Why is fishing Pensacola’s waters something we can’t get enough of? Well, it’s hard to give just one answer. But probably our favorite is the pure bragging rights available in these parts every fall and winter. We're talking Redfish. Big ones.

You might not be aware that Pensacola Pass is the only natural pass on the whole of the Northwest Gulf Coast. While nowadays, Perdido Pass and Destin Pass can come across as alternatives, they actually started their days as rivers before they were turned into passes by humans. This means that migratory fish like Redfish are fine-tuned by nature to remember that Pensacola Pass is the place to be. And while we’re by no means saying that big Redfish don’t visit the waters of Destin and Perdido Key, Pensacola is where the biggest numbers of them make their home. Whether you want to catch a big fish on the fly or just want to enjoy the spectacle of a thousand 20 pound plus fish schooling together, it really doesn't get better than this. Want to join in the fun? Block off late September through early January and get out on the water.

But that’s far from being the end of the story. Pensacola Bay is also rich with the elusive Gator Trout, as well as Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Flounder, Sharks, and Sheepshead. Drift a bit further offshore, and you will find hotspots brimming with Cobia, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, and even the occasional Sailfish. During Red Snapper season, reaching your bag limit is hardly optional - it’s the norm.

Offshore, Pensacola fishing spots include the USS Oriskany (the world’s largest artificial reef), the USS Massachusets and the 400-foot freighter Antares. These host a vivid variety of marine life and feisty game fish, including the likes of Cobia, Moray Eels, Red Snapper, Amberjack, and Grouper. Take a longer trip of 14 hours or longer, and you will be able to experience the deep sea fishing Pensacola made its name for, with White Marlin, Blue Marlin, and Tuna all being hooked up by local charters in blue waters. 

For those without access to a boat, the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier offers 1470 ft of paradise for anglers and spectators alike. Bring your casting rod and get ready to catch anything from a Pompano to a Mahi Mahi. The Pensacola Bay Fishing bridge is another popular hotspot, which gives license-free fishing to any angler who pays the small annual or daily fee.

All registered saltwater fishing charters in Pensacola have all the documentation they need to take their customers fishing - there's no need for you to purchase a separate license. If you are fishing on your own, you will need to sort out a saltwater fishing license for yourself. 

Please note that different catch limits and seasons apply to boats with and without a federal fishing license. Federally licensed fishing charters can keep fish caught further than 10 miles offshore, while other boats must stay within state waters (10 miles).

Pensacola inshore fishing charters will adapt their techniques to the season and the level of experience of the angler. That being said, there is a lot of fun to be had targeting Speckled Trout with shrimp or baitfish under a popping cork or freeling behind the boat. Soft-bodied jerk baits and surface plugs are also popular ways of catching the much sought-after Pensacola sow (we’re talking BIG Trout). If you're into fly fishing, there are a number of guides who will readily help you perfect your cast.

The beaches are some of the best fishing spots in Pensacola. We’d happily spend days on end sight fishing a mile or two from the coast for the likes of Jack Crevalle, Bull Redfish, and Cobia.

Offshore, you can’t go wrong with searching for big Snappers and Groupers around reefs and wrecks, while jigging for Amberjack (in season) is a work-out you won’t regret. For the real adventurous anglers, there is also the promise of big Yellowfin Tuna in the winter - but you’d have to travel 80 miles offshore to catch them.