Pensacola Inshore/Surf Fishing Report – Late March

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Spring fishing is starting to heat up on Pensacola Beach, and if you’re thinking about getting your feet in the sand and a rod in your hand, now’s a good time to go. We’ve been keeping an eye on the surf bite, and things are starting to pop off.

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SURF

 

What’s Biting:

• Pompano are finally showing up in better numbers. They’re cruising the sandbars and hitting on sand fleas, shrimp, and Fishbites. That classic two-drop Pompano rig is doing the trick right now. Look for those deeper cuts and keep moving until you find them.

• Redfish have been steady. We’ve heard reports of both slot and oversized bulls being caught right off the beach. Shrimp, cut bait, and even artificial baits are putting fish on the sand. Early morning and dusk seem to be the most productive times.

• Sheepshead are around the jetties and structure-heavy areas. If you’re surf fishing near rocks or piers, try tossing a live shrimp or fiddler crab close to the structure — these fish are picky but fun once you hook into one.

• Spanish Mackerel are starting to push through with the warmer temps. If the water’s clear, grab a spoon or Got-Cha plug and start casting. These fish are fast and aggressive, so don’t be afraid to burn that bait in quick.

 

Tips from the Sand:

• Stay mobile. If you’re not getting bites, don’t sit in one spot too long. Walk the beach, look for deeper holes and troughs, and follow the birds.

• Match the hatch. Sand fleas are everywhere right now — if you can dig some up, they’ll outfish just about anything.

• Keep it light. Don’t go too heavy on your rig unless the surf is really rolling. A 2-3 oz weight is plenty for most days, and you’ll get better feel on the bite.

• Bring a long rod. A 10-12 ft surf rod will help you get out past the breakers and into the fish zone.

 

That’s the scoop from the beach. If you’re heading out, snap a pic of your catch and tag us — we might just throw you up on the page. See y’all out there.

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INSHORE

 

If you’re heading down to Pensacola for spring break and thinking about squeezing in some fishing, here’s what you can expect inshore this time of year. The bite’s been picking up as water temps climb and baitfish get more active.

 

Speckled trout are starting to move into the shallows, especially around grassy flats and drop-offs near creek mouths. The early morning topwater bite is turning on, especially on a moving tide. Later in the day, soft plastics like paddle tails in natural colors (think pearl, silver flake, or something with a little flash) are working well bounced slow off the bottom.

 

Redfish are hanging around structure—docks, seawalls, oyster beds—especially on higher tides. A live shrimp under a popping cork is a solid choice, and gold spoons are still a go-to if you want to cover more water. Look for schools pushing bait in the shallows near Big Lagoon and around the bay.

 

Flounder action is slow but possible if you put in the work. They’ve been caught around deeper holes and ledges, especially near the passes. A curly tail grub on a jig head, slow-rolled along the bottom, is a good option. Just be patient—these fish like to follow before they strike.

 

Sheepshead are a solid target this time of year. They’re holding around pilings, docks, and bridge columns. Fiddler crabs or live shrimp dropped straight down will get the job done. Their bite can be super subtle, so don’t rush the hookset—let them chew a second.

 

You might also run into Spanish mackerel showing up near piers and in the bay, especially if bait schools are thick. And keep an eye out for pompano starting to move along the beaches—they’ll hit small jigs or sand fleas in the surf.

 

This is a great time to be on the water in the Panhandle. The weather’s warming up, the fish are getting active, and the crowds haven’t totally taken over yet. If you’re planning a spring break trip to the coast, this info should help you get a head start on your fishing game.

 

Let us know what you reel in if you make it down there—tight lines from NOEoutdoors!

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