Panama City Region, Capt Daniel Snapp 3/2/2016

March is here and fishing is starting to heat up! As the water begins to warm in the gulf and bays the Spanish Mackerel and Cobia arn’t far behind. Spanish are a great fish to target when introducing kids or beginner’s to saltwater fishing. They can be caught using several methods and when eating, it’s usually one right after the other offering none stop action! I personnally like to use light tackle and cast to feeding schools using a jig or bubble rig. Stop by any local tackle store and they will be glad to hook you up with everything you need. Or give me a call and I’ll be glad to give details on how my clients catch them!

Cobia will usually arrive later in the month as the gulf water nears 70 degrees. Most anglers this time of year sight fish with live bait or an assortment of artificials. Boats can be seen slowly cruising up and down the beach with anglers posted in elevated towers or platforms making sighting the fish easier. Anglers in the Panhandle take Cobia fishing very serious and if you are on the water and run your boat or jet ski out in front of boats working their way down the beach be prepared for a verbal education or lesson in sign laugauge! So if you see a boat with one to several anglers standing around with fishing rods in hand, motoring slowing just off the beach, give them a wide berth.

Of course this time of year is also great time to target sheephead. Live shrimp around structure is always a good plan. Many fish around the jetties and catch a variety of other fish along with the sheephead. Once you learn to feel the bite, catching them is pretty straight forward. However, if this is your first attempt make sure you bring a couple extra dozen shrimp to fine tune your technique!

Redfish are still cruising the flats in large schools but can definitely be a callenge this time of year. Most have been chased up and down the banks for the last couple of months and are easily spooked. Long cast in front of schools moving away or getting in front of the fish letting them come to you is a good plan. Live shrimp laying still on the bottom will usually do the trick. If you like to use artificial, instant message me on facebook and I’ll give you some info on my go to lures!

Speckeled trout will be moving out onto the flats away from the creek mouths as the water continues to warm. Look for bait, mullet schools and area’s with good tidal flow from creeks and bayou’s. Top water is my favorite method and as the month heats up so should the bite!

Good luck!

Enjoy some pics of what you can expect in March!

A litte something for the fryer!

Sheepshead Action!

Reds and Trout on the flats!

As always, I encourge you to give me a call if you have questions about fishing in the Panhandle at (850) 832-4952 or for additional information about Grassy Flats Charters, please visit

http://grassyflatscharters.com/.

In addition, checkout “Grassy Flats Charters” on Facebook for the most recent pictures and video’s along with “Grassy Flats Charters” on Youtube and Instagram.

Direct Links:

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grassy-Flats-Charters/163603619161

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http://www.youtube.com/user/Grassyflatscharters?feature=watch

Captain Daniel Snapp

Grassy Flats Charters

“Sight Fishing the Emerald Coast”

Captain Daniel Snapp is a Professional Fishing Guide specializing in sight fishing with spin or fly and the Owner/Operator of Grassy Flats Charters in Panama City Florida. Captain Daniel has been involved in fishing and diving the waters of the Panhandle for over 40 years. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys just about anything that involves the water! Captain Daniel has appeared on several local fishing and outdoor shows over the years to discuss the local fishery and events that impact the local waters. He has written fishing reports for Coastal Angler Magazine, Fishhound.com, Capmel.com, and Bay County Outdoors. Captain Daniel is also a member of the IFFF (International Federation of Fly Fishers) and the IFFF Guides Association.