January is Reds, Ducks and Deer time in Panama City Florida!
Capt. Rob Womble
January 20, 2009
Panama City - Saltwater Fishing Report
OK so I know our reports have been a little slow this winter but that doesn't mean we haven't been fishing and hunting. Actually we have been doing so much fishing and hunting that our reports have suffered and our wives are a little tired of it, but what can I say…..now is the time to be out on the water and in the woods.
Our last report touched on the winter time trout fishing, which by the way is still really good right now but I want to talk a little about the red fishing. The reds are still up on the flats and the cold weather has got them bunched up into schools making them a little easier to find. Last week I took Ronnie Lawson out for a morning of red fishing behind Shell Island and it was on fire. We caught 12 redfish and one pretty nice bluefish.
The water levels in the morning have been extremely low so some of those deeper holes up on the flats aren't so deep anymore. This allowed us to spot them a little easier. Once the schools were located it was just a matter of pitching them a combination of 1/8oz gold spoons and Gulp sinking minnows or Gulp 4inch natural shrimp. We took great care in trying to pick off the redfish from the edge of the schools so not to break-up or spook the rest of them. This worked for several hours and like I said resulted in a dozen very nice redfish.
If you have one use a push pole to quietly guide the boat up to the target area and once there stake the boat out and get ready to fish. The shallow water has them a little spooky so stealth is the key right now. We are using 8lb braided line with medium light 7 foot rods and a 15lb leader. This set-up will allow you to cast a bit further while still giving you plenty of line and rod strength. Be sure to try and cast past the school and off to one side so you can target the ones on the edges. If you hook one in the middle of the school he might scatter the school spoiling you chance of another hook-up.
The duck hunting has been really good as well. Capt. Todd has taken several trips this week and all have produced some really nice ducks. The usual suspects this week have been Blue Bills, Redheads, Buffle Heads and a couple of Woodies and Blue Wing Teals from the lake.
With the cold weather comes cold water so if your going to splash ducks in the bay or on the lake use the dog to retrieve if you can…..and be sure to bring a towel for the dog so he can dry off and stay warm as well.
Of course winter time in the Pan Handle wouldn't be complete without deer hunting. Capt. Todd and his son had a great hunt the other morning. Capt. Todd's son Jonah was able to drop a nice 7 point from one of the farms we like to hunt. It's nice to be able to take your kids out onto the water or into the woods and share a little bit of the outdoors with them.
Good job Jonah and nice deer.
It's getting a bit cold out there so stay dry when out on the water or in the woods and as always good luck with the fishing and hunting.
Capt. Rob Womble and Capt. Todd Jones
Back Bay Adventures.
Panama City Fishing Forecast:
The redfish and trout bite will stay on fire as long as the water stays cold and the tides stay low. Jigs, spoons and even a top-water from time to time will be the best bet.
More Fishing Reports:
