Reds on Fire

[KayakMacGyver]

Went 9 for 9 this a.m. on Bull Reds in the pass.....What a BEAUTIFUL morning. We got to the pass just before the the wind kicked up (6:30 a.m.) , and it only took about 10 minutes to get the first fish on. I am a firm believer in both the early sunrise bite (also sunset), as well as the tidal bite (last 2 hours of any tide) when it comes to Redfish. Tides always take precedent, and I WILL sleep in if it looks like garbage for a sunrise. Wind died to nothing around the tide change (appx: 11:30). Took a SMOOOOOOTH power in at lunch...

Started off drifting the rocks with live pinnies to find the sweet spot. The tide was ripping in and the wind was blowing HARD from the south making conditions ideal for a slow drift. Alicia and I worked the jetties with live baits until we found where the Bulls were hanging and managed 2 over slot in short order.




This one obviously had some dolphin carnage recently




After we found the honey hole for the morning, we decided to anchor up before all the sheep herders made their way into the area. Oh, the joy of being the first osprey to the mullet school ..... I really wish we would have brought some live shrimp this morning because the sheepshead were VERY plentiful. I watched 2 charter boats (who must have had catch and release only on board) let several go. Once we got on anchor, it was everything I could do to keep a bait on the hook until the tide slowed down, the Redfish were tearing us up! Final tally, 9 for 9, and we quit fishing by 10:30. Live pin fish, that is the ticket

Also, just an FYI, all fish were landed with belly supported and released like a new born baby chimpanzee into a Jane Goodall Wildlife Sanctuary. I don't normally take pictures of EVERY SINGLE FISH, but this was for a "private" tournament I've got going on

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#9

[linda]

Awesome report! Looks like a great day on the water!

[ericjeeper]

yes ..Great day on the water.
I am hoping to put my wife on some nice fish between April 14-22 out of PCB

[donald811]

Nice fishin Mac. That looks like ole Juan behind you in # 7.

[KayakMacGyver]

Donald....

Not sure who Juan is, but if it's either one of the two boats pictured behind me, their courtesy REALLY sucked. To be honest, the common courtesy most places on the water around Panama City usually sucks and unfortunately I've learned to get used to it. Coming from an area where most folks usually give you a wave or hail on the radio before anchoring < 20 ft. off your midship , it has been a bit of a culture shock. It was actually quite funny to watch these wannabe charter Captains direct their customers to cast directly on top of our sunken lines in order to try and catch a fish. Having once been a charter Captain my myself, I understand the frustration that comes with a 'slow day of fishing.' Generally, I can sympathize, especially if they are friendly. The two boats pictured behind me (both Blazer Bay appx 26 footers with towers,) can both guzzle my grapes, they deserved what their customers caught, which was nothing but a dog fish and a couple of tiny Sheepshead.

Now, let me tell you how I really feel...

[KayakMacGyver]

And yes, I realize that the pass is a super busy place where lots of people like to go fishing, so it's not a super secret spot or anything. But, when a line is snagged by another boater twice within a 30 minute time period, an irritation begins to develop.

Sorry....rant over

[Panhandler80]

What 26' boats? ;-)

As far as courtesy goes... must be a culture thing. I've been fishing here my whole life and when it comes to fishing in the pass, I think most folks here figure anything goes... probably because historically we've had nowhere near the traffic that you see down south; although that is rapdly changing.

I will say that if guy tried to anchor on top of me offshore, then we'd have a different story.

[crcattypc]

What 26' boats? ;-)

As far as courtesy goes... must be a culture thing. I've been fishing here my whole life and when it comes to fishing in the pass, I think most folks here figure anything goes... probably because historically we've had nowhere near the traffic that you see down south; although that is rapdly changing.

I will say that if guy tried to anchor on top of me offshore, then we'd have a different story.

How about if a guy pulls up while the bite is hot and says, Hey, let me tie up to your boat???

[crcattypc]

Those are some nice reds... the pass fishing is hot right now...

[Panhandler80]

How about if a guy pulls up while the bite is hot and says, Hey, let me tie up to your boat???

I've got no problem with it... it costs two sheepshead, though.