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PC/PCB Fishing Report 4-9-26
Bay Fishing
Spanish mackerel have been all the rage. This is the time of year to feed all your friends and family. Clark spoons and mackerel tree rigs are the way to go. Although they tend to hit almost anything this time of year, the “00” and “0” sizes might get you bites when it is a little tougher. The bait these fish are eating is super tiny.
There are other fish being caught around the bay too. There are redfish all over the place. Grass flats, especially near high tide. They are in the pass, around the bridges, and almost anywhere that may hold food. Trout are also out there and there have been some in canals, but currently the tide is high mid to late afternoon for the next several days.
Surf Fishing
The pompano are red hot right now. Getting a limit or two is becoming common. Last week there was a really good afternoon bite. That has shifted to a better morning bite. One group even reported catching 35–40 pompano. There have also been some big black drum caught. Not much on the whiting, but with calming waters that may change this weekend.
Two hook rigs with peeled shrimp and a thumbnail piece of Fishbites or Fishgum are working well. Fish in and around the first sandbar and try to find deeper areas around the cuts. Take extra shrimp because the bite can turn on fast. There are some sandfleas showing up now, but the pompano have not fully locked in on them yet and shrimp is still producing better. Soon enough they will switch over, so keep your sand flea rake handy.
Pier Fishing
Spanish mackerel, pompano, redfish, and some black drum are the primary targets, with most going after Spanish and pompano. For the Spanish, out toward the end is where you want to be fishing. Gotcha plugs, bubble rigs, spoons, and some smaller lipped diving plugs are working. Use a 40 lb mono leader and not wire and the bites will come more frequently. On the pompano side, set rigs and pompano jigs are getting the job done. Don’t forget your Fishbites and Fishgum to tip your rig for bite enhancement. Redfish and black drum are becoming more of a bycatch, but a live bait caught and dropped down on a Carolina rig can work as well.
NOTE – The City Pier is closed through Sunday for the Gulf Coast Air Salute. The County Pier is open.
Bottom Fishing
It should be fantastic. Not much to report from the past week due to strong winds. Conditions are expected to calm down Friday. Look for hard bottom in 90 to 110 feet. That depth is producing vermilion snapper, red grouper, mangrove snapper, and more. Keep a cobia rod rigged and ready, along with a flat line rod to put out while anchored. There have been some cobia caught to the west, and king mackerel are starting to show up with some reportedly very big fish.
Nearshore Trolling
Trolling for Spanish is still hot. There should be some fish outside the pass as the seas settle. The bay bite has been excellent, so start there and work your way out. The same rigs used in the bay apply here. Use a 2 oz to 4 oz lead about 10 feet in front of your rig. A 40 lb mono leader helps increase bites and still holds up well. So far this year, dolphins have not been stealing hooked fish, which is a good sign.
