We enjoyed clean water that has fluctuated from 74 degrees Thursday down to 67 Tuesday and back to 71.1 Wednesday afternoon. We had a couple of cold nights Monday and Tuesday that dropped the water temp significantly. Schools of Tarpon and Jack Crevalle have been passing but unwilling to eat. We also had a huge school of massive Red Drum to swim by with no bites. Species caught this period were: King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Red Drum, Black Drum, Pompano, Sheepshead, Bluefish, Blue Runners (Hardtails), Cigar Minnows, Alewives and a few Squid.
We are well behind in King Mackerel catches. There have only been three decked this year. This period, only one hit the deck. Sunday, Hachid was working his homemade Cigar Minnow replica lure when he was hammered. The hook held and he brought a 20-pound King to the gaff. One other King was hooked but lost and Tommy had a fish strike at his lure but no hook-up.
Spanish Mackerel have been caught early morning or almost sunset. There were a few big fish but most were average. Here is one Brad got this morning:
Red Drum were prowling the shallows under the pier Friday. A Carolina rig with large fresh Sand Flea almost guaranteed a hook-up. Several Slot and a few over-size Reds were caught.
One “big ugly” came over the rail Thursday. Mrs. Shirley hooked the Black Drum and called on Andrew to assist her with the fight. It was a fight, but they successfully brought the fish onto the deck.
Sheepshead have been around the pilings most of the week but showed little interest in feeding. Finally, Monday evening, Tam from Atlanta coaxed three Sheepshead to eat his Ghost Shrimp. Then Eugene got one Tuesday and John decked one Today.
Pompano have been the star species all week. The bite has been great in the early mornings and late afternoons. Many anglers caught their limit. Fresh Sand Fleas and Jigs tipped with Sand Fleas were the preferred bait.
Paul’s Memorial Plaque came much earlier that we expected but we are not complaining. The Pier staff got it mounted this morning and it now is a permanent fixture on the center front post of the end of the pier. THANKS to Vince, Bay County Parks Division Manager, Jason, Maintenance Director and all the pier staff for their work to make this possible. Our friend Paul H. Bennett is the first person to be memorialized with a plaque. I expect this to be one of many more to be permanently fixed to our M. B. Miller - Bay County Pier. You can see a short video of the unveiling on my Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/sam.patrick.315/videos/2356143237924222
Daily activity:
Saturday: water temp 72.0 – 76.5 Hardtails, a few Pompano and Spanish.
Sunday: water temp 75.9 – 74.5 Hardtails, a few Pompano and Spanish, two King Mackerel hooked with one decked.
Monday: water temp 71.4 – 69.1 Hardtails, a few Pompano, a few Spanish Mackerel, 3 Sheepshead and a few Cigar Minnows.
Tuesday: water temp 67.6 – 70.5 Pompano, a few Spanish Mackerel and one Sheepshead.
Wednesday: water temp 69.4 – 71.1 One Sheepshead, Pompano, a few Spanish Mackerel, a few Bluefish and Hardtails. There were a few Cigar Minnows and Alewives.
Red Tide status: In Northwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was not observed.
Tides Link
https://tides4fishing.com/us/florida-west-coast/panama-cityngin g
Full Moon Tuesday Apr. 23, 2024 New Moon Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tides for the upcoming week:
Sunrise: 6:04am Sunset: 7:17pm
Saturday 11:26pm Low -0.3 11:55am High 1.7
Sunday 12:45pm High 1.7
Monday 12:28am Low -0.3 1:37pm High 1.7
Tuesday 1:26am Low -0.3 2:31pm High 1.7
Wednesday 01st. 2:16am Low -0.3 3:29pm High 1.5
Sunrise: 5:58am Sunset: 7:21pm CDST
The Marine forecast for the next several days is:
SATURDAY
Southeast winds 15 to 20 knots. Gusts up to 30 knots in the morning. Seas 3 to 5 feet with a dominant period of 4 seconds. Protected waters choppy.
SATURDAY NIGHT
East winds 10 to 15 knots, increasing to 15 to 20 knots with gusts up to 30 knots after midnight. Seas 4 to 6 feet with a dominant period of 7 seconds. Protected waters choppy.
SUNDAY
Southeast winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet with a dominant period of 6 seconds. Protected waters choppy.
SUNDAY NIGHT
East winds 10 to 15 knots, increasing to 15 to 20 knots after midnight. Seas 3 to 5 feet with a dominant period of 7 seconds. Protected waters choppy.
MONDAY
Southeast winds 15 to 20 knots, diminishing to 10 to 15 knots in the afternoon. Seas 3 to 5 feet with a dominant period of 0 seconds. Protected waters choppy.
MONDAY NIGHT
East winds 10 to 15 knots. Seas 2 to 4 feet. Protected waters a moderate chop.
(local forecast).
SATURDAY (79/68 rain 05% wind SE-18)
SUNDAY (78/67 rain 05% wind SE-18)
MONDAY (78/65 rain 06% wind SSE-16)
TUESDAY (80/65 rain 09% wind SSE-12)
WEDNESDAY(80/66 rain 08% wind SSW-10)
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
