The weather was great last month and so was the fishing aboard the Reel Commocean! Cobia fishing along the Panama City Beach coast has been active with some groups landing fish in the 40 to 50-pound range. There were plenty of smiles and tired arms after hauling those fish onto the boat. Spanish mackerel have also been active close to shore and we’ve had great luck getting on top of those with our shorter trips.
Red grouper season just opened and can provide some great fishing action as well as great eating. Fishing for grouper is always a favorite of our many guests aboard the Reel Commocean who enjoy the fruits of their “labor” on our fishing trips. For those who have taken a trip with us, you know it’s anything but “labor” while you’re out on the water.
If you’re looking to book an upcoming trip, Spanish mackerel and bonita will all be active along the shore, and there’s still time to get in on some great cobia fishing. The views are great while we sight-fish down the beach along the sandbar and tempting the cobia with live eels or artificial jigs.
Amberjack are also open for fishing right now and with the water rapidly warming up, they’re starting to show up in good numbers around the many wrecks located in deeper water just off the Panama City Beach coast. Red grouper, vermillion snapper and triggerfish will also be found on our longer trips. And you never know what else!
Call us today and let Capt. Phillip show you and your group a great time aboard the Reel Commocean. We know the waters well and you’re guaranteed to cruise in comfort aboard our well-equipped vessel. Thanks to all the groups that came out last month. We sure had a great time! And we look forward to meeting some new friends on our Panama City Beach fishing excursions soon!

Fish of the Month: Red Grouper

Red Grouper like to hang out on hard bottoms and we often find them in deeper water around wreck sites. They typically spawn in April and May in water temperatures between 66 and 77 degrees F. They can live for up to 25 years and feature a diet of squid, crustaceans and other fish.

The Florida state record for Red Grouper is 42 lbs. 4 oz.

Blackened Grouper recipe:
1 tbl. all purpose flour
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. powdered thyme
1/2 tsp. powdered oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. freshly ground white pepper
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. freshly ground paprika
1 lb. red grouper fillets skinned
4 tbl. melted butter
1 tbl. oil for frying

Combine the flour and spices and mix well. Brush the grouper with the melted butter and rub on the spice/flour mix. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet until pan is very hot. Add coated grouper and cook about three minutes per side. Enjoy your freshly-caught Panama City Beach blackened grouper. It doesn’t get any better than that!