Fishing Seasons: The Best Months to Fish in Florida – Showintail Inshore Charters

If you’re planning a fishing trip in Pensacola, Florida, understanding the fishing seasons and the best months to fish can significantly improve your chances of landing a great catch. Whether you’re interested in inshore fishing for redfish and speckled trout, or an exciting offshore experience, Showintail Inshore Charters is ready to guide you through the best fishing months in Pensacola. Let’s break down each month to help you plan the ultimate fishing adventure.

January – Winter Fishing for Sheepshead & Redfish

Best Species to Target: Sheepshead, Redfish, Black Drum

In January, Pensacola’s cooler waters don’t stop anglers from landing a variety of fish. Sheepshead are abundant around inshore structures like piers and jetties, making this a prime time to target them. You’ll also find redfish and black drum near deeper water holes and bridges.

Fishing Tips: Use live shrimp, fiddler crabs, or cut bait around structures for the best results. The cooler temperatures make fishing early in the morning or late in the afternoon ideal.

February – Sheepshead and Redfish Action Continues

Best Species to Target: Sheepshead, Redfish, Black Drum

February offers a continuation of excellent winter fishing. Sheepshead remain active, particularly around structure, and redfish can be found in sheltered estuaries. Black drum are also abundant in deeper waters, providing a fun challenge for anglers.

Fishing Tips: Fish near jetties, piers, or deep drop-offs using live or cut shrimp. The inshore waters around Pensacola Bay are particularly productive during this time.

March – Spring Break Brings Bigger Bites

Best Species to Target: Speckled Trout, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel

As the water warms up slightly, March marks the start of spring fishing in Pensacola. Speckled trout are more active in shallow waters, and you’ll see redfish pushing into the estuaries. Spanish mackerel also begin to make their appearance along the coast, offering exciting catches for anglers.

Fishing Tips: Early mornings and late afternoons are perfect for speckled trout and redfish fishing, while Spanish mackerel can be caught using spoons or live bait near the surf.

April – King Mackerel and Cobia Arrive

Best Species to Target: King Mackerel, Cobia, Redfish, Flounder

April is a transition month, bringing the arrival of king mackerel and cobia along the Pensacola coastline. These species offer an adrenaline-filled fishing experience. Meanwhile, redfish and speckled trout remain plentiful, and flounder begin migrating into the shallows.

Fishing Tips: Troll live baits or lures near drop-offs for king mackerel. For cobia, target wrecks and reefs, and use live or cut bait for the best results.

May – Full Spring Fishing Action

Best Species to Target: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Cobia, King Mackerel, Sharks

By May, Pensacola’s fishing season is in full swing. Redfish and speckled trout are found in abundance in the backwaters, while king mackerel and cobia continue to provide offshore excitement. Shark fishing starts to pick up, making this a great month for anglers looking for a more thrilling experience.

Fishing Tips: Focus on grass flats for speckled trout and redfish. For offshore trips, target king mackerel and cobia using live baits, and consider booking a shark fishing trip for an unforgettable experience.

June – Summer Brings Big Tarpon and Mahi-Mahi

Best Species to Target: Tarpon, Mahi-Mahi, Redfish, Speckled Trout

June is the beginning of summer fishing in Pensacola, and it’s an exciting month for anglers. Tarpon start showing up, and offshore anglers will find plenty of mahi-mahi and Red Snapper in deeper waters. Redfish and speckled trout remain active in the shallow flats and backwaters.

Fishing Tips: Fish early in the morning or late in the evening for the best inshore results. For tarpon, consider a fly fishing trip, and for mahi-mahi, plan an offshore adventure using live bait or trolling lures.

July – Offshore Adventures for Tuna & Tarpon

Best Species to Target: Tarpon, Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, Redfish

The summer months are ideal for offshore fishing, and July is no exception. Yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and tarpon are abundant, offering thrill-seekers an action-packed fishing experience. Inshore, redfish and speckled trout are still plentiful, making this a great time for all types of anglers.

Fishing Tips: Offshore trips are the highlight of July, with tarpon best targeted in deeper waters. Redfish can be found in shallow flats during the early mornings.

August – Shark Fishing & Summer Fun

Best Species to Target: Sharks, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Tarpon

August offers hot weather and hot fishing. Shark fishing is at its peak, with blacktip and bull sharks abundant in both inshore and offshore waters. If you prefer inshore fishing, redfish and speckled trout are still active, while tarpon continue to bite.

Fishing Tips: Shark fishing is best in the early morning or late evening, while redfish and speckled trout can be targeted in the shallow waters during cooler parts of the day.

September – Fall Fishing Kicks Off

Best Species to Target: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead

As the weather starts to cool down in September, the fishing in Pensacola transitions into fall. Redfish and speckled trout are abundant, while sheepshead begin moving into deeper waters. This is a great month for anglers who want to target both inshore and nearshore species.

Fishing Tips: Fish the shallow flats for redfish and speckled trout, and target sheepshead near structures.

October – Prime Fall Fishing

Best Species to Target: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Flounder

October is one of the best months for fishing in Pensacola. Redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead are all at their peak, and flounder begin migrating toward the Gulf. If you’re looking for variety, October offers great inshore and nearshore fishing.

Fishing Tips: Use live shrimp or soft plastics for speckled trout and redfish, and focus on structure for sheepshead and flounder.

November – Inshore Fishing at Its Best

Best Species to Target: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead

As temperatures continue to drop in November, inshore fishing remains excellent. Redfish and speckled trout are abundant, and flounder continue to bite in shallow waters. Sheepshead also provide plenty of action as they move toward deeper waters.

Fishing Tips: The shallow flats are prime for redfish and speckled trout, while sheepshead can be targeted around pilings and bridges.

December – Winter Fishing for Sheepshead & Redfish

Best Species to Target: Sheepshead, Redfish, Black Drum

December brings cooler waters, but the fishing remains good. Sheepshead are abundant around structure, and redfish can still be found in deeper areas. Black drum are also active, providing a great winter fishing experience.

Fishing Tips: Use live or cut shrimp for sheepshead and black drum, and fish the deeper waters for redfish.

Book Your Fishing Charter with Showintail Inshore Charters

No matter the time of year, Showintail Inshore Charters offers Pensacola fishing trips tailored to your needs. Whether you’re interested in inshore fishing, shark fishing, or offshore adventures, our experienced captains—Capt. Bryant, Capt. Ken, and Capt. Jordan—will guide you to the best fishing spots, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Book your fishing charter today and discover why Pensacola is one of Florida’s premier fishing destinations!

Contact Us:
Phone: 850-582-3474
Email: showintailcharters@gmail.com
Website: www.showintailinshorecharters.com

Fishing Seasons: The Best Months to Fish in Florida – Let us help you plan your next fishing adventure!