Headed down to the gulf Saturday for a week stay in Seacrest, FL. (just west of Panama city, east of Grayton Beach). Family trip with MIL, FIL, wifes sister and her husband, nephew, niece, and my wife and two boys. Whew, a lot of mouths to feed!
I grew up in Northern Virginia and spent most of my beach trips in the Outer Banks of NC and eastern shore of VA. Being in Ky the last 22 years I have made quite a few trips to the gulf. My oldest, 13, is just getting the fishing bug again and this is the first time I'm considering an inshore trip, but the $ may be prohibitive. I know we will surf fish, dunking sand fleas, shrimp and casting gotchas. The hope is for pompano and whiting, maybe a close school of spanish or blues. Could even raise a red fish at one of the inlets. Every year when I put the turkey gear away I start looking at the salt gear and reading fishing reports for wherever we are heading. On a long shot I thought perhaps some members here may fish the gulf waters. If you do and wanted to pass along thoughts, stories or instructions I am listening. I fish with a two hook set up. Dropper loops spread 12" with a pyramid 12" below. I tie the dropper loops with 20# flouro and bloodknot or albright knot to the main line. Not sure if it matters but have been told the pompano do not always like a bunch of jewelry around the bait. 2/0 circle hooks or oshaunnesy hooks. We normally catch enough to make a meal for 6-8 once or twice a week. Would love to land a cobia and feed everyone for a few days, but in 30 some years of salt fishing it hasn't happened yet.
Fourth of July is Hatteras, Waves area with my sister and her family my mom and dad. Toying with an offshore trip if we can split the costs with others.
The wahoo was my first. Good eating.
