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Panhandle Fishing Report - Pensacola Bay & Choctawhatchee Bay
Capt. Eddie Woodall
March 23, 2004
Pensacola - Saltwater Fishing Report
Here's what's biting during the first few weeks of spring: Feb.19th – March 23rd.
Inshore-
Speckled Trout are the hot ticket for inshore waters. Many of the larger, female fish are moving onto the grassflats. Last Wednesday there was a Speck weighed at Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle that hit the scales at 7lbs. 9oz. They chase finger mullet early in the morning and at sunset, so they'll smack a big topwater if it's presented right - SLOWLY. We caught a good mess of puppy Reds yesterday fishing the oyster beds in East Bay around the power lines.
For those who don't like to wade or don't have access to a boat, live shrimp and minnows will catch small trout near the Pensacola Bay and Bob Sikes Bridges. Several captains have reported seeing schools of large Jacks on the beach during the early morning hours while scouting for the cobia. A few good catches of Pompano are being reported.
Offshore-
Near the beach, the Cobia run is getting into full swing. The fish arrived early this year due to such a mild winter. The first one reported caught was March 14th, it weighed 25lbs. There have been several caught in the last few days, a 50 pounder was weighed last Friday. If you can stand the boat traffic, chances are, you'll see a few on the surface. Don't underestimate small fish, because they pull harder than anything their size.Bigger fish should be even more respected for their fighting abilities.
Spanish Mackerel are starting to show in the waves. Though I prefer fly-fishing for these tasty specimens, small silver spoons and gotcha plugs are the ticket for sure hook-ups.
Other smaller quarry, such as Tiny Tuna and Bluefish are getting thick around nearshore bait pods.
Amberjack and Grouper are taking live baits further out over and around wrecks, but the arrival of warmer weather should quiet the bite on those fish.
King Mackerel will be here shortly, so get out the medium-weight rods, balloons, and stinger rigs and start preparing.
Tight Lines and Screaming Drags! Till next time God Bless,
Professional Fishing Guide
Capt. Eddie Woodall
Full Net Charters
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