Episode Three
This week, a hot tip leads to a full throttle as Capt. Justin Leake and friend speed down the Intracoastal Waterway in search of a boiling topwater bite.
Justin is joined by Capt. Kyle Pitts, a local fishing guide who has heard reports of huge schools of jack crevalle attacking baitfish in the bay. One of Florida’s most underrated gamefish, jacks give anglers all the fight they can handle. “This is full contact fishing,” says Justin.
The age-old relationship between predator and prey is one key to finding fish in open water, explains Capt. Travis Holeman. Jacks drive baitfish to the surface where pelicans and other birds crash them from the air. It’s these telltale signs – diving birds and boiling water – that help guide anglers to the hotspots. “You have to be ready to move,” says Travis.
While Justin and Kyle wear themselves out on the water, Travis steps out of the boat and into the ring for a “virtual” fight of his own at one of Panama City Beach’s most popular and interactive attractions, NextGen VR.