AUTHOR
NOTES
Seasonal Action Heats Up Across Inshore, Nearshore, and Offshore Waters
Pensacola Bay - Santa Rosa, FL
Inshore: The inshore bite around Pensacola is heating up as water temperatures continue to rise. Redfish and speckled trout are showing strong activity in the early mornings and late afternoons, especially around grass flats and dock structures in Big Lagoon and Escambia Bay. Live shrimp and soft plastics are producing solid action. Sheepshead have mostly thinned out after their spring spawn, but a few can still be found near pilings and bridge structures.
Nearshore & Offshore: The nearshore reefs are holding a variety of species, with Spanish mackerel and kingfish cruising just off the beaches. Trolling with spoons and dusters rigged with cigar minnows has been effective. Offshore anglers are seeing steady action with amberjack and triggerfish on the deeper wrecks. Red snapper season is just around the corner, so now’s the time to prep your gear for one of the Gulf’s most popular fisheries.
Surf & Pier: Pensacola Beach surf anglers are catching pompano, whiting, and the occasional bluefish using sand fleas and fish bites. The Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is producing slot-sized redfish and Spanish mackerel, especially during tide changes. Morning hours remain best for lighter crowds and active fish.
Overall Outlook: Conditions are excellent heading into late spring. With baitfish pushing closer to shore and warmer water temps, expect a steady increase in activity across all zones. Whether you’re casting from shore or heading offshore, now is a great time to fish Pensacola.