What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Pensacola, Florida for the first time?

Answers by verified FishingBooker anglers who went fishing in Pensacola

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Keifer Venable
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Final Level Fishing Charters on February 11, 2026
Make sure the climate is warm. Early spring through late fall is good timing. This is when fishing is GREAT! I came in mid February and it was still very good fishing. Once we found the community of fish, it was one after another. Each cast I was reeling in a good size fish! Then, every spot after that was full of fish. Funny how fishing works sometimes. Went back to a few spots we didnt have much luck on and caught fish. Timing is everything. Optimistic viewpoints will only help you. Cant wait to go again.

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Shaun Kingston
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with State Line Charters And Guide on November 30, 2025
If you have not fished in Pennsacola or the surrounding area I woukd highly recommend using a professional charter like Captain Brian Wass. These guys know these fish backwards and forwards and will put you on the meat.

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Chase Spurlock
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Bout Time Charters on July 7, 2025
Im sure the experience has alot to due with how the weather turns out. Ours trip worked out perfectly with cloud covering/storm blowing by and didn't get rain on. Stayed cool enough to not even break a sweat.

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Courtney Davis
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Southern Strike LLC on June 28, 2025
Definitely check out Captain Q and Southern Strike for an unbelievable experience. We all learned so much and had a wide range of ages with us. Everyone caught something. Everyone had a great time!

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Brandon Cope
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Water Walker Fishing on June 3, 2025
Must be PERFECT weather Keep your money if you can and pay the rest after the trip if you can Set stipulations before paying like I will catch "X" The "sweet spots" seemed over fished They just want your money

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Rocky Rhoden
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Miller Fishing — Catamaran 26ft on December 21, 2024
A Family Friendly Guide Who’s Knowledgeable And Very Fun To Talk With Captain And Hear The Great Fishing Stories While Simultaneously Making Your Own Great Fishing Stories At Same Time. This Captain Is “HIM”

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Matthew Taylor
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Hot Spots Inshore/Nearshore III on November 3, 2024
Ask for a mixed bag. There is no guarantee, but Capt Luke helped my check a number of species off my goal list and a couple I didn’t know I needed. The bonus red fish schooled under the birds was an awesome experience even for a seasoned fisherman. Great time, and tight lines!

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Jefrey Pabst
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with All Caught Up Fishing Charters on October 15, 2024
we were a little off season for some species we were looking to keep and eat at home, but we caught plenty of fish in total and many different species. everywhere we went we caught fish. a captain cant control what and how big, but he surely knows where to find fish.

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Brandon Frost
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with North West Florida Fishing Charters on September 1, 2024
If you go with captain Blake expect to catch fish. Boats all around us were leaving because we pulled in fish after fish after fish while their clients watched us. Then he put us on some big Amberjack and it took changing the rigging to fit me for me to land one but we got it done! The fight of a lifetime!

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Michael Winniford
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Salty Adventures Charter Fishing on July 22, 2024
Great trip. Captain put us right on the fish. Boat was clean and fishing gear was in great shape. We had kids go on the trip, and the captain did an amazing job tailoring the experience for them. Extremely responsive in communications before hand. Definitely recommend.

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CARRIE TIDWELL
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Emerald "C" Fishing Charters on June 26, 2024
Bring drinks in an ice chest and extra ice for your catch. You’re gonna catch some! Bring some snacks and a couple towels to dry your face. The water splashes but it’s awesome! If you tend to get motion sickness, take Dramamine an hour before you set out on the boat.

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Heather Ferrell
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Tradition Fishing Charters – 24' on April 2, 2024
Wear light colored clothing, dress in layers, sunscreen, motion sickness meds at least 1 hour before, and some really grippy shoes that are waterproof. Water will get inside the boat. You might want a bottle of water, and storage is limited so think small bag. Otherwise try to focus on the experience. Watch for wildlife it's all around you.

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Anthony Williams
Union, KY
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Salty Adventures Charter Fishing on July 25, 2023
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.

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Mike Baker
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Able Body Charters/Native Son's. on July 8, 2023
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.

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Stella Gartz
Queen Creek, AZ
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Gulf Coast Fishing on June 27, 2023
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.

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Bruce Wasvick
Wilmer, Alabama
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Nauti Fishing Charters on May 15, 2023
Had a great fishing trip with Captain Brad and Captain Tim. My son was visiting from North Dakota and wanted to do some gulf fishing so we booked it and had the best time. Got a good workout reeling fish in non stop. If you want to catch fish this is the trip I would recommend for sure. It felt like we were fishing with old friends. The only thing I would

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John Ward
Vinemont, AL
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Miller Fishing — Catamaran 26ft on November 6, 2022
I don't like fishing and it was the best time ever. They knew exactly where to take us to catch the fish. I caught a lot of fish. Put this on your "to do" list. Eric and Bobby are the best. Thank you both.

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Stacy Marshall
Prairie Grove, AR
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Gulf Coast Water & Woods Guide Ser. on July 26, 2022
Do your research for the time of year you are going to see what is in season. Unless you are a season fisherman, all things can be boat locally so you don't have to lug it around or you can rent equipment. Alvin's island store is your friend.

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Jennifer Koger
Orange Park, FL
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Able Body Charters/Native Son's. on June 12, 2022
Right time of year to land red snapper! Bring sunscreen and plenty of water or Gatorade, your favorite canned drinks (non alcoholic) to stay hydrated. Small snacks are all you need. Most of your time you’ll spend fishing or enjoying the boat ride. If you get seasick, plan to take Dramamine the night before and the morning of - the water can get choppy when you get out in deep water.

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Sarina Boldt
Milton, FL
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Salty Adventures Charter Fishing on October 11, 2021
Be ready for anything! Our day was supposed to have perfect weather, but we still hit some major waves on our way to our spot! The fish are fun to catch and if you can keep them, they make for a great dinner!

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Mary Johnson
United States
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Powers Fishing Charters on May 14, 2021
Zeke's Landing has always been easy to work with and offered good charters. If you're wanting to catch Red snapper you should wait until June. If you're alright with some Kings, Spanish and vermilion snapper May will be alright for you.

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Gary Patrum
Navarre, Florida
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Bout Time Charters on August 10, 2019
Be sure to book before the end of red snapper season. We caught a lot of trigger fish which is normally open in August but is staying closed this year, which is unfortunate because we had to throw all of them back, but they were still fun to catch.

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Walter Booker
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with No Limit Charter And Guide on December 31, 2025
If you are fishing in December dress warm. It was 38 degrees and cold but captain had extra jackets and saved us. Great trip and friendly captain and team

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James Weber
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Autistress Fishing on December 22, 2025
We know the fishing is different in the winter but he still got up on fish to catch. We all had a great time and it was not congested on the water with tons of boats.

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Brian Gates
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with All Caught Up Fishing Charters on January 8, 2026
Even if they are not in season to keep go after the bigger fish just for the excitement!

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Christopher Vaquera
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Autistress Fishing on November 29, 2025
Fishing in winter is tough. Be sure to bundle up. Captain brought a variety of baits to target good fish.

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Kevin Pollard
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Emerald “C” Fishing Charters on October 11, 2025
I’m not sure I would spend the money for that again. This was our 10th charter trip and we were unimpressed.

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Engelbert Grbac
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Strippin-N-Rippin Charter Fishing on October 3, 2025
weather always being a question be prepared to change up thinking from deep sea to in shore or vice versa

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Keith Bosley
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with D&D Fishing Charters on September 5, 2025
Catch some eating fish first. Then search for the big one. Keep your eyes open and enjoy the view.

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Bobby Baldwin
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with It's A Good Day Charters on July 29, 2025
Mr. Bill was awesome! He’s very down to earth and we all had a great time! We would definitely do this again and recommend this charter.