Miles get's some sheeps and a bonus grouper!
Capt. James Pic
April 9, 2009
Panama City - Saltwater Fishing Report
I don't normally complain...but keepin' it real and all...the brown water is starting to p... me off! More about that in a minute.
The pass is starting to slow down with the sheepshead bite. That bite normally only last a month to six weeks and has taken a turn with the water clarity and full moon. There are a few left that will bite but a lot have moved on to the normal "can't catch" rest of the year phase. I used to try and try to catch those big sheeps off the Bailey Bridge in Lynn Haven when I was a kid but it was tough. If anyone knows how to catch them any other time than the spring spawn, let me know and I will pass it along.
One of my favorite kids, Miles, hit the water with me today along with his dad, Carl. We hit the pass first for a few sheeps. The bite was a little slow but a few along with some reds were caught. Take a look:
Action shot:
End of the day:
We ran all over West Bay looking for some big trout and couldn't find any. There are plenty of small fish to catch using DOA's and popping corks but all of my big fish holes were not happening today. This is probably due to the combination of several things. Water clarity, the water is brown; amount of freshwater in the bay; temperature of the water dropped six degrees since last week and the full moon. Mother nature has a way of correcting herself and by the first to middle of next week things should be back to normal. The spanish, which have been waiting just outside the pass for the water to flush, have started coming into the bay with more and more being caught each day. Best bet for the trout fishermen is artificials covering a lot of ground.
Last, Miles, put this 21" grouper in the boat this afternoon on our last stop. I think I'll take him back this summer, he should be legal by then.
Panama City Fishing Forecast:
As the issues with the moon and water disapate the fishing should get a lot better. Look for things to be back to normal by mid next week.
Target Species:
Specs, spanish, blues, reds on the flats and in the pass. As the water along the beach clears more cobia and pompano caught.
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