October 28-30
This weekend has traditionally been a great weekend to fish. However the weather will be the determining factor. Many fish have really begun to work their way into fall patterns. Inshore will be a great bet especially in the bayous, creeks and river mouths. While offshore kingfish, wahoo, mahi, grouper and amberjack will offer all you can handle if the weather cooperates.
Inshore
The best bets for inshore or bay success will be redfish, trout, flounder, and possibly bay grouper. The redfish and flounder are biting consistently around the passes, jetties and docks with deeper pockets. The trout have begun to school up in bayous, creeks and river mouths. Grouper can be found in the bays around Pensacola and Panama City but having multiple types of baits is important.
If you want to focus on redfish and flounder now is a great time to work the passes, jetties, docks, and rocks. Two good choices for bait would be finger mullet or pinfish. If artificals are your preference, larger jig heads with Gulp! baits will work well. The best bites will come from an outgoing tide on or near the bottom.
The trout bite in the bayous, creeks and river mouths has really been good. The majority of the fish are on the smaller size but larger trout can be found in the group. The best baits are live shrimp under a popping cork on a small circle hook. Drifting these baits down the edges of the grasses is a really fun way to fish. In addition to the trout, redfish have been mixed in and offer a nice surprise every now and then.
The bay grouper fishing in Panama City and Pensacola has never been as good. Large live croakers or live/dead menhaden will work, but having all three will allow you to focus in on what the grouper want. These fish are holding in rocky areas from 20 to 45 ft. and offer a great way to catch some offshore fish in close. The key is being patient and changing baits. Knocker rigs with 40-pound leader seem to be the standard.
Offshore
The offshore bite is outstanding and many decent fish that were on the edge have begun to move in shallower. However, staying away from the snapper in 125 feet and less will be a challenge. The best targeted species this weekend will be gag and scamp grouper, amberjack, wahoo, and mahi. Kingfish are around, but are red hot one day and non-existent the next. Bait choice and presentation as usual will be the biggest determining factor on what bites.
On scattered wrecks and natural bottom the grouper and amberjack bite has been great. Large live pinfish, croaker, and menhaden will all produce, but once the bite shuts down on a spot it’s time to move and try another. This method will really help you keep quality fish coming over the gunnel.
While on the move in between spots drop trolling lines or at least keep your eyes out for floating debris. Many quality mahi-mahi and wahoo have been around. The main group of mahi will almost always hit fast moving jigs, while the larger mahi can be picky at times. A whole Boston mackerel will almost always entice them to bite. A 4/0 to 5/0 circle or a J-hook tied to 40-pound leader will get most mahi boat side. While fishing for these fish make sure to keep a jig down or large live bait down deep for lurking monster wahoo.
If the weather cooperates, now is a great time to get offshore and pull naked ballyhoo for pelagics, especially billfish. Good reports are coming from our entire region. Covering ground until the fish are located seems to be the determining factor for success. While trolling be sure to keep a pitch bait handy to allow for the opportunity of multiple hook ups. Tight lines and good luck this weekend.
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