Fort Walton Beach Fishing Reports (May 2026)

Fort Walton Beach Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Fort Walton Beach

Jason Yates
Shalimar, Florida
Reported: 2 days ago

Mahi have been on fire 🔥

Jason Yates Shalimar, Florida Reported: 2 days ago

Mahi have been on fire 🔥

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Clay Hinton
Pensacola, Florida
Reported: 3 days ago

Inshore has been on fire with 4 inshore slams in the last 4 trips! Some stud flounder and bull reds mixed in as well. Dock lights have produced consistent trout after the sun sets

Clay Hinton Pensacola, Florida Reported: 3 days ago

Inshore has been on fire with 4 inshore slams in the last 4 trips! Some stud flounder and bull reds mixed in as well. Dock lights have produced consistent trout after the sun sets

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Heath Howle
Okaloosa Island, Florida
Reported: 3 days ago

Bull mingo bite has been on fire! Spade fish are everywhere and we've been finding some nice sized triggerfish!

Heath Howle Okaloosa Island, Florida Reported: 3 days ago

Bull mingo bite has been on fire! Spade fish are everywhere and we've been finding some nice sized triggerfish!

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Brandon Simon
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Reported: 3 days ago

The trout, redfish, and black drum have all been chewing down since May started. Had some amazing days on the water lately

Brandon Simon Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Reported: 3 days ago

The trout, redfish, and black drum have all been chewing down since May started. Had some amazing days on the water lately

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James Callahan
Pensacola, Florida
Reported: 3 days ago

James Callahan Pensacola, Florida Reported: 3 days ago

Pensacola — this week’s fishing report (early May)

Overview
- Strong, multi-area bite right now: surf, inshore/backwaters, nearshore reefs/wrecks and offshore all producing when conditions allow.
- Water temps are warming (upper 60s–low 70s reported), bait is moving in, and fish are active from the beach out to the wrecks and ledges.
- Wind and frontal passages will still create short weather windows — plan trips around calmer days.

What’s biting
- Surf / Beach: Pompano run in full swing (also whiting, some drum). Spanish mackerel are showing up along the beach; king mackerel will be more common as the month progresses.
- Pier: Spanish mackerel and early kings near mid-to-end of the pier; night fishing around lights can produce.
- Inshore / Bays / Flats: Big spotted trout and redfish are active on the flats and around grass edges; flounder and slot reds in some areas.
- Nearshore / Reefs & Wrecks: Vermilion (vermilion) snapper, amberjack, grouper and a steady reef/wreck bite. Mangrove snapper and scamp show on structure.
- Offshore / Deep-water: When weather permits, bottom fishing and deep drops are producing tilefish and solid bottom action. Trolling lanes are starting to produce kings in places.

Baits, tackle & techniques
- Surf: Bottom rigs with fresh shrimp or sand fleas for pompano/whiting; small jigs or gotcha plugs for Spanish.
- Pier: Cut bait for bottom species; live bait for kings and bigger pelagics.
- Inshore: Live shrimp, soft plastics, or topwater/traction plugs around bait pods and grass edges for trout and reds.
- Nearshore/Offshore: Sabiki rigs for tink

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Alex Hare
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Reported: 4 days ago

Bottom fishing been great catching amberjacks, red snappers, triggerfish, vermillion and black snappers

Alex Hare Fort Walton Beach, Florida Reported: 4 days ago

Bottom fishing been great catching amberjacks, red snappers, triggerfish, vermillion and black snappers

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Braden Coker
Pensacola, Florida
Reported: 5 days ago

Night bite is super hot right now. Trout and redfish. Daytime fishing has been producing a ton of Spanish mackerel and some bull reds showing up

Braden Coker Pensacola, Florida Reported: 5 days ago

Night bite is super hot right now. Trout and redfish.
Daytime fishing has been producing a ton of Spanish mackerel and some bull reds showing up

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Wayne Alexander
Niceville, Florida
Reported: 1 week ago

Vermilion snapper and red grouper bite has been great!

Wayne Alexander Niceville, Florida Reported: 1 week ago

Vermilion snapper and red grouper bite has been great!

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What's Biting in Fort Walton Beach

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★★★★★
Zack was extremely knowledgable and professional. I’d recommend his services to anyone looking to hunt game in the defuniak/Destin area, cheers mate!
Jacob B. | May 8, 2026

Trip: 4 Hour Quick Hog Hunt Package
★★★★★
Absolutely loved every minute with the family out there, and wouldn't have been possible without Jake and Tim. We can't wait to book again, thank you guys. Till next time!
Josiah R. | May 5, 2026

Trip: Fishing In Gulf Of America
★★★★★
Had a great day of fishing. Non stop reeling. Took my son, son-in-law, and 2 nephews. No got sick. The only problem we had was we were exhausted from reeling in the fish. Great problem.
William B. | May 3, 2026

Trip: Destin Trolling & Bottom Fishing
★★★★★
Kyle was a very skilled captain. Found many fish for us
Susan E. | April 30, 2026

Trip: Destin Trolling & Bottom Fishing
★★★★★
It doesn’t get any better than this trip with Colin! He put us on the fish! Check out the photos!
Virginia M. | April 29, 2026

Trip: 2-8 Hours Inshore Trip
★★★★★
Kyle and first mate Dan were awesome. They got us onto some great fishing. Caught limit on vermillion.
Don C. | April 24, 2026

Trip: Destin Fishing Trip
★★★★★
He’s a very good guide he put on on fish it was slow but but we all had fun he answered all the questions we had made us laugh all around a good experience and we are coming back again for another trip in the future
Anthony D. | April 21, 2026

Trip: Half Day Gulf Classics
★★★★★
The trip was amazing! Captain put us on the fish immediately and was consistent through out! Four of us on the trip and we all caught more than 2 fish! Had a 100+ lb fish on but line snapped. Was a great experience and would fish with them again!
David P. | April 18, 2026

Trip: Niceville Gulf Fishing
★★★★★
Although deckhand Larry was new to fishing, he was very friendly, kind, and helpful! Just what you want on an unfamiliar excursion! He also hooked all bait for me, appreciated it!
Ashley R. | April 16, 2026

Trip: Destin Offshore Fishing
★★★★★
We were a family of six with kids from 6-15. All had a great time. Boat was a good size for us beginners. Jake and Tim worked hard to help us have a memorable experience. We had no prior fishing experience, but they helped us get comfortable with what to do and then found us the fish to catch. I would highly recommend and would look to adventure with them again.
Adam S. | April 14, 2026

Trip: 3 Hr Kids Fishing Trip

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