Northwest Florida Forecast
June 20, 2025
By Capt. Kevin Lanier
Capt. Kevin Lanier of KC Sportfishing covers fishing from Mexico Beach to Steinhatchee, including Apalachicola, St. George Island, Carabelle, St. Marks and Keaton Beach.
June 20-22 Report This week, fishing has continued to be very good offshore of Mexico Beach and our area. The water temperature is up to 84 degrees, so it has definitely changed things a little bit. The water is much greener further out right now. Shark activity has increased significantly.
Red snapper seem to be favoring live bait. My favorite is either live pinfish or cigars. A smaller whole squid will also do a very good job. One recommendation I make is to ensure that you’re using extra-strong hooks. Last week we broke two hooks before I realized that we were using a different hook than we normally do.
Mahi-mahi and king mackerel are hitting as well. Always make sure that you have a flat line out when you start on fishing because you never know what’s going to swim up and take a swipe at either a floating cigar minnow or a live pinfish.
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Inshore fishing has continued to be productive with tripletail and Spanish mackerel leading the way; redfish and mango snapper are also in abundance.
We are at the time when you’ll need to start looking a little further offshore for better quality snapper due to the water temperature increase. We learned a lesson last summer and we are going to apply it earlier this year to see how things go.
This weekend is our annual goalie whopper tournament in Mexico Beach. Red snapper and grouper are the main fish. There is a prize for King mackerel. Party on Friday night and fishing on Saturday.
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I hope to see many of you there. Be safe and good fishing.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
PREVIOUS REPORTS June 13-15 Report Red snapper fishing is really good right now. The southwest winds have made it a little difficult this week but will start to lighten up around mid week. The current has slowed a bit as well so the weekend should be good.
The offshore bite has been best before 10 am but does remain steady throughout the day. When the bite does slow try using smaller baits like squid or jigs. I highly recommend catching only 3 or 4 fish off a spot then move to another. The sharks will show up after a few fish are caught and when this happens pick up and move. There is no need to waste fish and get frustrated.
Whoever is counting the gag grouper needs to pay attention. I have released more gags to date this season already than I caught during our week-long season last year. You need to do a better job as Fisheries Managers. We all get frustrated with the lack of sense in our regs.
King mackerel in the area are in 8- to 10-pound range and are hitting trolled cigar minnows.
Inshore fishing is still good. Flounder are definitely biting. Keeper-sized red fish are in the bay. Spanish mackerel are here thick. Use shiny spoons for the Spanish.
Big day for a group from Bainbridge, Ga. (Photo courtesy of Capt. Kevin Lanier) Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
PREVIOUS REPORTS June 6-8 Report Great fishing this week as we opened up the 2025 Gulf of American Red Snapper season. Our first few days were very productive all around. The weather is going to pick up near the end of the week, so we might lose a day or so. I have been amazed how clear the water is not too far offshore so far these last few weeks.
The current and the wind have been coming from opposite directions so power drifting has been challenging. When you set up a drift plan to drift 90 degrees to both. We had a tough time with a lot of baits getting tangled up. Add heavier weights to combat this. I am a huge proponent of lighter is better but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.
Capt. Kevin Lanier We are finding good fish inside of 30 miles and catching them on both Live and Frozen baits. Watch for the baits that get mushy and try putting them in a plastic container and adding some rock salt to toughen them up.
King mackerel have shown up thick in the area. Troll cigar minnows about 4 mph around offshore structures.
Inshore fishing remains good in the area it is just that the focus is deep water right now.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
PREVIOUS REPORTS May 29 Report The Memorial Day weekend Red Snapper opener for recreational folk was a hit!! The weather was perfect and the water was pristine. Loads of fish were caught and the fish cleaning station was overflowing.
This weekend marks the official opening of snapper season in the Gulf of America off Florida. Sunday June 1 is the opener and will remain open for all through the end of July. Hopefully by now your boat and gear is ready to go.
Early in the season pretty much and bait will work, I like to run between a 4 and 6 foot leader. 80 pound pink works really well with 6/0 and 8/0 circle hooks. My main line is 65 pound braid. I use TightLines Braid. As you all know my rod of choice is the Rainshadow RCKJB600-325.
This past week we got this nice 8 pound Scamp, Guys from Tifton Georgia got it and some very nice Vermillion and Red Grouper.
Those first few weeks in June are normally the best and the sea surface temps are still good, not too hot.
Courtesy of Kevin Lanier Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
May 16-18 Report May has arrived in perfect fashion and just like clockwork the first small tropical thing rolls in and summer is here. You know those daily thunderstorms? Well they are here. Water temp is still good and conditions are perfect for getting out. The scheduled Memorial Day weekend opener is a great addition for this year. The Gulf of America Federal Charter season was announced this week so here is what we are looking at.
Recreational red snapper season is Memorial Day weekend then opens June 1 and runs to the end of July every day. Closed the month of August then reopens in September for weekends and holidays only for the remainder of 2025—Two red snappers per person per day
Federal for hire Charters opens June 1st and runs until September 16th everyday.
Gag grouper opens for everyone September 1st through the 15th. One gag grouper per person per day.
I truly like the recreational snapper season dates for this year.
All indications are the season will open strong.
Live bait will always be my first choice, Frozen Cigar Minnow and whole squid are next.
Please refrain from targeting red snapper with live bait until the season opens.
Tight lines everyone.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
May 9-11 Report The weather is awesome but the wind! Nice 60 degree lows are really nice right now and the fishing has equaled the amazing weather. The pattern should continue all of this week. Slowly but surely spring is moving through. Any day now I expect to see the thunderstorms start their daily visits to the Florida panhandle.
Inshore has been really good. Reds and Spanish mackerel have been hitting anything shiny and of course live shrimp. Water temp is really good and is holding in the low 70’s. Pompano are on the beaches early in the morning as are a slew of black drum to get your blood flowing.
Offshore is about as sure of a thing as you are going to see right now. With recreational snapper opening Memorial Day this year everything points to a fantastic start. Once you locate the fish, catching them is the easy part. Live bait for the big ones and anything else for the rest.
Some mahi mahi are showing well offshore and a few kings as well. Wahoo typically arrive this month and can make for a banner day. I suggest high speed trolling big heavy baits, 14 to 18 mph. Make sure you have the gear to handle it.
Make sure you read the regs for the 2025 red snapper season. It opens and closes a few times during the summer, so do not assume. June and July are your only everyday openings.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
April 25-27 Report Fishing continues to be really good here along the eastern panhandle and NW Florida. We just finished our Pompano tournament with great success and plenty of Pompano and Whiting were brought in. Sand Fleas and Shrimp were the best baits. As long as our rain holds off this fishing should continue to be very productive. We tried a new shrimp bait by FC Fish Co. and man it was incredible.
Offshore this week should still produce very nice catches. Mahi are showing early way offshore and a few rumors about King catches are swirling around. Water temps are still very good but I fear another early and swift rise similar to last year is going to happen again. Get them in close while you can. Red Snapper season is slated to open June 1st and with a little over a month to go we are releasing a lot of fish. Bee Liners have been very consistent.
Inshore Reds and Black Drum are plentiful. I saw a nice 23 pound Black caught over the weekend on the beach. Schools of Reds are roaming the shallows. Silver and Gold 1/2 ounce spoons are a good choice for these. A few Flounder have been caught in the shallows and should be in the canal at Mexico Beach soon. The water close to shore is still very clear and a great time to work the shore line at first light.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
April 15 Report This week’s weather is our only limiting factor when it comes to fishing. There are plenty of fish in the eastern Panhandle area both offshore and in the bays for everyone at this point in time, whether you fish from a boat or from the shore the fish have been biting quite well.
On Saturday (April 19) we are having our second annual Lookout Lounge Memorial Pompano tournament. This is a shore fishing only tournament so if you are interested in participating, find the Lookout Lounge and Package Store on Facebook and find out how to register. I will be at the lookout for the weigh-in on Saturday. So if you’re there, stop by and say hi.
Inshore fishing was really good before the winds picked up this week, but we are anticipating the wind to lie down in the next few days and fishing should pick up. Sheepshead will be moving out soon, so this will be one of your final chances to go after these guys. Redfish and trout have been good as well and the flounder should start showing soon in the shallow water. Best all-around bait is live shrimp, and that will tend to keep you away from the catfish.
Offshore fishing was quite good before the winds picked up. Red grouper fishing is good but plan on throwing a lot of shorts back. Triggerfish retention is open. So target your grouper and triggerfish then go after your vermilions and black snapper to finish filling your box.
Live bait have been around the buoys and pinfish are available on the grass flats. I encourage you not to use live bait for catch-and-release red snapper but spend some time learning to use a metal jig. I highly recommend Johnny Jigs slow pitch Jigs. You can find them online at johnnyjigs.com or send me an email and I will give you the information.
We expect the announcement for recreational and charter red snapper seasons very soon and all indications say we will all start June 1. It is the ending date we do not know yet.
Now is the time of year to prepare your boat, change the fuel water separators, make sure you do not have old fuel in your tanks, check your batteries to make sure they’re in good shape as are the connections.
Keep a close eye on the weather and get out there and catch some fish.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
March 25 Report The springtime pattern is certainly upon us here on the eastern Panhandle. Spanish mackerel are slowly showing but not here in mass yet. Sheepshead, reds and black drum are actively biting spoons and live shrimp. Water temperature are slowly rising and the bright sunny days help in sight fishing. Early mornings and the last few hours of sunlight are great times to be on the water but, right now it's working all day. Light spinning gear is best and keep those fluorocarbon leaders small, around 20 pounds. Offshore, red grouper is open (inside of 120 feet); make sure you read that regulation. Trigger fish is open, as are most of your snapper species as well. We are approaching the time of year when red snapper season is announced so be watching and listening for updates. If you would like to come over and fish with us just reach on to us at kcsportfishing.com
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
March 3 Report Been and busy week here in the area. I just returned from three days of fishing in Venice, La., where is was not what we hoped for, but we caught fish and had a great time.
Meanwhile, here on the eastern panhandle springtime is approaching, you can feel it in the air. The first Spanish mackerel are showing which means all the other species are on the way. When targeting Spanish use a lure that resembles a small bait fish like a Glass minnow. My favorite spoons are the Coho Killers by Silver Horde and Gold Star lure. I like silver or red and white. These lure are available locally at Bluewater Outriggers or online via Silver Horde lures. You can troll these with a Mackerel tree or solo. You can also cast them but you will have to add about 1/4 to 1/2 ounce weight in front of the lure “Carolina Style” since these a extremely light weight. Use a light rod and reel for an exciting fight.
Offshore fishing continues to be good. Plenty of Bee Liners to be caught. Sheepshead should be here anytime. Live shrimp is best for them. Take plenty of squid with you as well. Red Grouper are also hitting live baits but, you will have to weed through a lot of shorts to find some keepers. This pattern should continue for the next few weeks with the water starting to warm the fish will get it a spawning mode and become more aggressive.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
Jan. 30 Report This month we are in full winter mode and just ended the coldest week I can remember on the Florida panhandle. Few folks have been able to get out on the water but as we all know it could be 70 degrees next week.
I still believe some of the best fishing of the year can be done in these winter months. There are plenty of options available to fill the fish box with good eating fish from Vermillion Snapper, Sea Bass, and Porgies. These fish are suckers for a chunk of squid. Catch and release options are available. I do however recommend that you avoid using bait and use jigs to be able to easily release these fish unharmed.
Inshore options are good as well. Fish the deep pools in the bay, the jetties, and seawalls. The seawall at the Port St. Joe Marina is a popular spot with the local because you never know what you are going to catch. Live Shrimp rigged Carolina style works best.
This is also the time of year where you boater should be doing your annual maintenance. My suggested project for the month is to check all your electrical connections. If it looks corroded, cut it a repair it. It will pay off in the long run.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
Dec. 5-8 Report December is here and red snapper fishing is awesome! With the extended season that was given to us Federal Charters we are trying to take full advantage of. This week we were blessed to have two trips, both resulting in awesome fishing. As I mentioned many times over the summer on here and on the podcast, the early arrival of the warm water in June killed us all summer. Now the water offshore is around 70 degrees and the fish have moved back in shallower and have become aggressive biters.
The red snapper are quality right now. Angela Mercer of Port St. Joe fished with us and holds this nice 14-pounder. Go Dawgs! by the way. She joined five other people to catch a boat limit of red snapper, a bunch of bee liners and released probably 20 more fish.
Frozen Cigar Minnows and Squid were all we needed. We found structure and hard bottom and the fish were there. I fish a 3 way swivel with a 4 to 6 footer 60 pound Ande leader and a 6/0 circle hook from Owner. My main line is 80 pound Tightlines Braid on a Avet MXL 5.8 reel. My rod is a Rainshadow RCKJB-70-325 MH
Photos courtesy of Capt. Kevin Lanier Red snapper fishing will continue for the remainder of 2024 for Federal Charter boat only. Recreational fishing for these fish is closed.
January 1st marks the opening of Red Grouper for all anglers.
From all of us here at KC Sportfishing we want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas season.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
PREVIOUS REPORTS Nov. 14-17 Report The fishing outlook for this week still remains great. As I said last week the water temps cooling off has really turned on the offshore bottom fishing. Red snapper fishing is the best it has been all year and with just a few more weekends to retain them I encourage you to get out there.
Fish have moved in much closer and a friend of mine recently limited within six miles of the beach. Your choice of bait does not seem to matter so, take what is readily available at your local bait shop. Seems like all structures are holding fish. Rig of choice for me is a three-way swivel with a 12-inch drop line for your sinker. I line to keep that around 20 pounds and a 4 to 6 foot leader (60 pounds should suffice this time of year). I like a 6/0 circle hook.
Inshore fishing is hot as well. The best ll reds are here. If you ever wanted to catch a trophy fish, now is the time. Remember to check the slot size and release those big fish gently and quickly.
Live shrimp will always be the bait of choice. If you are a shore fisherman, those bulls are readily available to you as well.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
PREVIOUS REPORTS Nov. 7-11 Report With the pending "final storm" entering the Gulf, most people will stay safe on shore. That being said, fishing in the area has been great! The 72-degree water has the fish turned on and aggressive. With just a few week remaining in the 2024 red snapper season it looks like we will have a few good weather days to finish up. Currently offshore it is not a matter of which bait to use because once you locate the fish they are chewing. Any quality bait will produce fish. I mean do not use those three-time refrozen baits that realistically belong in a crab trap. Use fresh bait and you will catch fish. Remember we still have Triggerfish open through the end of the year.
Inshore fishing been hot as well. Use live inter mullet or live shrimp to get bites. Some pretty nice Trout and RedFish are being landed with plenty of slot reds to keep.
Keep an eye on the weather and let's get this last storm of the year out of here.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
Oct. 31-Nov. 3 Report This week brought beautiful weather to the area and lower water temperatures. Sea surface temps are showing around 75 degrees which is perfect for all species. Right now, in my opinion is the best time of year to be fishing here.
Offshore, the red snapper bite is insanely good so, with four more weekends of snapper fishing open we should finish the 2024 season with a bang. They will hit anything you put in front of them. The cooler water is also pushing the sharks out. If you are willing to venture way out there are yellowfin tuna and white marlin around as well. Weather is the main issue this time of year. Even though we are in a very dry season the winds are the issue blowing strong out of the North and Northeast. Trolling lures and ballyhoo are the bait of choice for the pelagic fish.
Inshore the Mullet are thick as flies in St. Joe Bay which means every thing is on the hunt. red fish and trout are abundant. Live finger mullet and live shrimp are the baits of choice. Fish the shrimp under a popping cork for the best result.
As long as the weather holds this trend should continue for a few more weeks.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
Oct. 11-13 Report As we prepare for yet another Gulf Hurricane our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected and to those in the path of Milton.
There has been a little time to fish between storms and it has been productive. The weekend snapper bite has been really good and with the water temps starting to drop we should see it get better.
I would not worry much about trying to find live bait but if you do, look for pin fish, grunts and live cigar minnows. The latter is getting hard to find but try and keep those bait smaller than the size of your hand. Frozen baits are working just fine. My new favorite bait in the last few months has been 4 to 6 inch whole squid. Those small baits are really good for beeliners and scamp. Red snapper have been up in the water, sometimes as much as half way up. Try dropping a bait half way down and see what it brings.
Inshore fishing is really starting to pick up. I have to give a special shout out to my friend Bill Gerspacher of Port St Joe pictured. He caught a snook here in Port St. Joe Florida. This is the first one I have heard of being caught since I moved here 7 years ago. You just do not see them here because our water get too cold in the winter. Nice job.
Bill Gerspacher, 83, of Port St Joe with a nice snook. (Photo courtesy of Capt. Kevin Lanier) Things are changing. This year a number of yellow tail snapper have been caught here. Last year we saw a few permit, mutton and tarpon caught, and now a snook. Makes it interesting.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
Sept 27-29 Report This week holds a lot of uncertainty in our area. The big bend has had its share of storms in the last 2 years and we had Michael here. We will be watching the Gulf, planning and praying.
Fishing has been really good this last week and Hurricane Helene aside I feel that this trend will continue. Our area got a surprise this week when Captain Chase Wilder, Cape Wade Guilford and Rod Sellers, all from the Port St Joe area, landed this rare Swordfish. I say rare because we rarely see these brought to the docks in our town. An overnight trip landed this beautiful fish along with a load of mahi and a few blackfin tuna. The swordfish tipped the scale at 115 pounds. Congratulations guys!!
Meanwhile, grouper season ended well and the weekend snapper season has been a hit. I think FWC should make this a yearly thing. As the water cools these fish will move in closer. These weekend fisheries continue until Thanksgiving.
Photo courtesy Capt. Kevin Lanier Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
Sept. 20-22 Report Our ridiculously short grouper season has now ended after only being open for 15 days. All but five days were not fishable due to weather. You ever wonder what happens to that unused quota? Maybe we should start asking and pressing those in charge to find out. That being said we did end the grouper season well with some very nice fish. The recreational snapper weekends are going well, with catches of larger fish now starting to show up.
The water temperature in the Gulf is starting to cool. Temps this week were 77 near shore and 80 offshore. The fish will start being a little more aggressive. Even with almost a full moon this past weekend we still caught plenty of fish.
Always have a variety of baits when you head out because you never know what they will prefer on any given day. If the bite is finicky try using a lighter leader and smaller hook—30- to 40-pound test with a 4/0 or 6/0 hook.
Look for fishing to improve rapidly and the air and water temps cool. Flounder will be on the move leaving the bayous and canals. The fall bull reds will be chasing finger mullet. All in all we are entering the best fishing time of the year, in my opinion. Watch the Tropics and weather closely but get out and fish.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
Sept. 13-15 Report Offshore fishing in the area is definitely picking up. With the 15-day grouper season now open we are seeing nice catches hit the docks. Not just grouper but other species as well. Water temps are cooling to a much better place and there is a slight hint of fall around. Morning air temps are nice.
When venturing offshore make sure you have a variety of baits with you and look around the ledges and structures for fish. Squid has really been working well these last few trips.
Amberjack fishing has been good as well. Live baits are definitely a must here. Do not be surprised if you score a cobia mixed in with the AJ’s. This nice 33-pound fish (pictured) gave us a pleasant surprise this week.
Watch the tropics this week and Hurricane Francine is in the western gulf as I write this so hope everyone remains safe as she passes.
Sebastian McCullough of North Atlanta with a large cobia. (Photo courtesy of Capt. Kevin Lanier) Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Report The 2024 Federal Charter Red Snapper season draws to a close this week and our first weekend of the Gag Grouper 15 day season opens on Sunday 9/1. 9/1 is also the beginning of the Fall Recreational Red Snapper season. Check the FWC website for the exact dates but this week you can retain Red Snapper on 9/1 and 9/2.
My assessment of the 2024 Gulf Red Snapper is mediocre at best. The very early hot temps in the Gulf set the season up to be tough. The bites were early and lasted a very short time. However, each year we “play the cards we are dealt” and make the best of it.
There is hope for a fantastic fall season as the water temperatures return to normal and fish become more active. As we roll into October and November it should be really good. Hopefully, we will get an influx of Kings late as well. Keep putting your time in. As the water cools check those reefs in the 20 mile range as you run out. The fish should be quite hungry so make sure you have a variety of bait on hand.
Inshore fishing is still getting better each week. The cooler morning temps this past week made things exciting. Continue to hit the shore line and back waters as September rolls in. Keep a good supply of Gold spoons and lead head jigs. I really like the DOA Shrimp jigs. Flounder should be on the move soon so pitch some live shrimp. Be safe.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
PREVIOUS REPORTS Aug. 23-25 Report This week we are finally seeing a break from the morning heat. Morning temps have been in the low 70s, signaling maybe an early Fall arrival. We are still seeing low 90s in the afternoon but there is anticipation.
Offshore fishing continues to be on the challenging side with catches coming but you have to put you time in to get them. Trigger fishing has been good and they are aggressive. Said chunks on a double rig is the way to go. Kings have still not shown in big numbers and I am beginning to wonder if they will this year. The extremely warm water early has really thrown off the season.
Miranda Bosse and Morgan Harlan from Panama City caught this nice 27-inch gator trout. (Photo courtesy of Capt. Kevin Lanier) Inshore action is picking up. Morgan Harlan and Miranda Bosse from Panama City caught this nice 27-inch gator trout while wade fishing. Nice red fish are showing as well. Live shrimp, spoons and lead-head jigs are money. Get out at low light times to make your chances better. Make sure you have a permit if you are fishing on or around Tyndal AFB.
As the temps cool fishing will improve.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
Aug. 16-18 Report This week we can expect more of the same. With the high water temperature and the heat index the fish and fishermen are still sluggish. The water in our area of the Gulf is 85. We are finding a lot of sharks and not a very aggressive bite but we are getting fish.
Hurricane Debby passed through the area last week and it seems to have turned the Mahi off or pushed them out of the area for now. Triggerfish retention is open this month and there are some really nice ones available. Squid or Cigar minnow chunks are the best baits.
Red Snapper fishing for Federally Permitted Charters is still open for 2 more weeks and then the Recreational season opens back ups on weekends starting in September.
Inshore fishing has remained good in our area just be prepared for some blistering temps.
Courtesy of Capt. Kevin Lanier Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
PREVIOUS REPORTS This week we watched Hurricane Debby sweep through the eastern Gulf and make landfall near Steinhatchee. Almost an identical path as the storm Idalia last year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those folks affected. With 87 degree water temperatures in the Gulf it is definitely a brewing pot for more storms to come this season.
Fishing offshore was picking up before the storm and most of us have not been back out since. This coming weekend shows promise as the winds should start to slack off. The recreational red snapper season is currently closed, but the Federally Permitted Charter season is still open until near the end of August. Currently. trigger fish and greater amberjack have been added to the retention list so you can certainly fill a fish box. This year we have had a lot of success using whole squid as bait for our snapper.
Inshore fishing has shown promise in our area but you must fish early or late in the day due to the high temps. As summer wanes this fishery should pick up. Try casting jigs into the deeper channels.
Give the Gulf a little time to settle down before heading out. Fishing should be on again this weekend.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
Aug. 2-4 Report Mahi mahi may be the fish that saves the Panhandle when it comes to fishing day in and day out in the Gulf off the eastern panhandle of Florida. The extremely hot weather and water has made the bottom fish unwilling to cooperate on some days. Mahi on the other hand have been prolific on anything floating. This week we came up on a log and found hundreds of fish just beneath it. Pitching bright yellow jigs and chunks of squid made easy pickings of these extremely fast-growing fish.
Photo courtesy of Capt. Kevin Lanier In the Gulf of Mexico there is no size limit on these fish because the majority of them are what we call “chickens,” measuring 18 inches or less. Of course, one should be a good steward of the resource and only take what you need but these fish are plentiful.
Vermillion and mangrove snapper are also filling the coolers. Multiple hook rigs with pieces of squid will do the trick. If red snapper is your goal then look to deeper water and hard bottom to find them. We are finding plenty of marks on structure but getting them to bite has been the challenge. I have been trying some slow pitch jigs from Johnny Jigs to entice the bite and it does seem to work.
Recreational red snapper fishing is closed not until the first weekend in September. Federally permitted charter can retain red snapper until Aug. 24. Which is a totally different discussion for another day. Tight Lines all.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
July 19-21 Report Shannon Monica, 17, of Acworth, Ga. Fishing has improved this week and the size of the red snapper are getting bigger. Water temps have reached 85 and will make the rest of the season a challenge. You would never believe by seeing Shannon Monica, 17, of Acworth, Ga., who is pictured holding a pair of high-teens red snapper she caught on a trip with me this week. She and her family did well on their trip.
We also found our first patch of mahi mahi this week, floating under what appeared to be a hatch off a boat. There must have been 500 under it. We caught all we wanted using a yellow pompano jig and a Gotcha lure.
Our rod of choice is a 6 to 7 foot Rainshadow RCKJB 600 & 700-325 MH. These are custom made Spiral Wrapped rods. Built by Believers Custom rods. We have yet to find a fish this rod will not handle. Then spool it up with 80 pound Tight Lines braid. This is an Amazing combination.
Bait still varies in fact, the other day squid was the bait that worked best. You never know.
Fishing continues to improve and the Recreational season end and the end of July then restarts on weekends in September in the Gulf of Mexico.
I am looking forward to the gag grouper season in September.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
July 11-14 Report Fishing in the area has remained steady over this past week. The Red Snapper bite has still been lack luster at best but this week the Vermillion Snapper came in to save the week. The fish have definitely been quality fish. We were even surprised by a few Yellowtail Snapper. Not caught often in the waters off the Florida Panhandle so it was a pleasant surprise. However, it should not come as a surprise base on how early in the summer the water temperatures were much higher than normal.
Right now we are seeing temps around 85. This is what I believe to be the reason for the Red Snapper bite being the way it is. In my opinion this is lining itself up for a spectacular fall season for the Recreational fishermen.
Results of a recent trip with Capt. Kevin Lanier Still not much King action going on and with a 50 plus mind King weighed in in early June it to leads this reporter to believe this years season is “off Kilter”
Inshore the bite is also steady as keeper Red Fish are being caught with some ease if you put in your time.
Sharks are as bad as I have ever seen them so be prepared to do a lot of moving when you are fishing offshore.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
July 4-7 Report Capt. Kevin Lanier This week we are seeing some swells out in the Gulf, around 6 to 8 feet but they are spaced far apart so it is fishable. Many times when storms are way down south a swell will appear here in the panhandle. Fishing continues to be steady and limits are available but you do have to put in your time. We have yet to see a day where the bite has been wide open. I attribute this to the extreme early warm water.
Red Snapper have been smaller but the quality has been outstanding. A customer gave us 2 fish and each were about 8 pounds. These fish were excellent table fare. It is my opinion that fish from 16 inches to 10 pounds are your best eating of the Red Snapper.
Black Snapper and Bee Liners are readily available and also are great on the table. The week we traveled 60 plus miles offshore and boat a 5.5 pound Vermillion Snapper. We also brought home a nice load of Red Grouper. BTW Red Grouper is now closed in our area for the remainder of 2024.
King Mackerel have still not shown in big numbers but they are biting. I use a Flatline while bottom fishing. Make sure you use at least 12 inches of wire. I use a frozen Cigar minnow.
It appears with this warm water the storms are brewing early so keep and eye on the weather and get out fishing.
June 28-30 Report Photo courtesy of Kevin Lanier The heat continues to rise while we roll into the official start of summer. Fishing remains steady but the Shark encounters are getting out of hand. It is time for a reasonable change in regulation that protect sharks from harvest. Not only are we seeing daily encounters with sharks offshore but shark encounters are on the rise on the beaches as well. It is time to start calling our representatives in congress and state government to do something.
Red Snapper fishing continues to be steady but longer runs out each day are required to find nice sized fish. Small Live Baits are the best but most any bait will do. Either fish for them using a Carolina style rig, a three-way swivel rig, or a flat line rig. I use enough weight to keep our lines as straight up and down as possible. We fish 6 lines on our charter boat. Pictured this week is Ms. Melody Nelson of St Joe Beach Florida with a nice season average snapper.
King Mackerel have finally showed for 2024. In this past weekends Mexico Beach Golly Whopper classic tournament a 51 pound King was weighed in. “Biggest King we have had weighed in 10years” said Captain Mitch Coleman. The monster King was caught by Jackson Krause of Cordeal Georgia.
The weather this week should be a bit better than last week. With this heat it is imperative that you stay hydrated while you're on the boat.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
June 18 Report This week's outlook is a little shaky from a weather standpoint. It looks like it may blow all week but as always that is subject to change. With the Gulf already being as warm as it isthmus could be a very active storm year.
Red Snapper fishing has been good this week. The current was strong the last few days and with the east winds going that strong current it is anyones guess which direction your drift will be or which direction your boat will settle on anchor. Many people have the spot locking trolling motors or the Optimus systems to hold on a spot but they do not work well in rough conditions. I have found this week that live bait and dead baits are producing about the same. Grouper bites have been very aggressive where as Snapper have been a bit tentative.
Kings are just starting to show and are hitting our surface baits while we are drifting. Remember to make it out of wire and a stinger hook.
The water temps are high as hi as 82 already so if you have fished here much you know that means you have to move to deeper water.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
PREVIOUS REPORTS June 14-16 Report Sailfish caught and released. Red snapper is in full swing now and fishing is good,. Not off the charts but good. Fish are averaging 10 pounds. No big sows yet, but we will find them. Not being able to keep gag grouper this summer is very disappointing. Red grouper are not thick but we are finding them.
Bait shifts back and forth between live and dead bait as to what they prefer from day to day. Squid is always a good bet. Beeliners are hitting double rigs as are porgies.
We had the privilege of hooking and releasing a sailfish this week. Always put a flat line out when you are bottom fishing because you never know what you will get. I use a 30-pound spinning rod set up for this.
There are more weed lines out in the 30 to 50 mile area than I have seen in years. Mahi fishing should start heating up.
Beach fishing has been spotty and the Pompano have moved out.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
May 30 Report According to the current forecast the opening weekend of Red Snapper season is going to be lumpy. Seems like this spring has been windy and so it continues into June.
The 2024 Gulf Red Snapper season forecast looks very good. Our Spring fishing has produce a lot of catch and release snapper. They will pretty much eat anything you put in front of them. However, if you are looking for those trophy sized fish and live bait is the way to go.
This week produced more Wahoo for us offshore along with some 4 and 5 pound Vermillion Snapper. Pictured is Morgan Harlan of Saltwater Xcursions with one of those fish. 2 hook rigs with squid brought this one to the boat.
Inshore shows an increase in Flounder and Reds. Live Shrimp, small jigs or spoons will work.
You should have already completed this task but make sure your boat is ready before you venture into the Gulf. Check batteries, fuel, and pumps. Everyone be safe and make the right decisions because the season is a long one this year.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
May 24 Report What a great week fishing this past week and what a great forecast is in front of us for the Holiday weekend. Wahoo are offshore of Mexico Beach and Port St Joe and well as some great Snapper fishing for all species. We are in the week leading up to the Annual Red Snapper opener and it should be a great one.
Pull your plugs and bait for the Hoo’s Keep your speed up and bring your “A game” gear for these.I use the Rainshadow RCTB66XXH rod with a Avet EX30 and 50 EXW reels, spooled with 100 pounds Tightline braid. Our largest Wahoo came in at 65 pounds. These fish hang around offshore during the late spring but can be caught year round.
Inshore wise the Flounder are here as well. Pompano are hitting in the surf and Bull Reds are in the Bays.
This is an awesome time of year to fish this area.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
May 16 Report Morgan Harlan of Saltwater Xcursions in Mexico Beach caught this 21-inch flounder while wading the shallows. We were out this week and the sea surface temperature was 75 degrees. In May … wow!! We caught Mahi this past week. With the announcement of red snapper season things are starting to heat up. We caught mahi, there was a wahoo caught, and a tuna in our area.
Look for more things offshore this week. With all the rain we have had the creeks and bays are dirty. Lots of amberjack around. Good live bait around then buoys as well. Cigar minnow and threadfin herring.
Federal Red Snapper season should be announced soon.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
May 9 Report Spring has left us in its rear view mirror. Looking at a low temp today says summer conditions are here with 90% humidity. Yuck, but it means a lot in the fishing world.
The recreational season for Red Snapper for the Gulf has been announced and it begins June 1 and runs consecutive days until July 31st then, it opens back up in September on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for September, October, and November. Totaling 103 days. This is a Great season.
This week look for more Red Fish in the bays and near shore shoals, Pompano are still on the beaches in good numbers, Spanish Mackerel are not thick but are here, Offshore is typical Beeliners and Porgies.
Catch and Release Red Snapper is an option but I discourage using live bait while doing this.Slow Pitch Jigging is a great option.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
May 1 Report With April winding down and May getting ready to roll in the pompano are here in full force. This weekend looks like almost perfect weather for being on the water. Today (April 30) marks the first day with high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms. Now is when we watch for the water temperature to get in the right range for our summer fishery to kick in.
I am noticing a large number of bait schools in the area so that is a very promising sign and so is the fact that the bait seining boats are heading out. One of the things or area is truly lacking in is a good reliable bait barge. 30 minutes up the beach Panama City has a thriving live bait supplier.
Live Cigar minnows are the killer bait for everything that swims around here. Float one of those on the surface or drop one to the bottom and I will all but guarantee a fish. The smallest sablki rigs are the best for these bait.
Hoping for an announcement on red snapper season soon.
Now is the time to start looking for floating debris offshore in the deep water. Mahi should be here soon.
Offshore if you can get through the Red Snapper there are plenty of other fish to keep. Looks like a stretch of good weather ahead this week.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
April 25 Report As April is winding down and the winds of spring come across the Gulf of Mexico the anticipation of the arrival of the Pelagic is increasing everyday. Amberjack season opens May 1st, Trigger fish retention will last through the end of May, Red Snapper season dates should be announced very soon, and so after a long winter it is about to get real.
Now is the time to make sure your boat and tackle are ready. Do not be that guy and show up at the ramp and wonder why your bought will not start or you run 5 miles out and you have bad fuel or a bad battery. If you fish off shore at all look at getting a Sea Tow or Boat US membership. It is the cheapest insurance item you can have.
This week Pompano are definitely here and running along the beaches. Use a Pompano rig, pyramid weight, a sand spike rod holder, and a cooler full of your favorite beverages. I like to use FishBites to tip my pompano rig. Use a similar but larger rig if you are fishing offshore near the reefs. Squid is my bait of choice. Bee-liners and Porgies are plentiful right now.
Stay tuned for more
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
April 17 Report We are in the full stride of spring here in the Panhandle and the weather is incredible. The water temperature is showing about 65 degrees and seems to be very clear at the moment. Fish are abundant and you just have to decide what species you might want to target.
This Saturday, April 20, is the first annual Pompano Tournament here in the area sponsored by the Lookout Lounge located in St. Joe Beach which is located between Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe. For more information lookup The Lookout Lounge on Facebook or contact me here at kcsportfishing@gmail.com
The Pompano have made a good early showing along the beaches. Use a typical Pompano rig tipped with a piece of Fish Bites shrimp scent. Sand fleas and Ghost shrimp will work as well.
Spanish Mackerel are still in thick and can be caught casting silver or brass colored light spoons from the beach or trolling a Mackerel tree rig trailed by a Silver Horde Coho Killer.
Sheepshead are still here but have slowed a bit. Drifting live shrimp is definitely the way to go. These fish will move on out soon so, get out there.
Offshore if you can get through the Red Snapper there are plenty of other fish to keep. Looks like a stretch of good weather ahead this week.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
April 9 After a couple of weeks off I had the opportunity to spend a few days on the water. Fishing has been off the charts and should continue as we are in a perfect spring time weather pattern.
The sheepshead are thick and so are the Spanish mackerel as well. For those of you wanting to venture out into the deep water it is red snapper heaven or hell depending on how you look at it.
We should be hearing about red snapper season pretty this month. The Gulf council usually has their meetings in April to set the season. Based on what I am seeing now the season should be great. The fish are here now just wait on NOAA and the state.we wait on.
Now is the time to replace that old fishing line. I use Tightlines braid out of Texas. They are one of the only braid companies in the U.S. They make a great product.
Get out on the water and enjoy spring.
Kevin Lanier KCsportfishing.com kcsportfishing@gmail.com
