Going to venture into saltwater for the first time

[saxrulez]

Originally Posted by phatdaddy

if you are coming down 79, you can launch at west bay bridge. there is a new, nice public ramp under the south side of the ramp. you would have a 15-20 mile run to the pass(one-way). if you launch at west bay, that is real close to some of the hottest trout & redfishing in the bay. this time of year, the afternoon showers seem to pop up north of the bay and drift down into town, so you have to keep a sharp weather eye out up there. they hardly ever reach shell island, so island time is a good idea right now.

as far as the bimini rip, dental floss does wonders

pd

Would you mind recommending a tackle shop as well? I'd like to stop by one on my way to the bay to pick up the basics for catching some spanish mackeral, trout, and/or redfish and of course get their advice on good spots! I only own freshwater stuff right now. I am leaning towards launching at the Panama City Marina right now.