Emerald Coast Fishing Report - Early July
The inshore trout bite here on the Panhandle has still been pretty good, nothing like it was in May, but we are still catching some quality fish. We finally got some much-needed rain and that really helped the inshore bite. The key to a successful trip is to start early and have the right baits. Just what are the right baits? I’ll let in you in on a few of my secrets. My go to baits in the hot summer months are live pinfish, Bass Assassins Blurp 3” Shrimp (Electric Chicken), or Berkley’s Gulp Alive 3” Shrimp (New Penny) under a popping cork. These are easy for the clients who have limited fishing skills and almost always provide some fun light tackle action. Now, when the popping cork just won’t perform, and sometimes it won’t, what do you do next?
I’ll dip into my magic tackle box and pull out a few trusty lures. If you haven’t used the new Mirr0dine 17MR, you need to go out and get a few. These things are proficient trout catching lures. I’ve put some good fish in the boat using these baits. I also like to use soft-body baits from time to time in the heat of the summer. Bass Assassin makes some great 5” Jerk Shads in a few colors that have put fish in the boat on a regular basis. I use Pearl White, Golden Bream, and Electric Chicken, just to name a few. Rigged with a 5/0 –6/0 Worm Hook this bait is deadly to trout!
So where am I catching these beautiful spotted creatures? I can’t give away all my secrets, but I know that some of you see me out and know where a few my early morning spots are, like the Jet Ski flats. This spot has put a few trout on the end of the line, and every once in a while I’ll get a nice fish out of there, but the good trout are spread out more now that’s it June. Back in May, I was catching some big fish close to the boat ramp, which was great, since I didn’t have to run far, but now I’m making 8 – 15 mile runs to get some quality trout in the box. Not that I mind, it’s good to give the motor a workout. Generally, I’m catching my trout in 3ft – 6 ft of water depending upon what time of day it is and what the water clarity looks like.
So what’s up with the red fish in our area? The Mega-Bite has had trouble finding quality reds the past few days. I’ve been out and hooked a few fish, but not with any kind of consistency. I think that heat wave we had a few days back hurt the red fishing, or maybe I’m getting rusty. Most of my fish are coming off a few honey holes around the docks. Most anglers that fish our waters on a regular basis know that Pensacola docks hold redfish, and if you hit enough docks you will probably get lucky and pull a few good fish off them. I’ve found that the evening bite has put more reds in the boat than the morning bite. Not sure why this is, but that’s what has been working for me and a few of my other captain friends. Also in the evenings, the reds have been found cruising the flats busting up mullet schools.
I’ve hit my shark hole a few times this year, and the bite has been great just like it was last year. We’ve hooked a few big fish this year that we couldn’t turn, but hey, that’s what makes it fun! You can’t have a fishing trip that doesn’t include a story about “the one that got away.” Plenty have gotten away, but that just means there’s more fish to be caught another day.
I’ve also been out around the pass and offshore a few times this past week. The red snapper are still gobbling up the bait, and we’ve boated a few nice king mackerel, too. We’re starting to get that usual late day rain shower, so be sure to watch the weather before going offshore.
June is coming to a close, and July is right on top of us. With Independence Day weekend and then the Blue Angels show coming up, be extra careful on the water. Show each other courtesy, and be willing to let some things slide. Just remember to start early, be patient and keep a positive attitude. I truly believe that if you get frustrated on the water you won’t have a productive day. Lastly, watch the weather, it’s going to get hot again this week with heat indexes over 105, so drink plenty of water, don’t get hammered, and try to be off the water by noon if you can, and be safe.
Till the next adventure, here’s wishing everyone tight lines.
Report courtesy of Capt. John Rivers - www.megabiteinshore.com
Emerald Coast Tournament/Fishing Events for July - SALTWATER
- July 1-5 - Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club - 39th Annual Pensacola International
Pensacola, FL
Contact: Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club
850-453-4638
www.pbgfc.com
- July 4 - 26th - Annual Mobile Big Game Fishing Club Junior Anglers Tournament
Orange Beach, AL
Contact: Moblie Big Game Fishing Club
Robert Weaver
251-978-5454
www.mbgfc.com
- July 16-18 - Bay Point 40/40 Shootout Invitational
Panama City, FL
Contact: Scott Burt
850-235-6911
marina@baypoint.net
- July 11 - Roy Martin Young Angler Tournament
Dauphin Island, AL
Contact: Mike THomas
850-471-0025
www.adsfr.com
- July 17-19 - 77th Annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
Dauphin Island, AL
Contact: Mike Thomas
251-471-0025
www.adsfr.com
- July 17-19 - Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club - 30th Annual Pensacola Lady Anglers Tournament
Pensacola, FL
Contact: Pensacola Big Game Fishing CLub
850-453-4638
www.pbgfc.com
- July 22-26 - Outcast Blue Marlin Classic
Orange Beach Marina
Orange Beach, AL
Contact: Outcast Fishing & Hunting
850-457-1450
outcast@bellsouth.net
www.outcastfishingandhunting.com
- July 24-26 - Mobile Big Game Fishing Club
10th Limited Billfish Tournament
Orange Beach, AL
Contact: Mobile Big Game Fishing Club
Bill Hixson
251-228-2181
www.mbgfc.com
- July 29-August 2 - Orange Beach Billfish Classic
Orange Beach Marina
Orange Beach, AL
Contact: Joan Norris
251-45-4656
orangebeachbillfishclassic.com
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