Yet again, we enjoyed great water quality, spring weather and even some fish. Bonita were caught most every day. Flounder were still around. Red Drum were willing to bite, and Octopus were caught. With the warmer water, Spanish Mackerel returned early mornings but not in big numbers. Sharks were prowling in schools almost every day. Groups of 8 and more Spinner Shark were aggressively feeding and ate hooked fish as well as lures. I lost count how many were hooked. Most ranged between 4 and 6 feet. Cigar minnows of all sizes were thick. Check this shot of Gordon while fighting one of the Shark he hooked.
Bonita schools were common most days and were feeding. Bubble rigs with a small jerk bait or fly were the ticket to get hit. The Bonita averaged 3-4 pounds. The bite was best in the morning, but a few fish were still around during the afternoons. Several were caught on Flounder rigs off live Cigar minnows. A couple of days, a few Spanish Mackerel were mixed with the Bonita. A few were decked, all of which were over the 12-inch minimum.
Flounder catches were good, but most were just shy of the 14-inch minimum size. I caught six one afternoon with only one keeper. I saw other anglers experiencing the same. Live small Cigar minnows or Mud minnows fished on a Carolina rig seemed to get the best results. Here is a couple of Flounder Casey and I caught. Casey’s fish was 18-inches and mine was 17.5-inches. Yes, both were invited as special dinner quests.
Several Red Drum were decked. As usual, most were over-slot. Live Cigar minnows was the choice bait. Nory got a beast today (Wednesday). After a quick photo, it was released.
Daily activity:
Thursday-Flounder-3 Bonita hooked on Flounder rigs-two Octopus and lots of Cigar minnows-Water temp 68.2 - 67.6.
Friday-Few Flounder -Several Bonita early am – an Octopus – Lots of Cigar minnows -Water temp 66.7 – 67.8
Saturday-A few Spanish early-Flounder-Sharks- Cigar minnows Water temp 66.9 – 67.3
Sunday- Two over-slot Red Drum – Flounder – Cigar minnows -Water temp 66.9- 68.5
Monday – Flounder – A few Bonita and Spanish early am – Cigar minnows - Water temp 68.2 – 69.1
Tuesday – Bonita – lots of Sharks – a few Flounder – an Octopus – lots of Cigar minnows - Water temp 68.7 -68.2
Wednesday – Bonita – Red Drum – Flounder – Shark – Cigar minnows -Water temp 68.0 – 68.9
Tides Link
https://tides4fishing.com/us/florida-west-coast/panama-cityngin g
Full Moon Wednesday Dec. 07, 2022 New Moon Friday Dec. 23, 2022
Tides for the upcoming week:
Sunrise: 6:31am Sunset: 4:44pm
Friday 10:45am Low 0.0 12:57am High 0.8
6:59pm High 0.6
Saturday 9:55am Low 0.2 6:29pm High 0.7
Sunday 4:43am Low 0.1 6:16pm High 0.9
Monday 4:34am Low -0.1 6:13pm High 1.3
Tuesday 5:02am Low -0.4 6:36pm High 1.3
Wednesday 21st. 5:48am Low -0.6 7:15pm High 1.5
Sunrise: 6:34am Sunset: 4:46pm CDST
Water temperature:
|
|
MM | DD | TIME
(EST) | WDIR | WSPD
kts | GST
kts | WVHT
ft | DPD
sec | APD
sec | MWD | PRES
in | PTDY
in | ATMP
°F | WTMP
°F | DEWP
°F | SAL
psu | VIS
nmi | TIDE
ft |
12 | 14 | 5:48 am | E | 9.9 | 22.0 | - | - | - | - | 29.95 | - | 63.3 | 67.8 | - | - | - | - |
12 | 14 | 5:42 am | E | 15.0 | 24.1 | - | - | - | - | 29.95 | - | 63.5 | 67.8 | - | - | - | - |
12 | 14 | 5:36 am | ESE | 12.0 | 17.1 | - | - | - | - | 29.96 | - | 63.5 | 67.8 | - | - | - | - |
12 | 14 | 5:30 am | E | 12.0 | 20.0 | - | - | - | - | 29.95 | - | 63.9 | 67.8 |
|
|
|
|
The Marine forecast for the next several days is:
FRIDAY
North winds 10 to 15 knots, becoming northwest 5 to
10 knots in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 feet with a dominant
period of 7 seconds. Protected waters a moderate chop.
FRIDAY NIGHT
North winds 5 to 10 knots. Seas around 2 feet
with a dominant period of 7 seconds. Protected waters a light
chop.
SATURDAY
North winds 10 to 15 knots. Seas around 2 feet with a
dominant period of 6 seconds. Protected waters a moderate chop. A
chance of showers in the afternoon.
SATURDAY NIGHT
North winds 10 to 15 knots, increasing to 15 to
20 knots after midnight. Seas 2 to 3 feet with a dominant period
of 3 seconds. Protected waters choppy. A chance of showers.
SUNDAY
North winds 15 to 20 knots, diminishing to 10 to
15 knots in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 feet with a dominant
period of 3 seconds. Protected waters choppy. A slight chance of
showers in the morning.
SUNDAY NIGHT
Northeast winds 10 to 15 knots. Seas around
2 feet with a dominant period of 3 seconds. Protected waters a
moderate chop.
MONDAY
Northeast winds 10 to 15 knots. Seas around 2 feet with
a dominant period of 3 seconds. Protected waters a moderate chop.
MONDAY NIGHT
Northeast winds 10 to 15 knots. Seas around
2 feet. Protected waters a moderate chop. A slight chance of
showers in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight.
(local forecast).
THURSDAY (65/46 rain 05% wind NW-13)
FRIDAY (64/48 rain 02% wind NW-07)
SATURDAY (58/38 rain 47% wind NNE-09)
SUNDAY (55/39 rain 03% wind N-11)
MONDAY (60/47 rain 15% wind ENE-10)
TUESDAY (60/47 rain 43% wind NE-11)
WEDNESDAY(65/54 rain 09% wind ENE-09)
PIER MANAGEMENT CONTACT INFORMATION:
Bay County Parks and Recreation – 5304 Majetti Tower Road Panama City, FL 32404
850-248-8730
Vacant – Bay Co. Parks Division Manager –850-381-8155
Vince Martin – Bay Co. Beach Operations Manager - vmartin@baycountyfl.gov - 850-896-6580
Tight Lines,
Sam
