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

Triggerfish

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