Santa Rosa Beach Fishing Reports (April 2025)

Santa Rosa Beach Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Santa Rosa Beach

Jordan Smith
Mary Esther, Florida
Reported: 1 week ago

Catch n release amberjack!

Kyle Lowe
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Reported: 4 weeks ago

Been seeing some very nice banjo triggerfish, there are some Spring time red groupers around and as always a bunch of vermillion snapper.

Kyle Lowe Fort Walton Beach, Florida Reported: 4 weeks ago

Been seeing some very nice banjo triggerfish, there are some Spring time red groupers around and as always a bunch of vermillion snapper.

Chris Mitchell
Destin, Florida
Reported: 4 weeks ago

Lots of Cinnsational Red Grouper ro catch but finding a keeper takes time and some lucky!!

Chris Mitchell Destin, Florida Reported: 4 weeks ago

Lots of Cinnsational Red Grouper ro catch but finding a keeper takes time and some lucky!!

Bob Stroupe
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Reported: 4 weeks ago

We caught some great fish red grouper, gag grouper, amber jack, red snapper, trigger and Mingo. Not all were in season so took pictures and released safely. Also could you add us to okaloosa island, fort Walton beach and destin area for search locations.

Bob Stroupe Fort Walton Beach, Florida Reported: 4 weeks ago

Eric Wilkas
Panama City Beach, Florida
Reported: 4 weeks ago

Eric Wilkas Panama City Beach, Florida Reported: 4 weeks ago

Trout bite has been good; they are moving out of the creeks out to the flats for spawning. The reds are in the pass and up shallow if you like to sight fish. Sheepshead are just starting to show up; the bite is still slow for them but should start getting excellent any day. Offshore Vermillion snapper has been excellent! We've been catching some triggers and a red grouper. The Amberjack is always a great way to finish up a trip of catching and releasing them

Mike Dates
Destin, Florida
Reported: 1 month ago

The offshore bite has been good in between fronts with plenty of Vermillion snapper and a handful of triggerfish and Scamp Grouper! We have also had a few catch and release trips, and the targeted species has been bigger fish like Amberjack pictured here. Your choice, exquisite table fare or...

Mike Dates Destin, Florida Reported: 1 month ago

Adam Schroeder
Niceville, Florida
Reported: 1 month ago

Sheephead bite it still hot

Max Williams
Panama City Beach, Florida
Reported: 1 month ago

Max Williams Panama City Beach, Florida Reported: 1 month ago

The Redfish are on fire right now. We've had consistent enough weather to pattern the fish, and the water is warming up enough to keep them active. Topwater plugs is my favorite way to target these fish right now, but I'll also use swim baits and jigs. The Red Grouper bite was on fire this last week with the couple of good weather days we had, and the Vermilion Snapper and Triggerfish have been consistent all month. Red Snapper and Amberjack are easy to find, but until their season, we'll keep targeting other species. Spanish Mackerel are starting to get caught in the bay, but I expect it to be April 1st before the bite fires off.

More Reports »

Target Species

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Show 54 more species

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Need a Place to Stay?

What's Biting in Santa Rosa Beach

Blake Hunter

04/20/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Blake Hunter

04/20/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Blake Hunter

04/20/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Nick Tate

02/27/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Nick Tate

02/27/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Nick Tate

02/27/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Nick Tate

02/27/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Blake Hunter

02/20/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Blake Hunter

02/20/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Stephen Hess

01/19/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Stephen Hess

01/19/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Stephen Hess

01/19/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Stephen Hess

01/19/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Nick Tate

01/17/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Nick Tate

01/17/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Nick Tate

01/17/2025

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

★★★★★
Captain JT was awesome! Boat is super clean. Our day was very windy, so JT improvised and kept us close to the shore. Still caught a bunch of fish, even a couple big Red Fish. Kids had a blast. Would definitely recommend.
Eric S. | March 27, 2025

Trip: Half Day Trip - 22' Cape Horn
★★★★★
Gulf was a little cold for the shark bite, but the spanish mackerel were jumping all over! Captain John was great at communicating his plans leading up to the trip and made it his mission to make sure we caught plenty of fish and more importantly have fun! Would definitely book with Captain John again, and hope to again when we make it back to Florida!
Jeremy P. | March 27, 2025

Trip: Panama City Shark Spectacular
★★★★★
Captain JT was awesome! Boat is super clean. Our day was very windy, so JT improvised and kept us close to the shore. Still caught a bunch of fish, even a couple big Red Fish. Kids had a blast. Would definitely recommend.
Eric S. | March 27, 2025

Trip: Half Day Trip - 22' Cape Horn
★★★★★
Gulf was a little cold for the shark bite, but the spanish mackerel were jumping all over! Captain John was great at communicating his plans leading up to the trip and made it his mission to make sure we caught plenty of fish and more importantly have fun! Would definitely book with Captain John again, and hope to again when we make it back to Florida!
Jeremy P. | March 27, 2025

Trip: Panama City Shark Spectacular
★★★★★
Brandon was the perfect guide with our crew of kids (ages 9-13). Brandon and Chris were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and patient. They kept everyone engaged and entertained for our 2 hour trip, which can be tricky with kids. Big plus that he is Purdue guy too!
Elizabeth A. | April 14, 2025

Trip: 30A Kid’s Trip
★★★★★
Fernando and Ivan were fantastic. They set everything up and educated all of the kids on the sharks and the bait we were using. We caught a 7 foot Bull Shark and an 8 foot lemon shark. Memories for a lifetime.
Dan H. | April 11, 2025

Trip: Shark Fishing Miramar Beach
★★★★★
We were looking for a fun relaxed trip to introduce our boys to fishing. Jon was awesome! He’s laid back, patient and good with kids. He has a great personality for his job. We saw dolphins playing, a sea turtle, and beautiful beach scenery. He knew where and how to find fish. Jon’s trip right before ours came back with loads of fish. We didn’t get as many- but the fish were just an added bonus to what was a fun boat ride to see what we could catch. Our boys loved it!!
Lori T. | April 10, 2025

Trip: 2-Hour Kids Trip - 26’ Pathfinder
★★★★★
Excellent trip. Captain Brandon was outstanding.
Zachary S. | April 10, 2025

Trip: 30A 4 Hour Inshore Trip
★★★★★
Great time and excellent fisherman!! Thank you, Captain Robbie!
Cassie W. | April 9, 2025

Trip: Destin Surf Fishing Trip
★★★★★
I guess the best thing I can say is when we come back, if we’re fishing on the Gulf, we’re going with Kyle. His First Mate Ben did a great job helping us out as well. Thanks Kyle
Karekin C. | April 8, 2025

Trip: Destin Trolling & Bottom Fishing
★★★★★
Captain Greg provided an exceptional fishing experience for our family yesterday! He was incredibly patient and engaging with my two grandchildren, making sure they had a fantastic time. His knowledge of the local fishing spots was impressive, and his skills as a captain were evident throughout the trip. We caught plenty of fish, and the entire outing was smooth and enjoyable. We would absolutely recommend Captain Greg and will definitely be fishing with him again in the future!
Paul B. | April 2, 2025

Trip: Kids Fishing - 25’ Sea Born
★★★★★
Captain Jordan was great and got us on some huge Amberjack and Red Grouper! He told us exactly what we were going to catch and how we were going to catch’em! Captain Jordan delivers!!!
Wade W. | April 2, 2025

Trip: Gulf Fishing Fun - 22’ Cape Horn CC
★★★★★
Captain JT was awesome! Boat is super clean. Our day was very windy, so JT improvised and kept us close to the shore. Still caught a bunch of fish, even a couple big Red Fish. Kids had a blast. Would definitely recommend.
Eric S. | March 27, 2025

Trip: Half Day Trip - 22' Cape Horn
★★★★★
Gulf was a little cold for the shark bite, but the spanish mackerel were jumping all over! Captain John was great at communicating his plans leading up to the trip and made it his mission to make sure we caught plenty of fish and more importantly have fun! Would definitely book with Captain John again, and hope to again when we make it back to Florida!
Jeremy P. | March 27, 2025

Trip: Panama City Shark Spectacular
★★★★★
Brandon was the perfect guide with our crew of kids (ages 9-13). Brandon and Chris were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and patient. They kept everyone engaged and entertained for our 2 hour trip, which can be tricky with kids. Big plus that he is Purdue guy too!
Elizabeth A. | April 14, 2025

Trip: 30A Kid’s Trip
★★★★★
Fernando and Ivan were fantastic. They set everything up and educated all of the kids on the sharks and the bait we were using. We caught a 7 foot Bull Shark and an 8 foot lemon shark. Memories for a lifetime.
Dan H. | April 11, 2025

Trip: Shark Fishing Miramar Beach
★★★★★
Brandon was the perfect guide with our crew of kids (ages 9-13). Brandon and Chris were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and patient. They kept everyone engaged and entertained for our 2 hour trip, which can be tricky with kids. Big plus that he is Purdue guy too!
Elizabeth A. | April 14, 2025

Trip: 30A Kid’s Trip
★★★★★
Fernando and Ivan were fantastic. They set everything up and educated all of the kids on the sharks and the bait we were using. We caught a 7 foot Bull Shark and an 8 foot lemon shark. Memories for a lifetime.
Dan H. | April 11, 2025

Trip: Shark Fishing Miramar Beach