Navarre

If you’re eager to get in on some of the best fishing on the Panhandle without fighting the crowds, Navarre is the place to be. Located between Pensacola and Destin, this simple and secluded beach town is one of Florida’s best kept secrets.

Those who have been to Navarre will tell you how beautiful the beaches are, and it’s true. White, pristine shores gently collide with clear, turquoise waters. This is the perfect place for your family to unplug and unwind. Sure, you’ll find other vacationers here, but it still feels like solitude compared to the crowds in Destin and Pensacola.

Meanwhile, the anglers in your group can enjoy some of the finest fishing on the Emerald Coast without waiting in line at the dock. Take your pick of Navarre fishing charters and come explore this all too humble fishery!

Pensacola Bay gives you 144 square miles of inshore fishing. Redfish are the belle of the ball in these waters, especially the Bull Reds who make their way through Pensacola Pass in autumn. These brutes are followed closely by large, juicy Speckled Trout (or “Gator” Trout, if you will).

Anglers have a blast fishing for both these species among the flats, backwaters, and intracoastal waterways all through winter. Come springtime, and the party really gets started. Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Bluefish, and a variety of Sharks all move in to Pensacola Bay as the weather grows warmer.

As an added treat, there are some deep holes inside the bay with wrecks which host Red Snapper and Gag Grouper. This gives you the unique opportunity to try a little “deep sea fishing” without leaving the protected waters of the bay. Bear in mind that both these species are closed to harvest at certain times. You can usually fish for them during a brief period in summer.

On the other side of Navarre you have Santa Rosa Sound. You’ll find Redfish and Speckled Trout here in cooler months. Spring and early summer are excellent times to fish for large Speckled Trout at night. You’re also likely to run into the rest of the usual suspects here, including Sheepshead, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, and more.

A four to six-hour fishing trip might take you into the nearshore waters of the Gulf, where you can add King Mackerel, Cobia, Mahi Mahi, and the occasional Sailfish to your list. These trips normally stay within state waters (9 miles out), always within sight of shore. Out here you can also bottom fish for Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, and Amberjack. If you’re up for a “reel” adventure, head to the deep water 25+ miles from shore. This is where the seafloor drops and big game fish become more common with every mile.

The ultimate Navarre deep sea fishing experience will take you more than 60 miles out, where the water reaches thousands of feet deep. Oil rigs out here are prime feeding grounds for Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, Wahoo, Marlin, and Mahi Mahi. Deep dropping will produce Tilefish, Barrelfish, exotic Snapper and Grouper species, and maybe even a Swordfish. You’ll need to book a 12-14 hour trip for this long trek offshore, but believe us—it’s worth it.

For some of the best pier fishing in the area, head to the Navarre Beach Pier across Santa Rosa Sound. Measuring 1,545 feet long, this happens to be the longest fishing pier in the Gulf. Never heard of it? Well, plenty of tourists haven’t either, which means you can beat the rest of them to this prime fishing spot.

The pier towers 30 feet above the water, giving you an impeccable view of the action below. The waters are often crystal clear and it’s not uncommon to spot schools of baitfish swimming beneath the surface. You might see dolphins and sea turtles, too.

Casting lines from the longest pier in the Gulf has its advantages. Take a stroll offshore and cast a few baits for the likes of Cobia, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and Tiger Sharks. Yes, you read that right. People here wrestle with these big game fish without setting foot off of the pier. You can also catch Redfish, Bluefish, Ladyfish, and other small species while you’re at it.

Fishing in the bay and other inshore waters will have you spinning, drift fishing, and live bait fishing with light tackle. If you plan on fishing off the pier, locals recommend artificial lures, cigar minnows, and Shrimp.

Trips to the Gulf usually include a mix of bottom fishing and trolling with live bait. Jigging and bottom fishing near wrecks and reefs will produce Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, and Triggerfish. Trolling 9 miles from shore will help you catch King Mackerel, Cobia, Mahi Mahi, and Sailfish.

While deep sea fishing 60+ miles offshore, you’ll use these same techniques along with various tweaks. You’re likely to bring out the heavy tackle and bigger baits while trolling for Yellowfin Tuna, Marlin, and other big game fish near the oil rigs.

Targeting fish near the seafloor out here means deep dropping with electric reels (though some ambitious anglers opt for conventional reels instead). This method is used for Swordfish, Tilefish, Snapper, Grouper, Barrelfish, and more.

All licensed fishing charters in Navarre include a fishing license for their customers. If you plan on fishing from shore or in your own boat, be sure to buy a Florida fishing license ahead of time.

You do not need a license to fish from the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, but you do need to pay a fee ($7 per day for anglers age 16 and older, price subject to change). Be sure to read up on local pier fishing regulations so you know what’s legal to keep.