Navarre Fishing Report

April 7, 2017

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – We are officially into our Spring patterns this week and the bite is firing up for the season. Anglers heading out to take advantage of the pier bite can expect to find steady Kings and a fantastic Cobia bite. Morning anglers are finding more and more Pompano as well. Reds, Sheepshead and Whiting have also been caught but are far more prominent inshore and from the surf. Inshore the Trout and Reds are the main target, especially on the flats. Look for the bait to find the fish. Towards the Intracoastal from Destin to Pensacola there has been great numbers of Spanish. The diving Seagulls are giving away their location as they feed. Structure such as bridges and deeper docks in the sound continue to hold and produce decent Sheepshead and Snapper. Live Shrimp has been the key to hooking them. We expect this to continue into the weekend.

OFFSHORE – Anglers fishing nearshore or offshore this week have found plenty of success so far. When the weather allows, boats heading towards the rigs are hooking plenty of Tuna. The sizes have been great and the bite is consistent. Towards the edge we are seeing decent Wahoo as well. When weather or timing keeps anglers restricted to the nearshore bite there has still been many species to target. The Cobia are better than they have been in years, both numbers and sizes. There are also some Kings mixed in however they are not as prominent. If you are heading towards the edges you will find better numbers. Typical of the time of year, the bottom bite has been steadily producing Grouper as well as Tilefish and Sea Bass. Searching structure such as wrecks and reefs has been most productive. Closer in, Mingos have been caught along the edges in roughly 300 feet of water. Scamp and Red Grouper are mixed in. The Red Grouper are more plentiful off East Beach. The Spanish have made their way in and are closer to the beach this week.

For more fish slamming info download the Pro Angler App for hundreds of locations that provide you with more of thousands of GPS Hot Spots, local Pro Reports, What’s Biting, Tide & Weather data along with many more amazing Pro Angler features.

A big THANK YOU to this week’s Pro Report contributors – Half Hitch in Port St. Joe & Navarre, Capt. Larry of Dead Fish Charters, and Gulf Breeze! Find their contact information on the Pro Angler App!





Pro Angler Team

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INSHORE – The Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) are hitting really well this week. Redfish (Drum, Red) and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are still biting. Sheepshead are hot inshore. Anglers are finally catching Cobia in the area. They are still off the beach and have not moved to the pier yet.

OFFSHORE – A few Grouper (Grouper, Gag) have been caught in roughly 120 feet. Anglers are producing good sizes. Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) are great catch and release fish. White Snapper and Beeliners (Snapper, Vermillion & Grunt, White) are consistent. Kings (Mackerel, King) are swimming as well. Search for them around the whistle buoy and catch them on the troll.

BAIT REPORT – Ballyhoo is in the marina and the bay.


Howell Marine and Tackle Supply
850-785-8548

March 24, 2017

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Fishing the Northwest will provide plenty of activity for anglers this week. Trout continue to turn up from Port St. Joe to Navarre. Fishing them early or late in the day using live bait has been best. Reds typically go hand in hand when fishing Trout. They seem to be just about everywhere this week from bays, piers, bridges, passes and beaches. You just need to follow the bait schools to find the fish and then cast artificials to hook them on an outgoing tide. Your Sheepshead will be around on structure while Pompano are making their way onto the beach. Spanish have also shown up on the beach. Hit them with Squid to bring them in.

OFFSHORE – When anglers can make it offshore they are still finding a decent bite. Triggerfish , Snapper, and Grouper are all providing great catch and release action. Vermillion, Porgy, Black Snapper as well as Black and Red Grouper can also be caught offshore but be sure to check the regulations to see where you are permitted to fish for them. Amberjack are now also catch and release as of this week so be sure to keep that in mind when hooking one. Heading towards the Towers and structure nearshore Cobia are following rays and turtles as they move East and West. Cast a jig with live Eels for the best bite. You may also hook onto some Flounder using the same method.

For more fish slamming info download the Pro Angler App for hundreds of locations that provide you with more of thousands of GPS Hot Spots, local Pro Reports, What’s Biting, Tide & Weather data along with many more amazing Pro Angler features.

A big THANK YOU to this week’s Pro Report contributors – Survivor’s Island Bait & Tackle, Half Hitch in Panama & Navarre, and the Ship’s Chandler! Find their contact information on the Pro Angler App!





Pro Angler Team

March 17, 2017

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – This week we are beginning to see the Pompano begin to run during the day. Crooked Island beach in the Port St. Joe area has been a particularly good area to fish for them. There are good numbers of Whiting taking Fishbites in similar areas. Anglers are reporting decent Reds and Trout taking soft plastics like Zman lures or live baits such as Shrimp or Minnows. The Trout are increasing in size along with a good amount of slot Reds. Search the shallows to find them. Flounder and Spanish are swimming the bay. You will find them in deeper pockets of water. Spanish are swimming more or less in 6-8 feet towards the North side of the bay. Anglers have been trolling to catch them. Sheepshead are beginning to fire up on structure as usual. The Cobia should begin to arrive soon as well.

OFFSHORE – We continue to see improvement from the region this week. The fishing is firing up, especially the bottom bite throughout the day. There has been a wide variety of fish to take advantage of including Snapper, Grouper, Sea Bass, Triggerfish and even a few Sheepshead a bit closer to shore. Anglers are easily catching good bags of Sheepshead as they are stacked up on structure. Spanish are steady into this week while the Ajs are slowing down. Towards the surface the Bonito are being caught on the troll.

For more fish slamming info download the Pro Angler App for hundreds of locations that provide you with more of thousands of GPS Hot Spots, local Pro Reports, What’s Biting, Tide & Weather data along with many more amazing Pro Angler features.

A big THANK YOU to this week’s Pro Report contributors – Half Hitch in Port St. Joe, Destin, Panama and Navarre! Find their contact information on the Pro Angler App!





Pro Angler Team

March 10, 2017

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Redfish and Trout are hungry so there has been no shortage of nice fish this week. The bay has been the key area to fish them in Port. St. Joe and they are swimming the inshore docks and piers in the evening through to Destin. As usual, the moving tide is most productive. Sheepshead are also stacked up on structure from Panama to Destin. Anglers trolling can expect to see Spanish Mackerel along the coast. Clarkspoons and jigs are the best setups to load up on these fish. Pompano and Whiting are running the beach, more prominently towards Port St. Joe. Moving towards bridges anglers can expect to see Flounder and Drum. Catch and release anglers can move their focus to the bay where there are plenty of Tarpon biting.

For more fish slamming info download the Pro Angler App for hundreds of locations that provide you with more of thousands of GPS Hot Spots, local Pro Reports, What’s Biting, Tide & Weather data along with many more amazing Pro Angler features.

A big THANK YOU to this week’s Pro Report contributors – Half Hitch in Port St. Joe, Howell Marine and Tackle Supply, Harborwalk Marina, and Gulf Breeze Bait a& Tackle! Find their contact information on the Pro Angler App!


OFFSHORE – The bottom bite for Amberjack in this area has been taking off this week. Port St. Joe is holding great numbers if you can get out to 150 feet of water. A variety of live bait has been their preference so far. As you move towards Navarre the Amberjack become a bit more scattered while the Snapper and Triggerfish begin to heat up. Nearshore, there has been a good run of Cobia and Spanish Mackerel from Port St. Joe through to Destin.




Pro Angler Team

March 3, 2017

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – It has been difficult to hit the inshore waters and not see any Trout or Redfish. They are riddled throughout the intracoastal to canals to the bay. Varying in sizes we are finding both species all the way to Pensacola. Your best bet is to fish moving tides towards inlets. Deeper holes in roughly 6-8 ft of water has been the key. If you are hitting the surf this week not only will you find scattered Redfish but there has also been consistent Whiting and Pompano to fill your cooler with. Start your day off right with a first light bite, or finish with a few cast on the surf at last light for some good sized fish. The Flounder bite is beginning to improve along the seawall however they are far more prominent in the bay. It has been no surprise that Mud Minnows are the best bait to catch them. As we move towards Destin we find they are still holding up in deeper water. A few occasional catches this week include Sheepshead on rock piles and bridges, and Spanish on the beach towards Navarre. We are also starting to see bait such as Pilchards and cigar Minnows return to the surf.

For more fish slamming info download the Pro Angler App for hundreds of locations that provide you with more of thousands of GPS Hot Spots, local Pro Reports, What’s Biting, Tide & Weather data along with many more amazing Pro Angler features.

A big THANK YOU to this week’s Pro Report contributors – Half Hitch – Port St. Joe, Half Hitch – Panama, The Ships Chandler Marine, Half Hitch – Navarre & Gulf Breeze Bait and Tackle! Find their contact information on the Pro Angler App!


OFFSHORE – The nicer weather in the past week has allowed anglers to finally make it offshore. The Amberjack bite is turning on along with a solid mix of Gray Triggerfish. The Triggers are sometimes difficult to avoid when targeting Ajs. Begin jigging in 90-150 ft feet. They are consistent from Port St. Joe through Pensacola. Anglers who are able to make it nearshore can target a steady catch of Snapper and Grouper species along wrecks and reefs. A handful of Cobia have shown up as well and we expect numbers to increase as the Spring patterns set in.




Pro Angler Team

February 24, 2017

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Sheepshead have had a decent showing at the passes throughout the region. Surf anglers will enjoy the variety of fish from Panama City Beach over to Pensacola. Pompano and Whiting are the majority of what’s being caught. Other species being caught from the surf include: Redfish, Black Drum, and the occasional Blacktip Shark.
Moving inside the bays, there has been decent Trout bites on Z-man Paddle Tails, some Redfish are hitting these too. Water temperatures are warming up so the fish are in transition. This means you will find some fish in their typical cold water spots, but also in their warmer water spots.

For more fish slamming info download the Pro Angler App for hundreds of locations that provide you with more of thousands of GPS Hot Spots, local Pro Reports, What’s Biting, Tide & Weather data along with many more amazing Pro Angler features.

A big THANK YOU to this week’s Pro Report contributors – Fisherman’s Choice Bait, Howell Marine and Tackle Supply, all of the Half Hitch stores and Gray’s Tackle and Guide Service! Find their contact information on the Pro Angler App!


OFFSHORE – Amberjack have been reported from the bottom this week. They are preferring bigger live baits. Grouper and Triggerfish are mixed in and provide great catch and release action. You’ll have to head a bit farther offshore to find the Ajs this week.
A bit closer in the Triggerfish are becoming more consistent. They are mixed with a solid Snapper variety in 140 ft or less. Moving shallower anglers have found the Flounder continue to bite on wrecks and reefs. When the weather permits anglers to head out to the oil rigs and farther the main target has been Blackfin Tuna and Swordfish.




Pro Angler Team

February 17, 2017

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Things are fairly typical of the season despite not having typical February weather. Beaches throughout the Panhandle have been good for Pompano. Whiting have also been on the beaches. Some of the bays and sounds have had a good Trout bite along with Redfish and Drum. Canals have been particularly good for Trout and Reds. Deeper docks towards the West end of Florida have been producing Sheepshead and Mangrove Snapper, they haven’t been on fire quite yet.


OFFSHORE – Keeper Amberjack have been hit or miss from Port St. Joe over to the Alabama border. The best sizes this week have come from 20 miles off of Pensacola. Boats headed out from Panama City have found a good Vermilion Snapper bite. Quite a few fish have been up to 4 lbs and limits are common. Boats out of Pensacola able to travel well past 20 miles have been able to get on Yellowfin Tuna. Most of the Tuna have been caught trolling and live baiting.

For more fish slamming info download the Pro Angler App for hundreds of locations that provide you with more of thousands of GPS Hot Spots, local Pro Reports, What’s Biting, Tide & Weather data along with many more amazing Pro Angler features.

A big THANK YOU to this week’s Pro Report contributors – Half Hitch in Port St. Joe & Navarre, Capt. Larry of Dead Fish Charters, and Gulf Breeze! Find their contact information on the Pro Angler App!




Pro Angler Team

February 9, 2017

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Bull Reds (Drum, Red) are being caught just inside the 3 Mile mark. Sheepshead are in the same area along with Fort Pickens and Destin Pass. Highway 90 in Milton is also holding some decent fish.

OFFSHORE – Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) are on fire in 80-120 ft. They are as close as 40 ft. Anglers are heading out to the wrecks during the day. Live bait including Ruby Red Lips and Sand Perch are working well to reel them in. The Sand Perch is a little more productive. We hope to see this continue into the weekend.




Half Hitch
850-939-9885
www.halfhitch.com

February 2, 2017

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – This Winter has been tough for fishing due to the hit or miss weather as of late. We are seeing some action from our typical inshore fish including Redfish (Drum, Red), Drum (Drum, Black) and Sheepshead. As you may have guessed, the best place to find the Drum and Sheepshead has been around bridges, deeper docks and in the sound. The power lines in East Bay are also productive. In East Bay and Blackwater Bay there have been reports of a steady Striper (Bass, Striped) bite on Mullet. If you prefer artificials the Skitter walks, Zara Spooks, and MirrOlure Top Dogs are your best bet. If you are targeting Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) you’ll want to head to the back bays and cast live bait such as Menhaden. They are pretty lethargic into this week so a lot of anglers have been focusing on the bite out front. A handful have turned up in the canals and mouths of the rivers however they are not consistent. The smaller streams that connect to the bay are holding Trout and Reds. Around Bob Sykes, Garson and 3 Mile Bridge we are seeing some White Trout (Seatrout, Sand) action mixed with Bull Reds. Anglers are still finding some success on the surf this week. Reds, Drum, Pompano, Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and Flounder (Flounder, Southern) have turned up on the beach. Flounder and Sheepshead have also been hooked on the pier along with Reds and Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny). We hope to see this continue and improve into the weekend.

OFFSHORE – Nearshore we are seeing steady Flounder (Flounder, Southern) being caught on the reefs. Easy limits are caught by throwing Bull Minnows or live Shrimp. The wrecks are producing well too. Anglers are still targeting Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) into this week. They are as close as 60 ft and we are even seeing some keepers turning up. Catch and release anglers are having fun with Gags (Grouper, Gag) along with keeper Reds and Scamp Grouper (Grouper, Red & Grouper, Scamp).

BAIT REPORT – Mullet are running in the bays.


Half Hitch
850-939-9885
www.halfhitch.com

February 2, 2017

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – This Winter has been tough for fishing due to the hit or miss weather as of late. We are seeing some action from our typical inshore fish including Redfish (Drum, Red), Drum (Drum, Black) and Sheepshead. As you may have guessed, the best place to find the Drum and Sheepshead has been around bridges, deeper docks and in the sound. The power lines in East Bay are also productive. In East Bay and Blackwater Bay there have been reports of a steady Striper (Bass, Striped) bite on Mullet. If you prefer artificials the Skitter walks, Zara Spooks, and MirrOlure Top Dogs are your best bet. If you are targeting Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) you’ll want to head to the back bays and cast live bait such as Menhaden. They are pretty lethargic into this week so a lot of anglers have been focusing on the bite out front. A handful have turned up in the canals and mouths of the rivers however they are not consistent. The smaller streams that connect to the bay are holding Trout and Reds. Around Bob Sykes, Garson and 3 Mile Bridge we are seeing some White Trout (Seatrout, Sand) action mixed with Bull Reds. Anglers are still finding some success on the surf this week. Reds, Drum, Pompano, Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and Flounder (Flounder, Southern) have turned up on the beach. Flounder and Sheepshead have also been hooked on the pier along with Reds and Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny). We hope to see this continue and improve into the weekend.

OFFSHORE – Nearshore we are seeing steady Flounder (Flounder, Southern) being caught on the reefs. Easy limits are caught by throwing Bull Minnows or live Shrimp. The wrecks are producing well too. Anglers are still targeting Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) into this week. They are as close as 60 ft and we are even seeing some keepers turning up. Catch and release anglers are having fun with Gags (Grouper, Gag) along with keeper Reds and Scamp Grouper (Grouper, Red & Grouper, Scamp).

BAIT REPORT – Mullet are running in the bays.


Half Hitch
850-939-9885
www.halfhitch.com

January 26, 2017

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – The night bite at 3 mile bridge is great for White Trout (Seatrout, Sand) and Redfish. Outgoing tide is your best bet. Pick your nights for the calmer water. Artificials will catch Reds (Drum, Red) schooling around the lights. The Specks (Seatrout, Spotted) in Escambia Bay are decent as well as around Garcon Point Bridge. Reds are taking artificials. High tide is producing better. You can slowly fish the outgoing tide throwing soft plastics, artificials and topwaters for Trout and Reds. Santa Rosa Sound is great for sight fishing Reds on the docks. They are up to 24 inches in 1-4 ft of water. This time of year things are a bit slower as the conditions are cold. Bottom fishing in the bay is producing catch and release Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion) and Grouper (Grouper, Red & Grouper, Gag). Sheepshead are on the bridges near the trestle around I10. Near Pensacola Pass on the jetties we are seeing Snapper (Snapper, Gray) on live Shrimp and cut bait.






Captain John Mega-Bite-Inshore Charters
850-341-9816
www.megabiteinshore.com

January 19, 2017

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Anglers are hitting the water before the upcoming weather system does! The pier is still holding Flounder (Flounder, Southern) at this point. Sand Fleas, Fish Bites or Shrimp generally do well to hook them. The bite has been good inshore with a few Redfish (Drum, Red) turning up along with Sheepshead on structure. The Sheepshead are still a bit scattered however if you search bridges and pilings you’ll find the best sizes on Fiddler Crabs or Shrimp. Sporadic Black Drum (Drum, Black) are mixed in. Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are scattered. From the surf the Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and Pompano (Pompano, Florida) are consistent, just watch out for the Sharks! There are ever a few Bluefish still hanging around.

OFFSHORE – Heading offshore anglers are putting their time in before the upcoming weather system sets in. There are still a few Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin) hanging around the nearshore. Farther out Wahoo can be caught on the high speed troll. Tuna are also swimming around the rigs. Cobia are scattered on the nearshore reefs while Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny) are a bit more consistent. Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) are biting on the bottom.




Half Hitch
850-939-9885
www.halfhitch.com

January 11, 2017

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Hey anglers! In order to bring you valuable, up to date content such as regulations, GPS Hotspots, and BRAND NEW features the Pro Angler App Pro Reports will be returning the week of January 16, 2017. Please feel free to take a look at last week’s reports for an idea of what’s biting or give your favorite local bait shop a shout! The Pro Angler App looks forward to bringing you lots of exciting changes as we kick off 2017!






Pro Angler Team

January 5, 2017

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – If you can find a break in the wind to fish the surf, anglers are finding Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and Redfish (Drum, Red). There hasn’t been much pressure from anglers with the recent weather. These conditions can also help to stir up and activate the fish. Casting Shrimp will be your best bet to hook them during the day. From the boat we are seeing a varying bite depending on temperature. Cooler days are producing Sheepshead on structure. Fiddler Crabs and Shrimp are key baits to use. Cold days will also push the Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Redfish (Drum, Red) into more confined areas such as rivers and deeper water pockets in the sound and back bays. Mullet is a good choice of bait to use as most of the bait is on the flats at this time and there is not as many options for the fish to feed on. They will move to the flats once the temperature warms up. This week you can search the East Bay power lines, jetties in the pass and the bridges in the Sound to find fish.

OFFSHORE – The weather has continued to be hit or miss this week. Determined anglers are still getting out when they can however we haven’t seen much of a change in fishing as of late. Those heading out are making it as far as the nearshore reefs to fish for Flounder (Flounder, Southern) using Bull Minnows or live Shrimp. When the weather is favorable there are easy limits along the wrecks. If conditions allow you to make it a bit farther out the bottom bite for Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater), Grouper (Grouper, Red & Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Scamp) fishing has been decent. We are also seeing Snapper (Snapper, Gray & Snapper, Vermillion) turn up. Structured bottom is key and generally live Shrimp or cut Squid is a good bet. A 2-3 oz jig has been the ideal size. There may be a few straggler Kings (Mackerel, King) and Cobia hanging around however they are not producing a consistent bite. Don’t be surprised to hook a Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin) as they chase the bait schools around these areas as well.

BAIT REPORT – Mullet are making their way to the flats to find warmer water at this time of year. You can cast net for them or sabiki them up in enough water.


Half Hitch
850-939-9885
www.halfhitch.com

December 30, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Reds (Drum, Red) are beginning to show up more in the river mouths and darker, deeper bayous, especially the canals in gulf breeze. Bull Reds are in Pensacola Bay. Around 3 mile bridge while fishing the bottom we are seeing them with White Trout (Seatrout, Sand). Bob Sikes Bridge is producing Specks, White Trout, Sheepshead, Bull Reds and the occasional Mangrove Snapper (Snapper, Gray). Sheepshead are around Navarre Bridge along with a few slot Reds and Trout. The cold spell will likely push the reds from the flats to the deeper water. On the beach we are seeing Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and Redfish. Whiting are the most prolific. Late season Kings (Mackerel, King) moved in with the warmer weather however they are already moving out again. You may catch a few here and there. Sheepshead are out there. Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are on the pylons. Bluefish and Drum (Drum, Black) have been caught as well.

OFFSHORE – Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny), Blackfin Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin) and the rare King (Mackerel, King) have been caught nearshore. The current weather may change this a bit. On the bottom the Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are on fire. Angler’s are limiting out on the nearshore reefs and wrecks. Mangroves (Snapper, Gray) are biting. Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) are still open in state waters. Gags, Red and Scamp Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red & Grouper, Scamp) are swimming the bottom. Trolling is limited to Wahoo & Mahi (Dolphin) way offshore. There are some Tuna mixed in. They are as far out as 25-30 miles offshore. 80-90 miles out on the rigs off Alabama is your best bet for warmer water temperatures.




Half Hitch
850-939-9885
www.halfhitch.com

December 22, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – This week the main bite is coming from the Navarre pier and the Bob Sikes Bridge. Sheepshead are biting well out of these areas. Small Shrimp is your best bet to hook them. From boats, the Reds (Drum, Red) and Specks (Seatrout, Spotted) are biting in the deeper canals and bayous in the area. They are preferring artificials, although since the water is cooler anglers are fishing these setups slowly along the bottom. Live Shrimp is a decent alternative. They are swimming the Sound and the Back Bays however on the cooler days they’ll be in the rivers. Stripers (Bass, Striped) are beginning to show up. Search East Bay for the best bite. Wishing you a Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from the Pro Angler Team!






Half Hitch
850-939-9885
www.halfhitch.com

December 15, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – This week we are seeing both Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and Pompano (Pompano, Florida) biting from the surf. The Whiting are far more plentiful than the Pompano. We are also seeing Redfish (Drum, Red) and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) biting well inshore. You can search for them throughout the sound. Flounder (Flounder, Southern) have moved to the nearshore wrecks. There may be a few in the passes. When anglers can get out the are finding a good bite during the day on jigs.

OFFSHORE – This week we are seeing the inshore Flounder (Flounder, Southern) moving through the passes and out to the reefs. A bit farther out there are some Vermillion (Snapper, Vermilion) swimming the bottom along with Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray). Keep in mind that the Triggerfish are catch and release. Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny) are biting well into this week mixed with some Kingfish (Mackerel, King).




Half Hitch
850-939-9885
www.halfhitch.com

December 9, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – It was a rough couple of days the first part of the week, but the seams to be settling down to more like what we are used to this time of year and we are finally starting to get a few reports from folks who are getting out. Those fishing the sound are reporting Reds (Drum, Red) on the flats along with a few Specks (Seatrout, Spotted). I don’t see that lasting if the water temp drops much more though. Folks fishing the beach and the pier are reporting that the bull Reds and Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) are hitting pretty good and every once in awhile a Pompano (Pompano, Florida) is being landed as well. Your best times to head out are basically whenever conditions have settled down. The morning bite is generally productive, but it all depends on the weather. The surf anglers are expecting to find very few Flounder (Flounder, Southern), Pompano (Pompano, Florida), or Bluefish. Nearshore on structure and piers the Sheepshead and Black Drum (Drum, Black) are also scattered.

OFFSHORE – The only reports I’ve received from off shore is from folks targeting Flounder (Flounder, Southern) on the near shore wrecks. So get out there while you can because as we all know that the weather this time of year is going to challenge our resolve to get out there! When the weather is more favorable we expect to find Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Grouper), Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red & Grouper, Scamp) and Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion) on the nearshore reefs. From above, the Kings (Mackerel, King) and Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny) are scattered however when conditions are ideal you may be able to find a few.




Half Hitch
850-939-9885
www.halfhitch.com

December 2, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – On the beach Redfish (Drum, Red), Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and a few Pompano (Pompano, Florida) have been caught. Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny) are pushing in and can be caught. The same goes for the pier along with a few Kings (Mackerel, King) and Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish). Sheepshead and Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are around the pylons. In the Sound the Bull Reds are plentiful. They are in Pensacola and East bay as well. Slot Redfish are on the deeper docks. Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are difficult to find as they have gone deep with the fluctuating temperatures. They may be in the canals and bayous with dark bottoms. Check out the PENN Combos on sale while supplies last! PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish below for additional tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – The Flounder (Flounder, Southern) have moved to nearshore wrecks in 50-70 ft. Look for the wrecks with plenty of bait showing on your finder. Bull Minnows will be your best bet to catch as well as artificial Bucktail jigs. There are plenty of Ajs in 70-150 ft. They are taking Pinfish. Flutter jigs and Butterfly jigs are great alternatives up to 2-3 oz.

BAIT REPORT – Cigar Minnows and Sardines are on the nearshore wrecks. You can Sabiki them up. Pinfish are swimming around the deeper bridges.


Half Hitch
850-939-9885
www.halfhitch.com

November 23, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Those who are toughing out the recent weather are finding that the Redfish (Drum, Red) are biting well into this week. They are taking just about anything you throw. Search the bay and the surf to find them. You can also find Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Whiting (Kingfish, Southern), Flounder and Bluefish from the surf. There have also been some decent Sheepshead on structure such as pilings and bridges. They generally love Fiddler Crab or Shrimp. Bluefish and Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are scattered along with Drum (Drum, Black). Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are doing well into this week so long as you have a moving tide. PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish below for additional tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – From the bottom the Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red) bite has been scattered. It has been difficult for anglers to get offshore at this point. We are also seeing Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) turn up along with a few Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion) an AJs (Jack, Amberjack Greater). Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny) are doing well with the Kings (Mackerel, King) and Cobia. Farther out the Wahoo and Dolphin are scattered. There are a few catches of Yellowfin (Tuna, Yellowfin) when anglers can make it that far out. Marlin (Billfish – Marlin, Blue & Billfish – Marlin, White) are swimming with Swords (Billfish – Swordfish).




Half Hitch
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November 18, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Bull Reds (Drum, Red) are here folks! You can catch them from the beach, from the pier, and in the sound. Large schools are starting to show up along the beach and around Pensacola Bay. Just keep an eye open for diving birds and they will key you in on the schools. If you want a surer thing, try soaking a live pinfish or white trout around 3-Mile Bridge or the Garcon Point Bridge and just hold on. If you’re in the Destin area the Mid-Bay Bridge and the Destin Bridge as well as the passes are holding good numbers of 15 to 25 pound fish that will give you a good fight!

OFFSHORE – Tuna (Tuan, Yellowfin), Wahoo and Dolphin are scattered but biting if you put the time in. Swordfish (Billfish – Swordfish) are are farther out. Kings (Mackerel, King) are on the reefs. Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny) are doing well. Along the bottom we are seeing Snapper (Snapper, Gray) and Grouper (Grouper, Gag and Grouper, Red).




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November 10, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – It’s a little windy and a little overcast today, but don’t let that stop you from getting out on the water. Some of my best days have come on days when the weather just wasn’t the best. On days like today I’ve always found that the leeward side of many of the local bayous as well as many of the residential canals are prime spots to target Reds (Drum, Red) and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted). Dark coloured artificial lures like the black and gold MirrOlure 17MR is my go to bait. The Yo-Zuri HBGL Holographic Gold Black is another great choice on days like today. Lastly it’s hard to beat live Shrimp pitched around the deeper docks in the sound right now or just fished around the pilings of the Navarre bridge as there are plenty of Sheepshead starting to show up right now. Ladyfish, Flounder (Flounder, Southern), Drum (Drum, Black) and Stripers (Bass, Striped) are scattered inshore. From the surf we are seeing a few Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Flounder, Sharks and a good bite of Whiting (Kingfish, Southern). The Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish), Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny) and King (Mackerel, King) bite has been scattered. So get up and get out there because we all know you can’t catch them just sitting around reading my fishing reports! PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish below for additional tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Moving offshore the King (Mackerel, King) bite has been steady. Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny) are also doing well. The Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red & Grouper, Scamp) are a bit limited this week. Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion) are doing extremely well on the reef with Flounder (Flounder, Southern). A handful of Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin) have also been brought in.




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November 3, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – The inshore bite is on fire with Redfish (Drum, Red) and Specks (Seatrout, Spotted). Drifting around the grass flats with a popping cork or tossing a live Shrimp under a dock has been the way to go for some nice fish. You may get lucky enough to catch a keeper Flounder (Flounder, Southern) as well. Off shore some nice Red Snapper (Snapper, Red) have been caught. Just a few more weekends left to catch these fish. The Navarre pier was hot just like the weather has been for this time of year. A ton of nice size Spanish Mackerel (Mackerel, Spanish) were pulled over the rails in the last couple of days. PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish below for additional tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – When anglers can get out we were seeing a good Wahoo, Dolphin and Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin) bite. Farther out there were reports of Swordfish (Billfish – Swordfish) and Sails (Billfish – Sailfish).




Half Hitch
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October 27, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are tough to catch this week. Normally they are stacked into the passes at this time. The ones that are being caught are nice fish but they are few and far between. They have slipped out of the pass or there hasn’t been enough cool water to move them in. The Trout and Redfish bite is decent in the sound. Bull Redfish (Drum, Red) are showing up more and more but it’s not cold enough to really school them up yet. Plenty are by 3 mile bridge. Sheepshead are showing up on docks and bridge pilings. Black Drum (Drum, Black) are in the canals and grass flats. They generally take Crab or Shrimp but some are being caught on artificials. Mangrove Snapper (Snapper, Gray) are swimming the deeper docks taking live Shrimp or small Pilchards. On the beach we are seeing Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Redfish and an exceptional Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) bite. Spanish are still being caught on the pier with the occasional King (Mackerel, King). They are taking Cigar Minnows and Scotches and Bubble Rigs for the Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish). Redfish are consistent on the pier. Some are slot, they are not all Bulls. Sheepshead and Flounder are on the pylons. PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish below for additional tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – The bite is similar to last week. Red Snapper (Snapper, Red) are on the nearshore wrecks and offshore. You’ll catch limits if you put time in. A few Gags (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red & Grouper, Scamp) are turning up with Scamp and Reds. Live bait is your most productive presentation. Kings are on the nearshore wrecks. Occasionally Sailfish (Billfish – Sailfish) and Blackfin Tuna have been caught. The Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin) are a bit more consistent. Mahi (Dolphin) are way offshore. There hasn’t been any significant Flounder (Flounder, Southern) at this time on the wrecks. Farther offshore the Billfish bite is good. We are seeing White and Blue Marlin (Billfish – Marlin, Blue & Billfish – Marlin, White) along with Sailfish and Wahoo. The Wahoo are fantastic from the Edge to the Nipple and Southwest to the Elbow. The Swordfish (Billfish – Swordfish) bite deeper out is consistent, even during the day. Go out there and put some time into find the good fish. They are good sizes. Anglers are deep dropping for Tilefish (Tilefish, Blueline), Yellowedge Grouper and Snowy Grouper (Grouper, Snowy).




Half Hitch
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October 21, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – We have been getting plenty of reports from folks fishing the sound like the one Jaime Delarosa and his brother recently sent. They are reporting that the Reds (Drum, Red) are schooling up and not all are outside the slot. The quality of the Specks (Seatrout, Spotted) are also seeing an improvement although there are still plenty of small fish that you will have to go through before you catch that gator. Mangrove Snapper (Snapper, Gray) are also available around many of the deeper dock as well as the bridges in the sound. Also don’t be surprised after this next cold front that we don’t see a big movement of Flounder (Flounder, Southern). This cold front this weekend should kick start their migration into the gulf so be sure to pick up a few bull Minnows or cast nest some finger mullet in order to get in on the action. Sheepshead are scattered but can be sporadically found on structure. Black Drum (Drum, Black) are mixed in. Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish), Bluefish and Stripers (Bass, Striped) are scattered as well. The surf is producing a great bite including Reds, Bluefish, sporadic Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Sharks, Ladyfish, and Whiting (kingfish, Southern) in good numbers. PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish below for additional tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – The Wahoo and Dolphin are biting well into this week. Both numbers and sizes are good. The Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin) have also been doing great a bit farther out. The Marlin (Billfish – Marlin, White & Billfish – Marlin, Blue) bit is a bit scattered but they are there if you put some time in. Swords (Billfish – Swordfish) and Sails (Billfish – Sailfish) are consistent. Closer in the Kings (Mackerel, King) are swimming with Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny) and the numbers are good. Cobia are mixed in but are not as prominent. On the bottom we are seeing Snapper (Snapper, Red & Snapper, Gray & Snapper, Vermillion) and Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red & Grouper, Scamp). There is a great Aj (Jack, Amberjack Greater) bite as well.

BAIT REPORT – Bluerunners are swimming the surf this week.


Half Hitch
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October 13, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Inshore the Redfish (Drum, Red) are biting well. They are mixed with Ladyfish and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted). Black Drum (Drum, Black) and Sheepshead are biting around structure. Bluefish are scattered. Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are biting well. Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) are turning up consistently. From the surf we are seeing Redfish, Bluefish, Flounder, Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Spanish, Sharks, Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and Ladyfish.

OFFSHORE – It’s a bit windy into this week. The fish are moving with it. There are good chances for decent fish in the offshore. Wahoo, Dolphin, and Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin) are all biting really well when you can find them. Marlin (Billfish – Marlin, Blue & Billfish – Marlin, White) are scattered along with Swords (Billfish – Swordfish) and Sails (Billfish – Swordfish). Closer to shore the Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) are scattered. There are Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red), Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion & Snapper, Gray & Snapper, Red) and Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) biting on the bottom. Blackfin Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin) are swimming above with Kings (Mackerel, King) and Cobia. A few Barracuda (Barracuda, Great) are scattered within.

BAIT REPORT – Bluerunners are swimming the surf this week.


Half Hitch
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October 6, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Inshore bite is still producing some nice Reds (Drum, Red) and Specs (Seatrout, Spotted) and the occasional Flounder (Flounder, Southern). Docks and grass flats will be your best place to try your luck and catch that keeper. Surf fishing is catching Pompano (Pompano, Florida) and Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and a few Reds. Most of the Whiting and Pompano are only a few yards off shore or right at the wave break in only a few feet of water. If you fish long enough you just might catch a nice Founder as well. PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish below for additional tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Snapper (Snapper, Gray), Amberjack (Jack, Amberjack Greater) and Kings (Mackerel, King) seem to be the offshore fish to target. Even though there have been some Blackfin Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin) and Wahoo mixed in as well. A few reports have been seeing a few Blackfin tuna only a few miles out. The pier has seen a couple as well but no one has landed one just yet. The King bite on the pier is either on fire or just a few bites here and there. That’s why it’s always a good idea to try your luck on the pier you just never know when the bite will turn on.




Half Hitch
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September 29, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – It’s like Duck, Duck, Goose out there with the Trout and Reds. The bite is on and it’s like being a kid all over again. Instead of tapping your friend on the head and yelling GOOSE! You are patting him on the back and saying TROUT (Seatrout, Spotted)! Rob went fishing inshore yesterday just to prove that the bite is what we say it is. ON FIRE! He landed several nice Reds (Drum, Red) and Trout. Off the pier yesterday there were a few Kings (Mackerel, King) hooked up as well as Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish). Several really nice Redfish were hanging out in shallow water eating Alewives and Hardtails. Get out there and have fun. Sheepshead are holding up on structure however they are scattered. Inshore we are also seeing scattered Ladyfish, Bluefish, Drum (Drum, Black), Sharks (Shark, Blacktip & Shark, Bull) along with a good bite of Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Flounder (Flounder, Southern). From the surf there has been a great Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and Redfish bite. Bluefish, Flounder, Pompano (Pompano, Florida) and Sharks are scattered. PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish below for additional tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Nearshore we are seeing a good bite of Cobia and a great bite of Kings (Mackerel, King) this week. They are mixed with plenty of Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny) and a few Barracuda (Barracuda, Great). Mahi (Dolphin) are good as well along with Wahoo and Sailfish (Billfish – Sailfish) that get better the farther out you go. Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin) are scattered. On the bottom we have found Snapper (Snapper, Red & Snapper, Vermillion & Snapper, Black), Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) and Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red) on the reefs. Farther out the Marlin (Billfish – Marlin, Blue & Billfish – Marlin, White) and Swordfish (Billfish – Swordfish) have been caught along with a good bite of Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin).




Half Hitch
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September 23, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – In the Sound, the Reds (Drum, Red) and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are prominent. The bite is good for Trout on the flats. The cooler weather has pushed them closer. Reds are mixed in. Not as many slot fish as anglers would like but they are biting. Small Reds and Bull Reds are the fish coming up. With that you will wade through tons of Ladyfish that are everywhere. There are still some Mangrove Snapper (Snapper, Gray) on deeper docks, bridges, and Seawalls. On the pier we are seeing Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish), Kings (Mackerel, King), Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny), Redfish, Pompano (Pompano, Florida) and Whiting (Kingfish, Southern). Check out the End of Season Sales at Half Hitch Navarre! They have tons of great products from Clothes to Rods so stop in and check it out! PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish below for additional tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Everything is biting! Kings (Mackerel, King), Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin) and Sailfish (Billfish – Sailfish) are in the nearshore. Anglers are targeting Red Snapper (Snapper, Red & Snapper, Vermillion) on the weekend along with Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) and Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray). The Triggers are running thick.




Half Hitch
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September 16, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – From the surf the Redfish (Drum, Red) are biting well however the better and bigger bite is coming from the deeper water. There are some Bluefish swimming as well but they are a bit scattered. Flounder (Flounder, Southern) and Pompano (Pompano, Florida) have also been scattered along the surf. A bit farther out the Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) are turning up with Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and Ladyfish. Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are swimming in deeper water however the numbers are great. Black Drum (Drum, Black) and Sheepshead are holding up on structure as usual. PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish below for additional tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Offshore and Pier fishermen should be seeing a good King (Mackerel, King) and Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) bite today. The winds are shifting out of the East and will be coming up from the South East at about 8-12 mph around 1pm today, so the bite should be fired up around 2 or 3 o’clock. Hopefully in the next few weeks we will start seeing some peanut Dolphin moving closer to shore. Tripletail are still being spotted around floating debris and buoys.




Half Hitch
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September 9, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – A touch of fall weather was in the air this morning and it made me want to go fishing for some Reds (Drum, Red). From the reports we received the Redfish are everywhere. Some nice fish have been caught in our local area including East Bay and Pensacola Bay a few have been caught from the surf along with some Sharks and a few Pompano (Pompano, Florida). My favorite bait to use for Reds are live Shrimp, Pinfish and Croakers. If you are targeting the bull Reds my advise would be to make sure you have a strong hook. I like to use a Owner 1/0 or 2/0 K-Hook and at least 30lb braid, especially if you’re fishing around bridges these fish love to take your line around the pilings and try to cut you off. Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) are scattered while the Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and Ladyfish are doing well. Flounder (Flounder, Southern) have been caught inshore as well as Trout (Seatrout, Spotted), Black Drum (Drum, Black) and Sheepshead on structure. PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish below for additional tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – The King (Mackerel, King) bite has been great this week. There are some nice Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny) mixed in. Barracuda (Barracuda, Great) are scattered. A bit farther out we are seeing a nice bottom bite of Snapper (Snapper, Red & Snapper, Vermillion) and Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red). Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) and Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) are biting well in the same area. Even farther out the Blackfin Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin) have been scattered. Wahoo and Dolphin are both good along with Yellowfin (Tuna, Yellowfin). White Marlin (Billfish – Marlin, White) are a bit scattered but are mixed with some nice Sailsfish (Billfish – Sailfish).




Half Hitch
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September 1, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – I would say today surf fishing would be out of the question. Pier fishing should be fairly good if you want to brave the strong winds. There is however a small window of opportunity to fish the sound and bays before the wind picks up, and I must say the fishing is great in those areas. It seems the low pressure system that is approaching has turned on the fishing for Reds (Drum, Red), Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and also Spanish Mackerel (Mackerel, Spanish) in some areas. PRO ANGLER APP USERS – With this system pushing through most of Florida, we expect a lot of wind and tough conditions. Most of the fishing from last week should fire back up once the storm passes. Expect to see the rainfall cool off inshore waters. This will help some of the fish that prefer cooler conditions. Stay informed on all the coming weather systems using your Pro Angler App!

OFFSHORE – There have been a few Cobia reported from the nearshore for anglers who are able to make it out. Use your Pro Angler App to check the weather, tides and all the information you need to be safe on the water this week!




Half Hitch
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August 26, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Inshore the Redfish (Drum, Red) bite has been great both on the surf and inshore. We are also seeing a great Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) bite from the inshore as well. Sheepshead are holding up on structure along with Black Drum (Drum, Black). Bluefish are biting on the surf along with Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish), Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Whiting (Kingfish, Southern), Sharks (Shark, Bull & Shark, Blacktip), Ladyfish, Flounder (Flounder, Southern), and Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny). PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Hot! Hot! Hot! Yes it’s the dog days of summer no doubt. Offshore fishing has been great and it’s going to be even better as the summer comes to a close. Don’t forget the first weekend of September will start off with Red Snapper (Snapper, Red) on the menu. Starting Friday September 2nd Snapper season will open for weekends only in STATE waters. Please refer to the regulations for more details. King Mackerel (Mackerel, King) seem to be the catch of the day offshore and nearshore along with Spanish Mackerel (Mackerel, Spanish) and Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny). We had reports of some nice shark being caught as well. If you want a good workout on light tackle like Samantha had on her weekend trip give it a try it’s definitely a work out.

BAIT REPORT – Bluerunners are hit or miss this week.


Half Hitch
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August 18, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – We are in for another beautiful day today and with the winds out of the south and south east the King (Mackerel, King) bite on the pier should be rocking! Alan was able to get in on it this weekend and from the reports we have been getting it’s all about putting in the time to be there when the bite is in full swing! Capt. Scotty Gerdine of Fish Time Inshore Charters is still reporting that the Black Snapper (Snapper, Gray) bite is about as good as it get right now and that the Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Redfish (Drum, Red) bite is pretty good as well. Anglers are also reporting Ladyfish, Bluefish and a few Flounder (Flounder, Southern) and Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) from the beach. Stripers (Bass, Striped) are scattered. Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Whiting (Kingfish, Southern), Tarpon and Kings (Mackerel, King) have also been holding up on the beach. So get your tackle, stop by the store pick up some shrimp and get out there! PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Nearshore the Cobia bite has been a bit scattered. There are Kings (Mackerel, King) on the reef along with Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny), Barracuda (Barracuda, Great), and Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater). We are also seeing Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red & Grouper, Scamp) come up from the bottom with Snapper (Snapper, Gray). Farther out the Dolphin (Mahi) are doing well. There have been a few reports of Yellowfin Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin). Wahoo have been consistently good. Anglers willing to head a bit farther out can target Sails (Billfish – Sailfish), Swords (Billfish – Swordfish) and Marlin (Billfish – Marlin, Blue & Billfish – Marlin, White).

BAIT REPORT – Bluerunners are swimming this week.


Half Hitch
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August 11, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – The really bad weather this week has really worked with us this week only coming out overnight for the most part giving most folks an opportunity to get out on the water. In the bay Capt. Scotty Gerdine of Fish Time Inshore Charters is reporting that the Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Redfish (Drum, Red) bite in the sound is still going strong, but the best bite seems to be in the afternoon just about sundown. Capt. Charles Stone with Blue Water Escape Charters is reporting that the King (Mackerel, King) bite is about as good as it gets right now! Folks on the pier have also been reporting that the kings are biting as well as Redfish and the occasional Flounder (Flounder, Southern). This just goes to show that no matter what the weather is like all you have to do is get out there! PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Offshore anglers haven’t had the easiest time getting out the past week. Those who are able to hit the water have found a good Dolphin, Wahoo and Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin) bite. There have also been reports of a few Sails (Billfish – Sailfish), Swords (Billfish – Swordfish) and Marlin (Billfish – Marlin, White) turning up. Throughout the nearshore the Cobia and Kings (Mackerel, King) are swimming the reefs however they are a bit thin. Bonito (Bonito, Little Tunny) and Barracuda (Barracuda, Great) are mixed in. From the bottom we are finding Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater), Snapper (Snapper, Gray & Snapper, Vermillion) and Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red)




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August 4, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – From the shore the Bluefish, Flounder (Flounder, Southern), Pompano (Pompano, Florida) and Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) are all biting well this week. We have also had reports of a great Shark (Shark, Bull & Shark, Blacktip) bite come in. There are a few Redfish (Drum, Red) swimming the inshore while the Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) have been caught just off the shore a bit. Sheepshead are holding up on structure along with the Black Drum (Drum , Black). PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – When the weather allows anglers to get out on the water the offshore bite has been fantastic. There are great numbers of Wahoo, Dolphin, Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin) and Sails (Billfish – Sailfish). There have also been reports of scattered Marlin (Billfish – Marlin, Blue & Billfish – Marlin, White) along with a few Sails (Billfish – Sailfish). Throughout the nearshore we have had reports of some Cobia, Kings (Mackerel, King), Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny), and Cuda (Barracuda, Great). From the bottom the Snapper (Snapper, Red & Snapper, Gray & Snapper, Vermillion) and Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red) have been holding up on reefs and structure. There are some Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) and Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) mixed in.




Half Hitch
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July 28, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Inshore the Redfish (Drum, Red) and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) bite has slowed some with most heading for deeper cooler water! Not that you wouldn’t find them first thing in the morning on the flats, but after 9 they seem to get head to the drop offs and deeper channels in the sound and East Bay! Black Snapper (Snapper, Gray) are about the most reliable species right now as they are around most of the deeper docks as well as around every bridge in the sound as well as East Bay! Small live Shrimp and live Pilchards are the top baits, but I have been successfully targeting them using small Yo-Zuri 3D diving minnows and mirror lure’s Minnie mini-dine lures. These small twitch baits have been extremely productive during a strong outgoing or incoming tide. Small Bull and Blacktip Sharks (Shark, Bull & Shark, Blacktip) have also been giving many an angler targeting Redfish in East Bay as well as the sound. They are keying in on folks fishing live Pinfish and finger Mullet from the shore, but I myself have lost a few lures to a few two to three foot bulls while fishing artificial lure sin the sound in as shallow as two foot of water. Lastly be on the lookout for schools of Jack, Crevalle! These bullies of the flats usually announce themselves by charging into schools of mullet! If you do not notice their wake, the site of every mullet in their path suddenly trying to fly out of their path lets you know that they are in the vicinity! So have at least one rod ready with a popper or top water bait large enough to handle them. Jacks are also being caught from the pier and from a few folks on the beach, but most of those hooked on the beach aren’t landed because most of the anglers that hook up are targeting Pompano (Pompano, Florida) and their tackle is not adequate to handle these hard fighter. Folks on the pier are hooking up with the occasional King Mackerel (Mackerel, King) or Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny), but the bite is changing day to day. The occasional Sailfish (Billfish – Sailfish) is also being seen but few are hooked up and even fewer are being landed. Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel (Mackerel, Spanish), Redfish (Drum, Red), and Black Snapper (Snapper, Gray) seem to be the most consistent catches these days. Those fishing in the surf are having to search around a little for clear area, but they are there and many anglers are reporting that Pompano bite is pretty consistent if you can find an area free of June grass. It won’t be too much longer and it will begin to die off and we can get back to fishing the entire beach. PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Offshore most folks are targeting Grouper (Grouper, Gag), Vermillion Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion), and Red Porgy bottom fishing. These same bottom fishermen are also catching the occasional inquisitive cobia that gets to close as well as the occasional Mahi (Dolphin) that is looking for and easy lunch. Those trolling are catching plenty of King Mackerel (Mackerel, King) and Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny) on the near shore wrecks along with the occasional Mahi and Blackfin Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin). To target the Tuna and Mahi specifically folks heading out along the Southeast or Southwest edges are getting more consistent action! You can also throw in Wahoo to the list as they are feeding in the same areas. Also in the same area around floating debris you will find decent numbers of triple tail mixed in with the Mahi that just love to feed are such structure. Further offshore the Marlin (Billfish – Marlin, Blue) bite is starting to pick up with folks reporting White Marlin (Billfish – Marlin, White) and Sailfish (Billfish – Sailfish) in decent numbers. Many of the same folks are also targeting Swordfish (Billfish – Swordfish) during daylight as well as at night consistently catching decent fish!




Half Hitch
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July 22, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – There has been a nice mix of fish overall however nothing is particularly lit up inshore. Redfish (Drum, Red) continue to do well into this week. They are both inshore and around the piers. There are a few Ladyfish swimming the beach along with a handful of Bluefish, Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish), Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and Sharks (Shark, Bull & Shark, Blacktip). Just off the surf the bite has been consistent if you are targeting Cobia, Tarpon, Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny) and Kings (Mackerel King) that have also been swimming the pier. Mixed in at the pier have been some Drum (Drum, Black) as well. Flounder (Flounder, Southern) have been scattered. The Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are doing well in the cooler water during the early morning or late evening bite. PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Nearshore, the conditions are similar to inshore. There is a nice mix of fish without a prominent species. Cobia, Kings (Mackerel, King), Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny) and Barracuda (Barracuda, Great) have been holding up on the reef. Moving farther out we are seeing a solid bottom bite from Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red & Grouper, Scamp). Snapper (Snapper, Gray & Snapper, Vermillion) and Porgy have also been brought up from the bottom. The farther out you go, the better the bite. Wahoo and Dolphin have heated up this week along with the Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin & Tuna, Blackfin) bite. Marlin (Billfish, Marlin, White) are consistently strong and have been mixed in with a nice bag of Sails (Billfish – Sailfish) and Swords (Billfish – Swordfish).




Half Hitch
850-939-9885
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July 15, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Inshore anglers are catching Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Redfish (Drum, Red). Flounder (Flounder, Southern) and Black Snapper (Snapper, Gray) have also shown up. Live Croakers is the best bait. Look for the high tide. PRO ANGLER APP USERS – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Kings (Mackerel, King), Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) and Grouper are all in the gulf. Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red) are in roughly 200-300 ft.




Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
850-932-6789
http://www.gbbtonline.com

July 7, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Another hot day in store for us here in the panhandle. The Navarre pier has been catching some nice Tarpon in the last few days along with Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny) and Hardtails. Inshore bite has been great as well with Reds (Drum, Red) and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) being caught. You will occasionally come across a few inshore Flounder (Flounder, Southern) as well. Cobia and Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) have slowed down along with the Pompano (Pompano, Florida).

OFFSHORE – Offshore the Red Snapper (Snapper, Red) is still going strong you, need to hurry and get out there to catch your limit because the Red Snapper season is coming to a close for state waters in a few days. Farther out the Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin) continue to bite this week. The Wahoo and Dolphin have been great. The Marlin (Billfish – Marlin, Blue & Billfish – Marlin, White) have been turning on. Sails (Billfish – Sailfish) and Swords (Billfish – Swordfish) have also made their way into the boats. From the bottom the Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red & Grouper, Scamp) have been hitting off the bottom along with Ajs (Jack, Amberjack greater), Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) and Snapper (Snapper, Black & Snapper, Vermillion).




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
850-939-9885
https://www.halfhitch.com

June 29, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Pretty nice week for getting out on the water or just getting out to the beach and it looks like we are going to see more of the same this week. Those heading offshore will especially like the calm weather so we should see a lot more reports from that sector. Inshore fishing for Reds (Drum, Red) and Specks (Seatrout, Spotted) has slowed some due I think in part because of the bright moon last week. I see things improving as the moon phase changes. I would expect to see the best fishing in the afternoon the first part of the week and as the moon shrinks further as the week goes along expect to see the bite heat up in the morning as well. Look to the grassy areas and throw out a topwater or mid water twitch bait and you should see some action within minutes. Of course a live Croaker fished under a popping cork is probably the most productive presentation right now. Black Snapper (Snapper, Gray) are also making a great showing around area bridges and deeper docks in the sound. So break out your quarter inch mesh cast net and load up on Pilchard and Menhaden and chum a few into the boat for supper. Kings (Mackerel, King) and Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) have been the main target for those fishing the pier, but the occasional Cobia is still showing up to make things interesting for pier fishermen. Tarpon are also available and more than one rod and reel has been destroyed be these hard fighting fish. It seems like the best bait is the age old Cigar Minnow with a treble hook on a steel leader tossed out and left to float in the current. Hard tails and Spanish are hitting large Sabiki rigs and Gotcha lures. We have received great reports from our surf fishers. Large Bluefish, Whiting (Kingfish, Southern), Pompano (Pompano, Florida), and Ladyfish being caught in the surf with live sand Fleas, fish bites, and frozen Shrimp. If you can`t get them then shrimp or fish bites cut into small pieces and tipped on the hook should entice a fair amount of action. The June grass is starting to clear up too so it`s just a matter of getting out there and catching them.

OFFSHORE – Offshore fishing was put on hold for a few days the beginning of this week. However those that did brave the rough weather reported that the bite was on fire! As the weather improved the number of reports have increased validating earlier reports! Some nice catches of Grouper (Grouper, Gag), Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion & Snapper, Gray), Mahi (Dolphin), and Kings (Mackerel, King) are being brought back to the docks right now and the weekend should be pretty good for anyone who can get out there. Further offshore the Wahoo, Tuna (Tuna, Bluefin), and the Billfish (Billfish – Sailfish) bite is heating up!

BAIT REPORT – Sand fleas are starting to show up at the beaches and are producing the best bite.


Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
850-939-9885
https://www.halfhitch.com

June 24, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Inshore the Redfish (Drum, Red) are hot however moving towards the piers they are a bit scattered. The Sheepshead have pretty much died down for the season. Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) continue to do well in the deeper water. Drum (Drum, Black) are hanging out around structures. From the surf the Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Flounder (Flounder, Southern), Ladyfish and Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) are biting. A few Sharks (Shark, Blacktip) have shown up and they are always a fun catch. Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) are slowing down this week.

OFFSHORE – Things are heating up with the temperature this week. We are seeing great bites of Wahoo and Dolphin coming from the offshore this week. Farther out the Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin) have been good. Billfish are catching well including Sails (Billfish – Sailfish), Swords (Billfish – Swordfish) and Blue Marlin (Billfish – Marlin, Blue). The nearshore reefs are holding some nice Snapper (Snapper, Red & Snapper, Black & Snapper, Gray). We are also seeing Cobia and Kings (Mackerel, King) hitting as well. Cigar minnows are a great choice of bait for them. Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red) have been coming up off the bottom along with a few Beeliners (Snapper, Vermillion). Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) have also been reported from the area.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
850-939-9885
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June 17, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – A little bit of a roller coaster this week weather wise, but the fishing has been pretty consistent between the showers. Inshore the Redfish (Drum, Red) and Sheepshead bite is going strong with the strongest bite first thing in the morning. The Black Snapper (Snapper, Gray) bite is about as good as it gets around the Navarre Bridge as well as the deeper docks in the sound. Live Shrimp when you can find them is the top bait right now, but live Pilchards, finger Mullet, Pinkfish, and Croakers especially for big gator trout are the go to bait. Soft plastics Liberty coated with Inshore Procure is the go to presentation for fishing the docks with artificials. Between the docks and on the flats break out your favorite top water lure. The Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Reds seem to be especially receptive to this presentation right now. Another productive presentation has been a popping cork and savage Shrimp. Work this combination slowly for the best results. Tarpon are finally starting to make a showing and I’m receiving reports daily of fish being hooked up. Large 5 or 6 inch swim baits is the lure of choice for most anglers. Live Pinfish, Mullet, Threadfin Sardine and Pilchards are the go to live baits. Kings (Mackerel, King), Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish), Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Whiting (Kingfish, Southern), and Redfish are also being landed. Those fishing the beach are having to hunt around some in order to avoid the June grass in order to get in on the bite. Pompano, Reds and Whiting are the targeted species.

OFFSHORE – Offshore the King (Mackerel, King) bite along the beach is as good as it gets with plenty of fish well over 30 pounds going into the cooler. Here and there the occasional Wahoo, Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin) and Mahi (Dolphin) are also making it into the cooler. The Red Snapper (Snapper, Red) bite in state water has slowed a lot, but if you lighten up your leaders some and chum with live bait you will be rewarded. Black Snapper (Snapper, Gray) are also falling for this same presentation so take a little extra time and cast net a few hundred Menhaden. The Grouper (Grouper, Gag) bite is still slow in our area, although the quality of fish that are being landed seems to be improving. Further offshore Wahoo, Mahi, Black and Yellowfin Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin), and Swordfish (Billfish – Swordfish) are available when the weather allows.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
727-942-8944

June 9, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – We dodged another one this weekend and reaped a few benefits a tropical depression can bring to area fishermen. Inshore the Red (Drum, Red) and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) bite was outstanding even though we had a little rain. The only negative was the lack of live Shrimp due to the shrimpers pulling their boats as a caution in case the tropical depression headed our way. It’s getting to be that time of year when the shrimpers start having trouble catching bait in our area so it’s time to break out the cast nets if you just have to have live bait. This is also the time of year when artificial baits are king. Top water plugs first thing in the morning and then again just at sunset are the go to bait for big Trout and Redfish. Jacks (Jack, Crevalle), Bluefish, and Ladyfish will also hit these same lures. A few Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are finally starting to be caught in the sound and East Bay. Black Snapper (Snapper, Black) have established themselves around area bridges as well as many of the deeper docks in the sound. Red Snapper (Snapper, Red) and Grouper (Grouper, Gag) are also on many of the deep structures in Pensacola bay as well as around 3-Mile Bridge. Pier fishermen benefited most from this little storm as the action this weekend was some of the best seen since the first spring runs. King (Mackerel, King) and Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) were the top draws, but Bluefish, Redfish, Pompano (Pompano, Florida) and Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) were also landed. I expect to see more of the same this week from pier fishermen, and as the swells lay down the surf fishing should pick up. This should help a lot with the June grass mess we face each year. I would not be surprised if a lot of the algae was just washed up on shore or broken up by the high seas.

OFFSHORE – The north winds the next few days will flatten down the swells brought about by the storm so getting out the pass should not be an issue for most. I would expect to see that the storm pushed in a lot more bait and with them the predators such as King Mackerel (Mackerel, King), Blackfin Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin), Mahi (Dolphin), and even the occasional Sailfish (Billfish – Sailfish). Bottom fishermen may see a small increase in Grouper (Grouper, Gag) catches closer to shore as well as an increase in the size of Red Snapper (Snapper, Red). Everything else should pretty much be the same, but it’s not surprising to see unusual species caught that have been blown in after these storms.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
850-939-9885
https://www.halfhitch.com

June 3, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Inshore we have Trout (Seatrout, Spotted), Redfish (Drum, Red), Flounder (Flounder, Southern). For the Trout, early in the morning on the grass flats or under the lights at night are your best times to catch them. Pretty close to the beach they are catching Kings and Spanish (Mackerel, King & Mackerel, Spanish).

OFFSHORE – Our offshore snapper season has started for Reds (Snapper, Red). 60ft. Is a good starting point if you want to start seeing the bigger Reds. Be sure to check out the in-app GPS hotspots for some new numbers and get fishing.

BAIT REPORT – Bait has been decent with some Cigar Minnows and Shrimp.


Gray’s Tackle & Guide Service
850-492-2666

May 26, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Another beautiful day with nice temps and plenty of sunshine. The pier is reporting a few Kings (Mackerel, King) this morning along with Spanish Mackerel (Mackerel, Spanish). The afternoon and evening bite seem to be the same as the early morning bite. The surf fishing has been great with a few reports of Sand Fleas showing up for bait. Some nice schools of Jack, Crevalle came in close enough for some hot action from the surf. The inshore bite is still going strong for Reds (Drum, Red) and Specks (Seatrout, Spotted). Wade fishing, kayak fishing or even paddle board fishing is a great way to target these fish. Sheepshead and Ladyfish have been reported but are not yet consistent. Flounder (Flounder, Southern), Whiting( Kingfish, Southern) and Drum (Drum, Black) are also a bit scattered. Pompano (Pompano, Florida) are great just off the beach this week.

OFFSHORE – Nearshore the Cobia and Kings (Mackerel, King) are swimming. The Kings are far thicker than the Cobia right now. Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny) have been reported and the bite is consistent. They are mixed in with some Cuda (Barracuda, Great). Farther out the Red Snapper (Snapper, Red), Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) and Beeliners (Snapper, Vermillion) are all hitting well. Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) are also biting along with Porgy.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
850-234-2621
850-939-9885

May 20, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – From the surf we are finding Redfish (Drum, Red) and Drum (Drum, Black) swimming the bays along with Trout (Seatrout, Spotted). Ladyfish, Pompano (Pompano, Florida) and Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are running the surf pretty thick as well. Off the beach the Spanish Mackerel (Mackerel, Spanish) and Sharks are scattered about. The Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) are slowing down.

OFFSHORE – Although the fish aren’t thick offshore, there is plenty to catch if you put some time in. The Wahoo and Mahi (Dolphin) continue to bite along with Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin). The nearshore is holding some Cobia and Kings (Mackerel, King) that are both thick this week. There are also some Dolphin swimming in this area as well. Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny) are mixed in with them. A bit closer in there are some Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) and Snapper (Snapper, Black & Snapper, Red) swimming the bottom. We are also finding Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red) mixed in although they are not thick as of yet. Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion) are hot this week and we continue to see a great variety of sizes. Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) and Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are swimming and anglers are having no trouble catching a few.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
850-939-9885
https://www.halfhitch.com

May 12, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – The inshore is busy this week, however a lot of fish seem to be scattered about. Redfish (Drum, Red) are hot both from the piers and the beach. The Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) have been mixed in and are catching just as well. Ladyfish are still waiting to thicken up in the inshore along with some Drum (Drum, Black) and Flounder (Flounder, Southern). From the bridges we continue to see a Sheepshead bite although they are beginning to slow down. The beach is holding some great Flounder, Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Whiting (Kingfish, SOuthern) and Sharks (Shark, Bull & Shark, Blacktip). We expect this bite to continue into the weekend.

OFFSHORE – The offshore is finding a great number of fish this week. We are seeing a thick Cobia and Kingfish (Mackerel, King) run closer to the shore. Moving out anglers can expect to catch some Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny) and Barracuda (Barracuda, Great). The bottom bite is producing quite a few fish including Red Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion) and Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red). Anglers willing to head just a bit farther can expect some Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) and Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) to turn up.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
850-939-9885
https://www.halfhitch.com

May 6, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – As for surf fishing the pompano bite has picked up in the last few days along with some Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and Redfish (Drum, Red). Peeled Shrimp fished on bottom are the bait of choice unless you are fortunate enough to rake up some Sand Fleas, it has been difficult to say the least to find any. If you’re not getting any bites say within thirty minutes or so I suggest to move to a different location until you find them. A few reports have been people limiting out on their catch. Navarre pier has been seeing some action with a minimum one Cobia every other day, of course there are days when there’s nothing but standing and gazing over the rail all day to try and spot one of these migrating fish, but hey it’s called fishing right? The bite report is usually an early morning bite along with some nice King Mackerel (Mackerel, King) being caught as well. The bait fish seem to be doing a hide and seek game. Some days they are there and others, well they’re hiding out somewhere. Always take a bait rig with you just in case they show up. Spanish Mackerel (Mackerel, Spanish) and Pompano (Pompano, Florida) have been reported as a daily event only thing is you have to be there when the bite is on or you will miss out. Inshore fishing? I would say at this point all you need to do is Get Out There the bite is pretty much guaranteed for Redfish (Drum, Red) and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) even though the limit size of these fish may not be what you’re looking for but just catching them will be pretty easy. I would use live Shrimp or artificial around deeper docks with an 18 to 20 inch fluorocarbon leader, 15 to 20 pound test and a size 2 split shot at the swivel. A popping cork with live or artificial Shrimp over grass beds work great for the Trout. Just remember the regulation has changed for the Redfish you are only allowed one red fish per day instead of two as of May 1st.

OFFSHORE – This week’s weather looks like a mixed bag. For the first part of the week it will be overcast with a chance of showers, by midweek the sun will be out with clear skies and just a slight decrease in temps, perfect weather for fishing I would say so myself. The offshore fishing will definitely be heating up this weekend with the first day of snapper season which begins on Saturday May 7th for weekends only. There are plenty of snapper to be caught no doubt, along with cobia, amberjack, king mackerel and Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray). Live bait such as Sand Perch or ruby red lips work great for the snapper and amberjack. Cut bait will work for the Triggerfish and Vermillion Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion) which are also being caught off shore.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
850-939-9885
https://www.halfhitch.com

April 27, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Throughout the inshore we are seeing a good Redfish (Drum, Red) bite. The Sheepshead are scattered however this is typical of the Spring movement for them. Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) have been good and consistent so far although the Drum (Drum, Black) are hit and miss. From the beach the Redfish (Drum, Red) are few however we are seeing a lot of fish from this area. Bluefish and Pompano (Pompano, Florida) are also coming up however they too are scattered. Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and Sharks (Shark, Bull & Shark, Blacktip) are also swimming. They are both thin however if a Shark gets ahold of your line you’ll have to put up a fight. The Mackerel (Mackerel, Spanish) are being reported from the piers along with some Drum, Sheepshead and a few Cobia. Kings (Mackerel, King) are close inshore this week. They are not hot however anglers searching for them are heading offshore as well. We are seeing Bluerunners and Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny) are both running this week and although they are thin they are bringing the fish in.

OFFSHORE – The Cobia and Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are few and far between this week. We hope to see them heat up as the season continues. The Kings (Mackerel, King) are hot. Anglers are having no trouble catching them. The sizes are decent as well. From the bottom the Snapper (Snapper, Black & Snapper, Gray), and Grouper (Grouper, Red & Grouper, Scamp) are turning up and they are great. The sizes and numbers are both fantastic. A bit farther out we are seeing Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray), Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) and Porgy all catching well. Anglers willing to make their way a bit more offshore are seeing some Mahi (Dolphin) and Yellowfin (Tuna, Yellowfin) show up. They are scattered as of now but it is a great sign that the Summer is coming up.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
850-939-9885
https://www.halfhitch.com

April 22, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – This week the bite is really picking up. Redfish (Drum, Red), Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Sheepshead are all biting well throughout the inshore. The Reds have also been caught from the piers. Generally Reds and Trout will bite Shrimp. Live, Frozen or artificial should work. The Fiddler Crabs may take the Shrimp however they also love Fiddler Crabs. There have been a few Flounder (Flounder, Southern) and Drum (Drum, Black) that have turned up in this area however they are a bit scattered. The surf is producing some nice Bluefish. They are not quite hot yet but the sizes are decent. Pompano (Pompano, Florida) are also being caught from this area along with some Mackerel (Mackerel, Spanish). Cobia are beginning to make their way in with some Kings (Mackerel, King) however anglers will have to put some time in to find them.

OFFSHORE – Cobia and Kings (Mackerel, King) are doing great in the nearshore this week. We are also seeing some Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny) show up in the same area. A bit farther out there are some Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) hanging out on the reefs with some Grouper (Grouper, Red). Snapper (Snapper, Black & Snapper, Vermillion) have been hitting this week. The Black Snapper are scattered while the Beeliners are thick. Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) continue to bite this week along with the Porgy.

BAIT REPORT – Bluerunners have shown up this week.


Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
850-939-9885
https://www.halfhitch.com

April 14, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – The Redfish (Drum, Red), Sheepshead and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) have been great this week. Live Shrimp on small hooks is the key to catching them. The bite is consistent and the sizes are fair. Sheepshead have also been caught around the the bridges but they are not as consistent in this area. We are finding Redfish off the pier as well. The Drum (Drum, Black) have slowed down a bit but can still be found for anglers targeting them. On the surf side we are seeing some Bluefish, Flounder (Flounder, Southern) and Pompano (Pompano, Florida). They have not quite heated up for the Spring pattern but will provide anglers with a good bite. Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) are turning up from the beach this week. We expect to see more as temperatures increase. Spanish Mackerel (Mackerel, Spanish) and Cobia have moved in as well as a few reports of Kings (Mackerel, King) and Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny) from the pier.

OFFSHORE – Farther out we are seeing great catches of Cobia, Kings (Mackerel, King), Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny), and Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater). The bottom bite for Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion) has been good but a bit less hot for Grouper (Grouper, Red & Grouper, Scamp). Porgy have been caught throughout the offshore along with a good mix of Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) as well.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
850-939-9885
https://www.halfhitch.com

April 7, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Things are beginning to heat up this week. The Redfish (Drum, Red) are doing great so far both throughout the inshore and around the pier. We continue to see a good bite of Sheepshead, especially around the bridges and jetties. Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) remain consistent and the sizes are fair so far. Drum (Drum, Black) and Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are becoming a bit scattered but they are there for anglers targeting them. Pompano (Pompano, Florida) are showing up on the beach this week. Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) have moved in but they have not quite heated up yet either. Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) are also swimming the jetty but they are not the target of most anglers.

OFFSHORE – Cobia have moved into the nearshore this week and anglers are excited for the Spring bite. Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny) are also making their way in with the Kings (Mackerel, King). The sizes are fair so far. Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion & Snapper, Red) are hot off the bottom. Ajs(Jack, Amberjack Greater) and Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) are a bit farther out. Grouper (Grouper, Scamp) are scattered off the bottom but are not the focus for most anglers so far this week.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
850-939-9885
https://www.halfhitch.com

March 30, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Inshore the Redfish (Drum, Red) and Sheepshead bite is on fire! Fishing live Shrimp around the deeper docks in the sound as well as around the Navarre and Bob Sykes bridges is producing outstanding numbers of both species and some are real monsters. The Trout bite is also starting to heat up and folks are also starting to catch a few Flounder (Flounder, Southern) on the flats. The Flounder bite is a bit of a surprise because we normally don’t see them until we are well into April. The first Cobia of the year has been caught on the pier and I’ve received reports of Kings (Mackerel, King) saying on lures. The first for the panhandle was caught on Thursday from the Pensacola pier so I would expect to see the first one coming over the rails at the Navarre pier this weekend if not sooner. Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) are thick at times around the pier and the Sheepshead head bite is on fire with some real studs being landed. There has not been any baitfish reported yet, but the last few days has seen an outstanding said bite. With plenty of folks taking home more than enough to for supper. Folks fishing the surf are reporting that the bull Reds (Drum, Red) and Pompano (Pompano, Florida) bite is getting better every day. Our very own Bob Wolfe caught a 20 plus pounder in the surf on Wednesday. The biggest for him so far this year! Check out the Half Hitch Facebook page for details on all their events including awesome beginner classes, Fishing with the Pros and various seminars (both on-water and in-store) every Friday and Saturday.

OFFSHORE – Offshore the Cobia bite along the beach is pretty steady. Plenty of fish also being landed by folks targeting bottom species so be sure to have a jig or pitch bait rod rigged up for when one pops up. I would expect to see a few Kings (Mackerel, King) being landed this week if the weather cooperates and maybe an occasional Blackfin Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin) if the weather settles down enough to for folks to get out. Bottom fishermen should not have any issues catching their limit of Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray), Amberjacks (Jack, Amberjack Greater), and Mingo Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion) this week. It is looking like the last few years of tightening regulations is starting to pay off and I would a expect to see good numbers of Red and Scamp Grouper (Grouper, Red & Grouper, Scamp) brought in this week, too bad gag grouper is still closed until the summer!




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
850-939-9885
https://www.halfhitch.com

March 24, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Sheepshead are the main topic this week. They are hot, especially around the bridge pilings and on the pier. Shrimp and Fiddler Crabs are of course the best bait to use. We are also seeing a great bite of Redfish (Drum, Red) throughout the inshore. The Trout (Seatrout, Spotted), Drum (Drum, Black) and Flounder (Flounder, Southern) have slowed down a bit. They are still present for anglers targeting them however they are not the focus this week. From the surf we are seeing a slight Redfish and Drum bite however Pompano (Pompano, Florida) are far more prominent. Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and Sharks (Shark, Bull) have also been reported but are quite scattered at this point. Check out the Half Hitch Facebook page for details on all their events including awesome beginner classes, Fishing with the Pros and various seminars (both on-water and in-store) every Friday and Saturday.

OFFSHORE – Things are beginning to heat up throughout the nearshore. Cobia and Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny) are beginning to arrive which is very exciting for most anglers. Snapper (Snapper, Red & Snapper, Vermillion) have had a great bite this week along with Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray). When anglers can make it on the water there are tons of fish to take advantage of.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
850-939-9885
https://www.halfhitch.com

March 17, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – We are seeing a great variety of fish biting so far this week. Redfish (Drum, Red) have been good so far. They can be found throughout the inshore and off the pier. The bite is consistent and the sizes are varied. Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are beginning to scatter and become increasingly more difficult to find. Drum (Drum, Black) have been steady. The sizes are fair so far and they can be found around structure this week however are more populous around the inshore. . They are all loving live Shrimp or a similar artificial. There have also been Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) in the jetty area as well. They are hit and miss but if you put some time in you will find them. Sharks (Shark, Bonnethead & Shark, Bull) have also begun to turn up on the beach along with some Pompano, Florida. Both fish are biting well so far. Check out the Half Hitch Facebook page for details on all their events including awesome beginner classes, Fishing with the Pros and various seminars (both on-water and in-store) every Friday and Saturday.

OFFSHORE – The nearshore and offshore are holding a lot of great fish so far this week. Bonito, Little Tunny are beginning to turn up for the Spring. Anglers are excited about this. The bottom bite has been productive with Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Red) as well as some Beeliners (Snapper, Vermillion). They have all been hitting well as anglers troll above them. We are also seeing some great sizes of Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) as well. We expect this bite to continue into the weekend and pick up as the Spring pattern sets in.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
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March 9, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – There are plenty of fish biting inshore despite the wind. We are seeing a scattered Redfish (Drum, Red), Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Drum (Drum, Black) bite this week. The surf is producing a few Pompano, Florida and Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) as well. The sizes are fair however the weather has spread them out as well. The nearshore and reefs are holding a few Cobia which many anglers are excited about. There are also some Grouper (Grouper, Red & Grouper, Gag) mixed in along with Snapper, Vermillion and Triggerfish, Gray. They both have a consistent bite this week. Check out the Half Hitch Facebook page for details on all their events including awesome beginner classes, Fishing with the Pros and various seminars (both on-water and in-store) every Friday and Saturday.

OFFSHORE – There is a lot of wind in the area as of late however anglers are excited to see the return of Cobia to the area. We hope to see things clear up for the weekend. Anyone preparing for the Spring season can always check out our Fish Guide for more Tips and Tricks on how to keep your lines tight.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
850-939-9885
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March 3, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – The Reds (Drum, Red) and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) continue to do great. The sizes are fair on all three and anglers are having no trouble catching a few. Sheepshead and Drum (Drum, Black) have been swimming structures and also have a hot bite this week. The Stripers (Bass, Striped) are beginning to show back however we are not seeing consistent numbers as of yet. Pompano, Florida and Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) have been holding up on the surf this week. There are a few Drum as well.

OFFSHORE – The deeper water is full of fish this week. Bonito, Little Tunny are showing up in the nearshore. Farther Out we are seeing some Snapper (Snapper, Red) that are catch and release along with Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) and Beeliners (Snapper, Vermillion). There sizes in particular have been pretty big. Triggerfish, Gray have also been reported from the offshore and a few Flounder (Flounder, Southern & Flounder, Gulf) are hanging around still. Anglers venturing farther out can begin to look for the start of some Tuna, Yellowfin biting as well.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
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February 24, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Anglers are starting to catch some Pompano, Florida, in the surf. The water is dirty and it’s windy so it has not been easy for anglers to get out. There are some scattered Reds (Drum, Red) in the same area. The bridges are holding good sizes of Sheepshead. They are all around structure and love Shrimp and Fiddler Crabs. Trout (Seatrout, Sand) have also been in this area. The piers are also holding Sheepshead in great sizes. We are starting to see some Specks (Seatrout, Spotted) on the grass flats however the bite is not hot yet. Spring Inventory has arrived! Stop in and take advantage of the hot buys!

OFFSHORE – Triggerfish, Gray, are continuing to do well off the bottom. They have been on most of the wrecks in the offshore and the bite has been consistent. Numbers are good since they were closed all of last year. Natural bottom areas are holding tons that will eat small pieces of Squid on a bottom rig. Snapper (Snapper, Gray & Snapper, Vermillion) and Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) have been biting well in the same area when anglers can get out. The bigger wrecks and bigger live baits are producing bigger Ajs.




Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
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February 18, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – I guess I’m going to get my wish of an early spring, at least for the next week. This weekend is looking great, but by next week we are going to start to see 70 degree weather! Here’s hoping the weatherman got it right this time! With the warmer weather forecasted for the coming week I would expect to see a lot more Redfish (Drum, Red) activity in the sound and bays. Deeper docks as well as deep structures and the mouths of rivers and canals will see a lot of action. Live shrimp fish on the bottom will be to number one presentation, but if you can cast net any Finger Mullets or Croakers they should also work. This presentation should also work for Specks (Seatrout, Spotted) as well and if the weatherman is correct we should be able to see a little top water action later in the afternoon as the flats warm up. White Trout (Seatrout, Sand) should be hanging out around 3-Mile Bridge, the Garcon Point Bridge and the Bob Sykes Bridge. I would expect to find them around some of the deeper docks and the power lines over in East Bay. I don’t think you will see much change in the surf and pier other that a few more folks are going to be getting out as the weather improves. Redfish, Black Drum (Drum, Black), Bluefish, Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Whiting (Kingfish, Southern), Sheepshead, and Sharks (Shark, Bonnethead) will be the available. I would focus most of my fishing time on days with plenty of water movement and a little chop. They seem to be the most productive these days.

OFFSHORE – I don’t see and changes for those headed out the pass. The nearshore Triggerfish, Gray bite is outstanding right now and the Flounder (Flounder, Southern & Flounder, Gulf) bite is also going strong. Amberjack (Jack, Amberjack Greater), Red Grouper (Grouper, Red), Scamp (Grouper, Scamp), Mingo Snapper (Snapper, Gray) and Red Porgies round out the top catches for those targeting bottom species on the near shore reefs and wrecks.

BAIT REPORT – Finger Mullet and Croakers can both be netted this week.


Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
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February 10, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – The weather in this area has been extremely unfavorable as of late. The cold and wind has kept a lot of anglers inside. The beach and the rivers are providing some shelter and we hope to see the Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Reds (Drum, Red) heading that way. Sheepshead are another species that a lot of anglers will target as they will be holding up on structures with more Reds and Trout. You may even hook a Drum (Drum, Black) or White Trout (Seatrout, Sand) in this area as well. Garson Bridge and 3 Mile Bridge will generally host some great sizes. Keep in mind that with the water as cold as it is, most anglers are heading out for the early afternoon bite when the water has warmed up. The piers are producing more Reds, Bluefish, Drum, Sheepshead, Pompano (Pompano, Florida) and Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) this week. The conditions have slowed things down but if you can find a break in the weather they are there. The Bonito, Little Tunny should still be active despite this however they are generally quite scattered. A bit farther out we are seeing a hot Triggerfish, Gray bite in the pass. The Flounder (Flounder, Southern & Flounder, Gulf) continue to do well too however the sizes are varied and you may have to put some time in to catch a keeper. Along the bottom we are getting reports of Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater), Grouper (Grouper, Red & Grouper, Scamp), Snapper (Snapper, Gray) and Porgy.

OFFSHORE – When anglers can find a break in the weather they are heading out for the rigs this week. The Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin & Tuna, Blackfin) have been holding up in this area and swimming close to the rigs. Larger Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) have also been caught in this area around 300 ft. They are turning up around 50 lbs however we have had reports of up to 100. We expect this action to continue into the weekend.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
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February 4, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Sheepshead have been hot inshore this week on Fiddler Crabs and small Shrimp. Time of day does not make a difference as they have been hitting anytime. Drum (Drum, Black) and slot Reds (Drum, Red) have been swimming the surf and hitting Shrimp or Sand Fleas. Triggerfish, Gray have been turning up in the nearshore at 50-60 ft. Mostly cut Squid is the best bait to hook them so far this week. Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle will be getting lots of new Spring gear in very soon. Stop in and check it out!

OFFSHORE – Anglers are trolling for Tuna, Yellowfin this week. They are pulling live bait or whatever lure they are confident in this week. Islanders generally will work well with Ballyhoo. We expect to see this continue into the weekend.




Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
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January 28, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Reds (Drum, Red) will also enjoy this warm spell possibly bringing them out of the deeper holes they have been hiding in during the cold weather. Fish along docks and the mouth of inlets and canals. I would use live Shrimp fished on a Carolina rig on the bottom. Soft plastics with a quarter once jig head along with suspended twitch baits will work as well. Drum, Black will also be in these areas as well. Sheepshead will still be around rocks and bridge pilings. Use small Shrimp or Fiddler Crabs with a small hook to entice them to bite along with a light fluorocarbon leader. For those fishing the pier and the surf the winter Bonito bite has slowed down a little. The Shark (Shark, Lemon & Shark, Bull) bite is still in full swing even though the full moon will be fading this week this may slow the night time Shark bite down a little. Sheepshead bite on the pier has been average to say the least but the bite is still there if you have small Shrimp or Fiddler Crabs. The other favorite bait of choice for the Sheepshead will be ghost Shrimp if you’re able to find this illusive bait, most are found in the sound near the shore line where you find small holes on the bottom. To get this bait you need a slurp gun to suck them up out of their holes. Sheepshead love them. As for Pompano, Florida and Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) the pier has been real slow for a bite. There are a few reports coming in from fishermen catching a few off the surf using pompano rigs with fresh peeled Shrimp. You may encounter a Red or Black drum while fishing with the same rig. Until next week, tight lines!

OFFSHORE – We’re going to experience a little roller-coaster like conditions with the weather the next few days, but after that it looks like the weather for the rest of the week will be great with temperatures in the upper 60’s and possibly one or two of those days may even reach 70. Just warm enough to give you the fever to fish. If you haven’t pulled the Trigger yet and fished off shore you need to go ahead and do so and pull in some of the nice sized Triggerfish that are being caught. Some of the biggest Triggers around are still out there just waiting to be hauled in. You will also catch some nice bull vermillion snapper off the bottom. Use cut Squid or Bonito for bait along with cut Northern Mackerel or Cigar Minnows. The Aj (Jack, Amberjack Greater) bite is also good live bait fish or butterfly jigs work great to catch these strong fighting fish. The near shore wrecks are still holding some nice Flounder (Flounder, Southern & Flounder, Gulf) find some of the near shore wrecks with bait swimming around them and drop a live bull Minnow of finger Mullet down and see if you can limit out on these great tasting fish.




Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
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January 22, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – There is a solid mixed bag of fish swimming the inshore this week. Sheepshead are turning up in great sizes so far along with some Reds (Drum, Red) around the piers and bridges in the bay. Of course, Fiddler Crabs are working well for the Sheepshead and Shrimp, either live or artificial are best for the Reds. The surf is holding more Sheepshead as well as Pompano, Florida, Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and small Drum, Black. Shrimp has been the best bait once again for the surf. Throughout the nearshore anglers are catching Triggerfish, Gray on cut Squid. There are also some good sizes of Snapper, Gray and a handful of Jacks (Jack, Crevalle) as well.

OFFSHORE – There are plenty of Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin & Tuna, Blackfin) swimming the offshore this week. They can be found anywhere from 80-90 miles off the coast in great sizes. There can also be a decent Wahoo bite found in this area as well.




Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
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http://www.gbbtonline.com/

January 15, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Finally the weather has started to cool down some! And I know for some folks that’s not a good thing, but for those of us who love to fish the winter patterns we love it. Inshore Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Reds (Drum, Red) are finally in the rivers and deeper bayous and canals. Bull Reds are starting to show back up in the sound and Pensacola bay feeding on the schools of Menhaden that seem to be everywhere right now. The Sheepshead bite will also start to pick up around the bridges, jetties, and deeper docks in the sound. Big Drum, Black are also available in many of the same areas. Lastly, and this is going to sound strange, but I’ve experienced myself and that is that there are still a few Flounder (Flounder, Southern & Flounder, Gulf) in the sound. Most are being caught deep our in canals that have a lot of small bait swimming around. For those fishing the pier and the surf the winter Bonito, Little Tunny bite is in full swing and about as good as it gets. The Bonita along the beach are also drawing in a lot of Sharks. This last week has seen many a multiple hook-ups from the pier as well as the beach. Redfish, Black Drum, Sheepshead, and Pompano, Florida are also around the pier and in the surf. Small Shrimp, Sand Fleas and Fiddler Crabs have all been great live baits, but many are being landed on artificial jigs. The Flounder bite on the near shore wreck is in full swing right now with many folks reporting four man limits being caught. Almost all of the near shore wrecks just outside the Destin or Pensacola passes that are holding bait have them stacked right now. Finger Mullet, Bull Minnows and Shrimps work as well, but catching some of the small Sardines or Cigar Minnows that are on the wrecks is about as guaranteed as you can get.

OFFSHORE – With Amberjack (Jack, Amberjack Greater) and Triggerfish opening up in state the first of the year I’m getting great reports of decent numbers being landed and I don’t see that changing. The last report that I’d like to comment on is the great job that many of the local divers are doing to help control and eliminate the lionfish infestation. All I have to say about that is keep up the good work!!!




Half Hitch
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January 6, 2016

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – The Canals and Bayous are now host to a lot of Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) this week and they are loving live Shrimp or similar artificials such as Vudu Shrimp. The sizes are getting better and the numbers are increasing now that the temperature has dropped slightly. White Trout (Seatrout, Sand) have been swimming the Pensacola Bay Bridge along with some Sheepshead that have been holding up around all bridges and structures. Sheephead are preferring Fiddler Crabs so far this week. There are also a few Reds (Drum, Red) in the bay that are going after Shrimp, similar to the Trout.

OFFSHORE – The gulf has had a decent bite on Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Ocean) and Snapper, Vermillion so far this week. There have also been reports of both Tuna, Yellowfin and Tuna, Blackfin in the deep water around the rigs and drill ships. They are coming up in great sizes however the bite is on and off.




Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
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http://www.gbbtonline.com/

December 29, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Sheepshead are doing well this week as the temperature has dropped just a bit. As usual, Fiddler Crabs are the best bait to catch them. We are also seeing a strong bite of Reds (Drum, Red) that are loving the live Shrimp. Alternatively anglers can use a DOA or Vudu Shrimp for them.

OFFSHORE – Anglers are excited for the opening of Triggerfish and Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) this week however there have been no reports from the offshore this week otherwise.




Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
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http://www.gbbtonline.com/

December 21, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – The inshore fish are becoming less active this week although there is still plenty to catch. The Reds (Drum, Red) are continuing to do well along with Sheepshead. The warmer weather recently has pushed the Reds and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) back onto the flats and deeper docks in the sound. There is a bit more action in these areas and the bite has been good. With the upcoming cooler temperatures we expect these numbers and sizes to increase and anglers are excited to see some Bull Reds. There has been a decent Drum (Drum, Black) bite and a declining Flounder bite. Bluefish and Pompano, Florida have dropped off as well while we see Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) begin to pick up. They are all loving the live bait as Minnows and Shrimp are always preferences for them.

OFFSHORE – The bite offshore has slowed down a bit this week. We are seeing few Wahoo, Mahi (Dolphin) and a decent Tuna, Yellowfin bite so far. Dark colored lures are the best bet this week for the Hoo and Mahi while the Yellowfin are preferring Squid or Minnows. The bite is not hot however they are out there. A bit closer in we are seeing a spotty Mackerel, King bite as well as some Tuna, Blackfin and Snapper (Snapper, Black & Snapper, Vermillion). Neither of these are consistent however the sizes are good when they do turn up. The offshore fish are loving the Bonito, Blue Runner and Porgy for bait.

BAIT REPORT – Bonito, Blue Runners and Porgy are all running the nearshore while there is still a spotty Mullet run along the beaches. This is providing plenty of bait for anglers to stock up.


Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
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December 17, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – There is quite a bit of action from the inshore this week. Reds (Drum, Red), Sheephead (Sheepshead) and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are all doing well on the inshore. Of course Shrimp, live or frozen, is always a great bait with anything alternative being similar such as a gulp or DOA Shrimp. The surf, beaches, bridges and piers are all holding some great Reds, Bluefish, Pompano, Florida and even some Flounder (Flounder, Gulf). They are all turning up in decent sizes this week and the bite is fairly steady. Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) and Bonito, Little Tunny have also shown up in this area however the catch is not as hot and they are slightly more sporadic. This is expected to continue over the weekend.

OFFSHORE – The nearshore reefs are a bit harder to fish this week. Kings (Mackerel, King), Tuna, Blackfin and Snapper, Black are all spotty here. You can catch some good sizes if you put your time in though. Along the bottom there’s also Grouper, Gag, and Snapper, Vermillion providing a good bite. Farther out anglers are seeing a steady Wahoo and Mahi (Dolphin) bite along with some Tuna, Yellowfin. They can all easily be caught with live bait on the troll.

BAIT REPORT – Bonito are hitting off the piers and working well as offshore bait.


Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
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December 11, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – The Reds (Drum, Red) and Sheepshead have been the target this week for inshore fish. The bite has been doing great so far on Shrimp for Reds and live Fiddler Crabs for Sheeps. The sizes are good and most of them are keepers. Anglers should search the docks and creek inlets to find them. They are also turning up off the piers as well. The Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) bite has improved and the sizes are increasing however the temperatures are not quite cool enough to produce the usual sizes of this time of year. Drum, Black and Flounder (Flounder, Gulf) are mixed in as well however not as active this week. Live bait such as Bull Minnows are a great choice to hook them. Pompano, Florida, Flounder and Bonito, Little Tunny are turning up in the surf too. The sizes are decent so far this week however the bite is spotty. Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) have had a few reports from the jetties and around structures such as the bridges and piers.

OFFSHORE – Now that boats have been able to get back offshore there has been some great reports this week. The Wahoo, Mahi (Dolphin) and Tuna, Yellowfin bite has been doing very well this week. There are also a few reports of Marlin (Marlin, Blue & Marlin, White) along with some Swords (Billfish – Swordfish) mixed in as well. Not surprisingly, a nice troll with a dark artificial is the preference this week. On the bottom there are some Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Scamp) swimming a little closer in. The bite has slowed down and is even closed in some areas. Don’t forget to check your local regulations before you head out. There have also been a few spotty reports of Tuna, Blackfin. In the nearshore Kings (Mackerel, King), Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion & Snapper, Black) are mixed mixed together. They are preferring live bait as there is quite a bit running and it is always a good idea to match. Porgy in particular is running and seems to be productive so far.

BAIT REPORT – There are still Mullet running so far this week in the inshore. Bull Minnows are holding up around the buoys and there are still reports of Pinfish, Croakers and Alewives along the shore. There is no shortage of bait this week.


Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
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December 3, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Reds (Drum, Red) continue to bite around docks and creek inlets this week. There are some big fish and good numbers in the bay as well. Anglers are using Shrimp under a popping cork or small lures like Mirrodines as an artificial alternative. There have been no reports so far this week of any Sheepshead or Pompano, Florida having been brought in.

OFFSHORE – The boats are just starting to get back out now that the recent spurt of bad weather has seemed to pass. The ocean has finally calmed down this week and boats and charters have headed out today. So far there have been no reports yet however anglers hitting the water this weekend can always check out our Tips feature which provides additional information and suggestions to help improve the catch.

BAIT REPORT – There should be no problem at all getting bait this week. There is tons of Mullet running along with Cigar Minnows and Herring around the buoys, and Pinfish, Croakers or Alewives along the shore.


Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
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November 26, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – The action inshore is slowing down however still solid. Bull Reds (Drum, Red) are coming up in good sizes and numbers in the bay. Shrimp under a popping cork have worked particularly well for the Reds. Sheepshead have now moved in with Pompano, Florida on the beach. Jigs tipped with Shrimp are working well for everything and Fiddler Crab especially for the Sheepshead. There haven’t been too many reports from the backwater.

OFFSHORE – Angler are still seeing a consistent bottom fishing bite this week. Grouper (Grouper, Gag) are still hitting along with Kings (Mackerel, King). Snapper (Snapper, Red) and Mangroves (Snapper, Gray) are on Squid in roughly 50-60 ft of water.

BAIT REPORT – Around the piers in the gulf and nearshore there are Cigar Minnow and Herring around the buoys. Pinfish, Croakers and schools of Alewives are also swimming and can be easily caught.


Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
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November 20, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Not many people have been able to make it out very far this week. Most anglers are fishing from the pier and catching Mackerel, King as well as plenty of Bonito, LIttle Tunny. Tuna, Blackfin are making an appearance as well.The piers in the shallower areas are producing schools of Tarpon, Bluefish and Reds (Drum, Red) in good sizes and numbers. The weather has made fishing very difficult however there is still quite a bit of action inshore this week. A big movement of Bull Reds in the Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound have turned up in schools. Seatrout, Spotted and smaller Reds are still swimming the flats as the weather doens’t look like it is going to cool down any time soon. They are loving Shrimp under a popping cork or pitched around the docks. Vudu Mullet are also very effective in the same areas as they can work near the bottom or twitched on the flats. Standard Mirrolures are also getting a lot of action from both Trout and Reds. Dark colors are the best choice on a cloudy day where anglers are using lighter colors on the rare days that the sun has been shining. Flounder (Flounder, Southern & Flounder, Gulf) have made an appearance in the sound as they start to move. They are slowly trickling out as there has not been the usual cold front to move them into the gulf.

OFFSHORE – Normally at this point anglers would be far offshore searching for Blackfin, Gags (Grouper, Gag), Dolphin and various Billfish however weather this weather has prevented a lot of people from getting out. Our sources hope that once the weather settles this bite will begin to fire up in the offshore.

BAIT REPORT – Mullet and Menhaden are running in the bay however they are starting to thin out. Check out Half Hitch Bait & Tackle for some great upcoming Black Friday Sales!


Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
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November 13, 2015

Navarre

INSHORE – There is a large amount of bull Reds (Drum, Red) swimming in the bay. Anglers are having no trouble catching them. They are loving live Shrimp or alternatively Mirrorlures for hard bait and Vudu Shrimp or DOA Shrimp for soft artificials. Flounder, Southern have also been biting here and there with some Snapper, Black as well. Pompano, Florida can be found following Shrimp and Sand Fleas on the beach in large numbers and sizes.

OFFSHORE – Since Snapper is now closed there have not been a whole lot of anglers who are heading offshore this week, although there are still some fish biting. Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin & Tuna, Blackfin) has had a solid bite if anglers are chunking or using live bait. Many times Marlin fisherman will turn up with a Tuna. The Wahoo, Dolphin and Billfish – Swordfish bite has been great the past week. Most boats are heading out to roughly 80 miles to find them and doing some trolling with lures.

BAIT REPORT – There are tons of Mullet running in the gulf and the bays for live baiters. The fish are following them too. Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle’s huge Black Friday sale starts soon and last all through until Christmas. Stock up for your favorite angler this year.


Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
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November 6, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – Luckily the Red Tide did not affect this area. Flounder (Flounder, Gulf & Flounder, Southern) and the Red (Drum, Red) bite has been great coming up with some decent sizes that are legal. Everyone has been focusing on these species as they have been hitting well on Finger Mullet and Bull Minnows. Zman baits in white, pearl and chartreuse, as well as Pinfish Paddletails and Mirrodines have been great as artificial alternatives. Reds are also loving the same artificials as well as Shrimp and Blue Crab. Drum (Drum, Black) have been solid while Seatrout, Spotted and Mackerel, Spanish are in the sound. The beach has been host to Pompano (Pompano, Florida) and Whiting (Kingfish, Southern) as well as Bonito, Little Tunny and Kings (Mackerel, King) from the piers.

OFFSHORE – Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin & Tuna, Yellowfin) have had a great bite offshore this week. Wahoo and Dolphin have also been reported having moved farther offshore following the last weather front. These species are located anywhere from 15+ miles out however the best spots are around the 21-22 mile break. Anglers are trolling and once they hit the schools are throwing butterfly jigs, bucktail jigs, and poppers.

BAIT REPORT – Cigar Minnows, Threadfin Herring and Spanish Sardines are all running providing plenty of inshore bait.


Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
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October 28, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

OFFSHORE – Bottom fishing has been doing very well as of late. Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion & Snapper, Red) have been biting along with Triggerfish. This weekend marks the closing of Snapper within the State Water at the 9 mile mark. This usually reaches to roughly 50-80 ft deep. They have been hitting live or dead bait including Cigar Minnows and cut Squid. Take advantage of your last weekend to reel in some Snapper.

INSHORE – There is a lot of action inshore. Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) have been reported on grass flats. Redfish (Drum, Red) have begun to school up however they are still fairly small in size since the Bull Reds aren’t expected until November. There are some Flounder (Flounder, Gulf & Flounder, Summer (Fluke)) around however they are small as anglers wait for the bigger fish to leave the river. When the water cools down the Flounder and baitfish will both start their move. Pompano (Pompano, Florida) and Whiting have been reported from the surf eating Sand fleas. Along the sides we can see more Flounder and Redfish. Finally if you are casting off the piers you can expect to reel in some Mackerel (Mackerel, King & Mackerel, Spanish) using Cigar Minnows.

BAIT REPORT – Most bait are still back in the bayou but you can catch them jigging with a Sabiki rig should you choose to use live. For more suggestions on what to use with specific fish you can always check out our Tips feature which provides additional helpful information on the fish of your choice.

OF NOTE – Keep your eyes open for the Holiday sale beginning Black Friday where there will be lots of good deals to take advantage of.

Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
825 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
Gulf Breeze, FL
850-932-6789

October 23, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

OFFSHORE – Winds are still quite strong making offshore fishing a challenge for anglers. We have no reports at this time however we hope to see some calmer conditions and more reports next week.

INSHORE – Flounder, Redfish and Trout are plentiful this week as anglers are staying inshore. There are lots of bait options for these fish as they seem to be eating just about anything. Live Shrimp have produced some great results all round and we’re also seeing Live Bull Minnows working well for Flounder. There is definitely no harm in using some artificials either. Consider DOA lures or gulp if you can’t get your hands on the real thing.

BAIT REPORT – If you find yourself under a bridge this would be a great spot to catch some Alewives as they don’t seem to be too many other places this week.

Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
825 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
Gulf Breeze, FL
850-932-6789

September 25, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

OFFSHORE – The offshore fishing has been good for Dolphin.

INSHORE – Off the piers and kayaks, they’ve been catching some Dolphin and Sailfish that have come in close. The Dolphin off the pier have been up 10 or 15 pounds in the last few weeks. Off the pier, the bait to use is any kind of live bait such as Cigar Minnows or Ballyhoo. We’ve been doing well with Black Snapper and Redfish lately. The Flounder bite has been pretty good as well. You can catch the Black Snapper or Redfish on live Shrimp or any kind of live bait. They can be found under rock structures or bridges.

Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
825 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
Gulf Breeze, FL
850-932-6789

September 11, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

OFFSHORE – It’s a good day in Navarre. There are a lot of Mahi and Sailfish all over. The anglers have been sporadically spotting schools of Blackfin Tuna. Mahi and Sailfish are coming close to shore, they can be hooked anywhere from 1 mile off the beach and out. They have even been hooking Mahi and Sailfish off the piers. Just look for schools of Ballyhoo and you’ll find them. The water has cooled down from 88 to 84, contributing to their distance from shore. The anglers have been having the best luck hooking the Mahi by trolling. Specifically, Mahi are going after anything, but the green or blue trolling lures are giving the best results Make sure you have a pitch plate with skirted ballyhoo ready in your boat for your Sailfish.

INSHORE – Reds and Speckled Trout are on the flats, and Flounder is starting to show up. Live Alewives, and live Shrimp are working great for live bait, and the artificials that are providing the best results are Voodoos and DOAs. Use Bull Minnows for Flounder on a jighead. They have even been hooking Mahi and Sailfish off the piers. Look for schools of Ballyhoo and you’ll find them. Off the pier the anglers are using diamond jigs and crippled herring, bringing them in and feeding them Ballyhoo.

BAIT REPORT – Threadfin, a few Cigar Minnows, bait Bonita, and Ballyhoo.

Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
825 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
Gulf Breeze, FL
850-932-6789

Sept.4, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE – The bay has seen Spanish Mackerel being caught using spoons or Gotcha lures. Black Snapper are also being caught by using live Shrimp. Best spots to find these fish are around the bridges.

BAIT REPORT – The guys at Gulf Breeze haven’t heard too much about the bait situation.

Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
825 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
Gulf Breeze, FL
850-932-6789

August 21, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

INSHORE: Vic reports that fish are biting on live shrimp and cigar minnows. Anglers can catch the small bait using a Sabiki Rig (sometimes called a piscatore rig, it is a set of small lures typically used to catch fish that eat small prey. A sabiki is typically fished off boats, piers, jetties, or any structure over the water). Spanish mackerel are hanging out at Pensacola Pass, Fort Pickens, The Massachusetts, and the buoys. Snapper are turning up at Fort Pickens and they love live shrimp on a Carolina Rig (A method of rigging a soft plastic bait. The hook is threaded through the first 1/4″ of the bait, and then pulled though until the eye of the hook is up against the front of the bait. The hook is then inserted again further along the bait. The hook point is partially buried in the bait, making it virtually weedless (similar to a Texas Rig). A weight, bead and swivel are used further up the line – usually between 1′-3′ away from the bait. This rig allows the bait to fall slowly behind the weight while staying deep and close to the bottom). Anglers will find flounder and redfish around the bridges, at the pass, and around the jetties.

OFFSHORE: 8 miles to 30 miles out, anglers are catching amberjack, vermillion snapper, and red porgy near structures such as reefs and wrecks. White marlin and mahi mahi have been pretty good at “the nipple” about 34 miles out where the water is more than 600 feet deep. Successful anglers are trolling ballyhoo.

OF NOTE: According to Vic at Gulf Breeze Bait Shop, the fall snapper season is just around the corner, running from September 5 through November 1, in state waters only. The shop will be sure to stock up on cigar minnows and squid. Anglers will also be looking to catch whatever live bait is around at that time.

Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
825 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
Gulf Breeze, FL
850-932-6789

August 14, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

OFFSHORE: Fishing is quite good right now and anglers are catching all the fish common to this area, including Amberjack (which just opened up in the Gulf), some Blackfin, and plenty of Kings. Although Red Snapper are off limits this year, bottom anglers are making it up with Grouper using Cigar Minnows and/or Spanish Sardines.

INSHORE: As far as bait is concerned, right off the beach are plenty of cigar minnows, threadfins and pilchards and a few Goggle Eyes and a few Ballyhoo. Most anglers are fishing the sound where they are picking up Redfish and Trout.

Rob
Half-Hitch Bait and Tackle
8711 Navarre Pkwy
Navarre, FL
850-939-9885
866-782-9885
www.halfhitch.com

August 7, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

OFFSHORE – Rob over at Half hitch Bait & Tackle knows that the biggest thing going on right now are the Amberjacks because they just opened up here on the Gulf. Everyone is targeting those and there are lots of them on the near shore structure. The King Mackerel bite is still strong and is in close too. Most of the offshore fish are close in right now, and people have been catching Mahi out of kayaks out of Navarre. Otherwise you are going to be bottom fishing for those Amberjacks, Gag Grouper, Red Grouper, Vermillion Snapper, etc. Ideally you want to drop a bait that is going to stick to your hook like squid, cut bait also works really well because all the predatory fish along the bottom will notice it. There are also a few scamp being caught but not very many.

INSHORE – King Mackerel are also being caught along the beach right now if you are going to troll through there. The Tarpon are thick on the beach too but the big moon has been making it tough, they aren’t feeding as well as they have been. On the pier and beach there are big bull Reds. Plenty of Blacktip Sharks from 30-100 pounds roaming the beach. There are a few bluefish there and Ladyfish too. Spanish are on the beach but small – nothing bigger than 12 inches. Pompano are here and there. The good news is that the June Grass that is a nuisance this time of year is starting to disintegrate which means the water is getting clear and clearer and we should see more Pompano and Redfish moving in over the next few weeks. The best time to be fishing is in the morning and afternoon. Consider going night fishing as well, the Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, and Black Drum, are all good out in the bay and sound. There are also plenty of Ladyfish and Bluefish around the deeper structures mixed in with the Mangrove Snapper.

BAIT REPORT – There have been reports of plenty of Hardtail, Threadfin, Sardines, and Pilchards around the pier.

Rob
Half Hitch Bait & Tackle Navarre
(850) 939-9885

July 31, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

OFFSHORE – Gag Grouper is finally open to harvest by recreational fishermen and folks are targeting them pretty hard right now. Red and Scamp Grouper are also available and the catch has seen an increase this week. Red Snapper is still the number one targeted species as folks target them before they are closed to harvest. Wahoo, King Mackerel, Mahi, Black and Yellowfin Tuna, and Swordfish are available to those heading further offshore. So get up and get out there.

INSHORE – There is plenty of Redfish, Trout, and Flounder action to be had. Live Finger Mullet and small live Croakers are probably the top baits right now with live Shrimp being so difficult to obtain. For those wishing to target these species like I do, soft plastics have been my go to bait this last week. My top baits right now are the Vudu Mullet, Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ, and Z-Man Curly Tail scented with Menhaden flavored ProCure. Lure color does not seem to be as much of a factor as presentation and scent. If the Catfish are being a nuisance just don’t add the ProCure.

PIER – The action on the pier right now is on and off most days. King and Spanish Mackerel are still being caught in decent numbers, but the full moon has got the Tarpon being more picky than normal. Redfish, Pompano, Bluefish, the occasional school of Jack Crevalle and sharks are also available. Fishing the surf is truly hit or miss due to the June grass clogging your lines. There are clear spots and folks are catching fish, but those clear spots are few so when you find one take advantage of it.

Rob
Half Hitch Bait and Tackle
(850) 837-3121

July 23, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

OFFSHORE – Victor over at Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle let me know that the best bet for offshore fishing right now is the King and Spanish Mackerel. Bottom fishing is troublesome because the Snapper are closed right now and the Grouper are hard to get through the impenetrable wall of Snapper. Try baiting a Sabiki rig, and then catching Alewives and Cigar Minnows, and then just trolling them behind your boat, go slow, you don’t want to drown them. The buoys are a good place to start if you aren’t sure where to go.

INSHORE – There are a few Trout on the grass flats in the sound, but it has been kinda slow. There are Flounder around the Jetties and the pass around Fort Pickens. Tarpon are coming through as well. The Flounder and Trout are good on live Shrimp and Minnows. Few trout on the grass flats kinda slow.

BAIT REPORT – Good number of Cigar Minnows and Alewives, can’t go wrong using a Sabiki rig and then trolling the rig.

Victor
Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
825 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL
(850) 932-6789

July 3rd, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

OFFSHORE – If you troll just offshore within a mile or so you can get Mahi, Tarpon, and King Mackerel. Further out you get into Blackfin Tuna territory. Justin at Half Hitch Bait & Tackle was talking to some of his friends and they have been doing well trolling frozen Cigar Minnows naked. As for bottom fishing there is Snapper around the reefs and wrecks with Cobia mixed in. Amberjacks are around too but they aren’t in season. If you want to go for the Snapper then you want to use a Chicken Rig with Squid on it – kind of like a Carolina Rig but with 60 pound test instead of the usual 20.

INSHORE – Off the pier people have been catching Tarpon, Kingfish, Spanish mackerel, Bluefish, Redfish – a whole slew of mixed bag fishing. It is going to be hard to target one specific fish out there, so you may want to bring an assortment of different baits with you depending on what you want to catch. However, the most important thing to remember is that Gag Grouper just opened up July 1st so get fishing! Justin has also had some bull Redfish and nice size Trout right from the beach. It’s pretty safe to say that fishing everywhere is pretty good right now.

BAIT REPORT – There is bait in the pass. Take a boat out in the morning and you should hit some. Cigar minnows, hardtails are mainly what you are going to find out there. If you are looking to pick up some Pinfish you want to look for them in the bay more so than the pass. Also, Hardtails make for a really good Kingfish bait, so keep that in mind if you get some.

Justin
Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
8711 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, FL

(850) 939-9885

June 26th, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

OFFSHORE– Offshore anglers are tearing up the Red Snapper but we are also very excited for the opening of Gag Grouper on July 1st, just in time for the 4th of July weekend. If you want to go way offshore you’ll find some Tuna, Marlin and Wahoo in 500 to 600 feet of water. The fishing is pretty good overall.

INSHORE–  The main catch is Redfish. You’ll find the bite particularly good in the morning and late at night. There are also Spanish Mackerel in the pass and Bonita in the bay. Around the Pier there are some Tarpon and Kings. They are biting well on Alewives. on the grass flats there are also some speckled Trout.  

BAIT– There are lots of alewives are around so you can catch those. 

Trevor 
Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle 
825 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 
(850) 932-6789 
www.gbbtonline.com 

June 19,2015 

Navarre Fishing Report

OFFSHORE – Offshore fishing is about as good as it gets! The weather has been calm and everyone is getting out! The Red Snapper is still pretty good. The only negative is that Triggerfish is closed and they are swarming everything especially near shore wrecks. Sailfish and Blackfin Tuna have been pushed in as well. King Mackerel bite is going strong. The Pelagics; Wahoo and Mahi Mahi are also going strong due to the 3 or 4 days of South wind which has brought huge mats of seaweed. If you want to bottom fish for Tripletail you’ll want to use Squid, and cut Bonita. One or two mahi off the pier. Robert Cochran also caught Sailfish from a kayak!

INSHORE – In the bays you have the standard Trout, Redfish, Flounder, Black Drum and Sheepshead. You’ll find Jack Crevalle in the intercoastal. There are some bigger ones in the back bays up to 30 pounds though most are in the 10-20 pound range. Redfish in the sound are slot sized but there are some big bulls here and there. Redfish is the easiest fish to catch right now. Trout are more heat sensitive so go early morning and at night time around the lighted docks. Make sure the water is moving. It doesn’t matter if it is incoming or outgoing. If you have slack tide; take a nap or lunch.

BAIT REPORT: Passes are full of bait like Threadfin Herring, Sardines, Pilchards, Cigar Minnows and Google Eyes.

Half Hitch Bait & Tackle is here to help fishermen and set them up with everything they need.

Robert Cochran
Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
8711 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, FL
https://www.halfhitch.com
(850) 939-9885

June 11th, 2015

Navarre Fishing Report

OFFSHORE – Anglers who go bottom fishing are finding success in Snapper, Grouper and Red Grouper. What ever you can catch in terms of live bait will work well for this. If you’re more interested in trolling, You’ll be looking for Kings, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi. You’ll want to try a plug for trolling. Purple and black seem to be particularly effective colours.

INSHORE – There are Cobia and Tarpon. The Tarpon are not aggressive like they usually are but that don’t mean they aren’t biting. It is especially important to fish when the tide is moving. You should try to fish high tides and low tides with two hours on each side. Shrimp are a great bait to use right now but if you can’t get your hands on any of that try using artificials in natural colours. Try MirroLure, MirroDines, Gotchas or butterfly jigs.

REPORT – Cigar Minnows and Sardines are all around. Try chumming and using a casting net. They make great bait for anything inshore or offshore.

Bob
Half Hitch Bait & Tackle
8711 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, FL
https://www.halfhitch.com/stores/half-hitch-tackle-navarre
(850) 939-9885










DISCLAIMER:
Since fishing conditions change from minute to minute we try to keep our reports as updated as possible. Unfortunately, Florida is a large state, so we try to keep our Navarre Fishing Report updated once a week. If you would like to contribute to the Navarre Fishing Report, feel free to email your fishing tips to mike@proangler.us. We rely on even small contributions to inform us that fishing conditions have changed so we can update the Navarre Fishing Report.

The Navarre Fishing Report is brought to you by the ProAngler team and many, many, highly skilled Captains and bait shop owners.