Northwest Florida Fishing Report

On this Northwest Florida Fishing Report, Joe Baya and Butch Thierry talks fishing with some of the best anglers on the Florida Emerald Coast. This week we have a special segment with Steve Woolf of Pure Fishing on upping your saltwater fishing game with jerkbait. Steve will explain the different types of jerkbaits, species that are commonly targeted, where you should throw jerkbait, sizing, and how to choose one. Enjoy this special jerkbait show, stay hydrated and safe out on the water. Check Out The Full Line of Berkley Fishing Gear and Products 10% OFF AFTCO Products NWFFR has partnered with AFTCO, and we are offering all of our listeners 10% off AFTCO products. Text the word "fishing" to 647-558-9895 to subscribe to our email list, and we'll send you the promo code via email! This Report is Presented By: Angelo DePaola - The Coastal Connection - eXp Realty Sponsors: AFTCO Admiral Shellfish Company Boaters List Bajio Sunglasses L&M Marina United Bank Photonis MB Ranch King Blinds Hunting Exchange Fishing Chaos Buck's Island Hilton's Real-Time Navigator Test Calibration Dixie Supply / Baker Metal Works Fishbites Great Days Outdoors Killerdock

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya tracks a late March transition with a strong offshore update out of Destin and an inshore speckled trout report from the Pensacola area. This episode features Capt. Adam Peoples of One Shot Charters on wahoo, swordfish, and open-water tuna action, plus Capt. Evan Wheeler of Tall Pines Tight Lines on pre-spawn trout behavior during a stretch of changing weather. The big theme this week is that spring opportunities are building, but anglers still need to adjust to shifting conditions and stay flexible day to day. Joe starts offshore with Capt. Adam Peeples of One Shot Charters in Destin. Adam breaks down a weekend that included a wahoo bite at the FADs, steady swordfish action, and open-water tuna schools pushing bait on the surface. He explains how he likes to slow troll a varied spread for wahoo, why he sticks with mono instead of wire on diving plugs, and what anglers should look for when rigging spinning setups for tuna on swimbaits. Next, Joe heads inshore with Capt. Evan Wheeler of Tall Pines Tight Lines for a Pensacola-area trout report. Evan says March remains a tough but rewarding transition month, with fish shifting between winter and spring patterns depending on temperature, tide, and daily conditions. He explains how big trout are balancing warmth, forage, and spawning movement, and he shares a detailed look at confidence baits, search baits, and why lure choice should match depth, cover, and the specific type of trout fishing you are trying to do. To wrap, Joe and Evan look ahead to the next couple of weeks and agree that the late March to early April window should keep producing chances at quality trout, especially as conditions settle and fish move closer to a true spring pattern. Sponsors: The Wharf Boat And Yacht Show Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Hilton's Realtime Navigator Deep South Cranes

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya covers a classic March transition with updates from the surf, inshore, offshore, and the boating scene. This episode features Justin Reed on the Pensacola to Navarre surf bite, Jim Cox on The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show in Orange Beach, Capt. Blake Nelson on Destin trout and redfish, and Capt. Tyler Massey on Pensacola offshore action. The common thread is that things are improving, but most fisheries are still just on the edge of their full spring pattern. Joe starts with Justin Reed of Justin Reed Fishing for a surf report focused on pompano. Justin says there were a few better days leading up to the full moon, but the bite has been inconsistent since, with redfish, whiting, and catfish filling in while anglers wait for the real run to kick off. He explains why late March into early April still looks like the better window and shares how he staggers baits across the beach to find where fish are traveling. Next, Joe checks in with Jim Cox for a preview of The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show, set for March 20 through 22 at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Jim breaks down what makes the show special, from in-water boats and yachts to hundreds more on land, along with why boat show season can be a great time to compare models and find real buying incentives. From there, Joe talks with Capt. Blake Nelson of Last Cast Charters in Destin about an inshore bite centered on trout and redfish. Blake explains how fish are using creek mouths, bayous, and nearby flats based on food and conditions, and he shares why popping corks with live shrimp and weedless soft plastics are good tools right now. To wrap, Capt. Tyler Massey of Hot Spots Fishing Charters gives an offshore report centered on vermilion snapper and triggerfish. Tyler explains how to find better triggerfish on smaller structure, how he distinguishes vermilions and triggers on the machine, and why April should bring more Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and other spring opportunities. Sponsors: The Wharf Boat And Yacht Show Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Hilton's Realtime Navigator

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya tees up an early spring transition with three quick-hit conversations—plus a reminder on the Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show in Panama City Beach (March 6–8 at Aaron Bessant Park by Pier Park) for anyone ready to stop guessing and start stepping on boats. Joe starts inshore with Capt. Evan Wheeler of Tall Pines Tight Lines in the Pensacola area to break down "messy middle" fishing: persistent negative tides, low water, and fronts that don't always reset fish into a clean winter pattern. Evan explains what to hunt for on tough days (birds, bait, and depth changes near warming water), why slowing down and changing cadence can flip the switch on trout, and the simple gear approach he leans on in spring—20 lb braid with leader choices that match the lure and strike intensity. Next, Joe checks in with Capt. Harris Scruggs of Triple B Fishing out of Panama City on spring-break nearshore trips targeting triggerfish and vermilion snapper, with better beeliners showing on wreck edges. Harris shares the key triggerfish tip: fish your way down, watch for subtle "slow-down" bites on the drop, and get tight fast—plus when lighter hooks and smaller baits help clients actually stick fish. To wrap, Blake Hunter of Reel30A says pompano are on the cusp, with big fish showing before the schools, and stresses that right now success is about beach structure—especially finding a productive hole or depression and soaking baits in the right water. He points to late March into early April as a prime window for the best odds along the Emerald Coast.   Sponsors: Emerald Coast Boast & Lifestyle Show Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Hilton's Realtime Navigator

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya leans on two timely conversations to make sense of a windy, weather-scrambled week: offshore wahoo intel from Hilton's Real-Time Navigator and a Pensacola-area inshore kayak pattern that's producing reds and trout during warm windows. Joe starts with Butch Thierry and Tom Hilton to talk "good wahoo water" for boats running out of Pensacola, Destin, and Panama City. Tom explains dialing in a wahoo temp range in the upper 60s into the 70s to make clean edges pop, then stacking the odds with water color, current, structure, and bait. They key in on Destin FADs and the Oriskany area, why even small temp breaks can matter when they're tight and defined, and how current hitting contour can create the kind of feeding zone you want to fish. To wrap, Joe checks in with Brandon Barton of Emerald Waters Kayak Charters on a fun inshore bite: redfish and trout eating topwater well beyond first light when conditions warm up. Brandon breaks down his go-to spook-style baits, when he upsizes for ripple, and how he works saltwater chatterbaits through submerged grass in dirtier river water to trigger winter reds. He also shares how drone scouting is changing his view of where trophy-class trout and mixed schools are staging in shallow ICW water during midday warming periods, plus a quick look ahead to March kayak offshore opportunities for blackfin tuna and early-season reef fishing.   Sponsors: Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Hilton's Realtime Navigator

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya delivers a winter "real report" across the Panhandle with three key conversations: surf fishing, boat-show season, and a tough-but-producible inshore bay bite. On the surf side, Joe talks with Justin Reed of Justin Reed Fishing about February slowdowns and how to prep for spring—favorite rod lengths (9–10' vs 12'), why he likes 5000-size reels for torque, and must-have surf tackle like Sputnik sinkers, pompano rigs, and sand fleas. They also preview boat season with Jim Cox in an Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show rundown, covering what to expect at the show, why seeing boats in person matters, and the coastal-lifestyle vendors and seminars that make it a full family event. To wrap, Joe checks in with Justin Leake of Panama City Inshore on winter inshore fishing—focusing on protected bayous and deeper creeks for trout and redfish, using suspending jerkbaits to locate fish, and leaning on live shrimp when the bite gets picky as water temps start creeping toward spring.   Sponsors: Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Hilton's Realtime Navigator

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya and co-host Butch Thierry step away from the usual bite breakdown to deliver a wintertime episode that can save lives on the water. They focus on boating safety, complacency, and the small gear decisions that matter most when something goes wrong fast. On the safety side, they sit down with Capt. Larry Higgins, owner of KWiggler Lures, who shares a firsthand account of a low-light boating collision in a bayou that ended with him ejected from the boat and suffering multiple hip fractures. Larry explains how quickly the situation developed, why being close to the bank in shallow water likely kept the outcome from being far worse, and how an Apple Watch became a critical communication tool when phones were lost in the chaos. They also dig into the biggest takeaway from the incident: you can be wearing a kill switch and still be wearing it wrong. Larry breaks down how his bungee-style lanyard looped around his wrist nearly failed to pull free, the importance of attaching the lanyard to a reliable point that will not rip out, and why testing your kill switch should be part of your routine. The episode closes with practical winter safety priorities—wearing a PFD you will actually keep on, keeping signaling gear accessible, and building habits that reduce risk no matter what other boaters do.   Sponsors: Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Stayput Anchor Hilton's Realtime Navigator

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya and co-host Angelo DePaola of The Coastal Connection mix fishing and Gulf Coast living, with Angelo sharing a quick update on the Northwest Florida real estate market and what buyers and sellers should be thinking about as 2026 gets underway. On the fishing side, they sit down with Brandon Barton of Emerald Waters Kayak Charters to break down offshore winter flounder fishing on nearshore reefs—an overlooked cold-season bite that can be done by boat or kayak. Brandon covers the depth range he targeted (roughly 50–65 feet), how to stay positioned on structure in wind and current, and how to read the subtle flounder bite and time your hookset. They also dig into the simple, effective tackle approach—bucktail-style jigs with durable strip bait like bonita, dialing in jig weight for solid bottom contact, and why a net matters for landing flounder consistently—then close with winter safety priorities and a reminder on stewardship when fish are stacked up offshore. Sponsors: Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Stayput Anchor Hilton's Realtime Navigator

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya and co-host Butch Thierry sit down with Capt. Kendall Annan of Gulf Rebel Charters to talk artificial reefs, including how projects with Reefmaker can build private structure that improves the fishery and your bottom fishing long term. Kendall shares what he's learned from both the wheelhouse and scuba diving his reefs, including what designs hold fish best, how fish often stage off the structure, and how long it takes a new reef to start producing. They also cover how to manage pressure so a hot spot stays hot, plus how to get started legally and how Reefmaker can handle permitting and deployment. Sponsors: Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Saltwater Marketing Stayput Anchor Hilton's Realtime Navigator

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, we cover prime winter fishing on the Emerald Coast! Local expert Justin Reed with Justin Reed Fishing shares pro tips for surf fishing tactics targeting black drum and pompano near Pensacola. Capt. Blake Nelson of Last Cast Charters outlines tournament-winning redfish strategies in Choctawhatchee Bay. Offshore, Capt. Adam Peeples with One Shot Charters details targeting red grouper, wahoo, dolphin, and blue marlin near Destin, with advice on live and dead bait, temperature breaks, and adapting to changing Gulf conditions. Whether you're focused on beach, bay, or offshore action, get the latest winter fishing hotspots, gear recommendations, and seasonal techniques from top Northwest Florida captains. Sponsors: Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Saltwater Marketing Stayput Anchor Hilton's Realtime Navigator

In this week's episode of the Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya is joined by top local captains and guides: Captain Tyler Massey of Hot Spots Charters, Captain Evan Wheeler of Tall Pines Tight Lines, and surf fishing expert Blake Hunter from Reel 30A. The crew breaks down the best winter fishing tactics for inshore, offshore, and beach anglers from Pensacola to Panama City. Learn where and how to catch high-demand species like pompano, redfish, black drum, sheepshead, speckled trout, and scamp grouper this season, plus get pro tips on the best rigs, baits (live and artificial), and interpreting tides and weather—essential insights for targeting big winter fish. The show also discusses latest fishery updates, conservation-minded practices, and captain-recommended gear. Whether you're planning a fishing trip or want to stay up to date on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast scene, this episode offers actionable advice for success.   Sponsors: Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Saltwater Marketing Stayput Anchor Hilton's Realtime Navigator

Join host Joe Baya as he kicks off the first Northwest Florida Fishing Report of 2026, featuring expert insights from top guides Brandon Barton (Pensacola) and Captain Justin Leake (Panama City). This episode covers essential winter fishing tips for inshore and offshore anglers, from targeting bull redfish around bridges and flats, to safety considerations for kayak fishermen during colder months.  Learn the most effective live and artificial bait strategies for snapper, grouper, flounder, and scamp, and discover how changing weather patterns, tides, and wind conditions influence local fishing success. The discussion also spotlights the region's growing artificial reef and FAD projects, fishery management best practices, and the ongoing transition towards sustainable fishing in Northwest Florida. Whether you fish Pensacola, Panama City, or anywhere along the Emerald Coast, this report offers actionable advice and high-impact techniques to help you make the most of winter fishing in Florida's top angling destinations.   Sponsors: Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO Sea Tow SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Saltwater Marketing Stayput Anchor

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Martha LaGuardia-Kotite, retired U.S. Coast Guard Captain, Harvard-educated author, and one of the first women to serve aboard all-male Coast Guard cutters. With a distinguished 29-year career spanning disaster response, homeland security, post-9/11 operations, and global missions, Martha shares firsthand insights from a lifetime dedicated to saving lives at sea. Drawing from her acclaimed book So Others May Live, the definitive account of U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmers, Martha reveals what really happens during high-risk maritime rescues and how quickly routine days on the water can turn dangerous. She discusses the mindset, preparation, and split-second decision-making that rescue swimmers rely on—and how anglers and recreational boaters can apply those same principles to improve boating safety, situational awareness, and survival on the water. This episode explores essential boating safety lessons for anglers, including recognizing red flags before conditions deteriorate, avoiding common preventable mistakes, improving communication and leadership on fishing crews, and developing mental readiness whether fishing offshore, inshore, or solo. Beyond boating, Martha shares broader life lessons on courage, leadership, resilience, and preparedness—encouraging listeners to "Be Bold, Be First, Be You."   Sponsors: Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO Sea Tow SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Pure Flats Saltwater Marketing Stayput Anchor

Join hosts Joe Baya, Butch Theory, and Nick Williams for a special holiday episode of the Northwest Florida Fishing Report, presented by Great Days Outdoors Magazine. In this Christmas Special, the captains discuss the best fishing gift ideas and must-have angling gear for 2025, covering both freshwater and saltwater essentials. Listeners will discover expert recommendations on waders, filet knives, vacuum sealers, rain gear, polarized sunglasses, portable sonar, safety equipment, and more. The episode is packed with angler safety tips, reviews of top fishing products and brands like AFTCO and Stayput Anchor, with practical advice for both beginner and veteran anglers. Whether you're looking for last-minute Christmas gifts for fishermen or want to upgrade your outdoor equipment, this fishing podcast has everything you need for a successful year on Alabama's lakes and rivers.   Sponsors: Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO Sea Tow SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Pure Flats Saltwater Marketing Stayput Anchor

Join host Joe Baya on the Northwest Florida Fishing Report for an action-packed episode featuring Captain Blake Nelson of Last Cast Charters in Destin and Captain Tyler Massey of Hot Spots Charters in Pensacola. Get expert insights on winter fishing in the Emerald Coast, including how to target redfish and trout on the flats, tournament strategies, bait and lure selection, and adapting to cold, changing weather. Offshore, Captain Massey shares the latest on Wahoo, tuna, scamp, and snapper fishing, plus tactics for success around local wrecks and fads. Whether you're planning an inshore charter in Destin, searching for Pensacola offshore fishing tips, or want to optimize your winter Gulf Coast fishing trips, this podcast covers it all. Perfect for anglers, charter fishing fans, and anyone seeking the best Florida fishing podcast.   Sponsors: Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO Sea Tow SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Pure Flats Saltwater Marketing Stayput Anchor

Tune into this winter's Northwest Florida Fishing Report as host Joe Baya teams up with Capt. Justin Leake with Panama City Inshore and Brandon Barton with Emerald Waters Kayak Charters for a deep dive into the season's best fishing opportunities. Discover expert techniques for targeting redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in the bays, as well as offshore strategies for blackfin and yellowfin tuna—all optimized for winter conditions and cold fronts. Learn how changing weather impacts Panama City fishing and Pensacola fishing, with practical kayak fishing safety tips, bait selection insights, and expert advice on finding the most productive inshore and offshore spots. With tips on winter fishing tactics, artificial and live bait rigs, flounder regulations, and the advantages of kayak fishing, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for anglers throughout Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast.   Sponsors: Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO Sea Tow SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Pure Flats Saltwater Marketing Stayput Anchor

Join the Northwest Florida Fishing Report for a special Thanksgiving episode packed with winter fishing wisdom, conservation insights, and deep-dive discussions on what makes late-season angling across the Panhandle so unique. Host Joe Baya brings together Captain Evan Wheeler and Captain Patrick Garmason for an honest, expert-level breakdown of how to approach cold-water fishing in Pensacola, Mobile Bay, and the surrounding tributaries. This Thanksgiving special digs into the science and strategy behind winter fishing. Biologist and guide Evan Wheeler explains how dropping water temperatures affect fish metabolism, feeding behavior, and movement patterns — and how anglers can use that knowledge to stay one step ahead. Captain Patrick Garmason breaks down the nuances of fishing rivers, creeks, and deep water around Mobile Bay, offering practical tips on reading conditions, choosing the right tackle, and adjusting presentations as fish slow down. The discussion gets even deeper with a powerful segment on Release Over 20, where the captains discuss the biological importance of protecting larger trout, redfish, flounder, and even sheepshead. They walk listeners through proper handling, when to cut the line, when a fish can survive a deep hook, and the ethical mindset behind selective harvest — all backed by real science and decades of on-the-water experience. You'll also hear detailed talk about rod and reel setups for deep winter structure, why mono sometimes beats braid, how to approach pressured winter fisheries, and the confidence baits both captains rely on when the bite gets tough. From slick lures and loop knots to feeding windows, solunar patterns, and the subtle differences between Florida and Alabama winter fisheries, this episode is loaded with insight. Whether you're gearing up for a cold-weather trout mission, trying to better understand winter fish behavior, or simply enjoying the holiday week with family, this Thanksgiving episode brings expert perspective, conservation values, and classic NWFFR storytelling all in one place. Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO Sea Tow SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Pure Flats Saltwater Marketing Stayput Anchor

Join host Joe Baya and a team of expert captains, including Angelo DePaola, Butch Thierry, Tom Hilton, Blake Hunter, and Captain Evan Wheeler, for the latest Northwest Florida Fishing Report. This episode covers inshore, offshore, and surf fishing conditions from Pensacola to Destin and Panama City, featuring hot bite updates for pompano, redfish, yellowfin tuna, and whiting. Learn expert techniques for targeting Gulf Coast fish using satellite data for altimetry, salinity, and sea temperatures. The captains discuss surf fishing strategy, winter trout and redfish tactics, and keys for finding trophy catches. Plus, get insider real estate tips for anglers seeking waterfront homes and boat-friendly properties along the Emerald Coast. If you're looking for the most up-to-date Gulf Coast fishing forecast and expert advice, this episode delivers all the high-impact fishing trends, tips, and market insights you need.   Sponsors Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty Great Days Outdoors AFTCO Sea Tow SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Pure Flats Saltwater Marketing Stayput Anchor

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya delivers an action-packed update on the hottest fall fishing in Destin and Pensacola. Offshore expert Captain Adam Peoples shares valuable insights on the exceptional Wahoo bite, Blue Marlin and swordfish action, plus pro tips for targeting yellowfin tuna and rig tactics in the Gulf of Mexico. Inshore, surf fishing guide Justin Reed breaks down the Pensacola pompano and whiting bite, offering the best strategies, beach locations, bait, and tackle tips for shoreline success. Whether you're after offshore giants or surfside slabs, get the latest Florida fall fishing news, forecasts, and techniques from top Gulf Coast captains.   Sponsors Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty Great Days Outdoors AFTCO Sea Tow SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Pure Flats Saltwater Marketing Stayput Anchor

Jump into this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report for a comprehensive update on Gulf Coast angling action. Host Joe Baya is joined by Captain Adam Peeples to break down the current snapper season, east wind fishing strategies, and blue water tactics for marlin, swordfish, and tuna. Captain Blake Nelson delivers expert advice on adapting to fall cold fronts, targeting redfish and trout on the flats, and adjusting techniques for success in back bays and creeks. Pier and surfpro Matthew Isbels, better known the Bama Beach Bum, shares reports from Navarre, details on chasing Bonita and redfish from the pier, and offers up the latest on kayak action for Blackfin tuna and more. Finally, Kazuki Kitajima of Hayabusa USA uncovers the secrets of choosing the perfect sabiki rig for bait fishing. Whether you're targeting state water snapper, venturing offshore, looking for the best live bait tactics, or fine-tuning your fall inshore fishing, this Florida fishing podcast delivers essential tips, gear strategies, and up-to-the-minute forecasts to help you succeed on the water. Sponsors Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty Great Days Outdoors AFTCO Sea Tow Southeastern Pond Management Admiral Shellfish Black Buffalo