Visit Pensacola
Seasonal Fishing Guide
Pensacola Beach & Perdido Key
Pensacola Beach, Florida, United States
Among many other amenities, Pensacola and Perdido Key offer year-round saltwater fishing if you know what to look for and how to target seasonal species. Here’s a guide to help you plan your fishing adventures based on the time of year.
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Summer Info:
May - August
Pensacola Beach, Florida, United States
During the summer, high water temperatures cause various species to move closer to shore. Beach fishermen often target Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Gulf Kingfish, and Red Drum using surf fishing rigs, Fish Gum, dead shrimp, and sand fleas. Offshore opportunities abound with Red Snapper, Lane Snapper, Amberjack, and the sought-after Cobia. Captains employ techniques such as bottom-dropping and trolling artificial baits to catch this delicious table fare. Inshore fishing offers Red Drum, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, and trout, with kayaking and bank walking along the bays being favorite methods for locals and visitors alike.
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Fall Info:
September - October
14202 Perdido Key Dr
Pensacola, FL
Monday:
Open 24 hours
Tuesday:
Open 24 hours
Wednesday:
Open 24 hours
Thursday:
Open 24 hours
Friday:
Open 24 hours
Saturday:
Open 24 hours
Sunday:
Open 24 hours
As temperatures cool, Mahi Mahi becomes an option for offshore charters. Inshore, Flounder, and Speckled Trout thrive in the cooler waters and appear in force for guides. Beach fishing transforms with the first of two annual pompano migrations. Pompano, often fetching $15 per pound at local seafood markets, is a prized catch. Booking a guide with professionals like Panhandle Salt Beach Fishing helps you catch these hard-fighting fish and ensures a great meal on your dinner plate.
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Winter/Spring Info:
January - April
133333 Johnson Beach Rd
Pensacola, FL
Monday:
5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday:
5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday:
5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday:
5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday:
5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday:
5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday:
5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Winter, also known as Snowbird Season, brings Sheepshead on and offshore, Redfish, Flounder, and Triggerfish. Beach fishing slows initially, offering fewer table fare opportunities but featuring large Black Drum in the surf, providing great photo ops and bragging rights. March sees another pompano migration, marking Pensacola's prime surf fishing season. Multiple beach fishing tournaments occur, with anglers lining the shores all day. Due to scattered fish concentrations, February is considered a "dead month" for saltwater fishing, but bass and crappie can be found in the freshwater lakes and rivers.