Pensacola

165 Fishing Charters

Top Fishing Charters in Pensacola

Fishing in Pensacola

Located at the western end of the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola is a prime angling destination. Within just a stone’s throw from downtown, you’ll find sheltered bays and grassy flats, with the reefs just on the other side of the long, sandy beaches. Add in access to the deep waters offshore, and it’s no surprise that Pensacola fishing charters have something for you.

We’ll start inshore, where a couple of hours can sometimes be enough to get you filling the boat. Bull Redfish and Gator (Spotted Sea) Trout promise to put up a fight, while Sheepshead and Flounder will make for delicious rewards. Come in summer and you can battle it out with a Tarpon, or go after Mackerel and Pompano by the mouth of the bay.

When Red Snapper season hits, however, all attention shifts to the reefs. The action is good all summer, and you’ll want to spend 6–8 hours on the water getting your fish on. Go after these prized creatures along with other Snapper species, Groupers, Cobia, Amberjack, and Triggerfish, and head home with plenty of meat to feast on.

And that’s not all! If you’ve got an extra few hours to spare, then an extended day trip can see you hit the deep seas offshore. Over 30 miles out, you’ll come into contact with some of the ocean’s most sought-after creatures. Get ready for the fight of your life as you go up against Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish, and Marlin, on what promises to be a fishing voyage like no other!

Rules & Regulations

Pensacola fishing charters come with licenses included for all on board, meaning that you have one less thing to worry about. You’ll still need to keep an eye out for the strict fishing seasons and bag and size limits, but your professional guide will make sure you’re staying within the law.

Pensacola
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Pensacola Fishing Seasons

January

January in Pensacola means gin-clear waters and some good fishing if you know where to look. Search for Speckled Trout and Flounder in the surf, Bull Reds off the beaches, and Sheepshead in the bay.

February

Pensacola inshore charters target Speckled Trout in the rivers and bayous, where the water can be very clear despite the chill in the air. Pompano roll into the surf as Spanish Mackerel appear in the bay.

March

Fishing conditions are on the up as spring threatens to break through. Fish for large female Trout in the shallow flats or sight fish the beaches for Redfish and Spanish Mackerel before the Cobia arrive.

April

The Cobia migration starts for real, fiving you plenty of fun whether sight fishing or on the reeds. Speckled Trout work their way into the bay, Redfish can be found in the flats, while Pompano appear along the beach.

May

The big news in Pensacola this month is the arrival of King Mackerel in the bay. Hit the bouth of the bay for your best results, or head to the reefs to tackle Amberjac. Meanwhile, Redfish is still abundant inshore.

June

Most people fishing in Pensacola are on the lookout for one thing: Red Snapper, as both state and federal waters open in June. Otherwise, King and Spanish Mackerel join Redfish in the inshore passes.

July

July means plenty of variety in Pensacola. Adventurous anglers will enjoy battling Sharks in shallow water. Cobia are caught around the reefs, while the big pelagic species arrive offshore to give you a bit of everything.

August

School's out, the sun is shining, and the fishing is red hot. Catch a "Garbage Can Slam" inshore, as you go after Bluefish, Ladyfish, Mackerel, and Sharks. Meanwhile nearshore and offshore fishing is still strong!

September

With humid weather and consistent rain showers in the afternoons, most Pensacola fishing charters fish early in the day. Catch slot Redfish around the docks and small Mahi Mahi just beyond the nearshore reefs.

October

October is all about giant schools of big Bull Redfish. At this time of year they arrive from the Gulf to spawn around the passes. Sight fish on calm sunny days to try some of the best fishing in the Panhandle.

November

The Running of the Bull Reds continues! Join the fun for unforgettable fishing and serious bragging rights. Combine your trip with going after Flounder in the bay, and you'll head home with a delicious treat, too.

December

As the temperature drops, you'll begin to find large Speckled Trout in the bayous and rivers, while some huge Redfish remain around the beaches. Add Flounder to the mix, and you've got yourself a "Grand Slam!"