Going to venture into saltwater for the first time

[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

[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.

[phatdaddy]

there is one on 79 right before you get to hwy98 called sunjammers ( i think). i have never been there, but have heard they are very helpful and well stocked. i live in town and go to howell on 98 in st andrews. half hitch is located on thomas drive past the navy base and before bay point.

the ramp at the city marina is a local favorite and tends to get a little crowed on the weeked. it has room to launch or retrieve 2 boats at once and nice finger piers on either side. be careful of how far you back down. the ramp is off the bottom about 4 feet, so if you back your wheels off the concrete, the trailer will bottom out. usually not a problem with boats under 20 ft and only in the winter when the tides are real low.

pd