Mary Esther Fishing Reports (May 2026)

Wayne A.
Niceville, Florida
Reported 1 day ago

Not a bad start to the season. Red snapper opened yesterday in our area and will go through to the end of July. It will also open back up in September and then on the weekends October November, December.

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Wayne A. Niceville, Florida Reported 1 day ago

Not a bad start to the season. Red snapper opened yesterday in our area and will go through to the end of July. It will also open back up in September and then on the weekends October November, December.

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Kent P.
DeFuniak Springs, Florida
Reported 3 days ago

The snapper bite is on fire, opens tomorrow the 22nd Got a wahoo last week on a 10hr offshore trolling and another one this week on a 10hr offshore trolling and some mahi

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Kent P. DeFuniak Springs, Florida Reported 3 days ago

The snapper bite is on fire, opens tomorrow the 22nd
Got a wahoo last week on a 10hr offshore trolling and another one this week on a 10hr offshore trolling and some mahi

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Kent P.
DeFuniak Springs, Florida
Reported 1 week ago

Snapper season starts may 22, we're getting dozens chumed up, several got back to the reef and popped off,

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Kent P. DeFuniak Springs, Florida Reported 1 week ago

Snapper season starts may 22, we're getting dozens chumed up, several got back to the reef and popped off,

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Tyler M.
Pensacola, Florida
Reported 1 week ago

Offshore fishing has been great! Plenty of Vermillion snapper, triggerfish and a few scamp grouper. Red snapper season opens up May 22nd for the inshore/nearshore boats and June 1st for the Offshore boats

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Tyler M. Pensacola, Florida Reported 1 week ago

Offshore fishing has been great! Plenty of Vermillion snapper, triggerfish and a few scamp grouper. Red snapper season opens up May 22nd for the inshore/nearshore boats and June 1st for the Offshore boats

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Jason Y.
Shalimar, Florida
Reported 2 weeks ago

Mahi have been on fire 🔥

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Jason Y. Shalimar, Florida Reported 2 weeks ago

Mahi have been on fire 🔥

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Clay H.
Pensacola, Florida
Reported 2 weeks 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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Clay H. Pensacola, Florida Reported 2 weeks 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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Brandon S.
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Reported 2 weeks 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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Brandon S. Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Reported 2 weeks 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 C.
Pensacola, Florida
Reported 2 weeks 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...

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James C. Pensacola, Florida Reported 2 weeks 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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