Pensacola Fishing Seasons
Seasonal Opportunities
There is always something to catch in the Gulf of Mexico off Pensacola or in Pensacola Bay!
.
Year Round Fishing
Pensacola fishing seasons have a major impact on what you can fish for throughout the year here.
Additionally, the length of your trip, weather, and overall fishing conditions of the day ultimately will determine what is best to fish for. Whether or not you are fishing catch and release or looking for some food to eat matters as well.
Always let Captain Austin know what your goals are so he can determine what is best to do on your trip.
At the time of writing, Redfish can be caught and kept year round as long as they meet the slot requirement. Vermillion Snapper can also be harvested all year long. Sheepshead can be harvested throughout the year but are mostly available to catch in March and April. Black Drum can also be caught and harvested year round. Red Snapper can be caught year round but only harvested when in season which is typically in the summertime.
This page is a general guideline to seasonality when considering a trip with Next Gen Fishing charters, not a guide to the current fishing seasons in Florida.
Since regulations and seasonal dates are always subject to change, always check for the most current information at: https://myfwc.com
Redfish
Vermillion Snapper
Sheepshead
Red Snapper
Black Drum
Seasonal Fishing
January – April
Off-Peak Season
The bite is just as hot during the “cooler” months in Pensacola and the month of January is no exception.
From January through April we typically target inshore fish such as sheepshead, redfish, speckled trout, white trout, and flounder.
If we are able to find a winter day with moderate weather then we can get offshore and target some Vermilion Snapper (a.k.a.mingos) if you are looking for some meat to take home.
If you are up for some catch and release fishing during these months we can also go pull on some hungry red snapper for fun and a little exercise.
Sheepshead
Redfish
Speckled Trout
White Trout
Flounder
Trigger Fish
May – August
Peak Season
May through August is our busiest season for fishing charters. We have clients come from near and far to catch the many beautiful fish that the Gulf of Mexico has to offer this time of year.
Personally I can’t blame them! This list includes but is not limited to: Red Snapper, Black Snapper, Mingos, Lane Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, Bonita, Spanish and King Mackerel, Barracuda, etc.
We tend to get booked pretty quickly this time of year so if you’re coming down it is a good idea to try to book in advance.
Red Snapper
Black Snapper
Lane Snapper
Vermillion Snapper
Grouper
Amberjack
Spanish Mackerel
King Mackerel
Barracuda
Cobia
September – December
Snowbird Season
If you have never fished with us in the fall it is definitely a fishing trip you should add to your bucket list! Besides the typical awesome fishing action we have down here, the Bull Redfish school up and get in a giant feeding frenzy.
There is nothing like it anywhere else. It is simply indescribable, the only thing to do is to come check it out for your selves!
Also, when the water temperature drops in the winter, it prevents algae from blooming and results in some of the cleanest water we will see on the emerald coast all year long.
If the wind allows it Mahi and Vermillion Snapper are also possibilities this time of year.
Redfish
Mahi
Vermillion Snapper
Speckled Trout
Black Drum
Our Values
Captain Austin is committed to providing you with excellent service. Captain Austin will do his best to ensure your trip is successful and fun.
WORK ETHIC
Always prepared and working hard to ensure a successful trip.
EXCELLENCE
Expertise at finding good fish for all anglers.
CUSTOMER FIRST
Focused on your trip’s goals.
FUN
Committed to everyone on board having fun.
Our Service Area Includes:
Pensacola Fishing Charters
Navarre Fishing Charters
Perdido Key Fishing Charters
Pensacola Beach Fishing Charters
A great trip is just a call away
Tell Captain Austin what your fishing goals are so he can craft the perfect private fishing charter to meet your groups needs.
Licensed by the United States Coast Guard
Fun fact : Pensacola, FL was established in 1559 by Spanish settlers, making Pensacola the very first known European settlement in all of America!