Okaloosa Island Fishing Reports (April 2026)

Okaloosa Island Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Okaloosa Island

Heath Howle
Okaloosa Island, Florida
Reported: 2 weeks ago

Water temps are rising and the bite is turning on! Vermillion snapper are beginning to be plentiful and red grouper have been showing up in good numbers. Trigger fish are plentiful as well, but you have to fish through the shorts to get the keepers! As the weather continues to...

Heath Howle Okaloosa Island, Florida Reported: 2 weeks ago

Scroll for more

Sam Yozviak with Salty Sam’s Charters
Okaloosa Island, Florida
Reported: 3 weeks ago

Everyone caught fish!

Sam Yozviak with Salty Sam’s Charters Okaloosa Island, Florida Reported: 3 weeks ago

Everyone caught fish!

Scroll for more

Robert Fulton
Destin, Florida
Reported: 3 weeks ago

Good bite!

Robert Fulton Destin, Florida Reported: 3 weeks ago

Good bite!

Scroll for more

James Callahan
Pensacola, Florida
Reported: 3 weeks ago

James Callahan Pensacola, Florida Reported: 3 weeks ago

Pensacola — Fishing Report for March
Overview
- Fish activity: HIGH (local forecasts/solunar sites)
- Top targets: Large female spotted/seatrout on the shallow flats and sight-fishable redfish along the beaches.
Offshore - good opportunities for open-water species (wahoo, swordfish) during this late‑March transition.
Where and how to fish
- Shallow flats (inshore: Focus on large female trout in shallow flats. Typical approaches: live shrimp or small baitfish presentations and soft plastics around grass edges and shallow potholes; sight‑casting on calm days is productive.
- Beaches and nearshore flats: Sight fish for redfish along sandbars and back of the beach troughs — sight casting with shrimp, topwater plugs, or jerkbaits when you can see wakes or tailing fish.
- Offshore/open water: Late‑March offshore bite is developing — opportunities for wahoo and swordfish. Expect trolling or deep‑water techniques for open‑water pelagics.
Tips
- Fish tides and solunar peaks for best action; check exact tide times for your launch spot.
- Calm, clear conditions favor sight‑fishing for reds and trout — approach quietly and watch for tails/wakes.

Scroll for more

Jake Durant with Gulf Bay Charters
Pensacola, Florida
Reported: 3 weeks ago

Both inshore and offshore bites are finally looking like spring!

Jake Durant with Gulf Bay Charters Pensacola, Florida Reported: 3 weeks ago

Both inshore and offshore bites are finally looking like spring!

Scroll for more

Patrick Riggs
Destin, Florida
Reported: 3 weeks ago

A couple of pics from the last couple of trips

Patrick Riggs Destin, Florida Reported: 3 weeks ago

A couple of pics from the last couple of trips

Scroll for more

Tim Baxter with T and T Enterprises of Destin
Destin, Florida
Reported: 3 weeks ago

Fish are biting good on 4-6 hr trips, Red Grouper, vermillion snapper, and trigger fish are the targets right now

Tim Baxter with T and T Enterprises of Destin Destin, Florida Reported: 3 weeks ago

Fish are biting good on 4-6 hr trips, Red Grouper, vermillion snapper, and trigger fish are the targets right now

Scroll for more

Robbie Broestler
Niceville, Florida
Reported: 3 weeks ago

I get and see has the Spanish mackerel here in our bay and pass any day now. The pompano migration will show here in just a few more days as well. We have been catching sheephead of world class size and good Gulf bottom fish like scamp grouper, red grouper,...

Robbie Broestler Niceville, Florida Reported: 3 weeks ago

I get and see has the Spanish mackerel here in our bay and pass any day now. The pompano migration will show here in just a few more days as well.
We have been catching sheephead of world class size and good Gulf bottom fish like scamp grouper, red grouper, and vermillion snapper lately.

Scroll for more

« Newer Reports

More Reports »

Need a Place to Stay?

What's Biting in Okaloosa Island

« Previous

★★★★★
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
★★★★★
We had an amazing trip with the kids. A lot of action, everyone caught a handful of fish and had a blast. We brought home 30+ fish and had an amazing dinner. Couldn’t recommend more - we’d love to run it back on our next trip!
Jim P. | April 12, 2026

Trip: Destin Spring Special
★★★★★
10/10 great time. We took our 3 kids and their friend on 6 hr charter. Cliff and Austin are a great team. We kept Austin busy baiting our hooks and taking off the 48 fish we caught. Cliff took us down the shoreline and we stopped at all his favorite fishing holes. We caught numerous vermillion snapper and trigger fish. We caught a Bonita trolling through the inlet. Every fish we pulled up put up a great fight , our arms were tired bye the end of the day. I would definitely recommend taking Dramamine before you get on the boat and wear rubber sole shoes so you don’t slide around if boat is rocking. Bring snacks. We wore our sun shirts over our swimsuits and were comfortable. The early morning ride out of the harbor had us all in sweatshirts and pants. Lots of memories were made. Thank you
Erin Z. | April 12, 2026

Trip: Destin Deep Sea Adventure
★★★★★
David is great. Wonderful time.
Todd B. | April 10, 2026

Trip: Bay Fishing Trips
★★★★★
We had such a great trip! Captain Gavin had us on fish all day, and Cayden worked his tail off making sure we all were rigged up and had lines in the water at all times. The boat was very comfortable for our group of 8. We will fish with them again next time we are in Destin. Thanks again for a great trip!
Paul C. | April 10, 2026

Trip: Destin Spring Special
★★★★★
Our trip was great. Even though we couldn’t go into the Gulf because of very rough waters Captain Steve put us on some fish inshore while trolling. Myself and the kids had a blast. Captain Steve was very knowledgeable and personable as well. I would definitely recommend their operation to others.
Kevin K. | April 9, 2026

Trip: State Water Trolling/Bottom Fishing
★★★★★
Amazing day fishing with Jordan catching Spanish mackerel and trout!
Richard B. | April 8, 2026

Trip: Fishing The Florida Panhandle
★★★★★
I had two grandsons with me and the captain and crew were phenomenal. They took what should have been a bad day die to winds and turned it into a memory for the boys. I am glad we chose Jason and his team.
Jeffrey E. | April 7, 2026

Trip: State Water Trolling/Bottom Fishing

Top Fishing Trips in Okaloosa Island

Deep Sea Fishing in Pensacola Beach

Trolling And Bottom Fishing

100% (6) Guided by Kenny

27 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,600

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Pensacola

Shallow Water Sight Fishing

100% (11) Guided by Lance

25 ft 1 - 2 People From $600

Inshore, River, Flats in Santa Rosa Beach

Fisherman’s Special

100% (25) Guided by Trey

22 ft 1 - 6 People From $650

Damn Good

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Destin

Destin Offshore Fishing

100% (13) Guided by Patrick

34 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100

Veteran Operated

This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.

Nearshore Fishing in Gulf Breeze

Bottom Fishing Trips

100% (1) Guided by Michael

24 ft 1 - 8 People From $799

Damn Good

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.