Pensacola Inshore Fishing Charters
Pensacola Inshore Fishing Charters
Best Inshore Fishing Charters in Pensacola
Best Inshore Fishing Charters in Pensacola
Inshore Fishing in Pensacola
Inshore Fishing in Pensacola
Pensacola inshore fishing offers anglers the chance to explore a quintessential Florida fishery without having to deal with strong waves or seasickness. Whether you want to get immersed in the middle of one of the state’s most exciting Bull Redfish runs or look for an iconic Red Snapper, you don’t need to travel far for an colorful experience fishing in Pensacola.
What You Can Catch
The 144 square mile expanse of the Pensacola Bay estuarine system has ample space for fish of all shapes and sizes. This is the fourth largest waterway of its type in Florida, and the numerous rivers that feed into the Pensacola Bay system create a rich ecosystem that is enough to tempt most discerning of fish inside.
The star of the show in Pensacola’s inshore waters is the Bull Redfish, without a doubt. This is the only natural pass in the local area, meaning these bruisers are instinctively drawn to these waters when time comes for them to spawn. In the winter, they are joined by ‘Gator Trout’ — huge Speckled Trout that don’t only put up a heck of a fight, but also taste fantastic. With Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead, Bluefish, and a wide range of Sharks joining them throughout the year, there really is never a dull moment for Pensacola inshore fishing charters.
Pensacola Bay Fishing Spots
- Brackish waters in estuarine marshes. Pensacola Bay is fed into by the Blackwater, Yellow, East, Escambia, and Simpson Rivers, so there are plenty of places to get out the light tackle and explore.
- Pensacola Pass. This narrow waterway by Fort Pickens is where the Pensacola Bay system meets the Gulf of Mexico. This can be an incredibly productive place to fish, but it’s important to do so with an experienced guide who can navigate the traffic and strong currents.
- Any type of structure. Bridges, docks, seawalls, oyster bars, rock piles… they all have one thing in common: they make the perfect habitat for local inshore fish.
- Deep water wrecks. You might be surprised that Pensacola Bay has access to some bottom fishing that can rival anywhere offshore in the Panhandle. Big Red Snapper and Gag Grouper have been found here in 60 ft of water, and require the type of heavy tackle that you would never expect to see on an inshore fishing charter. These spots are very heavily guarded, though, so look for a guide who knows their way around!
When To Go
It might sound corny, but there really isn’t a low season for inshore fishing in Pensacola. Here’s what you can expect:
Spring (February to May): Keeper Redfish and Speckled Trout will keep you busy on artificials or bait. If you’re after some variety, look around bridges and docks for Sheepshead, who will love a bit of live crab.
Summer (June to August): As the weather gets warmer, the inshore sportfish can be found in the shallows. The main excitement at this time of year is the huge run of Spanish Mackerel that make their way into the Bay.
Fall (September to October): There’s only one thing Pensacola inshore guides are talking about at this time of year, and that’s Bull Redfish. Come fishing now and see if you can catch the biggest fish of your life on light tackle.
Winter (November to January): The excitement of the Bull Redfish run may calm down slightly, but you will still see plenty of big Reds around at this time of year. In December, they are joined by Gator Trout.
Pensacola
4.6
/
5
Based on 27,742 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Inshore Fishing in Pensacola
What anglers said about Inshore Fishing in Pensacola
Book with Captain Bryant. All Caught Up Fishing. We we were catching fish as soon as our lines hit the water.
5.0
/
5
Book with Captain Bryant. All Caught Up Fishing. We we were catching fish as soon as our lines hit the water.
Melissa J.
White City, KY
Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Bring plenty of drinks, and did I mention sunscreen?
5.0
/
5
Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Bring plenty of drinks, and did I mention sunscreen?
Shae M.
Be ready for some action! Never a dull moment! If possible book with Captain Alex he knows his stuff. He was a great teacher and knew right where to go!
4.7
/
5
Be ready for some action! Never a dull moment! If possible book with Captain Alex he knows his stuff. He was a great teacher and knew right where to go!
Brandi K.
Burt, IA
Great fishing down there and Six Shooter Charters with Captain Doug will put you on the fish.
5.0
/
5
Great fishing down there and Six Shooter Charters with Captain Doug will put you on the fish.
Sanford G.
Greer, SC
Be prepared for the heat! Lots of fluid, and sunscreen. Check with your captain on what is in season depending on what you'd like to catch. Research the Capitan/boat on Fishing Booker and Google reviews.
Our was rated well and ratings matched the trip.
5.0
/
5
Be prepared for the heat! Lots of fluid, and sunscreen. Check with your captain on what is in season depending on what you'd like to catch. Research the Capitan/boat on Fishing Booker and Google reviews.
Our was rated well and ratings matched the trip.
Anthony W.
Union, KY
This trip did not require a fishing license! Take plenty of drinks sunscreen
5.0
/
5
This trip did not require a fishing license! Take plenty of drinks sunscreen
Mark H.
San Antonio, TX
Be prepared with lots of water and sunscreen... and book with Able Body Charters ?
5.0
/
5
Be prepared with lots of water and sunscreen... and book with Able Body Charters ?
Shauna B.
Leominster, MA
Book your trip with an experienced captain. Hot Spots Charters was the best trip of the three we have been on.
5.0
/
5
Book your trip with an experienced captain. Hot Spots Charters was the best trip of the three we have been on.
Curtis F.
Tulsa, OK
Temperatures can very and the sun is intense, so come prepared to protect yourself from the elements. Water conditions can vary from calm to rough, select a charter that is equipped to handle the coditions.
5.0
/
5
Temperatures can very and the sun is intense, so come prepared to protect yourself from the elements. Water conditions can vary from calm to rough, select a charter that is equipped to handle the coditions.
Mike B.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Bring sunscreen, 2-3 waters and your camera. Take some Dramamine 1/2 hour before you board as a precaution. Have a great time!
4.7
/
5
Bring sunscreen, 2-3 waters and your camera. Take some Dramamine 1/2 hour before you board as a precaution. Have a great time!
James O.
Birmingham, Alabama
Donโt book too long of a trip thinking it will be better to catch your limit. Take it easy at first and you will be surprised how quickly your bait gets hit.
5.0
/
5
Donโt book too long of a trip thinking it will be better to catch your limit. Take it easy at first and you will be surprised how quickly your bait gets hit.
Robert L.
Indianapolis, IN
Recognize fishing doesn't come easy and there are better times of the year to go than others. Our guide went above and beyond to try and catch red snapper. We came close yet still managed to catch several desirable fish for our group of 5.
5.0
/
5
Recognize fishing doesn't come easy and there are better times of the year to go than others. Our guide went above and beyond to try and catch red snapper. We came close yet still managed to catch several desirable fish for our group of 5.
Stella G.
Queen Creek, AZ
Plan to dodge the weather. Our 7am start turned into a 1pm start. Still brought us right to the fish!
5.0
/
5
Plan to dodge the weather. Our 7am start turned into a 1pm start. Still brought us right to the fish!
Kelly A.
Houston, TX
Check the season carefully of your targeted species so you keep everything you are going for.
5.0
/
5
Check the season carefully of your targeted species so you keep everything you are going for.
Alan C.
Gainesville, GA
Bring you A Game! Especially if youโre looking to catch some fish to put on ice. The amber jacks were crazy this time of year.
5.0
/
5
Bring you A Game! Especially if youโre looking to catch some fish to put on ice. The amber jacks were crazy this time of year.
Jeremy C.
Greencastle, IN
The only negative thing I would have to say is with all the red snapper out there. Theyโre not good to keep until June 1 but catch and release is awesome also
5.0
/
5
The only negative thing I would have to say is with all the red snapper out there. Theyโre not good to keep until June 1 but catch and release is awesome also
Scott B.
Be adaptable, listen to captainโs suggestions and let them know what kind of trip youโd like.
5.0
/
5
Be adaptable, listen to captainโs suggestions and let them know what kind of trip youโd like.
WELDON N.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Be patient and know the species youโre going after. We canโt wait to come back for red snapper season
4.7
/
5
Be patient and know the species youโre going after. We canโt wait to come back for red snapper season
Tony Y.
United States
This charter is for first time fishermen or professional. We have a memory to last a lifetime!
5.0
/
5
This charter is for first time fishermen or professional. We have a memory to last a lifetime!
Jacob G.
Crestview, FL
Understand this us between winter/summer season + mother nature may not cooperate
Enjoy the views!
4.7
/
5
Understand this us between winter/summer season + mother nature may not cooperate
Enjoy the views!
Ingrid D.
Pensacola, Florida