We were challenged with dirty water most of this report period. The water temperature ranged from the upper 70’s to the low 80’s. However, we caught a wide range of species: King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Red Drum, Black Drum, Pompano, Bonita, Ladyfish, Mahi, Hardtails, Jack Crevalle, Cobia, Sheepshead, Triggerfish, and a few Cigar Minnows.
King Mackerel are mostly MIA. There were only two caught this report with one on Friday and the other today. Both were nice fish weighing 23 pounds. Jeffery caught his fish Friday afternoon and Bill caught his at first light this morning.
Spanish Mackerel have been a mixed bag of small and up to about 4 pounds. Most were caught on artificial but a few hit Cigar Minnows. Bubble rigs with a spoon or small jerk bait worked well. Gotchas got their share too.
Shane had a good day Friday, catching both a small Cobia and a Jack Crevalle.
Mark F. caught his first Mahi Saturday, and I managed to get two small Sheepshead and a Black Drum Tuesday afternoon.
Friday, a visiting angler was fishing along the pilings on the end tee and caught two Triggerfish. We were surprised when he decked the first one but got another on his next drop.
Saturday morning, we held the memorial service for our friend Von Haynes. We had a great group to attend and share fond memories of their times with Von. Von’s family expressed their appreciation for all who came and made the memorial special.
Daily activity:
Thursday: water temp 77.2 – 79.9 and stained. A few Spanish Mackerel and Bonita in very early am. Ladyfish, Hardtails and a few Spanish late pm. Cigar Minnows.
Friday: water temp 78.6 – 80.2 and stained. A few Spanish Mackerel, small Bonita and Pompano. One Jack Crevalle, a small Cobia
(Shane), two Triggerfish, Hardtails and one King Mackerel (Jeffery 23#) A few Cigar Minnows.
Saturday: water temp 79.3 – 82.6 and silty. A couple of small Mahi, a few Spanish Mackerel, Hardtails and one King hooked but lost.
Sunday: water temp 79.3 – 82.2 and silty. A few small Spanish Mackerel, Hardtails
Monday: water temp 79.5 – 81.9 and cleaner than yesterday. A few Spanish Mackerel, Hardtails, a couple of tiny Mahi and a couple of Red Drum.
Tuesday: water temp 81.5 – 82.9 Water mostly clean. A few Spanish Mackerel, Hardtails, a couple of tiny Mahi, 2 Sheepshead, 1 Black Drum and 5 Pompano. A few Cigar Minnows.
Wednesday: water temp 82.4 – 83.1 and beginning to get dirty. One King Mackerel (Bill H 23.11#), small Spanish Mackerel, Hardtails, Ladyfish.
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
New Moon Sunday Apr. 27, 2025 - Full Moon Monday May 12, 2025
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Tides for the upcoming week:
Sunrise: 5:44am Sunset: 7:34pm
Thursday 22nd. 1:19am Low 0.5 8:33am High 0.9
3:00pm Low 0.6 8:39pm High 0.7
11:43pm Low 0.6
Friday 4:53pm Low 0.3 8:13am High 1.1
Saturday 6:02pm Low-0.1 7:54am High 1.4
Sunday 7:09pm Low-0.3 8:05am High 1.6
Monday 8:16pm Low -0.2 8:43am High 1.8
Tuesday 9:20pm Low -0.6 9:34am High 2.0
Wednesday 28th.. 10:19pm Low -0.6 10:35am High 2.0
Sunrise: 5:45am Sunset: 7:33pm CST
The Marine forecast for the next several days is:
THURSDAY NIGHT
Southwest winds 5 to 10 knots, becoming west after midnight. Waves 1 foot or less. Protected waters a light chop.
FRIDAY
Northwest winds around 5 knots, becoming west in the afternoon. Waves 1 foot or less. Protected waters a light chop.
FRIDAY NIGHT
West winds 5 to 10 knots, becoming northwest after midnight. Waves 1 foot or less. Protected waters a light chop.
SATURDAY
Northeast winds around 5 knots, becoming south in the afternoon. Waves 1 foot or less. Protected waters a light chop.
SATURDAY NIGHT
Southwest winds 5 to 10 knots, diminishing to around 5 knots after midnight. Waves 1 foot or less. Protected waters a light chop.
SUNDAY
South winds 5 to 10 knots. Waves 1 foot or less. Protected waters a light chop.
SUNDAY NIGHT
South winds 5 to 10 knots. Waves 1 foot or less. Protected waters a light chop.
MONDAY
South winds around 5 knots, increasing to around 10 knots in the afternoon. Waves 1 foot or less. Protected waters a light chop. A chance of showers with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon.
MONDAY NIGHT
Southwest winds 5 to 10 knots. Waves 1 foot or less. Protected waters a light chop. A chance of showers with a slight chance of thunderstorms.
(local forecast).
THURSDAY (86/70 rain 02% wind SSE-10)
FRIDAY (87/73 rain 11% wind WSW-10)
SATURDAY (87/75 rain 07% wind S-10)
SUNDAY (86/77 rain 07% wind SSW-11)
MONDAY (87/78 rain 15% wind S-12)
TUESDAY (87/77 rain 33% wind SSW-11)
WEDNESDAY(84/73 rain 37% wind SW-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
Timothy Pentice- Bay Co. Asst. Div. Mgr. – tprentice@baycountyfl.gov – 448-217-4219
Tight lines and screaming drags,
Sam
SLP053@BELLSOUTH.NET
770-265-2879
