There have been no changes to the areas banned from fishing! Fishing is good, so whether you fish inshore, offshore, or at a local pier or beach now is the time to go…
Tag Archive: pensacola
On this particular morning I got the pleasure of guiding Edwin and his son Jeffery. Our goal was to target monster redfish on shallow flats in Pensacola Bay. Right now the big bulls are in pairs spawning on these flats so it makes for a great sightfishing trip! The only issue we had this morning was rain and wind which makes it very tough to see a fish. After riding the banks for 30 minutes, I knew we were fighting a losing battle. No sunshine made the visiblity very poor. I decided it would be best to blind cast the dropoffs on the edge of the banks. I figured we might find a few stragglers somewhere. It did not take long before we were hooking up with 35 to 40 inch fish. The cool part about hooking a beast like that is we were only 10ft from the bank. After catching a few nice ones, the rain, wind, and cold became unbearable, so we called the trip off early and headed in.
These monster fish should be in this area for at least another month. What some people may not know is that some big bulls actually come up in 3 to 4ft of water to spawn on sandy bottoms. It is best to look for these fish on sand where you are finding a bunch of pot holes and drops offs right off the bank. In this particular area it is 15ft deep no more than 10 ft from the bank. I think a fish of that size feels much safer on a shallow flat when he knows he is only a few feet from very deep water. It is funny, but I have also found that these spawning fish will eat almost anything thrown at them. They are not picky at all…
Capt Brant Peacher
www.fishtheemeraldcoast.com
Inshore
Sheepshead can be caught around jetties and bridge pilings with ease right now. However it’s been a little tougher so far this year so don’t expect to fill the cooler up like you may have in past years.
The white trout fishing around the Pensacola Bay Bridge has been pretty good. You might not catch as many fish as you often do, although the size will likely surprise you.
Redfish stories have varied from one angler to another. There have been some fish scattered along the docks on the north side of Santa Rosa Sound for those looking for slot size fish. Meanwhile bulls are being caught along the beach and around Pensacola Pass.
Offshore
If you’re looking for fun there is plenty to be had bottom fishing right now. Just be prepared to practice a lot of catch and release considering red snapper and gag grouper seasons are both currently closed. You should be able to hit some of the big wrecks like the Oriskany or Avocet and find keeper size amberjacks.
You shouldn’t have any trouble finding blackfin tuna at the floating rigs, but the yellowfins reports haven’t been very good unless you’re willing to travel to the rigs south of the Mississippi River.
Piers & Beaches
It seems like surf fishing is improving every day, but it’s still not up to par considering it’s the third week of March. The water temperature is rising quickly so if the weather cooperates this could be the breakout weekend.
Fishing has been slow recently on the Pensacola Beach Gulf Fishing Pier, but any given day the pompano and cobia will start making an appearance.
Freshwater
A consensus of several reports is that the bass fishing is improving in a hurry for those looking for action on the rivers. With a little cooperation from the weather the beds will be heating up.
Captain Chris Phillips
With the warm spring weather on the brink and everyone getting the itch to hit the water now’s a good time to check and make sure your fishing license is current. Last August the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) implemented the shoreline saltwater fishing license, which anglers who fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore must buy.
Who needs a license?
Resident licenses can be purchased by any person who has resided in Florida for 6 continuous months prior to the issuance of a license and who claims Florida as his/her primary residence or any member of the United States Armed Forces who is stationed in Florida (includes spouse and dependent children residing in the household).
You do not need a hunting, freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing license if you are a child under 16 years of age, you are a Florida resident age 65 or older possessing proof of age and residency, you are a Florida resident certified as totally and permanently disabled and you possess a Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing Certificate, or you are a resident who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, you are not stationed in this state, and you are home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.
Buying a License
Fishing and hunting licenses can be purchased from the tax collectors office for the amount shown or from a license vendor such as tackle stores for the license cost plus an issuance fee.
They can be purchased over the phone by calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356) or 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). A $3.25 + 2.5% surcharge of total sale per person will be added to your purchase.
If you would like to buy one online you can follow the links at myfwc.com. A $2.25 + 2.5% surcharge of total sale per person will be added to your purchase.
Where to fish without a license?
The only places you can fish in Florida without a fishing license are on piers or charter boats that possess a license that covers everyone. Several good places for land locked anglers in Pensacola that provide a license are the Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge, Pensacola Beach Gulf Fishing Pier, and Fort Pickens Pier.
Cost of License
Annual Saltwater Fishing
1-year $17.00
5-year $79.00
Nonresident Saltwater
Annual $47.00
3-Day $17.00
7-Day $30.00
Saltwater Shoreline
$9.00
Annual Freshwater Fishing
1-year $17.00
5-year $79.00
Nonresident Freshwater
1-year $47.00
3-Day $17.00
7-Day $30.00
Saltwater/Freshwater Combo
1-year $32.50
Saltwater/Freshwater/Hunting Combo
1-year $48.00
- Captain Chris Phillips
Saturday February 27th
Time 12:30pm-1:30pm Subject: Cobia Fishing
Guest Speakers: Captain Ben Fairey, Captain Myles Colley, and Captain Chad Linkous along with Bob Sharp will show you the tricks of the trade for landing that Cobia of a lifetime..
Time 1:35pm –2:35pm Subject: Offshore Fishing Chunking, and Natural Bait Rigging
Guest Speakers: Captain Myles Colley and Captain Chad Linkous will show you their secrets of offshore fishing, chunking for tuna, and the proper ways to rig lures and natural baits including; Balao, Mullet, and Spanish.
Time 2:40pm – 3:40pm Subject: Bait Catching and Cast Net Throwing
We will show you the most effective way to catch your own live bait and the proper use of a cast net.
Time 3:45pm-4:45pm Subject: Marine Electronics
Guest speakers from George’s Marine Electronics will tell you all about today’s electronics. They will instruct you on the proper operation of your equipment. Don’t miss it.
Time 4:50pm Subject: King fishing and live bait slow trolling.
Guest Speakers: Dan Abshire, and Rhonda Abshire will show you their secret techniques on how to be a successful King fisherman and tournament contender.
Sunday February 28th
Time 11:00am-12:00pm Subject: Propeller maintenance and tuning.
Guest Speakers: The crew of Accuprop will discuss the advantages of proper propeller maintenance and tuning. This information can lead to better speed and efficiency from your boat.
Time 12:30pm-1:30pm Subject: Shimano Butterfly Jigging System
Guest Speaker: Captain Chad Linkous and Captain Jason Woodham from Destin and also a Shimano Pro Staffer will instruct you in the proper methods of using the world’s best deep jigs. These lures are known to produce more fish than live bait if they are used properly. Don’t miss this valuable information
Time 2:00pm-3:00pm Subject: Bottom Fishing / Deep Droping
Guest Speakers: Gene and Tim Klein from Team Recess along with Bob Sharp will show you their tricks to locating and catching bigger Snapper, Amberjack and Grouper.
Time 3:30pm-4:30pm Subject: Pompano/Surf Fishing
Guest Speakers: Donnie Rozier and Captain Wes Rozier, local experts with over 40 years experience; will show you the proven techniques in locating and catching your favorite surf species.
Time 5:00pm Subject: Inshore Fishing Secrets
Guest Speakers: Donnie Rozier and Captain Wes Rozier, local experts with over 40 years experience; will show you their proven techniques in locating and catching those hard to catch inshore species including Trout, Redfish, Drum, Grouper, Flounder, and many others. Don’t miss it!!!
Seminars will be held at:
Outcast Fishing and Hunting
3520 Barrancas Ave.
Pensacola, Florida 32507
Go check it out! -Captain Chris Phillips
American Rodsmiths is a fishing rod manufacturer based out of Huston, Texas. The company has been around for a long time building fresh and salt water rods that have been very popular in many parts of the country including Texas and Louisiana. They have come out with a new innovative idea that has changed the way people look at rod grips. They have put Winn golf grips on two models of their rods.
We got to try these out on a trip to Louisiana to look for some redfish this winter and we were VERY impressed. The other characteristics of the rods are right on also. They have many combinations of weight, action, lengths, and tip taper so that you can find the rod that is just right for you. Find a local American Rodsmiths dealer to check them out. If you are in the Pensacola area come check them out at Hot Spots Bait and Tackle.
Capt. Matt Mcleod
www.hotspotstackle.com
www.hotspotscharters.com
850-418-5333
