Gulf of Mexico......
 

Tropyhuntr or anyone else for that matter,

Does anyone know what's running in early-mid April in the Gulf (between Apalachicola and Destin)? Like I said in a previous post, I'll be fishing in the surf. I think pompano, cobia and some shark are starting up then, but not sure of what else?

What species are running and if you fish for them...........what bait/lures have you done well with?

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Bn'R

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

I would say that you'd have speckled trout and drum. If you're using bait you'll probably get some lady fish and catfish, too. I talked to a guy who was just around Indian River and he caught a lot of pompano and whiting. Hope this help. Make sure to keep the live shrimp stocked up.

Scott Meier
White Oak Lodge

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

Still a little cool for the trout to get going, water needs to be about 80 for the trout to get hot, pompano are definetly running then, sharks always there

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

Thanks guys,

Trophyhuntr,

Do you use live sand fleas for pompano or do you go with a jig? Do you know of any good areas at that time of the year to dig up your own sand fleas? I ask because I've had a difficult time finding them on the shoreline at that time of the year and they do run a bit expensive.

:)

Bn'R

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

i use a bright crome headed nylure jig tipped with shrimp

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

reds should be a possibility and I am not sure but cobia maybe starting to make a run up that way or it maybe a bit too early but not totally sure of the cobia. Shark are always around. Good luck

Brian

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

you wont have any luck on cobia out of the surf, reds are always there find a deep hole off the beach and wait, also watch for the huge schools of ladyfish, and you will always catch sailcats

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

I am from Panama City, And yes you can catch Cobia in the surf. You need to be where you can see them to make it easy to do this. I have caught Cobia in water so shallow that their backs were out of the water, chasing bait. Fish with a live crab, or an eel and you just might score. Just remenber that a legal Cobia will weigh between 15 and 134 pounds, so bring approiate tackle. Last year, I caught one weighting 73lbs, at Crooked Island Sound. This is between Mexico Beach and Tyndall Air Force Base. Any more questions and I will answer them. April is a little early for flounders, they are usually a little scattered then, But the trout are beging to move into the shallows. Againg just ask and I will try to answer. I have lived in the area for the last twenty years, moving to Augusta, Ga is sure going to hurt at that time of the year this year.



Robert

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

rdewitt 10
Never seen cobia in the surf, new to me, closest i have seen them is a good 40 - 60 yrds from the surf, i have fished the jetties in panama city when the jacks and blue fish run you can literlly ruin a fishing reel in a day catching so many fish, it is truly unbelieveable, april is still early on trout we both agree on that it is the magical 80 degree rule before the trout get real hot close to shore and on the back skinny water.

FISH SKINNY AND FISH A HEWES

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

Here is one that I hooked about 15 feet off shore on a fly rod last year, weighted 41.7lbs

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

Here is the picture of the Cobis.

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

rdewitt10,

I too, have witnessed cobia in the surf. One day I was casting for ladies and spanish, when I looked back behind me to see two cobia swimming down the beach. The next day I came back with a little snack for'em........fresh eel (yum!). Unfortunately, no cobia showed that day :(

Bn'R

p.s.

For anyone to answer,

What do you do for the best Pompano results? Do you cast a multiple hook set up with sand fleas/shrimp and wait or would you rather cast and retrieve jigs? I know that trophyhuntr likes a jig tipped w/shrimp. What gives you the best results? Also, if you go with a multiple hook set up, what color beads do you find most effective in attracting pompano? I heard that certain colors are more effective/visible than others.

Thanks Gents,
Bn'R

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

Al od the old timers in the Panama City area swear by orange and red. This is supposed to imitate the eggs in sand fleas.

Robert.

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

sharks for sure, you MAY get cobia, snook, red, pompano, and an occasional trout... i like pinfish and shrimp for bait... of if you get a spanish makeral or a lady fish, those make for nice bait also...

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

bucknrut
alot of folks where i fish like the pyramid triple hook set up and use yellow

never tried it

wont be long see you on the water the 2nd weekend in april look for a 19 ft. hewes running skinny

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

Thanks Trophyhuntr,

I'll keep my eye out for ya. I'll be the one on shore with my pole bent in half, veins stickin' out of my arm and sweat running off my forehead!

:)
Bn'R

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

Nice ling rdewitt10. Love them ling.;)

RE: Gulf of Mexico......
 

im ready