We enjoyed great weather, clean water and decent fishing the past seven days. The water temperature has risen from 75.7 to over 82 degrees and bait schools were around consistently. King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Bluefish, Ladyfish, Hardtails and even a Flounder were the species caught. Bait species were: Cigar Minnows, Threadfin Herring, Spanish Sardines and Alewives. A small number of Ballyhoo came through too.
This report reveals the best King Mackerel catches this year to date. They were caught four days this week. Natural bait got more strikes than lures. There were no Smokers, but a couple approached 20-pounds. Most were “schoolies” and were under 10-pounds. Here are a few shots of some of the Kings decked by Mikel, Kim, Joe and Dennis:
Spanish have been on fire and good numbers of big fish. They were caught everyday this period. Small live Cigar Minnows were their favorite bait, but Alewives and lures worked too. Several anglers caught their limit. “Axe Handles: were a common catch with some over 22 inches. The Spanish were scattered from the skinny water out to the end tee. Check these pictures of some of the fish this period caught by: Sam, Mikel, Nori and Joe.
Skinny water was still producing a few Pompano but the bite has slowed to a trickle. Scotty decked one that was almost 3-pounds but no one took a picture.
It has been a while since we have seen a Flounder caught but Marisella put a nice one on the deck Friday.
Daily activity:
Thursday: water temp 75.7 – 78.3 Good size Spanish Mackerel, a few Pompano, Hardtails, Ladyfish, lots of Cigar Minnows, a few Threadfin Herring and Alewives.
Friday: water temp 77.2 – 79.0 Lots of big Spanish Mackerel, one Flounder, Hardtails, Cigar Minnows, Spanish Sardine and Alewives.
Saturday: water temp 78.1 – 81.0 Several King Mackerel-most were “schoolies” and preferred Alewives over Cigs, Spanish Mackerel, Hardtails, Cigar Minnows and Alewives.
Sunday: water temp 79.5 – 82.0 Spanish Mackerel, Cigar Minnows.
Monday: water temp 80.4 – 81.9 Two very small King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Hardtails, Ladyfish, Cigar Minnows and Herring.
Tuesday: water temp. 79.9 – 81.9 Three King Mackerel hooked and two landed before 5:00 and three more just before sunset, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Hardtails, Ladyfish, Cigar Minnows and Alewives.
Wednesday: water temp 79.5 – 82.4 Several King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Ladyfish, Hardtails, Cigar Minnows, Threadfin Herring and Alewives.
Red Tide status: The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was not observed in samples collected statewide over the past week.
Tides Link
https://tides4fishing.com/us/florida-west-coast/panama-cityngin g
New Moon Tuesday May 07, 2024 Full Moon Thursday May 23, 2024
Tides for the upcoming week:
Sunrise: 5:52am Sunset: 7:26pm
Thursday 09th. 9:58pm Low -0.4 10:12am High 1.8
Friday 10:58pm Low -0.4 11:04am High 1.8
Saturday 1154pm Low -0.3 11:59am High 1.8
Sunday 12:50pm High 1.7
Monday 12:45am Low -0.2 1:36pm High 1.6
Tuesday 1:29am Low -0.1 2:16pm High 1.4
Wednesday 15th. 1:55am Low 0.1 2:51pm High 1.2
Sunrise: 5:48am Sunset: 7:30pm CDST
The Marine forecast for the next several days is:
(local forecast).
THURSDAY (88/77 rain 40% wind SSW-15)
FRIDAY (82/63 rain 69% wind W-16)
SATURDAY (82/65 rain 03% wind NNW-11)
SUNDAY (81/69 rain 02% wind SSE-09)
MONDAY (80/72 rain 61% wind SE-12)
TUESDAY (78/75 rain 58% wind SSW-17)
WEDNESDAY(81/74 rain 58% wind SW-15)
PIER MANAGEMENT CONTACT INFORMATION:
Bay County Parks and Recreation – 5304 Majetti Tower Road Panama City, FL 32404
850-248-8730
Vince Martin – Bay Co. Parks Division Manager - vmartin@baycountyfl.gov - 850-896-6580
Tight lines and screaming drags,
Sam
