Northwest Florida Forecast
August 02, 2024
By Capt. Kevin Lanier
Port St. Joe to Keaton Beach Capt. Kevin Lanier of KC Sportfishing covers fishing from Mexico Beach to Steinhatchee, including Apalachicola, St. George Island, Carabelle, St. Marks and Keaton Beach.
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Aug. 2-4 Report Mahi mahi may be the fish that saves the Panhandle when it comes to fishing day in and day out in the Gulf off the eastern panhandle of Florida. The extremely hot weather and water has made the bottom fish unwilling to cooperate on some days. Mahi on the other hand have been prolific on anything floating. This week we came up on a log and found hundreds of fish just beneath it. Pitching bright yellow jigs and chunks of squid made easy pickings of these extremely fast-growing fish.
Photo courtesy of Capt. Kevin Lanier In the Gulf of Mexico there is no size limit on these fish because the majority of them are what we call “chickens,” measuring 18 inches or less. Of course, one should be a good steward of the resource and only take what you need but these fish are plentiful.
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Vermillion and mangrove snapper are also filling the coolers. Multiple hook rigs with pieces of squid will do the trick. If red snapper is your goal then look to deeper water and hard bottom to find them. We are finding plenty of marks on structure but getting them to bite has been the challenge. I have been trying some slow pitch jigs from Johnny Jigs to entice the bite and it does seem to work.
Recreational red snapper fishing is closed not until the first weekend in September. Federally permitted charter can retain red snapper until Aug. 24. Which is a totally different discussion for another day. Tight Lines all.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
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PREVIOUS REPORTS July 19-21 Report Shannon Monica, 17, of Acworth, Ga. Fishing has improved this week and the size of the red snapper are getting bigger. Water temps have reached 85 and will make the rest of the season a challenge. You would never believe by seeing Shannon Monica, 17, of Acworth, Ga., who is pictured holding a pair of high-teens red snapper she caught on a trip with me this week. She and her family did well on their trip.
We also found our first patch of mahi mahi this week, floating under what appeared to be a hatch off a boat. There must have been 500 under it. We caught all we wanted using a yellow pompano jig and a Gotcha lure.
Our rod of choice is a 6 to 7 foot Rainshadow RCKJB 600 & 700-325 MH. These are custom made Spiral Wrapped rods. Built by Believers Custom rods. We have yet to find a fish this rod will not handle. Then spool it up with 80 pound Tight Lines braid. This is an Amazing combination.
Bait still varies in fact, the other day squid was the bait that worked best. You never know.
Fishing continues to improve and the Recreational season end and the end of July then restarts on weekends in September in the Gulf of Mexico.
I am looking forward to the gag grouper season in September.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
July 11-14 Report Fishing in the area has remained steady over this past week. The Red Snapper bite has still been lack luster at best but this week the Vermillion Snapper came in to save the week. The fish have definitely been quality fish. We were even surprised by a few Yellowtail Snapper. Not caught often in the waters off the Florida Panhandle so it was a pleasant surprise. However, it should not come as a surprise base on how early in the summer the water temperatures were much higher than normal.
Right now we are seeing temps around 85. This is what I believe to be the reason for the Red Snapper bite being the way it is. In my opinion this is lining itself up for a spectacular fall season for the Recreational fishermen.
Results of a recent trip with Capt. Kevin Lanier Still not much King action going on and with a 50 plus mind King weighed in in early June it to leads this reporter to believe this years season is “off Kilter”
Inshore the bite is also steady as keeper Red Fish are being caught with some ease if you put in your time.
Sharks are as bad as I have ever seen them so be prepared to do a lot of moving when you are fishing offshore.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
July 4-7 Report Capt. Kevin Lanier This week we are seeing some swells out in the Gulf, around 6 to 8 feet but they are spaced far apart so it is fishable. Many times when storms are way down south a swell will appear here in the panhandle. Fishing continues to be steady and limits are available but you do have to put in your time. We have yet to see a day where the bite has been wide open. I attribute this to the extreme early warm water.
Red Snapper have been smaller but the quality has been outstanding. A customer gave us 2 fish and each were about 8 pounds. These fish were excellent table fare. It is my opinion that fish from 16 inches to 10 pounds are your best eating of the Red Snapper.
Black Snapper and Bee Liners are readily available and also are great on the table. The week we traveled 60 plus miles offshore and boat a 5.5 pound Vermillion Snapper. We also brought home a nice load of Red Grouper. BTW Red Grouper is now closed in our area for the remainder of 2024.
King Mackerel have still not shown in big numbers but they are biting. I use a Flatline while bottom fishing. Make sure you use at least 12 inches of wire. I use a frozen Cigar minnow.
It appears with this warm water the storms are brewing early so keep and eye on the weather and get out fishing.
June 28-30 Report Photo courtesy of Kevin Lanier The heat continues to rise while we roll into the official start of summer. Fishing remains steady but the Shark encounters are getting out of hand. It is time for a reasonable change in regulation that protect sharks from harvest. Not only are we seeing daily encounters with sharks offshore but shark encounters are on the rise on the beaches as well. It is time to start calling our representatives in congress and state government to do something.
Red Snapper fishing continues to be steady but longer runs out each day are required to find nice sized fish. Small Live Baits are the best but most any bait will do. Either fish for them using a Carolina style rig, a three-way swivel rig, or a flat line rig. I use enough weight to keep our lines as straight up and down as possible. We fish 6 lines on our charter boat. Pictured this week is Ms. Melody Nelson of St Joe Beach Florida with a nice season average snapper.
King Mackerel have finally showed for 2024. In this past weekends Mexico Beach Golly Whopper classic tournament a 51 pound King was weighed in. “Biggest King we have had weighed in 10years” said Captain Mitch Coleman. The monster King was caught by Jackson Krause of Cordeal Georgia.
The weather this week should be a bit better than last week. With this heat it is imperative that you stay hydrated while you're on the boat.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
June 18 Report This week's outlook is a little shaky from a weather standpoint. It looks like it may blow all week but as always that is subject to change. With the Gulf already being as warm as it isthmus could be a very active storm year.
Red Snapper fishing has been good this week. The current was strong the last few days and with the east winds going that strong current it is anyones guess which direction your drift will be or which direction your boat will settle on anchor. Many people have the spot locking trolling motors or the Optimus systems to hold on a spot but they do not work well in rough conditions. I have found this week that live bait and dead baits are producing about the same. Grouper bites have been very aggressive where as Snapper have been a bit tentative.
Kings are just starting to show and are hitting our surface baits while we are drifting. Remember to make it out of wire and a stinger hook.
The water temps are high as hi as 82 already so if you have fished here much you know that means you have to move to deeper water.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
PREVIOUS REPORTS June 14-16 Report Sailfish caught and released. Red snapper is in full swing now and fishing is good,. Not off the charts but good. Fish are averaging 10 pounds. No big sows yet, but we will find them. Not being able to keep gag grouper this summer is very disappointing. Red grouper are not thick but we are finding them.
Bait shifts back and forth between live and dead bait as to what they prefer from day to day. Squid is always a good bet. Beeliners are hitting double rigs as are porgies.
We had the privilege of hooking and releasing a sailfish this week. Always put a flat line out when you are bottom fishing because you never know what you will get. I use a 30-pound spinning rod set up for this.
There are more weed lines out in the 30 to 50 mile area than I have seen in years. Mahi fishing should start heating up.
Beach fishing has been spotty and the Pompano have moved out.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
May 30 Report According to the current forecast the opening weekend of Red Snapper season is going to be lumpy. Seems like this spring has been windy and so it continues into June.
The 2024 Gulf Red Snapper season forecast looks very good. Our Spring fishing has produce a lot of catch and release snapper. They will pretty much eat anything you put in front of them. However, if you are looking for those trophy sized fish and live bait is the way to go.
This week produced more Wahoo for us offshore along with some 4 and 5 pound Vermillion Snapper. Pictured is Morgan Harlan of Saltwater Xcursions with one of those fish. 2 hook rigs with squid brought this one to the boat.
Inshore shows an increase in Flounder and Reds. Live Shrimp, small jigs or spoons will work.
You should have already completed this task but make sure your boat is ready before you venture into the Gulf. Check batteries, fuel, and pumps. Everyone be safe and make the right decisions because the season is a long one this year.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
May 24 Report What a great week fishing this past week and what a great forecast is in front of us for the Holiday weekend. Wahoo are offshore of Mexico Beach and Port St Joe and well as some great Snapper fishing for all species. We are in the week leading up to the Annual Red Snapper opener and it should be a great one.
Pull your plugs and bait for the Hoo’s Keep your speed up and bring your “A game” gear for these.I use the Rainshadow RCTB66XXH rod with a Avet EX30 and 50 EXW reels, spooled with 100 pounds Tightline braid. Our largest Wahoo came in at 65 pounds. These fish hang around offshore during the late spring but can be caught year round.
Inshore wise the Flounder are here as well. Pompano are hitting in the surf and Bull Reds are in the Bays.
This is an awesome time of year to fish this area.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
May 16 Report Morgan Harlan of Saltwater Xcursions in Mexico Beach caught this 21-inch flounder while wading the shallows. We were out this week and the sea surface temperature was 75 degrees. In May … wow!! We caught Mahi this past week. With the announcement of red snapper season things are starting to heat up. We caught mahi, there was a wahoo caught, and a tuna in our area.
Look for more things offshore this week. With all the rain we have had the creeks and bays are dirty. Lots of amberjack around. Good live bait around then buoys as well. Cigar minnow and threadfin herring.
Federal Red Snapper season should be announced soon.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
May 9 Report Spring has left us in its rear view mirror. Looking at a low temp today says summer conditions are here with 90% humidity. Yuck, but it means a lot in the fishing world.
The recreational season for Red Snapper for the Gulf has been announced and it begins June 1 and runs consecutive days until July 31st then, it opens back up in September on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for September, October, and November. Totaling 103 days. This is a Great season.
This week look for more Red Fish in the bays and near shore shoals, Pompano are still on the beaches in good numbers, Spanish Mackerel are not thick but are here, Offshore is typical Beeliners and Porgies.
Catch and Release Red Snapper is an option but I discourage using live bait while doing this.Slow Pitch Jigging is a great option.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
May 1 Report With April winding down and May getting ready to roll in the pompano are here in full force. This weekend looks like almost perfect weather for being on the water. Today (April 30) marks the first day with high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms. Now is when we watch for the water temperature to get in the right range for our summer fishery to kick in.
I am noticing a large number of bait schools in the area so that is a very promising sign and so is the fact that the bait seining boats are heading out. One of the things or area is truly lacking in is a good reliable bait barge. 30 minutes up the beach Panama City has a thriving live bait supplier.
Live Cigar minnows are the killer bait for everything that swims around here. Float one of those on the surface or drop one to the bottom and I will all but guarantee a fish. The smallest sablki rigs are the best for these bait.
Hoping for an announcement on red snapper season soon.
Now is the time to start looking for floating debris offshore in the deep water. Mahi should be here soon.
Offshore if you can get through the Red Snapper there are plenty of other fish to keep. Looks like a stretch of good weather ahead this week.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
April 25 Report As April is winding down and the winds of spring come across the Gulf of Mexico the anticipation of the arrival of the Pelagic is increasing everyday. Amberjack season opens May 1st, Trigger fish retention will last through the end of May, Red Snapper season dates should be announced very soon, and so after a long winter it is about to get real.
Now is the time to make sure your boat and tackle are ready. Do not be that guy and show up at the ramp and wonder why your bought will not start or you run 5 miles out and you have bad fuel or a bad battery. If you fish off shore at all look at getting a Sea Tow or Boat US membership. It is the cheapest insurance item you can have.
This week Pompano are definitely here and running along the beaches. Use a Pompano rig, pyramid weight, a sand spike rod holder, and a cooler full of your favorite beverages. I like to use FishBites to tip my pompano rig. Use a similar but larger rig if you are fishing offshore near the reefs. Squid is my bait of choice. Bee-liners and Porgies are plentiful right now.
Stay tuned for more
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
April 17 Report We are in the full stride of spring here in the Panhandle and the weather is incredible. The water temperature is showing about 65 degrees and seems to be very clear at the moment. Fish are abundant and you just have to decide what species you might want to target.
This Saturday, April 20, is the first annual Pompano Tournament here in the area sponsored by the Lookout Lounge located in St. Joe Beach which is located between Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe. For more information lookup The Lookout Lounge on Facebook or contact me here at kcsportfishing@gmail.com
The Pompano have made a good early showing along the beaches. Use a typical Pompano rig tipped with a piece of Fish Bites shrimp scent. Sand fleas and Ghost shrimp will work as well.
Spanish Mackerel are still in thick and can be caught casting silver or brass colored light spoons from the beach or trolling a Mackerel tree rig trailed by a Silver Horde Coho Killer.
Sheepshead are still here but have slowed a bit. Drifting live shrimp is definitely the way to go. These fish will move on out soon so, get out there.
Offshore if you can get through the Red Snapper there are plenty of other fish to keep. Looks like a stretch of good weather ahead this week.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
April 9 After a couple of weeks off I had the opportunity to spend a few days on the water. Fishing has been off the charts and should continue as we are in a perfect spring time weather pattern.
The sheepshead are thick and so are the Spanish mackerel as well. For those of you wanting to venture out into the deep water it is red snapper heaven or hell depending on how you look at it.
We should be hearing about red snapper season pretty this month. The Gulf council usually has their meetings in April to set the season. Based on what I am seeing now the season should be great. The fish are here now just wait on NOAA and the state.we wait on.
Now is the time to replace that old fishing line. I use Tightlines braid out of Texas. They are one of the only braid companies in the U.S. They make a great product.
Get out on the water and enjoy spring.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
