Panhandle Fishing Report - Pensacola Bay & Choctawhatchee Bay
Capt. Eddie Woodall
February 19, 2004
Pensacola - Saltwater Fishing Report
Inshore – I wish someone would tell me if there is any better place in Florida where you can consistently catch the Bull Reds, like we are here now. I had a charter last Friday- 2/13/04 and one on Monday- 2/9/04. On Fri., we landed 28 Reds ranging from 15 to 40 pounds and lost about 7 to10 more. We were going after them on 8lb spinning tackle using the ½ oz. Mann’s Preacher Jig- (what a lure! this jig will get the job done).We also caught a few casting the Mann’s Stretch 11+. On Mondays’ half day charter we landed 9 Reds, with one capping the scales right at the 50lb. mark, this was a HUGE fish!
The fish had moved out into the deeper water on Monday, so we had to troll these guys up using the Mann’s Stretch 25’s in 18 to 30 foot of water. We did manage to get 2 of the 9 on the 8lb. spinning tackle casting the Preacher Jig.
Most of the fishermen I know are starting to get ready for the spring Cobia run. Whether it is just talk and bragging or laying out tackle and gear, you can feel the excitement rising. When the water temperature hits the magic 67-degree mark, everyone wants to be ready for the action.
If you have never witnessed the spring run, it is a sight to see. These big, brown fish swim down the beach from east to west and weigh up to 90 lbs. At first light, they are in close to shore (30-40 feet out) and move into deeper water as the sun rises. But, even by mid-afternoon there are plenty of them that are within casting distance of shore.
The fishermen also get into a frenzy like you’ve never seen. This is the ‘bragging rights’ fish in our area, so they all want to land one.
March also brings back the opening of the Speckled Trout season. I’ve already been seeing some good fish sunning on the sand bottoms in the afternoons. This is the best time of the year to set your sights on a real trophy Speck.
Tight lines and Screaming Drags till next week, God Bless,
Professional Fishing Guide
Capt. Eddie Woodall
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