PC/PCB Fishing Report 4-18-25
We have had great opportunities this week with lulls in the weather. Lots of fish caught in most every species. The pompano bite is on absolute fire right now! Spanish are good, some kings are showing, and we had some mahi as well as a few cobia show up! Now is the time to get out there! Details below!
Bay Fishing
Spanish mackerel were great just before the front passed through and then they were much harder to catch. We also experienced a water temperature drop post front as well. That has had an effect as well, but temperatures are back on the rise. That should retore the hot bite. As mentioned in past reports, a Clarkspoon with the red bead is usually the best to troll in a size “1” or “0”. There are big and small spanish mixed in so those will work for both. A Got-cha plug or a bubble rig are great choices for those casting and retrieving.
The trout have been in and around the bay with less pressure since everyone is out chasing various species. There are schools of trout working over flats early and late. There are schools of smaller ones and you can catch those one after another. Usually, the big trout are not with those. After dark there is still good action for trout around the dock lights. It will only get better since next week’s high tides move to evening and that will bring them in to the canals and docks with lights. This will also draw in redfish as well. Often times slot reds at that.
In the pass there is most everything at times. A few sheephead still, spanish mackerel, bluefish, some mangrove snapper, and of course redfish.
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Surf Fishing
The pompano bite is crazy good right now. The pattern has been out over the bar a bit to a long way out over it. Anglers are walking out some distance to get it way out there. There are lots of sandfleas showing up so grab your sandflea rake or come in and get one of ours. We have the good ones from Angler's Fish-N-Mate that will last you a lifetime. We also have frozen blanched fleas and of course always grab some shrimp. Also grab some FishBites. Never go without them.
In addition to the pompano, there are some nice sized whiting and redfish working the surf. A few back drum are there too, but mostly really huge ones currently.
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Pier Fishing
The pompano has been on absolute fire with limits common. There have literally been hundreds caught this past week. The pompano seems to be between the bars. Pompano jigs are working, but at times they have absolutely refused them. Be prepared to put out a set rig with sandfleas if they get finnicky on the jigs. We have a good collection of custom pompano jigs and plenty of pompano rigs ready to go.
There have been lots of Spanish mackeral being caught at this time as well. There were some king mackerel caught, but just a few. Most were smaller, but one was in the mid 20’s. A few mahi of decent size for this time of year have popped up.
The squid continued to be thick after dark. Come get some squid jigs and load up on some fresh caught squid. This is also a great thing for kids since it is simple and easily successful right now.
We did have a cooler water intrusion dropping temps down to the mid 60’s. They have since made a bounce and are headed back up. That should continue into the 70’s shortly. At the time of writing this, it was 68 degrees.
Bottom Fishing
Pick your species and you should find them on the end of your line shortly. The vermillion bite is so good right now but if you want pull on your line, the AJ’s, gag groupers, and red snapper are very cooperative. Those 3 are out of season so catch and release only.
Not as many red grouper reported this week, but there have been some nice triggerfish and some almaco jacks as well to fill out the box! The mahi have shown up a bit early and there have been some caught so be ready if they show.
Nearshore Trolling
Spanish mackerel are the main target currently. There are a few kings around, but not enough to warrant trolling just for those. Mostly outside the pass and along the outside bar.
Offshore
The big news this week was a 721lb Bluefin Tuna out of Pensacola! It was way out there, over 100 miles, but the catch of a lifetime!
There are some small wahoo out around the Fads. Some mahi as well are there. You may have to bump from fad to fad to find them.
