Panhandle Fishing Report - Pensacola Bay & Choctawhatchee Bay

A good friend of mine Victor Wright caught the first Cobia of the season on March 8th. It was a fine specimen of a fish also she weighed in at Harborwalk Marina in Destin at 65 pounds. The fish was sighted just to the west of Pensacola Beach fishing pier. Vic threw a live eel in front of her and it was on. There were 2 other fish caught in the next few days and since then it’s been off. The next 5-day weather forecast is just right for the migration to get into full swing. Its time to start getting ready if you’re thinking about a Cobia on the Emerald Coast this season. I would be on the water for sure the first week in April this year. For the Red Fish, it’s still a fun thing on the beach when weather permits. I had Brian and Eric Evans from Canada out there yesterday and young Eric came through with one of the best Bull Reds that has been caught in the last week a nice 34-inch fish. We were fishing handicapped also the southeast wind has the beach water real muddy. We then headed in the bay for some inshore fishing and we had a blast. Eric loaded the boat while dad (Brian) and myself got some schooling. He caught a dozen or so Sheephead, a couple Black Drum, the first Spanish Mackerel of the season for me, five or six Black Snapper and one short Gag Grouper. I love to have young anglers on the boat this is one of those days we were making God sent memories that will last a lifetime. The Speckled Trout bite is just a few days away now. I haven’t been fish for them yet but I have several contacts that have and there have been a couple of real nice ones caught. April is my best month to catch the big Specks. They are on the move and hungry. There’s a lot going on now and if you get a chance to go don’t pass up the chance and don’t forget to take a young angler fishing. I know one thing for sure - You ain’t going to catch’em sittin’ on the couch!! So get out there, and take a kid fishing. Tight Lines and Screaming Drags, Till Next Time! God Bless. Professional Fishing Guide Capt. Eddie Woodall Full Net Charters www.fullnetcharters.com