Panama City Pier

[lizbeth]

i have to take my youngest son to Gulf Coast CC College in a couple of weeks for a Baseball Camp. my question is, I thought i might go to the Pier and fish while he was at the camp. I'm just wondering if anyone has fished off of it before....and what should i expect. what rigging..etc.
Thanks Liz

[leonreno]

I have fished off the city pier and the pier on the gulf side at St. Andrews park. My suggestion is to fish first light and sunset for the best chance, especially with a moving tide. The city pier (Dan Russell Pier) has quite a bit of damage to it and is only open half way out. Best bet this time of year will be Spanish Macks, Pompano, Bluefish, Cobia and Kingfish. Spanish being the easiest to catch with Gotchas, jigs, and Bubble/Straw Rigs. Pompano with pompano jigs or bait such as shrimp or sand fleas, or Gulp sand fleas. If its your first time out there I would not recommend going after Cobias or Kings. But Live bait works for both and Cobia Jigs can catch what else but Cobia. The St. Andrews pier will probably be best for Spanish Mackerel or Bluefish. Other catches are available but it is a pretty short pier and conditions need to be right for other species. You could fish the jetties at the park also, Good for species above plus others.

Here is a few links:
Half Hitch Tackle
Also stop here for more in depth help, they usually wil help get the tackle you will need and some good info on when and what to do.

Howell Tackle
Also a good place for help.

[leonreno]

If going for spanish, pompano and other smaller species I would use a medium-heavy spinning rig in 7 to 8 foot long with 10 - 12 lb line. Using most jigs use a 30 to 50 lb leader including with gotcha plugs, jigs, and on the bubble rig. You can buy pompano rigs at the tackle store and you can buy pre rigged Bubble rigs also.

For bigger fish such as Cobia or Kings you will need a 20 lb spinning rig and a smaller rig to catch bait on sabikis.

[lizbeth]

thank you for the info...