Northwest Florida Fishing Report

Joe Baya
  • 4.9 (64)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Joe Baya brings you the first podcast to bring you the local inshore, offshore, and onshore fishing report from Pensacola to Panama City, Florida whether it's good, bad, or ugly.

  1. You're Wearing Your Kill Switch Wrong, and It Could Cost You Your Lifee Wearing Your Kill Switch Wrong, and It Could Cost You Your Life

    5D AGO

    You're Wearing Your Kill Switch Wrong, and It Could Cost You Your Lifee Wearing Your Kill Switch Wrong, and It Could Cost You Your Life

    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

    48 min
  2. Winter Winter Offshore Flounder from a Kayak (60-Foot Reefs, Jigs, and Safety Tips)Offshore Flounder from a Kayak (60-Foot Reefs, Jigs, and Safety Tips)

    FEB 5

    Winter Winter Offshore Flounder from a Kayak (60-Foot Reefs, Jigs, and Safety Tips)Offshore Flounder from a Kayak (60-Foot Reefs, Jigs, and Safety Tips)

    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

    1h 32m
  3. Building the Fishery – Artificial Reefs with a Fisherman Who Dives Them

    JAN 30

    Building the Fishery – Artificial Reefs with a Fisherman Who Dives Them

    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

    1h 25m
  4. Winter Fishing Success: Black Drum, Pompano, Redfish, and Offshore Action in Northwest Florida

    JAN 21

    Winter Fishing Success: Black Drum, Pompano, Redfish, and Offshore Action in Northwest Florida

    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

    1h 19m
  5. Inshore, Offshore & Surf Tactics for Pompano, Redfish, Sheepshead & Scamp Grouper

    JAN 15

    Inshore, Offshore & Surf Tactics for Pompano, Redfish, Sheepshead & Scamp Grouper

    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

    1h 34m
  6. Winter Fishing Report 2026: Inshore & Offshore Tactics with Top Guides

    JAN 8

    Winter Fishing Report 2026: Inshore & Offshore Tactics with Top Guides

    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

    1h 27m
  7. Lessons From Those Who Save Lives: What Anglers Can Learn From Coast Guard Rescue Stories

    JAN 1

    Lessons From Those Who Save Lives: What Anglers Can Learn From Coast Guard Rescue Stories

    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

    1h 2m
  8. Christmas Special Top Fishing Gifts & Gear Guide 2025

    12/22/2025

    Christmas Special Top Fishing Gifts & Gear Guide 2025

    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

    1h 28m
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4.9
out of 5
64 Ratings

About

Joe Baya brings you the first podcast to bring you the local inshore, offshore, and onshore fishing report from Pensacola to Panama City, Florida whether it's good, bad, or ugly.

Information

  • Creator
    Joe Baya
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 Copyright Great Days Outdoors Magazine
  • Show Website
    Northwest Florida Fishing Report

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