Cold, but still catching fish in Pensacola

Well, the New Year arrived with high winds and very cold weather. Next week is going to be downright cold with lows at night down in the 20’s! Since it’s going to be so cold, I’ve scheduled most of my trips for the late afternoon. I’ll post a report on those trips in a week or two, unless frostbite claims my typing fingers. For the past two weeks the white trout bite has been very good, with Berkley Gulp white curly tail grubs as the bait of choice on an 1/8 – ¼ oz jig head. I’ve also been catching a fair amount of slot sized reds with Berkley’s 5” Shad in Camo and Mullet colors. Along Ft. Pickens on the bay side, the Grouper bite has been ok, and this past week we pulled two nice keeper fish off the rocks in 25 ft of water while trolling a Mann’s stretch 25. The colors I was pulling were Pink and Cabo Sunset. The big bull red fish are still around, but not like they were in November. The bite has been ok from around 12pm – 3pm; most of the fish have been caught on an incoming tide in the pass and I’ve also found a few fish in the bay schooling on top busting baits. And to end the report, I can’t forget to mention the black snapper bite: it’s been off the charts! If you’re looking to put some black snapper in the box, give me a ring, I’ve got a spot that’s loaded with fish and they are yummy fried up.

It won’t be long and spring will be here, and don’t forget about the big sheepshead run. These fish are great eating and they can pull some drag for sure. Starting around March 15th is the time to set up your trips and the bite stays steady for about 5 weeks. So give me a ring and book your spring break trip today.

See you on the water.

Capt. John

850-341-9816