Advertise on podcast: Northwest Florida Fishing Report

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya is joined by co-host Butch Thierry for a special offshore episode focused on wahoo fishing with Chris Vecsey of J&M Tackle. The episode breaks down why wahoo are such an exciting Gulf target, how they can be caught closer to shore than many anglers realize, and why smaller-boat anglers can successfully target them with the right conditions, structure, spread, and gear. Chris explains that one of the biggest misconceptions about wahoo fishing is that anglers have to high-speed troll to catch them. While that works, he prefers a more controlled approach for most center-console anglers, focusing on natural bottom, shelf edges, rigs, FADs, floating debris, bait, current, and clean water. He says blue water alone is not enough. The best areas usually have structure, current, and food working together. The episode also covers practical trolling setups, including simple four-line spreads with plugs, skirted ballyhoo, weighted Islander-style lures, sea witches, and surface baits. For boats with outriggers, Chris explains how he expands that into a six-line spread with corner baits, rigger baits, a shotgun, and a middle bait. He also shares why birds, properly staggered lines, and repeatable bait placement can make a big difference. Chris finishes with rigging and landing advice, including when to use wire, cable, heavy mono, braid backing, mono top shots, and shock leaders. He stresses that the reel is the one place serious wahoo anglers should not cut corners, and he explains how to keep fish buttoned up near the boat by controlling the fish's head, easing the drag when needed, and using a smaller gaff around the collar. Sponsors: Destin Boat & Yacht Show Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Admiral Shellfish 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 wide-ranging spring pattern with changing weather, flexible fishing options, and a look at how modern boat electronics can help anglers stay more efficient on the water. This episode features Capt. Justin Leake with Panama City Inshore, Capt. Harris Scruggs with Triple B Fishing Charters, Capt. Evan Wheeler with Tall Pines Tight Lines, and Jim Cox with the Destin Boat & Yacht Show. The big theme this week is that spring fishing across Northwest Florida is opening up in a lot of different ways, but success still comes down to adjusting to wind, conditions, and where the fish want to be. Joe starts with Capt. Justin Leake with Panama City Inshore, who breaks down how he approaches the three main types of spring days. On the roughest front days, Justin says he likes to tuck deep into creeks and bayous for trout, redfish, and even the occasional bass. On the in-between days, he focuses on bay fishing around jetties, bridges, and passes for Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and redfish. When the Gulf finally lays down, he says the nearshore reefs are loaded with action, including red grouper, snapper, bonitas, and even a few early kings. Justin also shares a detailed look at how networked electronics, side imaging, drift mode, and better boat positioning can help anglers fish more efficiently and cover water more effectively. Next, Joe checks in with Capt. Harris Scruggs with Triple B Fishing Charters, who says the offshore bite out of Panama City has been strong on the calmer windows. Harris reports steady action on triggerfish, vermilion snapper, red grouper, scamp, Spanish mackerel, and bonita, with plenty of bait around and good opportunities both near the pass and on reefs in 60 to 100 feet of water. He also explains that anglers fishing natural bottom should not always expect fish to show clearly on the machine right away, and that some of the best areas still take confidence and repeated passes to figure out. Joe also talks with Jim Cox with the Destin Boat & Yacht Show, which is set for May 1 through 3 at Sunset Isle Yacht Club on Okaloosa Island. Jim says the show is designed to reflect the wide variety of boating in the Destin area, from offshore center consoles and bay boats to tritoons, cruisers, and luxury boats. He explains that the show will include boats in the water and on land, along with marine accessories, fishing seminars, food, drinks, and coastal lifestyle vendors. Finally, Joe checks in with Capt. Evan Wheeler with Tall Pines Tight Lines in Pensacola, who says the trout bite has been strong in salty, clear water despite heavy wind swings. Evan explains how he approaches protected backwaters on rough days and grass flats on calmer days, with a focus on matching bait presentation to current, water depth, and wind direction. He says big trout are eating both live bait and artificials right now, especially larger soft plastics and topwaters, and he shares several tips on presentation, positioning, and how to stay calm and land a trophy trout once it bites. Sponsors: Destin Boat & Yacht Show Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Admiral Shellfish 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 productive spring transition despite rough offshore weather, with pompano showing up in the surf, big trout feeding in the bay, and Spanish mackerel providing a solid option closer to shore. This episode features Blake Hunter with Reel30A and Capt. Blake Nelson of Last Cast Charters. The big theme this week is that spring fishing is taking shape across Northwest Florida, but anglers still need to stay flexible and fish around changing conditions. Joe starts in the surf with Blake Hunter of Reel30A, who says the pompano migration is underway and the next few weeks should offer some of the best beach fishing of the season. He explains how fish are moving in waves along the beach, why live sand fleas are so important right now, and how staying mobile can help anglers find the best concentrations of fish. Next, Joe checks in with Capt. Blake Nelson of Last Cast Charters for an inshore report from the Choctawhatchee Bay area. Blake says the trout bite has been very good, with quality fish over 20 inches and some larger trout showing up. He also reports redfish action and the arrival of Spanish mackerel around bridges, flats, and drop-offs. Blake shares that both live bait and artificials are working, with success often coming down to stealth, long casts, and making the right presentation. Sponsors: Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Admiral Shellfish 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 strong early spring shift with the surf bite turning on, big trout showing up in Pensacola-area backwaters, and offshore anglers working around windy weather. This episode features Justin Reed on a full-blown pompano run from Pensacola to Navarre, Brandon Barton on topwater trout in transition areas, and Capt. Tyler Massey of Hot Spots Charters on Spanish mackerel and early scamp season opportunities. The big theme this week is that spring patterns are taking shape across the region, but success still depends on adjusting to conditions and staying flexible. Joe starts in the surf with Justin Reed with Justin Reed Fishing, who says the pompano run is officially on, with schools of fish moving the beaches and consistent action for anglers fishing the sandbars. He breaks down how to pick productive water, space rods, choose colors, and adjust baits and rigs to stay on fish during the migration. Next, Joe checks in with Brandon Barton with Emerald Waters Kayak Charters for an inshore report from the Pensacola area. Brandon says big trout are setting up in transition zones around creeks and bayous, with bait getting pushed out and topwater lures producing some of the better fish of the week. He also explains why stealth, long casts, and covering similar types of water are key right now. To wrap up, Joe heads offshore with Capt. Tyler Massey of Hot Spots Charters. Tyler says rough weather has limited offshore trips, but Spanish mackerel have arrived near Pensacola Beach and are providing fun action for anglers trolling or casting. He also shares that bottom fishing remains productive, with scamp season reopening and live bait becoming easier to find as water temperatures rise. Sponsors: 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 spring transition with updates from offshore, the surf, and Pensacola inshore waters. This episode features Capt. Harris Scruggs on Panama City triggerfish, grouper, vermilion snapper, and early Spanish mackerel, Blake Hunter on scattered pompano, bull reds, and black drum in the surf, and Brandon Barton on clear-water trout and redfish tactics. The big theme this week is that spring is close, but anglers still need to adjust to changing conditions. Joe starts offshore with Capt. Harris Scruggs of Triple B Fishing Charters. Harris says short bottom trips are producing triggerfish, vermilion snapper, red grouper, and scamp, and he explains how fishing bigger baits off the bottom can help target larger triggerfish. He also shares a quick update on early Spanish mackerel showing closer to the beach. Next, Joe checks in with Blake Hunter of Reel30A for the surf report. Blake says the main pompano run has not fully arrived, but there are enough fish around to keep anglers watching the full moon, beach structure, and water temperature. He also says bull reds and black drum are giving surf anglers another strong option right now. To wrap, Joe heads to Pensacola with Brandon Barton of Emerald Waters Kayak Charters for an inshore report on trout and redfish. Brandon explains why stealth matters so much in the clear, shallow water and shares a few lure and presentation adjustments that can make a difference. Overall, the report shows Northwest Florida is right on the edge of a stronger spring bite.   Sponsors: 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 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

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "a61361e0-98b2-4de6-a422-c176ed74ea38" data-testid= "conversation-turn-9" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-69b3611c-f99c-832b-ad49-2dd3b5d70eb7-3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-10" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> 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