Big Storms, Waterspouts, Keeper Grouper and Early Ducks
Capt. James Pic
September 12, 2008
Panama City - Saltwater Fishing Report
The stoms keep rumbling through. In between running from the storms, looking for ducks and getting ready for a major rework on my 22' boat we are catching some good fish. Take a look at this photo of a waterspout I took a few years ago working through West Bay.
Caught this grouper just after Gustav. There are many places to catch legal grouper in the bay after storms blow through. In the past we have taken as many as six legal gags in a trip. Remember, according to my interpretation of the rules, you have to use in line circle hooks to catch grouper in the bay. If you get stopped with grouper in the box with no circle hooks on the boat you could be fined and ticketed.
We fished for kings one day last week and had several on, three to the boat and due to the alignment of the stars, they way I was holding my mouth and because it was Wednesday,lol, all three got off at the boat. Oh well...that's fishing.
DUCK SEASON
Another summer has come and gone with early teal and wood duck season starting next Saturday, September 20th. I have some days available. If you like to bird hunt your on the right website. I went on my first goose hunt when I was 10 and have hunted birds and waterfowl in this area for over 20 years. My knowledge of how and where to take ducks is unmatched in the area and will always garauntee the opportuninty to shoot birds otherwise your trip is half price. Last year was the best year we had since the late 90's with as many as 23 birds taken on some days. Many different species including redheads, bluebills, cans, buffleheads, goldeneyes, ringers, grey ducks and mallards can be taken in our local waters. Last year we had several flocks of pintails skirt our decoy spread. Through the years 17 different species of ducks have been taken in local waters hunting with me.
My knowledge of local waters will put you on blue winged teal and wood ducks next week. There have been days when we were limited in less than 30 minutes, each year is different but knowing flight patterns and where to find the birds is very important.
Last, my 22' boat will be down from September 19th through October 10th for repairs and a major rework. I'm making some serious changes to the boat....let's just say I'll be sight fishing for cobia next spring. I have my 17' boat available for two person trips which goes very shallow for reds, trout and flounder. This time of year I like to start throwing artificials.
Panama City Fishing Forecast:
The storms continue to roll through. I will be fishing for grouper in the bay a lot over the next few weeks and will be successful at it. The best thing about the last two storms is very little rain fell in our area or north of us which means the water is clearing up. Having said this the king bite should be hot along with the spanish ans blues in the bay. Trout and reds get agressive this time of year and big jacks will be working the water in North and West Bay.
My two targeted bay species this time of the year are grouper and flounder....can you say "fish fry"?
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