Our water clarity was great the past period with the temperature fluctuating from 68 to almost 77 degrees. We had bait schools, mostly Cigar minnows, around the pier the entire time. Species caught were: Cobia, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Bonita, Pompano, Squid, Cigar minnows, Spanish Sardine and a few Hard tails.
Our Cobia Tournament has been on for 12 days with no legal Cobia landed. David B. caught and released a 31-inch fish Friday and another fish was hooked but lost. You can register anytime during the tournament by sending me your Name, E-mail and Phone# either by TEXT (770-265-2879) or E-mail @ (slp053@bellsouth.net)
Only one King Mackerel was decked this period. Jose caught a “schoolie” Saturday. One other fish was hooked and lost to “Flipper” today. Von fought the fish back to the pier only to have flipper take it before the gaff went down. A few other Kings were spotted during the week but no other hook-ups.
Spanish Mackerel have been biting almost every day. Many anglers left with their limits. Most fish were average size with a few “axe handles” in the mix. Bubble rigs, small jerk baits, spoons and Gotchas worked well. Brad W. holds one of the bigger fish he caught.
Bonita were around several mornings with the best bite happening this morning. The frenzy only lasted about 30 minutes but over twenty were caught. Small jerk baits, bubble rigs and spoons worked best.
Pompano have been thick. They were caught every day with multiple limits making their way into coolers. Jigs had an advantage over set rigs but both methods caught fish. James holds one of his many fish.
Daily activity:
Thursday: water temp 76.1 – 76.8 Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Cigar minnows and Squid
Friday: water temp 76.8 – 76.8 Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, a few Bonita, 2 Cobia hooked, Dave B. caught and returned a 31 inch, Cigar minnows and Squid
Saturday: water temp 76.6 – 74.7 Jose got one small King, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel
Sunday: water temp 74.7 – 70.9 A few Spanish Mackerel and Bonita
Monday: water temp 70.9 – 71.1 A few Spanish Mackerel and Pompano, Cigar minnows early am
Tuesday: water temp 68.9 - 70.9 Pompano, Bonita, Spanish Mackerel, Cigar minnows and Squid
Wednesday: water temp 70.7
Red Tide status: Over the past week in northwestern Florida, red tide was observed at background concentrations in Santa Rosa County, and low and medium concentrations in and offshore of Pasco County.
Tides Link
https://tides4fishing.com/us/florida-west-coast/panama-cityngin g
New Moon Wednesday Apr. 19, 2023 Full Moon Friday May 05, 2023
Tides for the upcoming week:
Sunrise: 6:17am Sunset: 7:09pm
Friday 3:45am Low -0:4 5:06pm High 1.5
Saturday 4:28am Low -0.3 7:04pm High 1.3
Sunday 4:59am Low 0.0 8:42pm High 1.1
Monday 5:01am Low 0.3 10:55am High 0.6
3:09pm Low 0.5 10:19pm High 0.9
Tuesday 4:29am Low 0.5 10:32am High 0.8
4:59pm Low 0.3
Wednesday 19th. 3:01am Low 0.7 12:24am High 0.7
6:26pm Low 0.1 10:20am High 1.0
Sunrise: 6:11am Sunset: 7:13pm CDST
The Marine forecast for the next several days is:
FRIDAY
Southwest winds 10 to 15 knots. Seas around 3 feet with
a dominant period of 5 seconds. Protected waters a moderate chop.
A chance of showers in the morning.
FRIDAY NIGHT
West winds 10 to 15 knots, becoming southwest
5 to 10 knots after midnight. Seas 2 to 3 feet with a dominant
period of 5 seconds. Protected waters a moderate chop.
SATURDAY
Southwest winds 5 to 10 knots. Seas around 2 feet
with a dominant period of 4 seconds in the morning, then 1 foot
or less. Protected waters a light chop. A slight chance of
showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.
SATURDAY NIGHT
South winds around 10 knots. Waves 1 foot or
less. Protected waters a light chop. A chance of showers with a
slight chance of thunderstorms.
SUNDAY
West winds around 10 knots. Seas around 2 feet with a
dominant period of 3 seconds. Protected waters a light chop.
Showers likely with a slight chance of thunderstorms.
SUNDAY NIGHT
Northwest winds 10 to 15 knots, becoming north
15 to 20 knots after midnight. Seas 2 to 3 feet with a dominant
period of 5 seconds. Protected waters choppy. A chance of showers
with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening.
MONDAY
North winds 15 to 20 knots, diminishing to 10 to
15 knots in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 4 feet with a dominant
period of 5 seconds. Protected waters choppy.
MONDAY NIGHT
North winds 5 to 10 knots. Seas around 2 feet.
Protected waters a light chop.
(local forecast).
FRIDAY (74/65 rain 15% wind WSW-13)
SATURDAY (77/69 rain 56% wind S-10)
SUNDAY (76/55 rain 88% wind WSW-12)
MONDAY (75/56 rain 01% wind N-10)
TUESDAY (77/61 rain 01% wind SE-08)
WEDNESDAY(79/65 rain 15% wind SE-11)
PIER MANAGEMENT CONTACT INFORMATION:
Bay County Parks and Recreation – 5304 Majetti Tower Road Panama City, FL 32404
850-248-8730
Joy Saddler – Bay Co. Parks Division Manager –850-248-8730
Vince Martin – Bay Co. Asst. Parks Division Manager - vmartin@baycountyfl.gov - 850-896-6580
Tight lines and screaming drags,
Sam
