Fishing in Pensacola Beach

You can charter a boat out to sea, or throw your line out from the Bay Bridge or Gulf Pier. Or, if you want some solitude, you can kayak out into the Gulf or head down to one of our first-rate beaches and do some surf fishing right off the coast. Best of all, our waters are home to a huge variety of fish species, from Redfish, Pompano, and our famous Red Snapper, to bigger catches like Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and King Mackerel.

As for what you’re gonna catch? For bigger fish, you’re looking at mainly Cobia and King Mackerel. You’ll want to go down toward the end of the pier and the deeper waters to get to them. The Gulf Pier has an unspoken “first spot” rule with Cobia, where the person who first notices it gets the initial cast. For smaller catches, you have Redfish, Flounder, Sheepshead, Pompano, and Spanish Mackerel, among others, which you’re likely to find closer to the shore. And don’t feel self-conscious: if you hook something big and can’t pull it in, ask for help! There’s sure to be a seasoned regular around who knows the drill.

In fact, on a busy day, the piers of Pensacola Beach are buzzing with regulars and visitors alike looking to land that great catch. You’ll find long stretches of quiet and calm, where everyone is just taking in the sunshine and the salty breeze. Then, suddenly someone gets a bite, starts running down the pier, and battles with nature itself to reel in their catch. Seeing someone land a massive Cobia or King Mackerel is something you won’t soon forget. But even just watching a parent teach their kid to fish can really warm the heart.

There are a few options at your disposal. If you’re an old hand with a rod and reel, looking for a more affordable experience, you can seek out a walk-on charter or one of the many large “party boats” frequenting the waters. Or if you need a bit more flexibility than a potentially busy chartered boat—either because you’re still a beginner or because you’re looking for a very specific kind of trip—you’ll want to consider hiring a private boat so you’re the captain’s sole concern. The right captain can make all the difference: they’ll guide you out there, give you tips, keep your lines in the water, and clean your fish at the end of the day so you can have them for dinner back at home or your hotel or campsite. If you ask your captain, they can even recommend some restaurants that will cook your catches for you.