When we can get offshore, we have been getting our limit of vermillion. Then, catch and release Amberjack inshore was good for sheepshead, but slowing after the spawn. Mackerel have shown up along with some bait schools Kings should be right behind.
When we can get offshore, we have been getting our limit of vermillion. Then, catch and release Amberjack inshore was good for sheepshead, but slowing after the spawn. Mackerel have shown up along with some bait schools Kings should be right behind.
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...
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.
Redfish, black drum, and speckled trout have been biting like crazy in the second half of the incoming tide. Shrimp under popping corks or natural colored soft plastics have been getting the job done. This was from Wednesday, lost count of how many fish we caught before we were an hour into it!
Redfish, black drum, and speckled trout have been biting like crazy in the second half of the incoming tide. Shrimp under popping corks or natural colored soft plastics have been getting the job done. This was from Wednesday, lost count of how many fish we caught before we were an hour into it!
This is from dec but they are just starting to show back up with the blackfin tuna in close.
8 over 100# were caught on the piers (Pcola & Navarre )
And 3 by boat,
Hooked ours around 7am , fought for a hr 15 min , at the end the angler just felt " dead weight " , we thought maybe it got 🦈 sharked, but it actually had a heart attack and was dead as a door nail!!!!
150# on a certified ifga scale, hooked it in 35ft , landed in 40ft. Crazy stuff!
Matthew M.
Pensacola Beach, FloridaReported 5 months ago
This is from dec but they are just starting to show back up with the blackfin tuna in close.
8 over 100# were caught on the piers (Pcola & Navarre )
And 3 by boat,
Hooked ours around 7am , fought for a hr 15 min , at the end the angler just felt " dead weight " , we thought maybe it got 🦈 sharked, but it actually had a heart attack and was dead as a door nail!!!!
150# on a certified ifga scale, hooked it in 35ft , landed in 40ft. Crazy stuff!
Inshore: Flounder are being found around inlets, sandy cuts, docks, bridge pilings, and along channel edges. Mud minnows or finger mullet on a jighead or Carolina rig are producing best. Work the bait slowly along the bottom with short hops and pauses. Sheepshead and black drum are holding tight to structure, especially piers, bridges, rock jetties, and barnacle-covered docks. Offshore: Snapper and grouper (season-dependent) are stacked on structure such as natural bottom, ledges, and wrecks. Live pinfish, vermilion, squid strips, and cut bait are all effective—be mindful of current and use enough weight to stay on bottom. Pelagics like mahi,...
Inshore: Flounder are being found around inlets, sandy cuts, docks, bridge pilings, and along channel edges. Mud minnows or finger mullet on a jighead or Carolina rig are producing best. Work the bait slowly along the bottom with short hops and pauses. Sheepshead and black drum are holding tight to structure, especially piers, bridges, rock jetties, and barnacle-covered docks. Offshore: Snapper and grouper (season-dependent) are stacked on structure such as natural bottom, ledges, and wrecks. Live pinfish, vermilion, squid strips, and cut bait are all effective—be mindful of current and use enough weight to stay on bottom. Pelagics like mahi, wahoo, and tuna (season-dependent) are showing along rips, temperature breaks, weed lines, and color changes. Rigged ballyhoo and skirted trolling lures are working well; if fish are up, topwater action can be hot. Troll the edges and circle back to thoroughly work any floating debris.
Bottom fishing has been hot for Nov & Dec .
We have a good consistent black fin run every fall to spring or so here in the panhandle. For the last 5 or 6 years, anyway.
This year, some 100-150# yellowfins came in with the blackfins, 2 were landed on Pensacola pier. About 10 or so were hooked on the pier, fought for 3 to 5 hours on spinning gear, and lost at the pier.
Matthew M.
Pensacola Beach, FloridaReported 6 months ago
Bottom fishing has been hot for Nov & Dec .
We have a good consistent black fin run every fall to spring or so here in the panhandle. For the last 5 or 6 years, anyway.
This year, some 100-150# yellowfins came in with the blackfins, 2 were landed on Pensacola pier. About 10 or so were hooked on the pier, fought for 3 to 5 hours on spinning gear, and lost at the pier.
We went out with Daniel who was a great guide! He put us onto fish very quickly and we caught a lot of fish. Daniel was very knowledgeable and I would certainly recommend him for a fishing trip.
One of the best of guides i've experienced in a while. He's has a down to earth attitude and was able to maintain a great balance of working with kids and adults. Tyler put us in the right places to produce a lot of great memories for my son and myself while we were out on the water. 10 outta 10; would recommend.
We had an amazing time fishing with Lance in Pensacola Bay. He put us on the exact fish we asked to pursue and couldn’t have had a better time. Highly recommend. 10 out of 10.
Captain Lance did a Great job n a less than perfect environment. Wind was up and we just missed our limit. Knowledge is everything and Captain Lance has it. My son and I will definitely be back soon. Thanks Captain Lance. Whit and Griff
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