The Blue Board

fishing for blue claw crabs counts right?

Off shore. Lake fishing is enjoyable but not an athletic challenge. Hooking into triple digit tuna with 30 lb stand up gear, especially with multiple hook ups in nice swells separates the men from the boys.

I'm 0-3 in my swordie attempts, not a single hit...some day

what do usually go for and where at do you go? im really interested in doing some salt water

Venice, la is ten fold better than any other fishery in continental us. Alaska/Hawaii would be in range.

Problem is getting there 2 hour drive from airport and nothing to do but fish/hunt in area. Works for me, not most who want 20 minute boat ride from 4 star hotel

I'd argue that long range off San Diego would be the best. But it's so far out in the Pacific that it might not really count.

Growing up in Georgia I usually just caught Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Catfish with Crappie sprinkled in.

Although, when I was a kid I once caught a 12" Pike in the tiny creek in the woods. It's still the only one I've ever seen. Imagine being a kid and wondering why this mutant fish with teeth was on the end of your line and trying to figure out how to get your lure back.

Tackle Grab Facebook page is giving away a Hobie Pro Angler 12 boat when it gets too 10,000 likes.

I have been wanting one for a while, I have a Hobie outback now

https://www.facebook.com/ThebaitsfishWantThebaitsYOUneed

Scroll to the Aug20th post to like it if you are interested. They are around 6k when it gets to 10k its given away

Panama City Jetties (Pass)

As long as the waves behave there shouldn't be a problem catching fish. For Pompano fish an late afternoon outgoing tide with sand fleas. Use a little weight as you can keep them on the bottom. I like to put a rod in a sand spike closer to the jetties and one a little farther out with more weight with a live pinfish. There will be plenty of Reds there looking for a meal around the outgoing tide and the larger bait gives you a better Chane at landing one. Juvenile sharks will also be there too. Blacktips, Bulls, Spinners, and Bonnetheads are very common. These can be targeted without problem at night.

Panama City (Nearshore Trolling)

Christmas Tree rigs pulled with an egg sinker early in the morning is your best bet for Spanish. Add in a large silver spoon 20 feet behind to try and entice a large Spanish or even a King. Be sure to bring a net because these fish bite all the hooks and it's much easier to get them in the boat this way. Buy at least 5 or 7 rigs if you are running two at a time all day. They will get crossed and messed up throughout the day and you don't want to have to go back in. If you have a downrigger(s), use it(them) around 10am-12pm depending on the temp. As soon as the upper water column heats up, it's time to drop your baits 30-25 feet and fish in the cooler water. Make sure to fish the deeper, cooler water along tide lines, weedlines, and artificial bottoms. Buoys work well right outside of the pass but get hit pretty hard throughout the day. Try a crippled live bait here if you get no trikes. Send him all the way tot he bottom and very slowly reel him up. Hang on....

Panama City (Offshore Trolling)

Bottom fishing has been really god in waters 120-150 feet deep. Snapper season is closed so they all have to go back. But there are some large fish down there if that's your thing. A large pinfish with the dorsal fin cut off is a very good bait. Don't be afraid to drop 4 baits and put the rods in the gunwalls with the drag locked. Even with only two guys, odds are they all won't come tight at the same time. Increase your odds whenever you can.

There have been plenty of weedline spotted South by South/West. Plenty of Mahi, Kings, Tuna, and ever While and Blue Marlin will be in tow. The Squiggles would be my starting spot for those of you looking to head offshore this weekend. There are a lot of good reports coming out of there.

Destin (Bridge)

First, drop a grub of the pilings and slow reel your bait back a few times fan casting. See if there is a nice flounder down there wanting to play. Odds are if you get a strike it will come on the way down, so be prepared. Odds are he will be a big fish too so keep that in mind. But after 10 minutes of that you will know if they are there or not. Get there early!

If you are into catching sharks, walk around the corner and toss menhaden chunks or ladyfish chunks out into the pass. After a handful or two, put a hook in one and reel it in slow after it hits the bottom. It may take a few times or a little while for them to show up, but they are there. Remember your wire leader and you guys should have a fun time. Catch a young kid a shark and he's hooked for like. Goodluck getting him to talk about anything else his entire life. ;)

If you're into somethign more sporty, then the Redfish here is what you are after. Mid Bay Bridge has been killing it for Reds recently. Some use deep-diving crank baits to find the fish and others use live bait (live shrimp, pinfish, or oysters). The first two hours of light and the last 3 of the day are the best times for this.

Good luck, guys