Choctawhatchee Bay Fishing Reports (December 2025)

Robbie Broestler
Niceville, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

The giant sheep head are biting very well and given descent seas and a 5 hour trip or longer I'm catching some delicious red groupers in the gulf. Even a ruff day and to windy even in the bay to target sheephead, still catching delicious and fun fish.

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Robbie Broestler Niceville, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

The giant sheep head are biting very well and given descent seas and a 5 hour trip or longer I'm catching some delicious red groupers in the gulf. Even a ruff day and to windy even in the bay to target sheephead, still catching delicious and fun fish.

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Eric Wilkas
Panama City Beach, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

The Vermillion Snapper are biting! The red grouper has slowed down a little but still catching a couple each trip. The Amber Jack bite inshore and off has been great fun to catch and release. The inshore Redfish are shallow been sight fishing for them and the big trout are...

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Eric Wilkas Panama City Beach, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

The Vermillion Snapper are biting! The red grouper has slowed down a little but still catching a couple each trip. The Amber Jack bite inshore and off has been great fun to catch and release. The inshore Redfish are shallow been sight fishing for them and the big trout are starting to bite.

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Blake Hunter with Reel 30A Charters
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

The Pompano bite was great ahead of the full moon and the mild weather before the cold front came in. We were catching all of our fish on Fish bites and fresh dead shrimp.

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Blake Hunter with Reel 30A Charters Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

The Pompano bite was great ahead of the full moon and the mild weather before the cold front came in. We were catching all of our fish on Fish bites and fresh dead shrimp.

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Jeremy Vanderveen
Panama City Beach, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

Spring fishing is ramping up! Starting see the hering and threadfins moving inshore which means our Spanish will be here anytime. Starting to catch a few sheepshead at the jetties. Red Grouper and Vermillion snapper fishing have been great especially since dredge operation has moved Out along with the dirty...

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Jeremy Vanderveen Panama City Beach, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

Spring fishing is ramping up! Starting see the hering and threadfins moving inshore which means our Spanish will be here anytime. Starting to catch a few sheepshead at the jetties. Red Grouper and Vermillion snapper fishing have been great especially since dredge operation has moved Out along with the dirty water it created since October. Going to be a good year already have quite a few trips in the book

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Jeremy Vanderveen
Panama City Beach, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

Spring fishing is ramping up! Starting see the hering and threadfins moving inshore which means our Spanish will be here anytime. Starting to catch a few sheepshead at the jetties. Red Grouper and Vermillion snapper fishing have been great especially since dredge operation has moved Out along with the dirty...

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Jeremy Vanderveen Panama City Beach, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

Spring fishing is ramping up! Starting see the hering and threadfins moving inshore which means our Spanish will be here anytime. Starting to catch a few sheepshead at the jetties. Red Grouper and Vermillion snapper fishing have been great especially since dredge operation has moved Out along with the dirty water it created since October. Going to be a good year already have quite a few trips in the book.

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Joey Sauvageau
Destin, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

What’s Biting in Destin: Early Spring: At this time of the year, inshore fishing in Destin, Florida can yield a variety of fish species. Some common catches during this time of year may include: 1 Speckled Trout: Speckled trout are abundant in the inshore waters of Destin during the early...

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Joey Sauvageau Destin, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

What’s Biting in Destin: Early Spring: At this time of the year, inshore fishing in Destin, Florida can yield a variety of fish species. Some common catches during this time of year may include: 1 Speckled Trout: Speckled trout are abundant in the inshore waters of Destin during the early spring months. They can be found in shallow waters around grass flats, oyster bars, and sandy bottoms. 2 Redfish: Redfish, also known as red drum, are another popular target for inshore anglers in Destin. They are often found near marshy areas, mangroves, and oyster beds, particularly during the spring months. 3 Flounder: Flounder are commonly caught in the inshore waters of Destin, especially around sandy bottoms and near structures like docks and bridges. They are known for their unique flat body shape and can be targeted using bottom fishing techniques. 4 Sheepshead: Sheepshead are a favorite among inshore anglers in Destin, particularly around structures such as docks, jetties, and bridges. They are known for their sharp teeth and strong fighting ability. 5 Black Drum: Black drum can also be found in the inshore waters of Destin during the spring. They are often found near oyster beds, docks, and other structures, and can be targeted using a variety of baits and techniques. What’s Biting in Destin: Early Spring—- Overall, this time of the year offers excellent opportunities for inshore fishing in Destin, with a variety of species available to target. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, there’s plenty of action to be had in the beautiful waters of Destin, Florida.

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Eric Wilkas
Panama City Beach, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

Offshore in 100-120ft Red Grouper, Vermillion Snapper bite has been excellent! If you want to have fun after catching a few fish to eat the AmberJack fishing is great this time of year but out of season. A great way to finish up a trip getting your arms worn out!...

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Eric Wilkas Panama City Beach, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

Offshore in 100-120ft Red Grouper, Vermillion Snapper bite has been excellent! If you want to have fun after catching a few fish to eat the AmberJack fishing is great this time of year but out of season. A great way to finish up a trip getting your arms worn out! The Trout and Redfish are moving from the backs of creeks to the flats catching on soft plastic baits with a popping cork , and top water is just starting to get bites.

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Robbie Broestler
Niceville, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

February 2025 The offshore bite around Key West is absolutely red hot right now, with blackfin tuna and cobia stealing the show! Blackfin Tuna Frenzy The blackfin tuna action has been nothing short of spectacular. Schools of these torpedoes are stacking up along the edge of the reef and in...

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Robbie Broestler Niceville, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

February 2025 The offshore bite around Key West is absolutely red hot right now, with blackfin tuna and cobia stealing the show! Blackfin Tuna Frenzy The blackfin tuna action has been nothing short of spectacular. Schools of these torpedoes are stacking up along the edge of the reef and in deeper blue water, particularly around the humps and wrecks. Anglers live baiting with pilchards, threadfin herring, and small blue runners on light tackle are experiencing non-stop action. The key has been to chum heavy with live baits, creating a slick that pulls them right up to the boat. Once they’re fired up, it’s game on! Fish in the 15–25 lb range are common, with some larger bruisers mixed in. Light fluorocarbon leaders (20-30 lb) and small circle hooks are doing the trick, providing an epic fight that tests every inch of your gear. Cobia Crash the Party While targeting tuna, surprise visits from cobia have added to the excitement. These fish are cruising the same wrecks and structure, often trailing behind rays, sharks, and even alongside the tuna schools. They’re aggressive right now, smashing live baits like pinfish and pilchards without hesitation. Anglers are reporting cobia in the 20–40 lb class, with some true Key West giants pushing beyond that. Keep a pitch rod ready with a live bait hooked up because these fish often appear out of nowhere, especially when you’re chumming heavily. Tips for Success: • Chum Heavy: Live chumming with pilchards keeps both tuna and cobia around the boat.

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