Panama City: Backcountry/Bay/Inshore
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he heat is on in the bay, literally! With hot summer weather having settled in, the heat will dictate when and where you need to be fishing in Panama City Beach and Panama City. Just like us humans, fish don’t like it when it gets too hot. So if you are fishing for trout and redfish, it’s best to get after them early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The trout and reds are plentiful on the flats. The big trout can be caught at daybreak right up on the bank. I have seen trout with their backs out of the water chasing finger mullet. There is a bumper crop of menhaden this year, and they make excellent live bait along with pilchards, shrimp, mullet, and Bull minnows, any of which should be free lined (no weight- just a hook & line).
Artificial lures that have been working well are the DOA shrimp in pearl or the Berkley gulp in new penny. Top water lures will work until it gets too hot, then they will go deep into the grass or a deeper hole or channel where a different presentation will be needed. The reds are being found in large schools, some with over 100 fish. You have to be stealthy or they will spook and that will be the end of the bite. Tarpon are being caught on the beaches and in the bay on live blue crabs, or most live bait fish that have a little size to them. Pompano are biting well in the surf. Just use a pompano jig tipped with a piece of shrimp or a whole sand flea. Other bay species like Spanish mackerel, flounder, Blue fish, sharks, Mangrove snapper, and sheepshead are being caught in good numbers as well.
Panama City/Panama City Beach: Offshore
You can still catch the elusive Red snapper hand over fist inside of 9 miles, but you can only keep 2 as your limit. As of July 1st, you can catch Gag grouper on just about any wreck or structure you can find. Remember that they have to be 22 inches to be keepers. Groupers, as well as the snappers, triggerfish, scamp, and amberjack are being caught using bottom rigs fished just off the bottom. King mackerel are smoking reels up and down the beach. Flat line (no weight) a live bait with wire leader and hold on! There have been plenty of Mahi caught on the weed lines. There is a large weed mat just a few miles out that has been producing well. Sailfish are also being caught on the same weed lines. Always be sure to check your local fishing regulations before you go. Nothing ruins a trip more than a ticket and a court date. Have fun and be safe. Summer is in full swing. Get out and wet some lines and hooks with family and friends. Happy 4th!!!
[easy-social-share]