Forgotten Coast Fishing Report

Things are really starting to heat up offshore, Dave Mason reporting that the amberjack, while not in season, are definitely a workout, with vertical jigging, such as slow pitch or 2 to 3 Bucktails, 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. Captain Chase Wilder of Signal 0 Charters had a happy crew with catches of vermillion snapper, sheepshead, as well as grouper and red snapper, which although closed are a fun fight. Capt. Pete Barwick had another week of home runs with sheepshead topping the chart. He also caught and released red snapper and gag grouper. 

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, sheepshead 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 sheepshead. They boated an 11-pound sheepshead on that trip. 

Our freshwater fishing has been really good as well with catfish hitting stink bait, as well as cut bait on Lake Wimico, and at last report, the crappie were still doing well on live minnows. With a front moving in, be careful out there. Wear your lifejackets and don’t forget to hook up your lanyards. Until next week, good luck and tight lines.