Panhandle - Panama City, West Bay & Port St. Joe
Capt. Rob Womble
November 15, 2007
Panama City - Saltwater Fishing Report
Panama City Redfish and Trout
We have had some cooler temps continue in our area over the last week or so. These cooler temps have slowly been pushing the trout closer and closer to the creeks. Last Friday I took my first trip of the year up into Crooked Creek and we landed about 40 trout. Of course most of them where shorties but we did manage to bang out a two person limit. I was hoping this cooling trend was going to continue because if it did it would continue to move the bigger trout out of the mouth of the creeks and further up stream where they would be easier targets. Unfortunately it looks like its going to warm up again. At least we will know where to find them when they move back out onto the flats surrounding the creeks. Shallow diving crank baits, suspending baits and of course my favorite a jig rigged with any gulp bait will work up in the creeks. Try a variety of colors and sizes if the bite isn’t on. They are there they just need a push in the right direction.
The redfish pattern has changed very little. They can still be located just about anywhere one the flats and if you find one you will more than likely find a group. I have found that the top waters are starting to spook the fish more than they are attracting them. For that reason we have made the switch to the gold spoon and the Gulp sinking minnow rigged with a 4/0 hook. As you can see from this weeks pictures these baits have still been producing very nice redfish.
Brian “Z” my good friend in the Air Force came down this weekend with his girl friend Lori and did some fishing with me and my wife Laurie. I got to say that me and Laurie liked her right away….kinda left us wondering what the hell is she doing with “Z” (Just kidding Brian). She turned out to be a great fisher person and landed this nice Red. Good luck on your up-coming trip “Z”.
Lori's nice redfish!
My bigger rounder more south of the border brother Ronnie Lawson wanted to take his son (Bean) out on the flats and let him catch his first redfish. Well that’s just what we did…and a couple nice little trout too. Bean caught 17 trout 4 over 17 inches and one nice little redfish that measured 22 inches. Good job Bean.
Bean with his Dad holding his first Redfish. Good Job!
Bean with uncle "B" holding up a nice little trout.
The winter tides are getting lower so take it slower up on the flats and try not to leave prop scares in the grass. Remember we are pretty much booked up on the duck hunts for the first part of the season. If you want a duck hunt or a cast and blast (hunt in the morning and fish in the afternoon) call soon as they are filling up quickly. As always good luck on the water.
Capt. Rob Womble & Capt. Todd Jones
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