The name Perdido Key comes from Spanish, meaning “the lost key,” but this town is simply unmissable. Stretching 16 miles across the Gulf Coast, it certainly offers plenty of opportunities to lose yourself, however. Hit stunning sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and take in incredible views. Add a Perdido Key fishing adventure to the mix, and you’ll feel like you’re in dreamland – lost to the world!
Wherever you look, you’ll see water, with the key surrounded on all sides by productive saltwater fishing grounds. There are plenty of spots for you to wet your line inshore. The deep waters of the Gulf offer tempting offshore opportunities, too. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fishing in Perdido Key to set you on course for your next voyage.
Best Fish to Catch in Perdido Key
Be it Redfish, Snappers, Wahoo, or Mahi Mahi, Perdido Key fishing is all about options. More than just a town, this barrier island is brimming with fish. From the grassy beds and mangroves to the reefs and depths, there’s no shortage of angling action. So let’s see what you can go after!
Redfish and Spotted Seatrout
From the Keys to the Mexican border, there are two fish that dominate the Gulf’s inshore fishery. Redfish and Speckled Trout are like two peas in a pod! Plus, they come in all shapes and sizes in Perdido Key.
Whether you’re going after something for dinner or want to push your strength to the limit, these fish have something for you. Target “Bull” Reds for a real battle or smaller ones to take home. Meanwhile, all kinds of Trout will provide plenty of action along with a reward to savor at the end of the day.
And that’s not all you can catch while fishing in Perdido Key! You’ll find plenty tough-fighting creatures in the Big Lagoon, Old River, and nearby bays. Flounder, Jack Crevalle, Sheepshead, and many more exciting fish will be biting in the shallows.
Bluefish and Pompano
Two species that don’t usually make the A list of fish, Bluefish and Pompano deserve an honorable mention when discussing Perdido Key fishing. These creatures often show up when the action is thinning out. Bluefish are available year-round and Pompano are peaking in fall and summer.
Not only that, but they’re also ubiquitous when fishing from shore. Hit the beaches or the jetties and you’ll most likely find Bluefish or Pompano at the end of your line. Dead shrimp and sand flies are the best bait, but artificial lures can work just as well when the fish are schooling.
When the season is right, you can combine a Bluefish and Pompano trip with targeting Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, and even Sharks, so there’s never any shortage of action!
Snappers (and Groupers)
Every angler’s attention is drawn to the elusive Red Snapper when they think about fishing the Gulf of Mexico. Located in Florida’s Panhandle, fishing in Perdido Key is no different. These dazzling, delicious, and fierce creatures are on every angler’s bucket list. However, they’re subject to strict seasons – in both federal and state waters. If you want a chance of landing one, you’d better come in summer.
While Perdido Key goes Red Snapper mad in summer, there are plenty of other just-as-tasty Snapper species year-round. Go after Mangrove Snapper inshore, with Vermillion, Lane and many other Snappers offering some action on the reefs.
Where there are Snappers in the Gulf, there are Groupers. While not as attractive as their neighbors, they make for incredible table fare. They also know how to put up a fight. Gag Grouper are the most popular catch along the reefs. However, Scamp, Red, and deep water Snowy Groupers are exciting to target, too.
Cobia and Amberjack
If you’re fishing the reefs or deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, chances are you’ll come across Cobia and Amberjack. These two monsters are stalwarts of Florida’s fishing scene, and are popular with all kinds of Perdido Key anglers.
Growing to incredible sizes the further out you go, they’ll feast on the reefs. Once hooked, they’re sure to put up a fight. Try bottom fishing around structure or trolling the open waters, and there’s always the chance that you’ll land one of these beauties.
They also taste mighty fine! So, get ready to try your hardest and you could head back to shore with enough fish to fill the freezer.
Mahi Mahi and Wahoo
If that wasn’t enough to convince you to go fishing in Perdido Key, then maybe the lure of a deep sea fishing trip will do it. Heading out deep into the Gulf will require a long journey, but it’ll be worth it as you come up against strong creatures such as Mahi Mahi and Wahoo.
Trolling will entice the bite of these monsters. Get ready for a fight like no other when you hear the reels screech! While Mahi Mahi and Wahoo are two of the more common catches in the deep, you can also get your hands on scrumptious Yellowfin Tuna, majestic Marlin, and stunning Sailfish, too.
These trips aren’t for the faint-hearted, though. Get ready for choppy waters rocking the boat, and a fight that could take you overboard. Strap yourself into the fighting chair, and use all your strength to land that trophy catch.
How to Go Fishing in Perdido Key
Life pretty much revolves around fishing in Perdido Key. It’s no surprise, then, that there are plenty of ways for you to wet your line. From the surf to the deep waters offshore, there’s something for everyone. Here’s our pick of how to get your fish on.
Charter Fishing
To make the most of the wealth of fishing grounds out of Perdido Key, you’ll need a fishing charter. Whether you want to get to the heart of the lagoon, hit the reefs, head offshore, or combine them all, there’s an experienced captain waiting to take you away.
You’ll find everything you need for a productive day on board, with all rods, reels, and bait provided, and the captain will tailor the experience to your needs. Let them know where you want to go, and they’ll stop at nothing to get you on the fish. They’ll help beginners land their first catch. And, they’ll take pros to the sweet spots to fulfill their fishing dreams. Simply put, nothing can compare to a Perdido Key fishing charter.
Surf and Pier Fishing
The whole Panhandle boasts great surf and pier fishing opportunities, but nowhere does it quite as well as Perdido Key. The whole town is one long stretch of beach that separates the inshore lagoons from the Gulf’s open waters.
Bring your own gear or rent some from one of the numerous stores that dot the coastline, and set up camp for the day. You can bring the whole family and cast away from the golden beaches, or head to the nearest Perdido Key fishing pier and get your fill of Pompano, Mackerel, Bluefish, Redfish, Trout, and even Sharks.
Kayak Fishing
If you find yourself on one of the beaches or jetties, then there’s a fun way to get out on the water, too. Kayak and paddleboard fishing are the latest trends, and they offer anglers the chance to test their skills in a different way.
Head out along the calm waters of the lagoons and hit the spots that no other angler can get to, and cast away. You certainly won’t spook the fish below as you creep up on them gently. However, you’ll need an incredible amount of skill to maneuver your line. Thankfully, there are plenty of kayak and paddleboard fishing guides in Perdido Key. They’re always ready to take you out and teach you the ropes.
Party Boat Fishing
The antithesis to the peace and quiet of surf and kayak fishing, party boat fishing in Perdido Key will see you join dozens of other anglers. Aboard a large vessel, you’ll set sail to some of the prime reef fishing spots. Once you reach your destination, hook your fill of delicious fish to take home.
This option is much cheaper than a charter, and gives individual anglers the chance to join in with like-minded fishermen and women on a fun day out. You may not get the personal touch of a charter, but you’ll still get to witness the best of nearshore fishing.
Most head boats depart from Pensacola or on the Alabamian side of Perdido Bay, but they’re just a stone’s throw from town!
Perdido Key Fishing Spots
Now that you know how to go about fishing in Perdido Key, the next thing you’ll want to know is where to go. Whether on foot, in a kayak, or aboard a charter vessel, there are plenty of prime hunting grounds for you to seek out. Here are some of our favorites:
- Big Lagoon State Park. On the northern shore of the Big Lagoon, this green area offers unfettered access to the grassy flats and mangroves. It’s a great spot for shore fishing and for pushing out the kayak!
- Perdido Key Bridge. Not to be confused with Perdido Pass Bridge just over the border in Alabama, this structure separates Perdido Key from Pensacola and attracts a range of inshore fish for you to aim at.
- Johnson’s Beach. Making up most of Perdido Key’s coastline, this beach separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Big Lagoon. This means that you can have one rod inshore and one in the Gulf!
- Gulf of Mexico. Okay, so we’re being a bit liberal with the term “spot” when it comes to this one. But, heading out to the Gulf is a must when in Perdido Key. From the reefs to the deep waters, there’s no end to the fishing here.
When to Go Fishing in Perdido Key
There’s just one critical aspect remaining before you embark on your Perdido Key fishing journey, and that’s deciding what time of year to come. Fortunately, the fishery is open year-round! The weather never gets too cold, and there’s always something biting, so come whenever.
Peak fishing season hits the Florida Panhandle in summer when some of the migratory fish species pass on their way around the Gulf of Mexico. Red Snapper is obviously a favorite, but there’s also plenty more biting offshore. Not only that, but you’ll also have the pick of inshore fishing, with monsters such as Tarpon rubbing shoulders with the usual suspects in the shallows.
Book early to avoid disappointment in summer or come any other time of year to avoid the crowds. Offshore fishing can go on until October, while Redfish, Trout, and Sheepshead can be caught even through winter. If you fancy testing your skills against other anglers, then the Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo lights up Perdido Pass and Bay in May or June.
Perdido Key Fishing Regulations
Before we wrap up our guide to fishing in Perdido Key, there’s one thing left to mention – fishing licenses! Fortunately for you, fishing with a charter or party boat means that your license will be covered. Head out on a kayak or fish from shore, however, and you’ll need to get one. Find out how with our helpful guide.
Other than that, you’re good to go!
A Perdido Key fishing adventure is the stuff every angler’s dreams are made of. With so much on offer, and the chance to kick back and relax on the sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re alone or with the family, it doesn’t get much better than this. Come to town and discover these abundant riches.
Have you ever been fishing in Perdido Key? Let us know about your experience in the comments below!
