Florida Fishing Report for Panama City & Destin
Capt. James Pic
April 18, 2006
Panama City - Saltwater Fishing Report
It's mid April and things are like the end of March. Lots of warm days but the westerly winds blowing 20 to 30 have kept the water a little cool. Weatherman says the winds will start coming around out of the south and east next week with a slight cool down. I believe this will effect the fishing in a very positive way.
As for the fishing....Fished with Rob and Caz Prewitt out of North Carolina this morning. Threw bubble rigs and gotcha plugs. Hooked about fifty fish but didn't land them all. A few were 13-14 inches but most were 16 at the fork or larger. Had a few fish that were 20 plus. These big spanish are going to stay all summer with bigger ones on the way. There are bluefish in the pass for a late afternoon bite, very few blues up in the bay just yet.
Trout and reds are starting to move out and thicken up on the flats. West and North Bay are full of bait. There is also a lot of bait in St. Andrew Bay from the bridge back to the pass. I expect to post another report in a few days with more positive trends. Things are just a southeast wind away from bustin' out. Flounder should show up soon along with pompano.
I thought it would be a good idea for me to list my favorite topwater lures for spring fishing.
My favorite for ease of use and easy on the wallet is a bubble rig tied with a piece of rubber sunglass keeper. These are great for spanish, blues, ladies, bluerunners, an occasional shark and trout. Rip them across the water and watch the action.
Next I like Heddon Tiny Torpedoe in blue or black shore minnow. Those are good ripped across the water in short burst. Blues love them and big spanish will blow up on them like a bass on a bullfrog.
Last I like the Yozuri Banana Boat. Walking the dog. Great for trout and reds along with everything else mentioned. Two years ago we caught a 20 lb. cobia on a silver/black Banana Boat at the end of the summer.
Other notable topwater: Zara Puppy, Rebel Silver Minnow and Excalibur Minnows
Good luck on the water.
JP
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