Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Pensacola Bay

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Pensacola
$450 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Ready for a fun day of fishing in Pensacola? Captain Marcus has you covered with this 3-hour inshore trip that's great for families and anglers of all skill levels. You'll head out to some prime spots where you can try your luck at catching Redfish, Kingfish, Sharks, Sheepshead, and Trout. Don't worry about bringing gear – everything you need is provided on board. This trip is all about catch and release, so you'll be helping keep the local fish populations healthy while still getting the excitement of reeling in some great catches. With room for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. The Gulf Coast Water & Woods Guide Service team knows these waters well, so you're in good hands for a solid day of fishing. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so be sure you're good to go before booking. Get ready to make some great memories out on the water!

Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Pensacola Bay

Pensacola Inshore Catches

9 grey snapper, bluefish, and freshwater drum in Pensacola

They're gonna be solo someday, start them young.

Pensacola fishing adventure with 23-inch catch

Guiding youngsters catch their trophy fish

Every cast happens in a snap

Snappers double hookup early morning

Family-Friendly Inshore Fishing in Pensacola

Ready to make some waves with the whole family? Our 3-hour inshore fishing trip in Pensacola is the perfect way to get everyone hooked on the thrill of the catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, Captain Marcus knows all the sweet spots where the fish are biting. We're talking Redfish, Kingfish, Sharks, Sheepshead, and Trout – the gang's all here!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as you step aboard, you'll feel right at home. Captain Marcus isn't just a guide; he's like that fishing buddy who always knows where the action is. We'll cruise through Pensacola's inshore waters, hitting up those honey holes where the fish can't resist our bait. And don't worry about bringing any gear – we've got you covered with top-notch rods, reels, and tackle. This trip is all about having a blast and maybe telling a few fish tales along the way.

Fishing 101: Inshore Edition

Inshore fishing is like the goldilocks of angling – not too deep, not too shallow, just right for a family adventure. We'll be using light tackle techniques that are easy to pick up but still give you a real workout when you're reeling in the big ones. Captain Marcus will show you the ropes, from setting the hook to the proper way to release your catch. Speaking of which, we're all about catch and release here. It's our way of making sure there are plenty of fish for future trips and keeping the ecosystem in check.

Top Catches This Season

Pensacola's inshore waters are teeming with some real crowd-pleasers. Let's break down what you might be reeling in:

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Snapper: These guys are the rock stars of the Gulf. With their bright red color and tasty reputation, Red Snapper are a favorite among anglers. They love hanging around reefs and wrecks, and when they bite, hold on tight! The best time to target these beauties is during their open season, usually in the summer months. Anglers love 'em because they put up a good fight and make for some epic photos.

Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, these flat fish are a real treat to catch. They're bottom-dwellers that like to hang out in sandy or muddy areas. Flounder fishing is an art – you've got to have a keen eye and a gentle touch. Fall is prime time for flounder, as they move towards the Gulf for spawning. Folks get a kick out of their unique shape and the challenge of spotting them.

Sea Trout: Also known as Speckled Trout, these guys are inshore legends. They're known for their spotted patterns and their willingness to strike at lures. Sea Trout are active year-round, but spring and fall are your best bets for the big ones. Anglers love targeting trout because they're abundant, put up a good fight, and are just plain fun to catch.

Redfish: With their signature spot near the tail, Redfish are like the mascots of inshore fishing. They're tough fighters that love to hang out in shallow waters, often revealing their presence with their tails sticking out of the water – a sight that gets any angler's heart racing. Fall is prime time for Redfish, but you can catch them year-round. People can't get enough of the "tail on the flats" action these fish provide.

Greater Amberjack: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of our inshore waters. Known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, Amberjack will test your strength and your gear. They typically hang around deep structures, so targeting them is a bit of a treasure hunt. Peak season is usually in the cooler months. Anglers prize Amberjack for the sheer thrill of the battle – landing one of these is a real notch in your fishing belt.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – although they're a big part of it. Folks come back for the whole package. The way the sun sparkles on Pensacola Bay as we set out. The excitement of watching your kid reel in their first fish. The stories and laughs shared on the boat. And let's not forget Captain Marcus's local knowledge – he's like a walking, talking fish finder with a sense of humor to boot.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, are you ready to make some memories on the water? This 3-hour trip is perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of inshore fishing. Remember, we're limited to 4 guests per trip, so it's nice and cozy. While we don't provide meals, feel free to bring some snacks to keep your energy up – fishing can work up an appetite!

Don't let this chance to experience Pensacola's inshore fishing slip away. Whether you're aiming to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing or just looking for a fun day out on the water, we've got you covered. Book your trip with Gulf Coast Water & Woods Guide Service today, and let's get you out there where the fish are waiting. Just a heads up – deposits are non-refundable, but trust us, this is one investment in fun you won't regret. See you on the water!

Learn more about the animals

Greater Amberjack

Greater Amberjack are hard-fighting offshore brutes that'll test your strength. These bluish-grey bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around deep reefs and wrecks in 60-240 feet of water, often in schools. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move to shallower structure. Anglers love AJs for their sheer power – hooking one is like being tied to a freight train. They're also good eating, with firm white meat. To target them, drop heavy jigs or live bait to the bottom, then hang on tight. Here's a pro tip: once hooked, get them away from the structure fast or they'll break you off. It's a true battle of stamina, but landing a big amberjack is a real accomplishment.

Red Snapper

Red Snapper are prized catches in the Gulf, growing up to 3 feet and 35 pounds. You'll find them near reefs, wrecks, and other structure in 30-600 feet of water. They're most active May through October during spawning season. Anglers love targeting these fish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. Their light, flaky white meat has a sweet, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. To land a big one, use heavy tackle with fresh bait like cigar minnows or squid. Drop your line all the way to the bottom, as that's where the lunkers hang out. Just be ready for a battle - these fighters will try to run back to cover when hooked. Patience and a steady hand are key to getting that trophy Red Snapper in the boat.

Redfish

Redfish are one of our most popular inshore species, easily identified by that distinctive spot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but trophy "bull reds" can top 40 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them year-round in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near structure in 1-4 feet of water. They're known for their strong fights and making exciting "tailing" displays while feeding. Redfish are also prized for their mild, sweet flavor. To catch them, try sight fishing the flats with gold spoons or soft plastics. During summer and fall, look for schools "crushing" bait on the surface. One local trick: on windy days, focus on shorelines with waves pushing in. Redfish love to hunt in that churned-up water where bait gets disoriented.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore species here. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters top 10 pounds. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and deeper holes, especially at dawn and dusk. They're here year-round but really stack up in deeper channels during winter. Trout are fun to catch on light tackle and make for some tasty eating too. Their soft mouth means you need a gentle hook set, but they put up a scrappy fight. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but artificial lures work great too. Try topwater plugs early, then switch to soft plastics as the sun gets higher. One local tip: focus on areas with good tidal flow. The trout set up to ambush bait getting swept along by the current.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in our shallow coastal waters. Most are 15-18 inches long, but the big ones can hit 30+ inches. Look for them year-round in bays, estuaries, and near-shore waters, especially around structure. They're ambush predators, so a slow presentation is key. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper water to spawn. Flounder are popular for their mild, delicate flavor and firm white meat. To target them, try drifting or still fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to turn the bait in its mouth. Count to 10, then reel steadily. It's a game of patience, but landing that doormat makes it all worthwhile.

About the Blazer Bay

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Captain Marcus's 3-hour inshore fishing trip is a fun outing for families and groups up to 4 people. You'll cruise the local waters of Pensacola, Florida as the captain takes you to prime fishing spots. Try your luck at catching Redfish, Kingfish, Sharks, Sheepshead, Trout and other species that call these waters home. Don't worry about bringing gear - all the rods, reels and tackle you'll need are provided on board. This trip is great for both newbies and experienced anglers alike. The focus is on catch-and-release to help protect the local fish populations. It's a laid-back way to spend a few hours on the water, learn some fishing tips, and maybe reel in an exciting catch or two. Book a trip with Captain Marcus for a relaxed day of fishing and quality time with family or friends.

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