Surf Fishing Tactics, Swordfish Action, and Panama City Patterns

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya is joined by Butch Thierry for a wide-ranging Gulf Coast report covering surf fishing from Pensacola to Navarre, late-spring pompano and bull redfish, June grass problems along the beach, sand flea scouting, an epic swordfish trip out of Dauphin Island, slow tuna conditions, strong scamp grouper action, snapper season opportunities, and how Panama City anglers can adjust around changing wind and weather. This episode features Justion Reed with Justin Reed Fishing, Capt. King Marchand with Captain Mike's Deep Sea Fishing, and Capt. Justin Leake with Panama City Inshore. Justin Reed gives the surf fishing report from the Pensacola and Navarre area, where pompano are still being caught on most trips and bull redfish have been consistent off the beach. He explains how June grass and sargassum are forcing anglers to stay mobile, why north winds can help clean up the surf, and how to follow pockets of clean water when grass is moving down the beach. Justin also breaks down beach gear, sand spikes, fishing carts, walking the beach with artificials, targeting Spanish mackerel and bluefish with heavy spoons, and finding sand fleas for pompano bait. Capt. King Marchand gives the offshore report after a standout swordfish trip aboard the Lady Ann, where his crew killed three swordfish, released three more, and added an escolar during a fast-paced bite. King explains why he believes the swordfish bite shifts from west to east as the season progresses, how he uses historical data, ledges, bait marks, electronics, and boat positioning to stay on the fish, and why holding over the right piece of bottom can outperform a blind drift. He also talks about slow yellowfin tuna fishing, the importance of fishing while already hooked up, strong scamp grouper action, and how sharks are starting to affect the bite. Capt. Justin Leake gives the Panama City and Panama City Beach report, where changing weather has anglers bouncing between offshore, nearshore, and inshore options. He explains how he reads hourly forecasts and wind direction, especially when deciding whether to run offshore for snapper or stay inside for trout, redfish, tarpon, or trolling opportunities. Justin also talks about using a versatile boat setup, adjusting routes around southeast winds, fishing live bait with heavier fluorocarbon when Spanish mackerel and bluefish are mixed in, and staying flexible enough to fish everything from a few inches of water to a couple hundred feet depending on conditions. Sponsors: EMS Endeck PVC Decking Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Admiral Shellfish Coastal Connection EXP Realty - Abaco Orange Beach AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Hilton's Realtime Navigator Deep South Cranes Pure Flats - Slick Lures