Panhandle

Offshore fishing this week has been great! Snapper season kicked off this past weekend; live or cut bait is what you need to fill that cooler. King mackerel are being caught on live cigar minnows in 80 to 100 feet over live bottom. Beeliners are still plentiful. Amberjack season closed Saturday, June 1.  When the…

During the week of April 26 through May 2, Officers Nelson, Hartzog, L. McLeod, Johnson II, and Allen observed a commercial vessel trawling while they were on night patrol on Apalachicola Bay in Franklin County. The officers stopped the vessel to conduct a resource and turtle excluder device (TED) inspection, during which the commercial anglers…

During the week of April 12 through 18, Officer J. Will, Regional Bear Biologist C. Spencer and Northwest Regional Director J. Creamer represented the FWC at the Franklin County “Cops and Kids” event. They spoke about the duties of biologists and law enforcement officers and answered questions about wildlife. They interacted with approximately 600 students…

Offshore fishing has been good in between storms. Wrecks and reefs have been very productive for vermillion and mangrove snapper. Amberjacks have been good on wrecks as well. Trolling cigar minnows over bottom structure is a good way to land yourself a king mackerel. Keep in mind, red snapper season opens June 1. Inshore, redfish,…

During the week of March 29 through April 4, Officers Lipford and Gerber were on patrol in Gulf County and checking wild turkey hunters when they observed one individual hunting within 100 yards of a game feeding station with bait present. The individual was issued the appropriate citation. During the week of April 5 through…

During the week of March 29 through April 4, Officers Lipford and Gerber were on patrol in Gulf County and checking wild turkey hunters when they observed one individual hunting within 100 yards of a game feeding station with bait present. The individual was issued the appropriate citation. During the week of April 5 through…

The red grouper and triggerfish have been doing really good in 90 to 180 feet of water over high relief wrecks. With amberjack season open, reports have been coming in as well. Live hardtails are the baits to use, look for them around wrecks as well. Just a reminder, red snapper season opens June 1….

During the week of March 29 through April 4, Officers Lipford and Gerber were on patrol in Gulf County and checking wild turkey hunters when they observed one individual hunting within 100 yards of a game feeding station with bait present. The individual was issued the appropriate citation. During the week of April 5 through…

With water temperatures warming, offshore fishing has as well. We are getting several reports now vermillion and lane snapper, as well as triggerfish and porgies, have been topping the charts. A double dropper rig with 30-pound fluoro or mono tied with a two or three 0 hook matched with a 6 or 7-ounce sinker from…