Bluewater Outriggers Fishing Report 7-03-2026

As my daddy liked to say, "It's hotter than blue blazes" out there, folks.  And on this eve of our nation’s 250th Independence Day, there is no shortage of visitors to our small town of Port Saint Joe, Florida.  Sometimes before going into my long work weekend at Bluewater Outriggers, I like to use the local fishing spots as a sort of barometer to give me a reading on just how crazy it may be.  If I run into one or two anglers, no big deal; it will be smooth sailing at work the next day.  Last evening, as the boy and I pulled up to our spot under the Tapper Bridge, I was a bit miffed to see a canopy tent set up on the sand bar we usually fish with five rod holders stretching the entire length of the limited fishing territory.  On down from that mess was another canopy tent, same amount of rod holders, but this one was really decked out with a generator, flood lights and even a flag raised.  Down from that tent, was a group of about eight individuals fishing directly under the bridge.  And that was just on one side.  The other side, from where I was standing, had so many tents it may as well have been the Piedmont Park arts festival in downtown Atlanta.  So, if I were a betting man, I’d say I’ll have my work cut out for me this weekend! 

I believe it was Mark Chesnutt that sang, "These old dog days of summer, Lord, I'll be glad when they're gone.  It's too hot to fish and too hot for golf, and too cold at home."  Those of us that have fishing in our blood know it's never really too hot to fish, but I can see where the ol' boy is coming from.  These last few evenings, in an attempt to beat the heat, I haven't ventured out to throw a line until it's well past 6:00 in the evening.  I don't know if it's the low tides or the rising water temperature, but my usual spots have been very lackluster as of late.  I've caught the regular ladyfish, some pinfish, and a few small reds, but the trout have remained elusive from land accessible fishing spots, at least in my case.  I'm sure they're out in deeper, cooler water and perhaps throwing a line in the surf may prove a little more productive.  

Offshore anglers are still being pestered by sharks and dolphins, but if they are persistent and constantly changing spots, they are still bringing home good red snapper.  One sure way to beat the sharks is to head out on a long trip.  Spencer Wheeless took out Bluewater employee Chris Young and his son CJ.  Chris told me they were fishing in 500+ feet of water, and they loaded the box with a variety of delicious species.  Chris Young (above left) can be seen holding some of the massive vermillion snapper he caught.  His son, CJ (above right), landed an impressive yellow edge!  It's hard to say who out fished who in that situation.  Very impressive fish, gentlemen. 

This year, as locals and tourists alike celebrate our nation's 250th Independence Day, Bluewater Outriggers and I would like to wish you a fun and safe holiday weekend.  The photo of “uncle” David Payne (above center) shows the beauty of just one small portion of our great country and one iota of the many freedoms that we as Americans get to experience as one nation, under God.  

-Jeremiah Beasley