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I already posted this in the 'Gulf Coast' section but thought I may get more replies here. We are new to Saltwater fishing and have a new GW 228 f225. We are heading down to PC (Bay Point Marina)
the first week in August. What are the main targeted species there that time of year, and what tactics are commonly used? This is our first time on the gulf in our boat and we only have a single so not too far would be preferrable. Just wanted some ideas on what and where. Anything would be great Thanks!
The trout should be up in the flats inside. We like to use Capt. Roy Ray's trout rig on a light spinning rod in the morning over grass flats about 2-6 feet deep. We also like to troll around the inlet and a few miles out for Spanish and kings. We don't like to take our 16 foot boat out to where the big boys fish.
Did some wade fishing there about that time of year near West Bay. There's some dirt roads off Rt 388 that will get you to the water. We did well with specks and some nice slot and oversize reds.
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Dont know much about PC but would go to Half Hitch.com and get some GPS numbers. . Assume you have GPS and Depth Finder, they have a lot of numbers for Bay County bottom fishing for grouper and snapper. Trolling for Kings and Spanish etc should be ok too.
Troll for Kings! They will be anywhere from just off the beach to way offshore. There will be some nice dolphin and spanish mixed in as well. Just be ready to catch lots of Bonito. The grouper and snapper bite should be pretty strong too.
Cobes have been slow this year. Someone actually got a bull 'phin on the sandbar a week or so ago. Strange year so far. We've already started to see the sarragassum show. Of course, the 5-6 w/ 25kts this weekend surely ripped up any lines trying to form.
In August (assuming no storms) there should be some grass line within 20 miles of the pass. Be prepared for dorado, wahoo, blackfin tuna. Keep an eye on the HH website. They post a monthly fishing forecast (sometimes it's a little late) and weekly reports also. Give 'em a call too. They'll tell you. Just remember to go there when you show up. (no, I don't work there.)
I have the same boat adam, and live in PC. August is hot as Hades, but excellent fishing. If you have the extra tank you're good out to 70 miles or so, trolling all day, and some to spare coming back. That is a great month for trolling if you like to do it. Weedlines will start 15-40 miles out as posted above. PM me when it gets close and I'll toss you a number or two for whatever you are targeting. How long are you staying, what do you like to fish for, what are you good at fishing for, how far out are you comfortable going, and how hardcore are you when it comes to fishing?
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2004 Grady 228/Yam 225F
BIGnUGLY-thanks for the post! We are there from 8/6-8/11 or 12. We do have the aux tank so range isn't the issue for distance, just experience. We just got this boat for x-mas and have only done atlantic boating so far. We are new to saltwater fishing, so any advice would be great!! Right now we are set up with penn 320GT2's w/20# and penn spinfishers with 14#. This is our "starting tackle" and seems to be a pretty good starting setup. We plan to invest in a couple of Cannon downriggers before heading down there. What are you trolling with, live or lures? Top or down? Thanks for the help and I'll PM you as we get closer.
I'm all arty and top when trolling unless I sight dolphin, then I throw live cigars or gotchas oin spinners. Pick up a couple of 4" black and purple Yozuri bonitas and pull tight to the boat, they regularly outproduce the rest of my spread combined. Hopefully we won't be socked in by hurricanes all summer this year.
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3 out of 4 cannibals prefer vegetarians
2004 Grady 228/Yam 225F
Go to Half Hitch when you are there & get their gps map for 5 bucks. If you want to go after kings and have little experience, go buy some pre-made C & H kingbusters in various colors. Hit the bait man in the morning and buy live sardines or cigar minnows. Head out to the whistle buoy, weather buoy, or any of the bigger wrecks and barges on the half hitch map. Fountainblue area usually holds kings pretty well. Hook the bait through the nostrils and let the stinger float loose. Idle slowly or drift and you should catch a few kings.
If I had to stay in close, I would buy a few diamond jigs or smaller slammer jigs & jig over all the inshore wrecks for snapper. May catch some keeper grouper and oversized reds as well. Small Aj's are all over the bridge spans and can be caught very easy with jigs. You may catch a keeper mixed in.
Panama City August fishing advice 
