Panama City Backcountry/Bay/Inshore
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ith spring in the books and summer upon us, it’s that time of year when the fish have settled into their summer patterns and the fishing is steady. The cobia run in May was a good one, and they are still being caught off the beaches. They will begin moving offshore before too long, but it’s still on for now. Some nice Speckled trout are being caught at daylight and dusk, and are eagerly taking top-water lures early before the sun gets high and the same goes for the evening as the sun sets. They can be found on the grass flats and around the mouths of the bayous. Redfish are being found in large schools in East Bay and West Bay and are very shallow right now. Much like trout, they can be found in the same areas, and eat many of the same baits. Live bait has been hard to find with all the fresh water in the bays, due to the enormous amount of rains at the end of April and beginning of May. If you can find some live mullet or white baits use them. They always produce well. The tarpon are here in good numbers this year with some really big ones being caught over 150 pounds. Use a live threadfin or Blue crab. Also, lady fish chunks work well too. Along the beaches, pompano are being caught easily with sand fleas or a pompano jig with a piece of shrimp or sand flea on it. Just cast into the surf and bounce it along the bottom until you get a strike. The sheepshead have scattered, but are still being caught near the jetties and structures. There has also been some really good Spanish mackerel caught in the bay and on the beaches using the old trusted spoons and Christmas tree rig.
Panama City / Panama City Beach Offshore
If you are after Red snapper, you’d better get them in the freezer from June 1 to June 11, because that is the 11 day recreational season in federal waters. You can still catch them in state waters for 41 days, but most of the inshore wrecks will be picked over quick after the 11th. Some very nice Red groupers are being caught, as well as scamp, Black grouper, Bee liners, triggerfish, and amberjack, but be sure to check the regulations, because they have been changing almost daily until the powers that be get it figured out. For King mackerel, your best bet offshore is to set up over a wreck that has bait on it and flat line. Don’t be surprised if you see a tuna show up. Just have your heavy gear ready for that or you can get your reel smoked and your feelings hurt. Call us or email us for a fun day on the water and some great fishing!