Pensacola Inhsore / nearshore fishing report
Capt. John Rivers
July 19, 2009
Pensacola - Saltwater Fishing Report
It's been a while since I've written a report, but because of all the great fishing along the NW Panhandle, I haven't had the time. If you're in the mood for some great light tackle inshore action, then you need to check out Pensacola, Florida. It's the middle of July and I'm still catching some good quality specks on the flats, but what's really picked up is the Redfish bite on the flats. A few weeks back I couldn't find a redfish, it was like they disappeared, but just this past week I've spotted 4 – 5 schools of 20 fish or more cruising around on this one particular flat that I've been visiting.
I have to be very quiet when approaching these fish, as they can be a bit spooky. Shutting down the motor, easing in slowly, and lowering the Power Pole is the only way to sneak up on these fish successfully. Once I've got us in position, we start sight-casting to where the reds are schooled up, and let me tell you, watching a redfish hit your top-water plug or swing around and pick up your soft body jerk bait sure can get your heart going pitter-pat! A few more species we're hooking up on the flats are skipjacks, better known as ladyfish. These acrobatic jumping fish are always fun for family outings with the kids, as they tug and tug, then leap out of the water. The kids really get a kick out of angling for these fun-fighting fish. Skipjacks are in the tarpon family and they look very similar to tarpon, but are much smaller, however, don't let their size fool you, because these big- eyed buggers will pull drag like a 12 lb bass and jump twice as far.
In addition to all the fun flats fishing, I've also been hooking up some drag-screaming kings just off the beaches. Live cigar minnows have been the bait of choice, but don't hesitate to add a skirt, (also known as a duster), as this will surely help maximize your hookup ratio. I do not have to go out far for the kings, really just a mile or two off the beach, which is especially nice when the day is calling for possible showers. Mixed in with the kings are Spanish mackerel and this year the Spanish are big, in fact most of the Spanish we've hooked while king fishing have been 4 -5 lbs which is considered a trophy fish. Not only are these guys fun to catch, they are good eating, too.
Red snapper season is still open and will be until August 15th, and then it's bye-bye until next year. The red snapper bite has been very good on a lot of the public wrecks, and especially on my honey holes. I've only been out a few times in July, because I've either been shark fishing, king fishing, trout fishing, or Redfishing. We have a big variety of fish to choose from along the NW panhandle. The tough part about fishing here, is deciding what fish to go after.
As you can see, the fishing is red hot this summer. If you've already had your vacation for the year, look me up next season. If you're still thinking about heading down south to our beautiful gulf coast, then give me a shout and let's get you out on the water so you can enjoy some great light tackle action aboard the MEGA-BITE!
See you soon,
Tight Lines.
Capt. John Rivers
Mega-Bite Inshore Charters
850-341-9816
Thanks to my sponsors:
Mann's Lures, Power-Pole, SPRO Fishing Tackle
Gamakatsu Hooks, Fenwick Rods, Pure Fishing - Berkley,Stren,Quantum
More Fishing Reports:
