Port St. Joe Fishing Report 3-18-2024
OFFSHORE:
Things are really starting to heat up. Our offshore report from Dave Mason of Forgotten Coast Fishing goes as follows the Amberjack while, not in season. They are definitely a workout. vertical jigging, such as slow pitch or 2 to 3 Buck Tails seem to be the ticket. Working them quickly up from the bottom. AJ's like a fast working bait with quick stop and starts. A 6000 series spinning reel and a heavy offshore rod works well. Capt. Chase Wilder of Signal 0 Charters had a happy crew with catches of Vermillion Snapper, Sheephead, as well as Grouper and Red Snapper, although closed they are a fun fight. Capt. Pete Barwick with Bay Bounty Charters had another week of home runs with Sheephead topping the chart. He also caught in released Red Snapper and Gag Grouper.
INSHORE:
The water temperatures inshore have finally hit 70 Degrees and you can sure tell it with the fishing reports from our local captains. Lots of redfish and trout are biting in numbers, not to mention the Spanish are in town, Capt. Chris Lance of Gettin' Reel Sport Fishing had a variety of fish to report this week, including Redfish, Sheephead and Trout. Capt Tim Wilder of T-Man Charters, as well as Capt. Lee Thompson of Shallow Sea Charters. Had a great week as well. I talked to Capt. Phil of Phil's Charter this morning and he had a stellar week of nearshore and bay fishing with Black Drum and Sheephead. They boated an 11 pound Sheephead on that trip. So if you're down for spring spring break, hook up with one of our guides for a more than productive fishing trip.
FRESHWATER:
Our freshwater fishing has been really good as well with catfish, hitting stink bait, as well as cut bait on Lake Wimico at last report, the Crappie were still doing well on live minnows. We have a front moving in this week, so be careful out there. Wear your lifejackets and don't forget to hook up your lanyards. Until next week, good luck and tight lines.
Tom Gannaway