnows and sardines pitched toward the edges of weed patches have been very productive. Yellow Fin in the 60# to 70# range have been readily available.

Black Fin- There has been some good fish caught around the rigs this week. Most fish are between 15# and 30#. Hot baits are the Shimano Butterfly and Bomber Darter jigs in the 3oz and 4oz sizes. A lot of fish were lost to sharks which are very thick on the rigs right now.

White Marlin – No reports this week.

PORT ST. JOE
A great week of fishing in Port St. Joe

From Mexico Beach to St George Island, anglers have enjoyed surf fishing. Pompano, Whiting, Croaker, and Spanish mackerel are all keeping rods bent. Large redfish are cruising in the surf late in the day and seem to be hitting nearly anything in their path. A variety of shark species are actively feeding at dusk, and after dark the big boys come out to play. If you are shore bound and don't like the sand, the piers jetties and the seawall at Jetty Park are excellent choices too for all the above mentioned species. Very nice King Mackerel are being caught during the early morning hours from the Jetty Park seawall.

Saint Joe Bay is full of LYs (alewives) and live bait fishers are taking advantage of that for some nice redfish and trout catches. Early morning anglers are enjoying some great top water action throughout the bay. There's not much better for an inshore angler than seeing a fat redfish drill a Zara Spook on the surface. Flounder are well scattered throughout the bay also and they are hungry, small swim-baits and bull minnows are working very well.

Cobia! Where are they? Wind is killing the sight fishing, but further offshore over wrecks and bottom structure anglers seem to be scoring better with these brutes than are those who are cruising the shallows.

Bottom fishing is producing good numbers of Amberjack, Red grouper, Scamp, Triggerfish, and snappers but not red snapper! This rare and elusive fish remains off limits until June 1st. Also offshore, good numbers of Wahoo, Blackfin tuna and king mackerel are filling fish boxes. In addition, this week offered a sailfish or two, seems the blue water current is running a little closer to Gulf county waters this season.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
Just when you were about to give up, some Cobia have begun to push through. Several were caught Thursday along the beach, and now the fever has been renewed. Further out over large wrecks and if you luck up on a weed line, there have been quite a few reports of Black fin tuna, Mahi mahi, Wahoo and of course King mackerel. Some weed lines were found to the south about ten miles, but of course that changes daily. Some of the tuna were picked up trolling and others were caught using Herring as close in as the Whistle buoy. Amberjack have been pretty aggressive, plenty of reports of them following one caught up to the surface and staying up top attacking the next bait to hit the water. Red grouper are out there and some fatties were brought to the dock but getting past the Red snapper can be problematic. Fishing a reef or natural bottom is a better bet than fishing a wreck. Pompano fishing has definitely been good this season and last week was proof. Daybreak and dusk are best, bite wise. Bring along some extra jigs and or surf rigs as there are plenty of Spanish mackerel and Ladyfish around to clip you off.

Tyler Taylor sent us this picture of a Black Fin Tuna he caught last week.

ST ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
Black drum and Bull reds were found around the Tyndall and Hathaway bridges as well as in the pass. Live shrimp, crab or a healthy live minnow will get the job done. Black sea bass are being caught in these same areas with anything from squid to frozen shrimp. Trout and puppy Reds are up in the grass flats and around creek mouths like Crooked and Sandy creek. There are still plenty of Spanish around the bay system but with the cooler night time temps they have been holding down deep. Flounder catches are not many but some nice fish have been picked up around the back side of Shell Island and around the Marinas and docks.

PANAMA CITY BEACH PIERS
This week saw high winds and seas and some great fishing. The king mackeral showed in good numbers most days. We have had a good morning run of pompano daily. Spanish are still being caught in good numbers and quality size fish. There were also a few nice flounder and a handfull of oversized redfish caught this week. The ladyfish and bluefish are here the last day or two as well.

DESTIN
Spring is in full swing and has really turned the fish on. We are in the middle of a great Pompano run for those of you that like to surf fish. They have been getting the Pompano on sand fleas and shrimp. We have a good supply of sand fleas at the store and also have plenty of sand flea rakes for those of you that want to collect your own. Along with the Pompano in the surf there are some Whiting, Reds and loads of Ladyfish.

King fish have been very consistent trolling live cigar minnows, Yo-zuri plugs and Mann's stretch lures.

Last Wednesday was a good day Cobia fishing along the coast, several boats reported catching anywhere from 3 to 7 fish. This was definitely a good day for fishing this year.

Bottom fishing is good near shore for Triggerfish, Mingo snapper and Lane snapper. Offshore bottom fishing is good for Amberjack, Red grouper and Scamp.

Offshore trolling for Wahoo and Dolphin is good from the edge out to the nipple, from the nipple out to the spur some good reports of White marlin, Blue marlin and a few tuna.

Bay fishing has been good to excellent for Reds, quite a few Trout and some Sheepshead.

On the pier most mornings a few King, plenty of nice sized Spanish, Blues and Ladyfish. Pompano are on and off throughout the day.

NAVARRE

PIER
Cobia - There have been a few fish caught this week, but the action has slowed. Most anglers are throwing 3oz Cobia jigs. Some are tipping with squid strips. Other live baits that work well are Pinfish, Hard Head Catfish and live Eels.

King Mackerel - The Kings have moved back in. There have been quite a few fish being caught this week. Blue runners and live cigar minnows rigged on stinger rigs are always very effective. Although frozen cigar minnows will work.

Spanish Mackerel - The Spanish have been chewing the pier down. Gotcha plugs have been the most popular. Bubble rigs and spoons will take their share. Small live baits will work as well.

Spanish Mackerel - The Spanish have been chewing the pier down. Gotcha plugs have been the most popular. Bubble rigs and spoons will take their share. Small live baits will work as well.

Whiting - The Whiting bite has remained steady over the last week. Fresh peeled shrimp fished on the bottom will produce fish. A standard two hook bottom rig will produce fish. A better rig is a fish finder rig with a fluorocarbon leader and a #6 hook.

Pompano - There has been some nice fish caught this week. Live sand fleas, live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a double hook rig will produce. Pompano jigs will also take them.

Bonito - I have had reports of a few fish being caught this week. Jigfish jigs, Diamond jigs, Buck tailed jigs and silver spoons will take these fish.

Blackfin Tuna - I haven't had any reports of these fish being caught this week.

Redfish - A few Reds have been caught this week. Some have been oversized and some have been in the slot. Anglers are using live shrimp, live finger mullet or any cut bait. You can catch them with a fish finder rig and a circle hook. Good artificial include a ¾ oz Johnson gold spoon and a 1oz jig with a 4" Berkeley Gulp shrimp.

Flounder - I have had no reports of these fish being caught this week.

Sheepshead - There have been some nice fish caught off the pier pilings. Good baits to use are fiddler crabs, small live shrimp, oysters and crab knuckles. A size 1 to size 6 circle hooks with as little weight as possible is a good rig to use.

Black Snapper / Grey Snapper - I have not had any reports of these being caught this week. As the water warms, these fish will be readily accessible by late spring.

Black Drum - I have had reports of fish being caught this week. These fish aren't particular on what they eat. Best baits are shrimp, live or fresh dead, and a half of blue crab for the big fish.

Dolphin – I haven't had any reports of these fish being caught this week.

Skipjack (Ladyfish) – There have been several caught this week. These fish are not particular, they will take live shrimp, live minnows and frozen bait. The will also hit Bubble Rigs, Gotcha plugs, diving plugs and small spoons.

Sammie Jo Palpallatoc with a 39 # King she caught off Navarre pier about a week ago.

SURF
Pompano - There has been some nice fish caught this week. Best baits are live shrimp and sand fleas. Although fresh dead shrimp will work well. Most anglers are using a two hook bottom rig fished in a cut in the sand bars or just over the sand bar.

Redfish - Anglers are catching some big bull reds, and a few slot reds, while fishing for Pompano. The will hit the same baits, but don't be afraid to try some cut mullet or LY's.

Sharks - There is several species to catch and area anglers have been catching Black Tip, Spinners, Mako and Bull sharks. Most shark fisherman are fishing high capacity reels with 80# test line on a 50# to 100# rod. They are using fresh Bonito or Skipjack for bait and using a 6' leader of at least 400# test with large circle hooks and J hooks. They are placing the bait usually behind the first sand bar. There are smaller sharks available in the trough right off the beach.

Skipjack (Ladyfish) – There have been several fish caught this week. These fish are no particular on what they hit. Anything from live shrimp and minnows to frozen baits. They will also hit diving plugs, jigs and small spoons.

Whiting - The Whiting bite remains steady. These are being caught using a two hook bottom rig with live shrimp or peeled fresh dead shrimp.

INSHORE
Speckled Sea Trout - Fishing for trout has been very good all this week. Live shrimp is a great bait fished under a popping cork. A live Croaker, Finger Mullet or Pinfish can be fished on a cork or on the bottom. Good artificial baits include silver spoons, DOA Shrimp, Yozuri Crystal minnows, MirroLure Mirrodine lures and Berkeley Gulp soft plastics. I have had reports of these fish being caught on the grass flats in 2' to 5' of water this week. Don't overlook top water baits early in the morning.

Redfish - These have been caught on the grass flats with the same baits used for Trout. Although don't leave home without a 1/4oz Johnson Silver Minnow in gold, DOA shrimp and Berkley Gulp on a jig head. Deep water docks, dock pilings and bridge pilings are all good places to find Redfish, they like being around structure. There can be some good top water action early in the morning casting Skitter Walks and Top Dogs on the flats. Live shrimp fishing next to docks on a fish finder rig works well.

Flounder - There has been a few reports of fish being caught. I use as light of weight as possible when fishing with live bait for these fish. Don't over look the jig and grub combination or jig and Berkley Gulp combination. Flounder should be showing up in the bay in more frequent numbers this month. Flounder love structure, find some pilings, rock piles and oyster bars a little later this month and you should catch fish. Old wooden dock pilings are a great structures that holds fish.

Sheepshead - I have heard of some fish being caught this week. The Pensacola Pass has been very good as of late. Also, these fish will school on the grass flats this time of year. Try fishing around structure like dock pilings, bridge pilings and rock piles too. Best baits are fiddler crabs and small live shrimp.

Black Drum - There has been some nice fish caught around the bridge pilings and any other structure in the sound. Best baits are live or fresh dead shrimp, half of a blue crab and cut mullet. Use a standard fish finder rig and a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fish it on the bottom around structure.

White Trout – The bite has slowed for these fish this week. These fish like structure in deep water, like bridge pilings or submerged structure. Jig and grubs and jig with fresh dead shrimp work well fished slowly on the bottom. Live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a fish finder rig works well too. They will also hit cut bait fished on the same rig on the bottom. As the water warms the bite will slow down.

OFFSHORE
Trigger Fish - No reports this week.

Red Snapper - This season is now closed for harvesting. Catch and release only. These fish are everywhere! From 2miles out of the pass to the edge. Live cigar minnows, threadfins, hard tails, pinfish and grunts all work well. Frozen squid, cigar minnows and Bonito chunks will work as well. Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs will catch their share. Look for them on the artificial reefs and natural bottom.

Black Snapper - No reports this week

Scamp - These have been caught this week. You can use a lot of the same baits as with snapper, although live pinfish with the top fin cut off and the tail trimmed work for me. Look for them on any natural bottom or artificial reef. The Yellow Gravel area has been producing fish.

Grouper - The Grouper bite has remained good this week. These fish will inhabit the natural bottom and artificial reefs just like the Red Snappers. Live Grunts, Pinfish and Cigar Minnows will produce fish, but so will the Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs. Try butterflying a natural bait and fish it just off the bottom. Fish are being caught this week in 60' to 100'.

Amberjack - Some nice fish have been caught this last week on the Tenico and Oriskany rig. Jigs have been the hot baits, but any live bait should produce well. Bring some stout gear to turn some of these fish.

King Mackerel - I have had some reports of some fish being caught on the beach. Live bait can be caught in Pensacola pass and on the Massachusetts. The Mass is also a good place to troll live bait around for the kings. Also, I have had some reports of fish being caught on the edge flylining live blue runners (hardtails).

Wahoo - No report this week.

Dolphin - There has been some fish caught on the weed patches around 20 miles out. Anglers pitching live cigar minnows and sardines have been very productive using 30# spin gear with 50# braid.

Tuna - There have been some nice fish caught on the weed patches 20 miles out, live cigar minnows and sardines pitched toward the edges of weed patches have been very productive. Yellow Fin in the 60# to 70# range have been readily available

Black Fin - There has been some good fish caught around the rigs this week. Most fish are between 15# and 30#. Hot baits are the Shimano Butterfly and Bomber Darter jigs in the 3oz and 4oz sizes. A lot of fish were lost to sharks which are very thick on the rigs right now.

White Marlin – No reports this week.

 PORT ST. JOE OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
A great week of fishing in Port St. Joe.

From Mexico Beach to St George Island, anglers have enjoyed surf fishing. Pompano, Whiting, Croaker, and Spanish mackerel are all keeping rods bent. Large redfish are cruising in the surf late in the day and seem to be hitting nearly anything in their path. A variety of shark species are actively feeding at dusk, and after dark the big boys come out to play. If you are shore bound and don't like the sand, the piers jetties and the seawall at Jetty Park are excellent choices too for all the above mentioned species. Very nice King Mackerel are being caught during the early morning hours from the Jetty Park seawall.

Saint Joe Bay is full of LYs (alewives) and live bait fishers are taking advantage of that for some nice redfish and trout catches. Early morning anglers are enjoying some great top water action throughout the bay. There's not much better for an inshore angler than seeing a fat redfish drill a Zara Spook on the surface.  Flounder are well scattered throughout the bay also and they are hungry, small swim-baits and bull minnows are working very well.

Cobia! Where are they? Wind is killing the sight fishing, but further offshore over wrecks and bottom structure anglers seem to be scoring better with these brutes than are those who are cruising the shallows. 

Bottom fishing is producing good numbers of Amberjack, Red grouper, Scamp, Triggerfish, and snappers but not red snapper! This rare and elusive fish remains off limits until June 1st. Also offshore, good numbers of Wahoo, Blackfin tuna and king mackerel are filling fish boxes. In addition, this week offered a sailfish or two, seems the blue water current is running a little closer to Gulf county waters this season.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
Amberjack are a real good bet both close in and out a ways, but the better sized Jacks have been found further out. There have still been plenty of Kings around your channel markers and above the larger wrecks. Trolling a diving plug or natural bait works just fine but they have been running down deep, so a planer, downrigger or diving plug is best. There have been some Mahi-mahi caught as well, especially after a good southerly blow. Bait has been fairly easy to find most days, they have been deep as well so drop your sabiki rig all the way to the bottom where ever you expect to find bait, and you will likely find fish. Some nice Cobia have been caught or speared on the wrecks just offshore rather than along the beach. That is not to say you won't find them on the beach, but your chances are much better at least in our area, offshore. There have also been loads of Spanish and Pompano working the beaches so if you can find the time, it is game time!

ST ANDREWS  BAY SYSTEM
There have been plenty of Spanish mackerel and Pompano in the pass area and around Deep water point. Some King mackerel were caught trolling a diving plug last week in the pass. Big bull reds, Black sea bass and a few Sheep head are there as well, you just never know what you'll catch in these areas. Some good reported catches of Flounder around the docks in Grand lagoon. Nice catches of Trout and Reds up in the bay on an incoming tide feeding on Pilchards. If you can manage to cast net yourself some of these you'll be golden.

This young angler Blake is all about fishing!

SURF AND PIER
There were a couple small Cobia caught at the local piers last week, maybe it will get better soon. We talked to some people from around Tampa and they reported that they had a large number of them come through last week. Loads of King and Spanish mackerel, and the Pompano are off the chart. Redfish, Whiting, a few Sheep head, and some Flounder are also seen coming over the rail. Some days the bait is easy to find and some not, so take along some frozen just in case. Surf anglers have been reporting similar numbers in Spanish and Pompano. Pink jigs tipped with Fishbites or sand fleas has been the ticket when sight fishing for them, or if you are using a surf rig, try using shrimp on one hook and sand fleas on the other. Definitely a good bite out there, get out there and get you some!

Destin Fishing Report

Kings, Kings and more Kings. almost everyone has been catching Kings including those who are targeting them trolling, flylining while bottom fishing or pier fishing.

Cobia were good this weekend when it was windy and rough but very slow today. It seems with the Cobia unless the wind is really kicking they are not happy this year.

Bottom fishing is producing good numbers of Amberjack, Red grouper, Scamp, Triggerfish, Mingo snapper and Lane snapper.

The "Special K" caught these deep water Snowy grouper and Yellow Eye groupers on Shimano Torium 30 in 600 ft water with 80 PowerPro this past week.

Bay fishing is still producing good numbers of Spanish mackerel, Redfish and Sheepshead along with a few Trout.

In the surf plenty of Pompano, some Whiting and a few sharks.

On the pier a few Kings, an occasional Cobia, good numbers of Pompano and some Bonita.

Offshore good numbers of Wahoo, Blackfin tuna and some nice Dolphin.

This Sailfish was caught of Coach Tatum's boat this past week also.

Navarre Fishing Report

PIER
Cobia-  There have been a few fish caught this week, but the action has slowed. Most anglers are throwing 3oz Cobia jigs. Some are tipping with squid strips. Other live baits that work well are Pinfish, Hard Head Catfish and live Eels.

King Mackerel- The Kings have moved back in. There have been quite a few fish being caught this week. Blue runners and live cigar minnows rigged on stinger rigs are always very effective. Although frozen cigar minnows will work.

Spanish Mackerel- The Spanish have been chewing the pier down. Gotcha plugs have been the most popular. Bubble rigs and spoons will take their share. Small live baits will work as well.

Whiting- The Whiting bite has remained steady over the last week. Fresh peeled shrimp fished on the bottom will produce fish. A standard two hook bottom rig will produce fish. A better rig is a fish finder rig with a fluorocarbon leader and a #6 hook.

Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Live sand fleas, live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a double hook rig will produce. Pompano jigs will also take them.

Bonito- I have had reports of a few fish being caught this week.  Jigfish jigs, Diamond jigs, Buck tailed jigs and silver spoons will take these fish.

Blackfin Tuna- I have had reports of a few fish caught this week while anglers were fishing for Bonito. I have had no reports on how large they were.

Redfish- A few Reds have been caught this week.  Some have been oversized and some have been in the slot. Anglers are using live shrimp, live finger mullet or any cut bait. You can catch them with a fish finder rig and a circle hook. Good artificial include a ¾ oz Johnson gold spoon and a 1oz jig with a 4" Berkeley Gulp shrimp.

Flounder-I have had no reports of these fish being caught this week.

Sheepshead- There have been some nice fish caught off the pier pilings. Good baits to use are fiddler crabs, small live shrimp, oysters and crab knuckles. A size 1 to size 6 circle hooks with as little weight as possible is a good rig to use.

Black snapper / Grey Snapper- I have not had any reports of these being caught this week. As the water warms these fish will be readily accessible by late spring.

Black Drum- I have had reports of fish being caught this week. These fish aren't particular on what they eat. Best baits are shrimp, live or fresh dead, and a half of blue crab for the big fish.

Dolphin – There were a few caught this week. Nothing of any real size, but still fun to catch

Skipjack (Ladyfish) – There have been several caught this week. These fish are not particular, they will take live shrimp, live minnows and frozen bait. The will also hit Bubble Rigs, Gotcha plugs, diving plugs and small spoons.

SURF
Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Best baits are live shrimp and sand fleas. Although fresh dead shrimp will work well. Most anglers are using a two hook bottom rig fished in a cut in the sand bars or just over the sand bar.

Redfish- Anglers are catching some big bull reds, and a few slot reds, while fishing for Pompano. The will hit the same baits, but don't be afraid to try some cut mullet or LY's.

Sharks- There is several species to catch and area anglers have been catching Black Tip, Spinners, Mako and Bull sharks. Most shark fisherman are fishing high capacity reels with 80# test line on a 50# to 100# rod. They are using fresh Bonito or Skipjack for bait and using a 6' leader of at least 400# test with large circle hooks and J hooks. They are placing the bait usually behind the first sand bar.  There are smaller sharks available in the trough right off the beach.

Skipjack (Ladyfish) – There have been several fish caught this week. These fish are no particular on what they hit. Anything from live shrimp and minnows to frozen baits. They will also hit diving plugs, jigs and small spoons.

Whiting- The Whiting bite remains steady. These are being caught using a two hook bottom rig with live shrimp or peeled fresh dead shrimp.

INSHORE
Speckeled Sea Trout- Fishing for trout has been very good all this week. Live shrimp is a great bait fished under a popping cork. A live Croaker, Finger Mullet or Pinfish can be fished on a cork or on the bottom. Good artificial baits include silver spoons, DOA Shrimp, Yozuri Crystal minnows, MirroLure Mirrodine lures and Berkeley Gulp soft plastics. I have had reports of these fish being caught on the grass flats in 2' to 5' of water this week. Don't overlook top water baits early in the morning.

Redfish- These have been caught on the grass flats with the same baits used for Trout. Although don't leave home without a 1/4oz Johnson Silver Minnow in gold, DOA shrimp and Berkley Gulp on a jig head. Deep water docks, dock pilings and bridge pilings are all good places to find Redfish, they like being around structure. There can be some good top water action early in the morning casting Skitter Walks and Top Dogs on the flats. Live shrimp fishing next to docks on a fish finder rig works well.

Flounder- There has been a few reports of fish being caught.  I use as light of weight as possible when fishing with live bait for these fish. Don't over look the jig and grub combination or jig and Berkley Gulp combination. Flounder should be showing up in the bay in more frequent numbers this month. Flounder love structure, find some pilings, rock piles and oyster bars a little later this month and you should catch fish. Old wooden dock pilings are a great structures that holds fish.  

Sheepshead- I have heard of some fish being caught this week. The Pensacola Pass has been very good as of late.  Also, these fish will school on the grass flats this time of year. Try fishing around structure like dock pilings, bridge pilings and rock piles too. Best baits are fiddler crabs and small live shrimp.

Black Drum- There has been some nice fish caught around the bridge pilings and any other structure in the sound. Best baits are live or fresh dead shrimp, half of a blue crab and cut mullet. Use a standard fish finder rig and a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fish it on the bottom around structure.

White Trout – The bite has been very good for these this week. These fish like structure in deep water, like bridge pilings or submerged structure. Jig and grubs and jig with fresh dead shrimp work well fished slowly on the bottom. Live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a fish finder rig work well too. They will also hit cut bait fished on the same rig on the bottom. As the water warms the bite will slow down.

OFFSHORE
Trigger Fish- No reports this week. 

Red Snapper- This season is now closed for harvesting. Catch and release only. These fish are everywhere! From 2miles out of the pass to the edge. Live cigar minnows, threadfins, hard tails, pinfish and grunts all work well. Frozen squid, cigar minnows and Bonito chunks will work as well. Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs will catch their share. Look for them on the artificial reefs and natural bottom.

Black Snapper- No reports this week

Scamp- These have been caught this week. You can use a lot of the same baits as with snapper, although live pinfish with the top fin cut off and the tail trimmed work for me. Look for them on any natural bottom or artificial reef. The Yellow Gravel area has been producing fish.

Grouper- The Grouper bite has remained good this week. These fish will inhabit the natural bottom and artificial reefs just like the Red Snappers. Live Grunts, Pinfish and Cigar Minnows will produce fish, but so will the Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs. Try butterflying a natural bait and fish it just off the bottom.  Fish are being caught this week in 60' to 100'.

Amberjack- Some nice fish have been caught this last week on the Tenico rig. Jigs have been the hot baits, but any live bait should produce well. Bring some stout gear to turn some of these fish.

King Mackerel-  I have had some reports of some fish being caught on the beach. Live bait can be caught in Pensacola pass and on the Massachusetts. The Mass is also a good place to troll live bait around for the kings. Also, I have had some reports of fish being caught on the edge flylining live blue runners (hardtails).

Wahoo- No report this week.

Dolphin- There has been some fish caught on the weed patches around 20 miles out. Anglers pitching live cigar minnows and sardines have been very productive using 30# spin gear with 50# braid.

Tuna- There have been some nice fish caught on the weed patches 20 miles out, live cigar minnows and sardines pitched toward the edges of weed patches have been very productive. Yellow Fin in the 60# to 70# range have been readily available

Black Fin- There has been some good fish caught around the rigs this week. Most fish are between 15# and 30#. Hot baits are the Shimano Butterfly and Bomber Darter jigs in the 3oz and 4oz sizes. A lot of fish were lost to sharks which are very thick on the rigs right now.

White Marlin –  No reports this week.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
Amberjack are a real good bet both close in and out a ways, but the better sized Jacks have been found further out. There have still been plenty of Kings around your channel markers and above the larger wrecks. Trolling a diving plug or natural bait works just fine but they have been running down deep, so a planer, downrigger or diving plug is best. There have been some Mahi-mahi caught as well, especially after a good southerly blow. Bait has been fairly easy to find most days, they have been deep as well so drop your sabiki rig all the way to the bottom where ever you expect to find bait, and you will likely find fish. Some nice Cobia have been caught or speared on the wrecks just offshore rather than along the beach. That is not to say you won't find them on the beach, but your chances are much better at least in our area, offshore. There have also been loads of Spanish and Pompano working the beaches so if you can find the time, it is game time!

ST ANDREWS  BAY SYSTEM
There have been plenty of Spanish mackerel and Pompano in the pass area and around Deep water point. Some King mackerel were caught trolling a diving plug last week in the pass. Big bull reds, Black sea bass and a few Sheep head are there as well, you just never know what you'll catch in these areas. Some good reported catches of Flounder around the docks in Grand lagoon. Nice catches of Trout and Reds up in the bay on an incoming tide feeding on Pilchards. If you can manage to cast net yourself some of these you'll be golden.

SURF AND PIER
There were a couple small Cobia caught at the local piers last week, maybe it will get better soon. We talked to some people from around Tampa and they reported that they had a large number of them come through last week. Loads of King and Spanish mackerel, and the Pompano are off the chart. Redfish, Whiting, a few Sheep head, and some Flounder are also seen coming over the rail. Some days the bait is easy to find and some not, so take along some frozen just in case. Surf anglers have been reporting similar numbers in Spanish and Pompano. Pink jigs tipped with Fishbites or sand fleas has been the ticket when sight fishing for them, or if you are using a surf rig, try using shrimp on one hook and sand fleas on the other. Definitely a good bite out there, get out there and get you some!

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE
Lots of Amberjack getting caught and not too far out, once you catch a few throw a little chum out to get them feeding up on the surface. It is really a blast sight fishing for them up on top with either live bait pitched to them, or working a sturdy top water plug across the surface. Plenty of King mackerel limits being hauled in and it has been real easy to find bait around the buoys. Anything from small Bonita, Herring, Cigar minnows and Skip jack can be had with various sized sabiki rigs. Some nice size Black sea bass, Bee liners, White snapper and Trigger fish are still hitting the docks. And of course if you want to catch Spanish mackerel they are easily found running along the second sand bar. You may also find Tarpon, Jack Crevalle or Pompano. The Pompano have really turned on this past week, early morning and evening have been best. Your best bet for Cobia remains going offshore to a wreck and dropping down a large live bait about halfway to the bottom and or having one swim up to the boat while out there.

ST ANDREWS  BAY SYSTEM
There is plenty of action in the bay with Spanish mackerel being caught all over the place. Gotcha's, spec rigs and Clarkspoons all work really well. In the pass, Sheep head have pretty much moved on, but Reds are still present and accounted for. For those searching for Trout and slot size Reds, the areas around creek out flows produced some nice size fish at dawn and at dusk. Flounder have been caught at the local marinas especially around sea walls and the associated rip rap. Also around the marinas (or any well lit areas of the bay) squid are being caught.

SURF AND PIER
King and Spanish mackerel are here in full force most days. Jack Crevalle, Tarpon, Pompano, Redfish, Sheep head, Flounder, Whiting and more have all been reported. Pompano have really made a showing this past week. Of course most of the anglers at the piers, and the boat brigade searching the beach are looking for Cobia. A few were seen and or hooked but we have no recent reported catches.

DESTIN
Kings are the big target right now; you can catch them trolling live baits and plugs or drifting cigar minnows from the pier.  Bottom fishing is producing good numbers of Triggers, Mingo snapper, Amberjack and a few Red grouper and Scamp.  Pompano, Whiting and sharks are biting in the surf.  Offshore is producing Wahoo, Dolphin, Blackfin tuna and Yellowfin tuna.  Spanish are good in the bay along with good numbers of Red fish, Sheepshead and a few Trout.

Kara Napier from Nashville, TN pictured with these fish from her last bottom fishing trip!		2012 Hog's Breath Cobia Tournament winning fish below at over 76lbs.
Tuna catch from the charterboat "Motherload"		Young angler with a nice King!

NAVARRE FLORIDA FISHING REPORT

PIER
Cobia- The migration has started. There have been a few fish caught this week. Most anglers are throwing 3oz Cobia jigs. Some are tipping with squid strips. Other live baits that work well are Pinfish, Hard Head Catfish and live Eels.

King Mackerel- The Kings have moved back in. I have heard of quite a few fish being caught this week. Blue runners and live cigar minnows rigged on stinger rigs are always very effective.

Joe Palpallatoc caught this King mackerel weighing in at over
40lbs off the Navarre Pier this past week.

Spanish Mackerel- The Spanish have been chewing the pier down. Gotcha plugs have been the most popular. Bubble rigs and spoons will take their share. Small live baits will work as well.

Whiting- The Whiting bite has remained steady over the last week. Fresh peeled shrimp fished on the bottom will produce fish. A standard two hook bottom rig will produce fish. A better rig is a fish finder rig with a fluorocarbon leader and a #6 hook.

Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Live sand fleas, live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a double hook rig will produce. Pompano jigs will also take them.

Bonito- I have had reports of a few fish being caught this week. This is usually a winter time fish for us, although we have caught fish all year round.  Jigfish jigs, Diamond jigs, Buck tailed jigs and silver spoons will take these fish.

Blackfin Tuna- I haver had reports of a few fish caught this week while anglers were fishing for Bonito..I have had no reports on how large they were.

Redfish- A few Reds have been caught this week.  Some have been oversized and some have been in the slot. Anglers are using live shrimp, live finger mullet or any cut bait. You can catch them with a fish finder rig and a circle hook. Good artificial include a ¾ oz Johnson gold spoon and a 1oz jig with a 4" Berkeley Gulp shrimp.

Flounder-I have had no reports of these fish being caught this week.

Sheepshead- There have been some nice fish caught off the pier pilings. Good baits to use are fiddler crabs, small live shrimp, oysters and crab knuckles. A size 1 to size 6 circle hooks with as little weight as possible is a good rig to use.

Black snapper / Grey Snapper- I have not had any reports of these being caught this week. As the water warms these fish will be readily accessible by late spring.

Black Drum- I have had reports of fish being caught this week. These fish aren't particular on what they eat. Best baits are shrimp, live or fresh dead, and a half of blue crab for the big fish.

SURF
Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Best baits are live shrimp and sand fleas. Although fresh dead shrimp will work well. Most anglers are using a two hook bottom rig fished in a cut in the sand bars or just over the sand bar.

Redfish- Anglers are catching some big bull reds, and a few slot reds, while fishing for Pompano. The will hit the same baits, but don't be afraid to try some cut mullet or LY's.

Sharks- There is several species to catch and area anglers have been catching Black Tip, Spinners, Mako and Bull sharks. Most shark fisherman are fishing high capacity reels with 80# test line on a 50# to 100# rod. They are using fresh Bonito or Skipjack for bait and using a 6' leader of at least 400# test with large circle hooks and J hooks. They are placing the bait usually behind the first sand bar.  There are smaller sharks available in the trough right off the beach.

Skipjack (Ladyfish) – As the water begins to warm these fish start to show up in large numbers. I have had no reports of these being caught, but I don't think it is far off.

Whiting- The Whiting bite remains steady. These are being caught using a two hook bottom rig with live shrimp or peeled fresh dead shrimp.

INSHORE
Speckled Sea Trout- Fishing for trout has been very good all this week. Live shrimp is a great bait fished under a popping cork. A live Croaker, Finger Mullet or Pinfish can be fished on a cork or on the bottom. Good artificial baits include silver spoons, DOA Shrimp, Yozuri Crystal minnows, MirroLure Mirrodine lures and Berkeley Gulp soft plastics. I have had reports of these fish being caught on the grass flats in 2' to 5' of water this week. Don't overlook top water baits early in the morning.

Redfish- These have been caught on the grass flats with the same baits used for Trout. Although don't leave home without a 1/4oz Johnson Silver Minnow in gold, DOA shrimp and Berkley Gulp on a jig head. Deep water docks, dock pilings and bridge pilings are all good places to find Redfish, they like being around structure. There can be some good top water action early in the morning casting Skitter Walks and Top Dogs on the flats. Live shrimp fishing next to docks on a fish finder rig works well.

Flounder- There has been a few reports of fish being caught.  I use as light of weight as possible when fishing with live bait for these fish. Don't over look the jig and grub combination or jig and Berkley Gulp combination. Flounder should be showing up in the bay in more frequent numbers this month. Flounder love structure, find some pilings, rock piles and oyster bars a little later this month and you should catch fish. Old wooden dock pilings are a great structures that holds fish.  

Sheepshead- I have heard of some fish being caught this week. The Pensacola Pass has been very good as of late.  Also, these fish will school on the grass flats this time of year. Try fishing around structure like dock pilings, bridge pilings and rock piles too. Best baits are fiddler crabs and small live shrimp.

Black Drum- There has been some nice fish caught around the bridge pilings and any other structure in the sound. Best baits are live or fresh dead shrimp, half of a blue crab and cut mullet. Use a standard fish finder rig and a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fish it on the bottom around structure.

White Trout – The bite has been very good for these this week. These fish like structure in deep water, like bridge pilings or submerged structure. Jig and grubs and jig with fresh dead shrimp work well fished slowly on the bottom. Live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a fish finder rig work well too. They will also hit cut bait fished on the same rig on the bottom. As the water warms the bite will slow down.

OFFSHORE
Trigger Fish- No reports this week. 

Red Snapper- This season is now closed for harvesting. Catch and release only. These fish are everywhere! From 2miles out of the pass to the edge. Live cigar minnows, threadfins, hard tails, pinfish and grunts all work well. Frozen squid, cigar minnows and Bonito chunks will work as well. Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs will catch their share. Look for them on the artificial reefs and natural bottom.

Black Snapper- No reports this week

Scamp- These have been caught this week. You can use a lot of the same baits as with snapper, although live pinfish with the top fin cut off and the tail trimmed work for me. Look for them on any natural bottom or artificial reef. The Yellow Gravel area has been producing fish.

Grouper- The Grouper bite has remained good this week. These fish will inhabit the natural bottom and artificial reefs just like the Red Snappers. Live Grunts, Pinfish and Cigar Minnows will produce fish, but so will the Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs. Try butterflying a natural bait and fish it just off the bottom.  Fish are being caught this week in 60' to 100'.

Amberjack- Some nice fish have been caught this last week on the Tenico rig. Jigs have been the hot baits, but any live bait should produce well. Bring some stout gear to turn some of these fish.

King Mackerel-  I have had some reports of some fish being caught on the beach. Live bait can be caught in Pensacola pass and on the Massachusetts. The Mass is also a good place to troll live bait around for the kings. Also, I have had some reports of fish being caught on the edge flylining live blue runners (hardtails).

Wahoo- No report this week.

Dolphin- There has been some fish caught on the weed patches around 20 miles out. Anglers pitching live cigar minnows and sardines have been very productive using 30# spin gear with 50# braid.

Tuna- There have been some nice fish caught on the weed patches 20 miles out, live cigar minnows and sardines pitched toward the edges of weed patches have been very productive. Yellow Fin in the 60# to 70# range have been readily available

Black Fin- There has been some good fish caught around the rigs this week. Most fish are between 15# and 30#. Hot baits are the Shimano Butterfly and Bomber Darter jigs in the 3oz and 4oz sizes. A lot of fish were lost to sharks which are very thick on the rigs right now.

White Marlin –  No reports this week.

We have heard good reports of Red grouper out on the natural bottom reefs using anything from squid to live bait. You can also expect Black sea bass, Bee liners and White snapper in these locales. Gag grouper is still closed in our area so fishing on the bottom around a wreck will probably only bring you heart break when you have to release an out of season fish and hope it survives. However fishing over a wreck has payed off for lots of anglers with Amberjack, Trigger fish, King mackerel and even a few Mahimahi. The sargasso weed has already began to show up and this will bring in the pelagic species. There have been some Cobia sightings, catches and spearings offshore over and around the local wrecks and bridge spans. It seems at this time that a lot of them may be passing by us further offshore than normal, and what is normal about this year so far! Who knows what this Cobia season will turn out to be, we are merely spectators in what mother nature has to show us.

The Sheep head bite is slowing a bit but they can still be found and it only takes a couple of them to make a pretty good meal. Plenty of Spanish mackerel to be found in the bay and along the beach. This is one species that when in their spring run, offers enough action to keep even the most impatient anglers happy. Whether you are land bound or boating, stop in one of our locations and we can fill you in on what you will need to catch 'em up. Bull reds can be found in the channels around the jetties and local bridges on an out going tide feeding on whatever live bait is getting washed out of their hiding spots. Teenage reds and Trout are finding plenty of forage up in the grass flats on or near high tide. Menhaden can be found making their telltale swirls around the bay and Intra coastal waters, and Pilchards are starting to show up in Grand Lagoon, behind Shell Island and around Redfish Point. These are great baits and fairly easy to catch.

Lots of Pompano and Spanish mackerel being caught at the piers and in the surf. Every now and then some rather large Bluefish come through and schools of Jack Crevalle can be seen. Sheepshead and Redfish can be seen hanging out around the piers just waiting for that just right offering. A lot of Kings were caught beginning of the week but the bite slowed a bit after the front came through. Large Cigar minnows and Herring can be found one day and then not the next so bring along both a sabiki rig and some frozen bait so you are covered.

What a great start to spring!! Kings are very good trolling near the pass, broken bottom, southeast rocks and white hill.

Bottom fishing is great, I went with friends on the Charter Boat “Special K” on Tuesday, We had 8 Scamp, 6 Triggers, some nice Vermillion snapper, 3 Lane snapper, a couple Amberjack, 2 Amberines, a Almaco jack, Barracuda, Cobia, King, 1 Red grouper and a whole bunch of 12-15lb Red snapper, we had to put back, and 8 nice Gag grouper that also had to go back.

Offshore some nice Wahoo catches, both larger and Chicken Dolphin and a few Tuna.

In the surf plenty of Pompano, Spanish and Whiting along with a few sharks are being caught.

On the Navarre Pier, some real nice Kings, a few Pompano, lots of Spanish and an occasional Cobia.

PIER

Cobia- The migration has started. There have been several fish caught this week. Most anglers are throwing 3oz Cobia jigs. Some are tipping with squid strips. Other live baits that work well are Pinfish, Hard Head Catfish and live Eels.

King Mackerel- The Kings have moved back in. I have heard of quite a few fish being caught this week. Blue runners and live cigar minnows rigged on stinger rigs are always very effective.

Spanish Mackerel- The Spanish have been chewing the pier down. Gotcha plugs have been the most popular. Bubble rigs and spoons will take their share. Small live baits will work as well.

Whiting- The Whiting bite has remained steady over the last week. Fresh peeled shrimp fished on the bottom will produce fish. A standard two hook bottom rig will produce fish. A better rig is a fish finder rig with a fluorocarbon leader and a #6 hook.

Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Live sand fleas, live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a double hook rig will produce. Pompano jigs will also take them.

Bonito- I have had reports of a few fish being caught this week. This is usually a winter time fish for us, although we have caught fish all year round. Jigfish jigs, Diamond jigs, Buck tailed jigs and silver spoons will take these fish.

Redfish- A few Reds have been caught this week. Some have been oversized and some have been in the slot. Anglers are using live shrimp, live finger mullet or any cut bait. You can catch them with a fish finder rig and a circle hook. Good artificial include a ¾ oz Johnson gold spoon and a 1oz jig with a 4” Berkeley Gulp shrimp.

Flounder- No reports this week.

Sheepshead- There have been some nice fish caught off the pier pilings. Good baits to use are fiddler crabs, small live shrimp, oysters and crab knuckles. A size 1 to size 6 circle hooks with as little weight as possible is a good rig to use.

Black Snapper/Grey Snapper- I have not had any reports of these being caught this week. As the water warms these fish will be readily accessible by late spring.

Black Drum- I have had reports of fish being caught this week. These fish aren’t particular on what they eat. Best baits are shrimp, live or fresh dead, and a half of blue crab for the big fish.

SURF

Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Best baits are live shrimp and sand fleas. Although fresh dead shrimp will work well. Most anglers are using a two hook bottom rig fished in a cut in the sand bars or just over the sand bar.

Redfish- Anglers are catching some big bull reds, and a few slot reds, while fishing for Pompano. The will hit the same baits, but don’t be afraid to try some cut mullet or LY’s.

Sharks- There is several species to catch and area anglers have been catching Black Tip, Spinners, Mako and Bull sharks. Most shark fisherman are fishing high capacity reels with 80# test line on a 50# to 100# rod. They are using fresh Bonito or Skipjack for bait and using a 6’ leader of at least 400# test with large circle hooks and J hooks. They are placing the bait usually behind the first sand bar. There are smaller sharks available in the trough right off the beach.

Skipjack (Ladyfish)– As the water begins to warm these fish start to show up in large numbers. I have had no reports of these being caught, but I don’t think it is far off.

Whiting- The Whiting bite remains steady. These are being caught using a two hook bottom rig with live shrimp or peeled fresh dead shrimp.

INSHORE

Speckled Sea Trout- Fishing for trout has been very good all this week. Live shrimp is a great bait fished under a popping cork. A live Croaker, Finger Mullet or Pinfish can be fished on a cork or on the bottom. Good artificial baits include silver spoons, DOA Shrimp, Yozuri Crystal minnows, MirroLure Mirrodine lures and Berkeley Gulp soft plastics. I have had reports of these fish being caught on the grass flats in 2’ to 5’ of water this week. Don’t overlook top water baits early in the morning.

Redfish- These have been caught on the grass flats with the same baits used for Trout. Although don’t leave home without a 1/4oz Johnson Silver Minnow in gold, DOA shrimp and Berkley Gulp on a jig head. Deep water docks, dock pilings and bridge pilings are all good places to find Redfish, they like being around structure. There can be some good top water action early in the morning casting Skitter Walks and Top Dogs on the flats.

Flounder- There has been a few reports of fish being caught. I use as light of weight as possible when fishing with live bait for these fish. Don’t over look the jig and grub combination or jig and Berkley Gulp combination. Flounder should be showing up in the bay in more frequent numbers this month. Flounder love structure, find some pilings, rock piles and oyster bars a little later this month and you should catch fish. Old wooden dock pilings are a great structures that holds fish.

Sheepshead- I have heard of some fish being caught this week. The Pensacola Pass has been very good as of late. Also, these fish will school on the grass flats this time of year. Try fishing around structure like dock pilings, bridge pilings and rock piles too. Best baits are fiddler crabs and small live shrimp.

Black Drum- There has been some nice fish caught around the bridge pilings and any other structure in the sound. Best baits are live or fresh dead shrimp, half of a blue crab and cut mullet. Use a standard fish finder rig and a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fish it on the bottom around structure.

White Trout- The bite has been very good for these this week. These fish like structure in deep water, like bridge pilings or submerged structure. Jig and grubs and jig with fresh dead shrimp work well fished slowly on the bottom. Live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a fish finder rig work well too. They will also hit cut bait fished on the same rig on the bottom. As the water warms the bite will slow down.

OFFSHORE

Trigger Fish- No reports this week.

Red Snapper- This season is now closed for harvesting. Catch and release only. These fish are everywhere! From 2miles out of the pass to the edge. Live cigar minnows, threadfins, hard tails, pinfish and grunts all work well. Frozen squid, cigar minnows and Bonito chunks will work as well. Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs will catch their share. Look for them on the artificial reefs and natural bottom.

Black Snapper- No reports this week

Scamp- These have been caught this week. You can use a lot of the same baits as with snapper, although live pinfish with the top fin cut off and the tail trimmed work for me. Look for them on any natural bottom or artificial reef. The Yellow Gravel area has been producing fish.

Grouper- The Grouper bite has remained good this week. These fish will inhabit the natural bottom and artificial reefs just like the Red Snappers. Live Grunts, Pinfish and Cigar Minnows will produce fish, but so will the Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs. Try butterflying a natural bait and fish it just off the bottom. Fish are being caught this week in 60’ to 100’.

Amberjack- Some nice fish have been caught this last week on the oil rigs in 400’. Jigs have been the hot baits. Bring some stout gear to turn some of these fish.

King Mackerel- I have had some reports of some fish being caught on the beach. Live bait can be caught in Pensacola pass and on the Massachusetts. The Mass is also a good place to troll live bait around for the kings.

Wahoo- No reports this week.

Dolphin- There has been some fish caught on the weed patches around 20 miles out. Anglers pitching live cigar minnows and sardines have been very productive using 30# spin gear with 50# braid.

Tuna- There have been some nice fish caught on the weed patches 20 miles out, live cigar minnows and sardines pitched toward the edges of weed patches have been very productive. Yellow Fin in the 60# to 70# range have been readily available

Black Fin- There has been some good fish caught around the rigs this week. Most fish are between 15# and 30#. Hot baits are the Shimano Butterfly and Bomber Darter jigs in the 3oz and 4oz sizes. A lot of fish were lost to sharks which are very thick on the rigs right now.

White Marlin– No reports this week.