Covering Pensacola to Panama City, this week’s report delivers in-depth insight into what’s biting inshore, offshore, and from the beach. With hot weather setting in and baitfish on the move, anglers are finding success by adapting tactics and targeting fish during key windows.
Conditions Recap
Calm seas, high water temps, and a recent full moon are affecting fish behavior across the region. Tarpon are scattered and finicky, while night fishing for trout and redfish is picking up under dock lights. Offshore, longer trips are key for consistent action.
Kayak & Onshore Report – Brandon Barton
Tarpon Action off Pensacola
Brandon Barton from Emerald Waters Kayak Charters reports scattered tarpon along the beaches near Pensacola. Fish are appearing in small pods, making it tough to get in front of them with a cast. Brandon uses a Hobie Livewell to stage a live bait and recommends having rods rigged and ready.
Kayak Tarpon Setup
- 4 rods total: sabiki rod, trolling rod, livewell-staged rod, swimbait rod
- Tsunami Sabiki Rigs (Size 6–8)
- Favorite swimbaits: Hogy Originals, NLBN, Savage Gear Pulse Tail Mullet
Dock Light Fishing at Night
With heat driving anglers to the shadows, dock light fishing is producing solid numbers of keeper trout and slot reds. Brandon prefers above-water halogen lights over green underwater ones and emphasizes the importance of approaching quietly.
Effective Lures & Techniques
- DOA Shrimp
- Savage Gear 3” Shrimp
- MirrOlure Heavy Dine
- Use short, light rods for accurate sidearm casts under docks
Inshore Report – Evan Wheeler
Post-Spawn Trout & Redfish Strategy
Evan Wheeler, owner at Tall Pines Tight Lines, notes that trout are entering post-spawn “maintenance mode.” Instead of focusing on lunar phases, he recommends finding clean, moving water near structure and baitfish activity. Shorebirds and subtle color changes on the surface are clues he uses to narrow down fishable areas.
Targeting Structure and Water Movement
- Look for bait, clean water, shorebird activity
- Use soft plastics that can work top to bottom
- Vary retrieves and make more exploratory casts this time of year
Species to Expect
- Trout, redfish, and flounder remain active
- Jack crevalle and mangrove snapper picking up inshore
- Black drum and scattered groupers around docks and bridges
Offshore Report – Capt. Harris Scruggs
Snapper & Grouper
Capt. Scruggs of Triple B Fishing Charters says snapper are slowing down inside 20 miles, but longer trips offshore are still producing. The upcoming federal gag grouper season (Sept. 1–14) is expected to be excellent, with captains already scouting locations.
Additional Offshore Action
- Plenty of Spanish mackerel and Bonita around bait schools
- Good numbers of kings on flatlines in 60–80 feet of water
- Flying fish and clean green water visible nearshore
Grouper Tactics
Capt. Harris recommends targeting groupers with large dead baits or big live baits like pinfish and squirrelfish on longer (10–12 hr) trips.
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