This week’s Northwest Florida Fishing Report features an inshore report from Capt. Blake Nelson of Last Cast Charters out of Destin and an offshore report from Capt. Tyler Massey of Hot Spots Charters in Pensacola. After a rough, cold, and wet weekend, improving weather conditions are setting the stage for an excellent late-fall fishing window across the Emerald Coast. From redfish and speckled trout on the flats to wahoo, scamp, and snapper offshore, both captains break down what’s working right now and how anglers can take advantage of these calm winter weather windows.
Conditions Recap
A strong cold front brought nasty weather last weekend, with cold rain, wind, and negative tides making fishing difficult. As the week progresses, conditions are improving significantly. Forecasts call for light winds, generally 5–10 mph, and daytime temperatures in the 60s. Water movement will be key, especially on the inshore side, where fish activity noticeably increases once incoming tides get moving. Offshore, winter weather windows remain tight, but this weekend is shaping up to offer two to three solid days of fishable conditions, which is above average for this time of year.
Inshore Report – Destin & Panama City
Capt. Blake Nelson spent the weekend fishing a Power-Pole National Redfish Tour “Go Live” virtual tournament under brutal conditions. With extremely low tides and cold temperatures, redfish behavior changed dramatically. Early expectations of sight-fishing tailing reds in ultra-shallow water didn’t materialize until later in the day.
During dead-low tide, redfish pushed off skinny flats and stacked up along subtle drop-offs, sometimes transitioning from just inches of water into three to four feet. Once the tide began moving in late morning, tailing activity resumed in the shallows.
Effective Inshore Gear & Techniques:
Blake caught most of his fish on a weedless Gulp jerk shad rigged on a 3/0 twist-lock hook with an 1/8-oz weight, worked slowly and allowed to sit in front of fish. His son caught their largest redfish on a copper spoon, a simple and effective lure that’s easy for anglers of all experience levels to fish.
Looking ahead, speckled trout are turning on across the flats following recent cold fronts. Trout are being found in strong numbers on familiar flat areas and are responding best to artificials worked aggressively. Blake reports trout pushing 2½ to 3 pounds, with excellent action expected this weekend.
Live bait options are also viable right now, with fewer pinfish present. Live shrimp under a Carolina rig or popping cork can be productive, primarily to suspend bait above grass rather than create noise.
Offshore Report – Pensacola
Capt. Tyler Massey reports that offshore fishing remains hit-or-miss, typical for winter conditions, but opportunities are there for anglers willing to fish weather windows. Wahoo remain the primary pelagic target, with chances around edges, ridges, and FADs when conditions allow longer runs.
Although recent trips to the FADs were slow, blackfin tuna were present, and yellowfin tuna were marked and briefly hooked. Tyler emphasizes that clean water, surface bait activity, and signs like flying fish and bonita are more important than perfect blue water.
Bottom Fishing & Winter Offshore Opportunities:
Scamp grouper fishing has been excellent in depths ranging from 450–700 feet, especially along ridges and edges south of Pensacola. Productive baits include live cigar minnows, sardines, small hardtails, pinfish, and fresh cut bonita. Slow-pitch jigs can be effective, but some days live bait is essential.
Snapper fishing is red hot right now on wrecks within 25 miles offshore. With reduced pressure and fewer baitfish, snapper are feeding aggressively, and anglers should have no trouble finding limits. Heavy leaders and simple rigs are working just fine, as fish are not particularly line-shy at the moment.
Inshore Backup Options – Pensacola Bay
When offshore conditions don’t cooperate, Pensacola Bay continues to offer solid action. The Three Mile Bridge is producing eating-size white trout, whiting, and overslot redfish using live or cut bait. Smaller white trout are also being used successfully as live bait for big redfish around bridge structure.
