This week on the Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya talks with surf fishing guide Justin Reed and offshore captain Tyler Massey to get the latest on what’s biting from Pensacola to Destin.
Conditions Recap
Hot and humid conditions are dominating the panhandle this week, with surface temperatures climbing across the board. Surf anglers are battling thick mats of June grass, forcing many to scout for clean patches before setting up. Water clarity is critical right now—dirty or grass-filled surf zones are almost unfishable. Offshore, the picture is more encouraging. Currents have stabilized, and bottom fishing has become more consistent, even over previously pressured reefs. The pelagic bite remains strong offshore, and favorable weather windows are giving anglers good opportunities to run.
Surf Fishing Update with Justin Reed
Justin Reed of Justin Reed Fishing reports that surf fishing success hinges entirely on finding clean water and working around the ever-present June grass. Pensacola beaches have lost some structure in recent years, making areas like Destin more attractive thanks to defined sandbars and troughs.
Justin’s checklist when choosing a spot:
- No June grass
- A castable trough and sandbar
- A nearby rip current
- Close-in holes
Whiting are the primary target, and they’re stacking up in those close troughs and cuts. Smaller baits work best—he recommends fingernail-sized pieces of shrimp (shell on), rigged on #6 Owner Mutu Light circle hooks or small J hooks. For added durability and scent dispersion, he always uses a strip of Fishbites alongside natural bait to help combat bait stealers like pinfish.
While pompano are still around, the bite has slowed with the rising water temps. Justin suggests fishing early or late to beat the heat and increase your odds. Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, and bluefish are also present just outside the surf and make for fun targets with casting jigs or small topwaters.
Gear Highlight:
– Fishbites Saltwater Baits
– Owner Mutu Light Hooks
– Yo-Zuri Topwaters and Casting Jigs
Offshore Report with Captain Tyler Massey
Captain Tyler Massey of Hot Spots Charters says bottom fishing has turned on in the Pensacola area. After a slow June due to extreme currents, the bite has become more reliable. Anglers are catching limits of red snapper, as well as good numbers of vermillion and mangrove snapper, almaco jacks, and king mackerel—all within 12–40 miles offshore.
Tyler notes that fish are now actively feeding on reefs that had shown strong marks but slow bites earlier in the season. Many of the snapper are post-spawn and back on the feed. He emphasizes the importance of rotating spots, not burning out any single reef, and understanding that good electronics and bait presentation often separate productive boats from the rest.
Public reef systems like the state waters site southeast of Pensacola Pass continue to hold fish despite heavy pressure. Gag grouper are showing up frequently and should provide a strong showing for the upcoming season opener in September.
Gear Tip:
Tyler recommends having a variety of bait and gear ready—particularly live bait rigs and fluorocarbon leaders—to adapt to daily conditions.
Pelagic & Trolling Outlook
While Tyler hasn’t personally made the runs offshore recently, reports from other captains fishing the Nipple and Spur indicate solid trolling action. Boats are raising billfish, catching quality mahi-mahi, and seeing shots at wahoo. It’s a great time to make that run if calm seas hold.
Live bait has become more challenging to catch lately, with sardines and cigar minnows harder to pin down. Tyler notes that you may need to move around early and be persistent to get a good baitwell load.
