Northern Florida Fishing in February

[Tubingluvr]

I have never fished salt water (Being a Michigander)
We are planning a Family vacation to Panama city Beach.
I would like to go on a short charter if there is a good chance of catching something that time of the year.
We would be arriving Feb 20th and spending 10 nights.
According to the charter websites I am seeing it is mainly bottom fishing this time of year which would be a much longer charter than I planned on (4 to 6 hours)
I would appreciate any input anyone might have, including any charter recommendations.

 

[lyle]

Re: Northern Florida Fishing in February

not really sure if the fishing will be open or not ... if BP caps the wellhead and stops the flow, the federal waters may or may not be open by then...red snapper, grouper, and amberjack are sometimes closed by then but with all the current closures now, it is hard to say what will happen ... if it is open, PC is a really good place to fish (and vacation) ... their state waters should be open to fishing ...they just opened up some areas in Louisianna for fishing that had been closed so that's a good sign.... last time I chartered there was for sharks and had a blast ... the 4-hour trips usually troll around for spanish mackreal or stop at a close wreck to catch spade fish ... chances are you would get in a short charter because they fish so close to the beach ... don't know if the mackreal will be there that time of year though

 

[lyle]

Re: Northern Florida Fishing in February

try this site ... those guys will tell you exactly what you need to know .... warning, salt water fishing is extremely addictive

http://www.pensacolafishingforum.com/

 

[sasto]

Re: Northern Florida Fishing in February

If anybody offers you a fishing charter in PC. I would turn them down.