This week, host Joe Baya checks in with Capt. Blake Nelson for the Choctawhatchee/Choctaw Bay inshore scene, Capt. Tyler Massey with a nearshore/offshore update out of Pensacola, and kayak specialist Brandon Barton on the land-based bite. From deep grass flats full of mullet and greenies, to pelagics piling onto the beach in 40–60 feet, to “September Sails” for kayak anglers, here’s what to know going into the weekend.
Conditions Recap
Clear water and light rain have visibility high and bait thick across the bays and beaches. In Choctawhatchee, expect deeper-than-average grass flats (2–4 feet) with accessible edges and scattered sandy potholes. Birds are working pogies in places like Alaqua and Shalimar, and there are ladyfish, Spanish, and mixed life on many mid-bay rips. Along the beach from Pensacola to Navarre, flying fish and cigar minnows are pushing pelagics tight to the sand in 40–60 feet. Inshore bait should hold on the flats through November; the bigger winter shift toward creeks and other freshwater sources usually kicks in January–February.
Inshore — Capt. Blake Nelson
Capt. Blake Nelson of Last Cast Charters reports Choctawhatchee’s deeper flats are loaded with life—mullet, greenies, crabs, ladyfish, and mixed trout/reds—especially around banks like White Point when the bait stacks. Deeper flats make sight-fishing trickier than ultra-shallow systems, but they also keep fish calmer: heavy mullet presence is a green light.
Live bait program: Anchor on the deep side of sandbars where shallow meets grass. Drop a classic knocker rig (¾-oz egg sinker; 3/0–4/0 hook) with live greenies or croakers into sandy lanes and potholes. Those deeper sand/grass transitions out-produce random “pancake” potholes.
Artificial plan: From a tower or casting platform, nose the boat tight to the bank and sight-cast pockets that typically hold reds. Blake is leaning dark this time of year—dark Z-Man paddle tails on ¼-oz jigheads, and small dark-green Ned rigs. If it’s working, don’t overthink color.
Family/beginner option: Chase the birds. In Alaqua and Shalimar, birds over pogies = near-constant action on ladyfish and big sail cats; expect a few Spanish mixed in. A simple soft plastic will keep rods bent.
What’s next: Flats bait usually hangs around until December. The true cold-driven push toward creeks and freshwater (north-side creeks, Shalimar feeders, etc.) is more of a January–February play.
Offshore / Nearshore — Capt. Tyler Massey
Capt. Tyler Massey from Hot Spots Charters says the beach bite mirrors Panama City: blackfins, mahi, consistent kings, regular sailfish shots, and even a few wahoo within easy range. Think 40–60 feet between Pensacola Beach and Navarre when the bait/fliers are thick; state-water boats even saw blackfins this week.
Bump-trolling live bait: Two to four baits (hardtails, cigar minnows, sardines) on light wire leaders, in and out of gear to keep baits lively. Fish an area (sea buoys, Massachusetts wreck, or live bottom) rather than “covering miles.” Try both down- and up-current passes—some days direction matters. Stagger distances; add a small egg weight ahead of the swivel if you want one bait riding lower.
Hooks & leaders: For mixed pelagics, Tyler likes a circle hook with a short 6–8″ wire bite section. If kings are thick—or you want to avoid bite-offs—stinger rigs shine. Drag set firm enough to drive hooks from the rod holder, but pick up and freespool nervous baits for second-chance eats.
Rods/reels: Spinners work, but a small lever-drag (e.g., 12–16 class) with braid and a 30-lb mono topshot gives stretch for live-bait trolling and keeps baits looking natural. Use a 7′ rod with a light tip and solid backbone.
Bottom options now: With the federal-for-hire snapper season closed, focus on vermilions, triggerfish, AJs, almaco jacks, and the occasional scamp. Triggers are a one-to-three keeper grind on many regular spots; new or deeper pieces can produce better size. Almacos respond to long-leader Carolina rigs with smaller live baits or to vertical jigs.
Wahoo window: Good reports from 100–110 feet and along the edge (180–210). Run lip plugs (Nomads, Islanders/planners) or moderate high-speed in the 8–12-knot range; many lip plugs behave best ≤10 knots.
Land-Based & Kayak — Brandon Barton
Brandon Barton of Emerald Waters Kayak Charters is fired up for “September Sails.” Sailfish, mahi, kings, and even blackfin tuna are all in kayak range, with multiple sails landed from both piers and kayaks this past week. Focus 50–60 feet off Pensacola/Navarre/Okaloosa when bait is thick; troll parallel to the beach and adjust depth bands until you get bit.
Rigs that get bit: For pure sailfish, a 40-lb fluoro leader with a circle hook and live cigar minnow is deadly—keep a pitch rod ready for fish on top. With kings and the odd wahoo around, a seven-strand 30–40-lb wire duster rig is the safer everyday troll. Single-strand is stealthier but kinks and fails after a bend; seven-strand survives multiple fish.
Spread from a kayak: Two rods—one live bait and one deep diver—minimize tangles. If tuna are around, pull a smaller deep diver like a white Rapala X-Rap or a small Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow-style bait; the compact profile matches squid and is easier to crank from a kayak.
Where to start: Bait schools and reef lines near Navarre’s kayak reefs are prime. If 55 feet is quiet after 30–40 minutes, slide to 50 or out to 60 and keep trolling.
Landing & release: For harvest species (mahi, blackfin, wahoo), carry a 30–36″ hook gaff and stick the fish on your first clean shot—don’t overreach. For sailfish, fight efficiently, keep the fish in the water for photos when possible, and revive by pedaling while holding the bill until it kicks off strong (treat them like tarpon).
