July 2018 Panacea Report

Pic #1-Ed Hines caught this 38lb.49 inch kingfish on light tackle outside of Alligator Point. 
Pic #2-Bob,Nicole & Heather show off an impressive catch of flounder and a fat 21 inch trout. 
Pic #3-Daniel Strickland says remember catch & release is best for these big trout! 

School is out and it’s time to hit the water. Planning is key to a successful day on the bay. The best fishing will be early and late because the mid-day will be brutally hot. Mid day a good time to take a swim or stop in at Rock Landing for lunch and a cool drink. Redfish are showing up in Levy and Dickerson bay’s eating Heddon One Knocker spooks and D.O.A. shrimp bounced on the bottom.

Trout are around and if you head out to the long bar due South of Piney Island. You should be able to pick up a few on a popping cork with a gulp shrimp. While drifting along drop a live pinfish or cut bait behind the boat for that predator sneaking by. Tarpon are here and there have been several stories about hooked trout getting smashed, while being reeled in. Cobia are cruising and should be near channel markers or hunting the flats for an easy meal.

Gag grouper just closed in the four counties but Federal waters open June 1st -December 31st Now you can make a run outside the 9 Nautical miles and catch some kings, grouper or red snapper. Snapper season is open until July 20th this year. Scallop season opened on July 1st so check the grass beds in 3-6 feet of water for those tasty little critters. Monitor the thunderstorms and enjoy and respect the days on our resources. Be safe and take a kid fishing!

Submitted by: Captain Steve Hobbs
SkeeterBite Fishing Charters
skeeterbitefishingcharters.com
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