Giant Tuna, Wahoo & Grouper: Best of the Northwest Florida Fishing Report

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya looks back at some of the best recent conversations from across the Gulf Coast, including Capt. King Marchand of Capt. Mike's Deep Sea Fishing, Capt. Branden Collier of Capt Collier Charters, Tanner Deas of Dauphin Island Fishing Charters, Dylan Kiene aka Dr. Doormat, Brandon Barton of Emerald Waters Kayak Charters, Capt. Harris Scruggs of Triple B Fishing Charters, Capt. Justin Leake of Panama City Inshore, and Capt. John Ward of Sea Tow Destin. Capt. King breaks down the live-bait and live-chumming tactics that produced a 209-pound yellowfin tuna, including the small circle hooks that have improved his landing percentage and why bigger tuna may require significantly more live chum to trigger a bite. Joe and Butch also revisit a Panama City grouper trip with Branden, Tanner, and Dylan, where patience, tough live baits, slack-line presentations, and learning how fish relate to low-relief natural bottom made the difference. Justin explains how live chum, light fluorocarbon, and moving water can produce oversized fall Spanish mackerel, while Brandon discusses the challenges of fighting big snapper and grouper from a kayak, including drag settings, rod length, leader length, and keeping fish out of structure. Harris covers an early-fall wahoo bite around Panama City, with fish caught surprisingly close to shore while trolling over productive water and natural bottom. The episode also revisits Capt. John Ward's breakdown of what an unexpected boat tow can actually cost and the difference a towing membership can make. To close things out, Brandon shares an unusual triple-tail encounter, and Justin explains how kite fishing with live bait can turn windy fall conditions into opportunities for sailfish, mahi, kings, and other pelagics. Sponsors: Pike Consulting EMS Endeck PVC Decking Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Admiral Shellfish Coastal Connection EXP Realty - Abaco Orange Beach SlipSki Solutions Deep South Cranes KillerDock Hilton's Realtime Navigator