Northwest Florida Fishing Report

Joe Baya
  • 4.9 (67)
  • 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. Surf Fishing Tactics, Swordfish Action, and Panama City Patterns

    6d ago

    Surf Fishing Tactics, Swordfish Action, and Panama City Patterns

    In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya is joined by Butch Thierry for a wide-ranging Gulf Coast report covering surf fishing from Pensacola to Navarre, late-spring pompano and bull redfish, June grass problems along the beach, sand flea scouting, an epic swordfish trip out of Dauphin Island, slow tuna conditions, strong scamp grouper action, snapper season opportunities, and how Panama City anglers can adjust around changing wind and weather. This episode features Justion Reed with Justin Reed Fishing, Capt. King Marchand with Captain Mike's Deep Sea Fishing, and Capt. Justin Leake with Panama City Inshore. Justin Reed gives the surf fishing report from the Pensacola and Navarre area, where pompano are still being caught on most trips and bull redfish have been consistent off the beach. He explains how June grass and sargassum are forcing anglers to stay mobile, why north winds can help clean up the surf, and how to follow pockets of clean water when grass is moving down the beach. Justin also breaks down beach gear, sand spikes, fishing carts, walking the beach with artificials, targeting Spanish mackerel and bluefish with heavy spoons, and finding sand fleas for pompano bait. Capt. King Marchand gives the offshore report after a standout swordfish trip aboard the Lady Ann, where his crew killed three swordfish, released three more, and added an escolar during a fast-paced bite. King explains why he believes the swordfish bite shifts from west to east as the season progresses, how he uses historical data, ledges, bait marks, electronics, and boat positioning to stay on the fish, and why holding over the right piece of bottom can outperform a blind drift. He also talks about slow yellowfin tuna fishing, the importance of fishing while already hooked up, strong scamp grouper action, and how sharks are starting to affect the bite. Capt. Justin Leake gives the Panama City and Panama City Beach report, where changing weather has anglers bouncing between offshore, nearshore, and inshore options. He explains how he reads hourly forecasts and wind direction, especially when deciding whether to run offshore for snapper or stay inside for trout, redfish, tarpon, or trolling opportunities. Justin also talks about using a versatile boat setup, adjusting routes around southeast winds, fishing live bait with heavier fluorocarbon when Spanish mackerel and bluefish are mixed in, and staying flexible enough to fish everything from a few inches of water to a couple hundred feet depending on conditions. Sponsors: EMS Endeck PVC Decking Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Admiral Shellfish Coastal Connection EXP Realty - Abaco Orange Beach AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Hilton's Realtime Navigator Deep South Cranes Pure Flats - Slick Lures

    1h 40m
  2. 790-Pound Bluefin, Kayak Flats Fishing, And Gulf Coast Billfish Tournament Season

    May 22

    790-Pound Bluefin, Kayak Flats Fishing, And Gulf Coast Billfish Tournament Season

    In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya is joined by Butch Thierry and Angelo DePaola for a wide-ranging Gulf Coast report covering a massive 790-pound bluefin tuna, improving swordfish and dolphin action offshore, heavy sargassum in the blue water, kayak-accessible inshore trout and redfish patterns, nearshore reef opportunities, and the kickoff of Gulf billfish tournament season. This episode features Capt. Adam Peeples with One Shot Charters, Brandon Barton with Emerald Waters Kayak Charters, and Jim Cox with the Orange Beach Billfish Classic. Capt. Adam Peeples gives the offshore report after landing a 113-inch, 790-pound bluefin tuna while live baiting with blackfin tuna on Penn 70s, 150-pound hollow core braid, 130-pound mono, 200-pound fluorocarbon leader, and a 12/0 Mustad Perfect Circle hook. He also reports strong dolphin action, an improving swordfish bite, 78-degree blue water, and scattered sargassum that is making trolling difficult. Adam explains how anglers can adjust by avoiding grass-catching plugs and divers, using single-hook rigs, fishing live baits differently, and staying disciplined about keeping lines clean. Brandon Barton gives the kayak fishing report from the Pensacola area, where trout and redfish are active on open grass flats, sand potholes, and shallow-to-mid-depth areas in the sound. He breaks down topwater, wake bait, jerk bait, weedless shrimp, and paddle tail tactics for trout and redfish, along with how he uses kayak mobility and electric propulsion to reach less-pressured water. Brandon also talks nearshore reefs, where amberjack, snapper, grouper, king mackerel, and even mahi are becoming realistic kayak targets as summer patterns build. Jim Cox recaps the Orange Beach Billfish Classic, the first leg of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown, with a record 62 boats and a $1.6 million tournament purse. He covers the long runs teams made in search of current, the strong blue marlin catch-and-release results, giant tuna weighed during the event, and how Gulf Coast tournament fishing continues to become more technical with sonar fishing, live baiting, fuel range, and advanced boat technology shaping the modern game. Sponsors: EMS Endeck PVC Decking Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Admiral Shellfish Coastal Connection EXP Realty - Abaco Orange Beach AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Hilton's Realtime Navigator Deep South Cranes Pure Flats - Slick Lures

    1h 15m
  3. Red Snapper Season Opens as Northwest Florida Fishing Heats Up Inshore and Offshore

    May 14

    Red Snapper Season Opens as Northwest Florida Fishing Heats Up Inshore and Offshore

    In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya covers the start of a long red snapper season, strong vermilion snapper fishing, inshore redfish and trout patterns, and Spanish mackerel action around Destin and Choctawhatchee Bay. This episode features Capt. Harris Scruggs with Triple B Fishing Charters and Capt. Blake Nelson of Last Cast Charters. Capt. Harris Scruggs gives the offshore report from Panama City, where vermilion snapper fishing has been excellent and red snapper season is about to bring heavy pressure to public wrecks and reefs. He breaks down bait, tackle, wreck positioning, waypoint strategy, and why anglers should also consider scamp, mangrove snapper, triggerfish, and other bottom fish. Capt. Blake Nelson gives the inshore report from the Destin area, with redfish and trout on the flats, pogies becoming the easier live bait option, and Spanish mackerel still available by trolling roll-downs, bridges, and bay structure. He also shares tips on fishing unfamiliar water safely and matching lures to grass, mud, depth, and water clarity. Sponsors: EMS Endeck PVC Decking Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Admiral Shellfish Coastal Connection EXP Realty - Abaco Orange Beach AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Hilton's Realtime Navigator Deep South Cranes Pure Flats - Slick Lures

    1h 5m
  4. Surf Fishing Tactics, Bluefin Tuna Stories, and Big Trout Lessons

    May 7

    Surf Fishing Tactics, Bluefin Tuna Stories, and Big Trout Lessons

    In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya is joined by co-host Angelo DePaola for a wide-open May fishing report that covers surf fishing, offshore tuna and bottom fishing, Gulf Coast real estate for anglers, and inshore big trout tactics. This episode features Justin Reed with Justin Reed Fishing, Capt. Tyler Massey with Hot Spots Charters, Angelo DePaola with Coastal Connection EXP Realty, and Capt. Evan Wheeler with Tall Pines Tight Lines. The big theme this week is that Northwest Florida anglers have a lot of good options right now, from pompano in the surf to giant bluefin tuna offshore and trophy trout inshore, but success depends on reading conditions, finding clean water, and matching the right tactics to the moment. Justin Reed breaks down the Pensacola surf fishing report, where pompano are still biting well despite June grass becoming a major factor. He explains that the recent north wind helped push the grass offshore, but returning south winds could bring it right back to the beach. Justin says the key is not necessarily finding the perfect pompano structure right now, but finding clean, fishable water. He also covers how often to check baits when grass is present, why pompano should remain available through May, how to deal with ladyfish and blue runners, and why olive-sized sand fleas are ideal when pompano are running on the smaller side. He also talks through his surf rig setup, including 20-pound mono pompano rigs, 20-pound braid main line, a 20- to 30-pound mono top shot, pyramid weights inside the bar, and why a clean braid-to-mono connection matters for repeated long casts. Capt. Tyler Massey with Hot Spots Charters gives the offshore report from Pensacola, led by the story of a 777-pound bluefin tuna caught near the FADs. Tyler explains how the crew was intentionally watching for bluefin, how they caught the fish on a live blackfin tuna, and why targeting fish that size requires serious tackle, heavy drag, strong rod holders, backing plates, and a plan for getting the fish into the boat. He also talks about seeing another bluefin during the fight, the importance of live bait around the FADs, and why these fish have become a realistic but still rare Gulf opportunity. Beyond the bluefin story, Tyler reports excellent vermilion snapper fishing, strong mangrove snapper action, and good opportunities for scamp and red grouper depending on depth, bottom type, and presentation. Angelo DePaola with Coastal Connection EXP Realty gives a Gulf Coast real estate update focused on how uncertainty, interest rates, inventory, and buyer confidence are shaping the market. He explains that the market is moving in pulses, with slower stretches followed by bursts of activity when buyers feel more comfortable. Angelo also talks about why sellers are often holding firm when properties are priced correctly, how current conditions feel more like a normal market than the unusually fast pace of recent years, and why waterfront and boating-focused properties along the Gulf Coast continue to hold long-term value. He also highlights Abaco in Orange Beach as a unique option for anglers and boaters who want a new waterfront development with boat slips, resort-style amenities, marina access, and a strong location near both inshore and offshore fishing. Capt. Evan Wheeler gives the inshore report from the Pensacola area, where the expected full moon big trout bite did not play out exactly as anticipated due to odd spring timing, a late cold front, and shifting conditions. Evan explains that big trout and redfish are still being caught, but the bite has been more about specific locations, historical knowledge, bait presentation, and precision than obvious surface activity. He breaks down how to target larger trout on purpose, including how to choose soft plastics, slick-style baits, jerk shads, topwaters, and suspending twitch baits based on depth, grass, current, water clarity, and fish behavior. Evan also gives Angelo a Chandeleur Islands tackle breakdown, recommending topwaters, mirror lures, slick-style plastics, weedless presentations, natural colors in clear water, darker or more opaque colors in dirty water, and a simple approach to covering the top, middle, and lower parts of the water column. Sponsors: EMS Endeck PVC Decking Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Admiral Shellfish Coastal Connection EXP Realty - Abaco Orange Beach AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Hilton's Realtime Navigator Deep South Cranes Pure Flats - Slick Lures

    1h 37m
  5. May Pompano, Big Trout, And Offshore Weather Windows

    Apr 30

    May Pompano, Big Trout, And Offshore Weather Windows

    In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya covers a spring fishing pattern shaped by cold fronts, full moon timing, surf grass, inshore trout and redfish activity, and offshore weather windows. This episode features Blake Hunter with Reel30A, Brandon Barton with Emerald Waters Kayak Charters, and Capt. Adam Peeples with One Shot Charters. The big theme this week is that May could offer strong fishing across Northwest Florida, but anglers need to adjust to changing wind, water clarity, bait availability, and sea conditions. Blake Hunter of Reel30A breaks down the surf bite, where pompano are still moving through and May is shaping up to be better than expected. He explains that live sand fleas remain the top bait when anglers can find them, but Fishbites, fresh dead shrimp, dead sand fleas, ghost shrimp, and blue crab knuckles can all play a role. Blake also covers how to deal with June grass, rough surf, heavier sinkers, color changes, and why anglers should run a variety of float colors and bait setups until the pompano show a clear preference. Brandon Barton with Emerald Waters Kayak Charters reports strong inshore action around the sound, grass flats, docks, potholes, and drop-offs. He says trout and redfish are feeding well on topwaters, wake baits, twitch baits, jerk baits, and smaller artificial shrimp when conditions get clear and fish become spooky. Brandon also explains how to fish flats from a kayak, when to downsize leader, why wake baits are so effective for covering water, and how the full moon and incoming cold front could create a good window for big speckled trout. Capt. Adam Peeples with One Shot Charters gives the offshore report from Destin, where rough spring weather continues to limit opportunities, but the fishing is close to breaking open. He talks through how to decide whether to run offshore based on the boat, crew, sea direction, forecast, and safety. Adam says the swordfish bite was slower than expected despite good water, while bottom fishing produced strong results, including big mangrove snapper and good tilefish action. He also notes that bait has been excellent around East Pass, Spanish mackerel fishing is strong, and king mackerel should continue improving as May progresses. 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 Pure Flats

    1h 17m
  6. No Outriggers, No Problem: Slow Trolling Wahoo For Any Boat

    Apr 20

    No Outriggers, No Problem: Slow Trolling Wahoo For Any Boat

    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

    1h 17m
  7. Boat Electronics, Creek Trout, Bay Redfish, Offshore Grouper, and the Destin Boat Show

    Apr 16

    Boat Electronics, Creek Trout, Bay Redfish, Offshore Grouper, and the Destin Boat Show

    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

    2h 47m
  8. Migrating Pompano, Trophy Trout, and Early Spanish Mackerel

    Apr 9

    Migrating Pompano, Trophy Trout, and Early Spanish Mackerel

    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

    45 min
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4.9
out of 5
67 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
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2022 Copyright Great Days Outdoors Magazine
  • Show Website
    Northwest Florida Fishing Report

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