This week, host Joe Baya checks in with Capt. Harris Scruggs out of Panama City, Evan Wheeler in the Pensacola area, and jetty-and-kayak angler Sean Lawless for a well-rounded look at offshore, inshore, and onshore action across the Emerald Coast.
Conditions Recap
Early September finally feels different: a slight cool-down, a couple of light “cool fronts,” and water temps ticking down a few degrees have bait pouring into our bays and along the beach. Mornings are marked by lower “trout-sky” ceilings, fewer pop-up storms, and more NE–E breeze at daybreak. Pelicans and gulls are pushing deeper into the estuaries, and recent neap tides made passes, bridges, and other current pinch-points the best places to find life. Expect greenies, hardtails, ballyhoo, menhaden (including jumbo 6–7″ pogies), and plenty of bonita offshore; inshore, follow the birds and slicks and let bait tell you where to start.
Offshore — Capt. Harris Scruggs (Panama City)
Anglers looking to book a trip offshore can connect with Triple B Fishing Charters, where Capt. Harris Scruggs runs trips out of Panama City. According to Harris, “everything is biting” right now. Inside of 15 miles, red grouper, triggerfish, vermilion snapper, kings, and bonita have all been active. The shelf is lively too, with sailfish, wahoo, and mahi when bait schools are stacked. Gag grouper activity has slowed since May, but there are still fish to be found while the season is open.
Six-hour trips have produced gag grouper inside of nine miles, but limiting out on one stop is unlikely. The key is using big baits—hand-sized pinfish, grunts, ruby redlips, small whole bonita, or chunky bonita strips in the 6–10 inch range. Heavy gear is a must: 80–100 lb leader (up to 120 lb in deeper water), 80 lb main line, a stout 6.5–7 foot glass rod, and a two-speed reel like a Speedmaster 30. When a gag rocks you, Harris recommends immediately dumping pressure into free spool to let the fish swim out, then cranking hard to turn its head.
Red grouper are still being caught even on shorter trips inside 12–15 miles, though shorts remain mixed in. Scamp are plentiful as well, offering less of a fight but excellent table fare. Nearshore pelagics have also been hot—multiple cobia in the 50–70 lb class were caught recently, including one right off the whistle buoy. Big Spanish mackerel up to 23 inches are thick around the jetties and outer cans, where dusters, spoons, and flatlined live baits are producing.
For wahoo, Harris recommends targeting 120–200 feet of water, and up to 300 feet if conditions are right. Suspended bait is the first priority, followed by big structure. Fast trolling between pieces is good for finding fish, but once a bite comes, switching to slow trolling or live baiting is often more productive. Recreational anglers can stick with 25–50 class reels for slow trolling Yo-Zuri Bonitas, Islanders, and Mold Crafts. Live baiting hardtails or small bonita near structure with a downrigger can be deadly. Planers don’t work well with live baits as their resistance trips the setup.
This early fall window has gags, amberjack, and red snapper open through mid-September. Afterward, the focus will turn to scamp, red grouper, triggerfish, and live-bait trips for kings, mahi, and wahoo. Offshore anglers should also keep in mind sponsors and partners such as Test Calibration, KillerDock, Buck’s Island, and Admiral Shellfish Co. for keeping their gear, boats, and seafood cravings in top shape.
Inshore — Evan Wheeler (Pensacola area)
Inshore anglers can fish with Evan Wheeler of Tall Pines Tight Lines, who says the best part about September is simply that it’s not August. Mornings are cooler with classic “trout skies,” bait is shifting, and birds are pushing deeper into the estuary. Evan’s approach shifts from camping on deep structure to following the life—birds, bait, slicks, and subtle current lines. The result is a true mixed bag of reds, jacks, ladyfish, bluefish, Spanish, and speckled trout when the conditions line up.
When skies stay cloudy and the tide is high in the morning, Evan throws large mullet-profile topwaters over grass. As the sun burns off clouds and the tide falls, he moves to deeper structure and slows down presentations. On neap tides, he treats bridges, passes, and jetties as current factories, looking for one piling or seam where the water moves differently. In contrast, small bayous can feel “dead” during slack tide, but the same day might fire off at a pass or channel where depth and wind keep current flowing.
Redfish have been a highlight, with early morning topwater strikes providing excitement before anglers move deeper with plastics. Evan stresses the importance of leader diameter—lighter leaders get more bites, especially in pressured clear water. Around bridges, a simple light jig head with finger mullet often outfishes a knocker rig because of its natural fall and ability to stay in the strike zone longer.
To maximize light-tackle efficiency, Evan relies on slim braid-to-leader knots, especially the Alberto, which lets him throw lighter leaders and still handle 40-inch reds on a 2500 reel and medium-light rod. He also suggests tools like a Stayput Anchor for holding position quietly in shallow water, and Fishbites for a durable bait option when pinfish are relentless.
Among his essential boat bag gear are a D-hooker for quick releases, heavy-duty pliable gear ties for taming leaders and sinkers, and shop towels with lens wipes to keep glasses clear. For landowners who split time between fishing and property management, Southeastern Pond Management provides expertise in pond and lake projects.
Onshore/Land-Based — Sean Lawless (Destin East Jetty)
Sean Lawless of The Lawless Tide YouTube channel has been focusing on the Destin East Jetty, where a strong push of mangrove snapper is happening. At first light, hundreds of snapper could be seen swarming chum, but once the sun hit the water they became much more finicky. Sean advises traveling light—one rod, minimal terminal gear, and a small bait cooler with a bubbler. Free-line greenies at dawn, then add a small split shot once pinfish become active. He prefers light-wire J-hooks for solid hooksets and head-turning power, though circle hooks can work if anglers stay patient. Dropping to 15–20 lb fluorocarbon often makes the difference in clear water.
Before casting, Sean recommends scouting a safe slot between boulders to slide fish into shallow water for a hand grab. Nets are clumsy in this environment, and footing on slick rocks can be treacherous. Jetty anglers should respect each other and boaters alike—don’t crowd others who are already hooked up. Bycatch can be a pleasant surprise; Sean recently battled a bull red after losing another mystery fish that broke him off.
Safety is paramount. Footing on the rocks demands sturdy boots and free hands. For kayak trips offshore, Sean stresses two forms of communication on your person (VHF and a satellite messenger), wearing a PFD at all times, and constant weather monitoring. Handheld VHFs can lose function when dunked, and short tethers limit usability. For added peace of mind, boaters should consider a Sea Tow membership for on-water assistance. Sean also notes that his soft-sided bait cooler has been a game changer, staying secure between rocks where hard coolers would slide.
