BlueWater Outriggers Fishing Report 10-2-2025
One fish, two fish, red fish blue fish. Folks that’s the name of the game right now in Port St. Joe, Florida. All kinds of fish are in chasing the massive schools of bait that are present. Wading the waters of the intracoastal waterway this last week, I was standing amid such large bait schools that I could actually hear them flitting on the surface of the water. You can imagine how easy it was to net some up for live bait, and that’s exactly what I did. These LY minnows don’t last long out there as any fish will find them too irresistible to pass up. On the downside, you’ll find that pinfish quite enjoy them too, so you’ll burn through a lot of bait in no time. You just have to hope it will land in front of the right fish when you cast it out. If you’re one of those (you know who you are) that like to turn your nose up at “bait chuckers,” the artificial fishing was on fire too. In fact, I might say it was a bit more productive as you can slow the pinfish bite by throwing a slightly larger presentation. In this instance, after I had decided to neglect my yardwork because I was having too much fun, I ran up to the truck and rummaged around. I came out with a pack of Z-man Slam Shady Diezel Minnows. These 4” paddle-tails paired with a 1/4oz jig head seemed to be the ticket. The good fish hit them aggressively and constantly. There were a load of Silver Trout taking the bait with a few specks mixed in here and there. Mangrove Snapper were biting along with some Bluefish and Reds. Flounder were abundant, but most were undersize. I caught at least eight of them in a 45-minute period. Such has been the experience for most anglers in St. Joseph Bay. Guides have been having very successful trips putting their clients on slot Redfish and big Trout. Even while writing this report, a recurring character, “Uncle” David Payne, sent me a text message with a doormat, 22 ¼" flounder he just pulled in. To say I’m jealous would be an understatement. The flounder can be seen above left. It was caught here in the bay, any other information I’m afraid I cannot divulge.
Amberjack season was brought to a close on Saturday, September 27. It’s not set to reopen until September 1, 2026. Red Snapper, on the other hand, is open during the weekend and there are still some big boys out there. Seen above right, David Payne, Jeff Harpe, Reid Turner and Doug LeConte managed to fill the box with some massive snapper. This was done under the tutelage and guidance of Captain Jake Harpe, formerly known as “The Legend.” Congratulations on the catch guys, and congrats to you Jake, your hard work paid off. While it would be fun to go after some of these bigger fish, this upcoming week looks as if it would be too risky. There is a small craft advisory in effect through Sunday night.
That will wrap up the fishing news for this week folks. If you’re the type of person that will put the chores off for a good day of fishing or the type that can rummage through your vehicle on any given day and find a pack of paddle-tails along with jig heads, you need to go now! After seeing Mr. Payne’s flounder, my blood pressure is up and I’m chomping at the bit. If you don’t have the good stuff on hand, get into Bluewater Outriggers; we’ve got you covered. I’m going to grab my rod; I hope to see you out there!
-Jeremiah Beasley