Targeting Gags, Wahoo, and September Redfish
Northwest Florida Fishing Report
Release Date: 09/05/2025
Wahoo, Blue Marlin & Pompano Hotspots
Northwest Florida Fishing Report
In this week’s Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya delivers an action-packed update on the hottest fall fishing in Destin and Pensacola. Offshore expert Captain Adam Peoples shares valuable insights on the exceptional Wahoo bite, Blue Marlin and swordfish action, plus pro tips for targeting yellowfin tuna and rig tactics in the Gulf of Mexico. Inshore, surf fishing guide Justin Reed breaks down the Pensacola pompano and whiting bite, offering the best strategies, beach locations, bait, and tackle tips for shoreline success. Whether you're after offshore giants or surfside slabs,...
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Blackfin, Yellowfin & Bull Red Action
Northwest Florida Fishing Report
Join Host Joe Baya on this week’s Northwest Florida Fishing Report for an action-packed update from Pensacola to Panama City. Brandon Barton of reports an incredible run of Blackfin and Yellowfin tuna just off the beaches—some within casting range for kayak and pier anglers. Clean blue water and strong currents have pushed bait close to shore, fueling nonstop pelagic action. Brandon shares his go-to tactics, from trolling Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows and Rapala X-Raps at sunrise to spotting slicks and diving birds that reveal feeding tuna. Inshore, breaks down the late-fall bite across...
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Snapper Season, Blue Water Tactics, Pier & Kayak Action, and Expert Gear Tips
Northwest Florida Fishing Report
Jump into this week’s Northwest Florida Fishing Report for a comprehensive update on Gulf Coast angling action. Host Joe Baya is joined by Captain Adam Peeples to break down the current snapper season, east wind fishing strategies, and blue water tactics for marlin, swordfish, and tuna. Captain Blake Nelson delivers expert advice on adapting to fall cold fronts, targeting redfish and trout on the flats, and adjusting techniques for success in back bays and creeks. Pier and surfpro Matthew Isbels, better known the Bama Beach Bum, shares reports from Navarre, details on chasing Bonita and...
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Inshore Redfish & Trout, Kayak Blackfin Tuna, Offshore Wahoo & Snapper Tips
Northwest Florida Fishing Report
Join host Joe Baya on the Northwest Florida Fishing Report for the latest hot tips and tactics from Pensacola to Destin and Panama City. Captain Evan Wheeler breaks down advanced inshore fishing strategies for redfish and speckled trout during challenging neap tides, sharing how to use wind, tides, and lure selection to maximize success. Kayak fishing expert Brandon Barton dives into nearshore tactics for targeting blackfin tuna, mahi, and king mackerel off Navarre, offering proven methods for trolling, bait choice, and handling pelagics from a kayak. Offshore specialist Captain Tyler Massey...
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Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, and Offshore Action
Northwest Florida Fishing Report
Tune into this week’s Northwest Florida Fishing Report for expert insights into the fall fishing season from Pensacola to Panama City. Host Joe Baya is joined by guests Blake Hunter (Real 30A), Captain Blake Nelson (Destin), and Captain Adam Peoples, sharing inshore, offshore, and onshore updates packed with actionable advice. Learn about the ongoing pompano migration, Spanish mackerel hotspots in Choctawhatchee Bay, and the best tactics for landing baitfish like greenies and using blue crab. Offshore anglers will get the latest on king mackerel, tuna, and triggerfish bites, as well as...
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Live Chumming Masterclass: How the Pros Tackle Windy Days & Big Catches in Northwest Florida
Northwest Florida Fishing Report
In this episode of the Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya is joined by Captain Harris Scruggs of Triple B Charters and Captain Justin Lee of Panama City Inshore to deliver the latest insights on Panama City fishing, inshore and offshore tactics, and fall fishing strategies along the Gulf Coast. The captains break down how to target king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, sailfish, mahi, and more, sharing expert advice on live bait management, live chumming, and adapting to changing wind and weather conditions. Learn the best fishing spots, bait storage tips, and how to maximize your...
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Inshore, Offshore & Surf Action for October – Pompano, Redfish, Trout & More
Northwest Florida Fishing Report
Join host Joe Baya for the latest Northwest Florida Fishing Report, featuring expert insights from Tom Hilton of Hilton’s Real Time Navigator, Captain Evan Wheeler, and surf fishing specialist Justin Reed. This episode covers the hottest inshore, offshore, and surf fishing action from Pensacola to Panama City and Destin. Learn about current fishing conditions, including water temperature, salinity, and bait movement, plus top techniques for targeting pompano, redfish, trout, snook, and more. Discover how to adapt to the fall transition period, find productive fishing spots, and maximize your...
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The Truth About Salvage: Avoiding the Surprise Bill No Boater Wants
Northwest Florida Fishing Report
In this episode of the Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya and co-host Butch Thierry dive deep into a topic every boat owner needs to understand: the critical differences between boat towing and salvage, and how to ensure you’re truly covered when the unexpected happens on the water. Joe and Butch are joined by Captain Joseph Frohnhofer III, CEO of Sea Tow Services International, who brings decades of maritime experience and industry insight to the conversation. Captain Frohnhofer breaks down what “salvage” really means, how it differs from a standard tow, and why...
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How to Catch Nearshore Pelagics & Deep Bay Reds
Northwest Florida Fishing Report
In this episode of the Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya brings you the latest inshore, offshore, and kayak fishing action from Pensacola to Panama City, featuring expert guests and timely tips for fall fishing. Joe kicks things off with Captain Blake Nelson, who breaks down the unique characteristics of the Choctawhatchee Bay system and shares his approach to finding productive flats, targeting redfish and trout, and adapting tactics for both beginners and experienced anglers. Blake offers insights on reading water, bait selection, and how seasonal changes affect fish behavior,...
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Surf and Offshore Tactics: Targeting Redfish, Pompano, Grouper & Scamp
Northwest Florida Fishing Report
In this episode of the Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya is joined by a lineup of expert anglers to deliver the latest inshore and offshore action from Pensacola to Panama City. Joe kicks things off with surf fishing specialist Blake Hunter of https://www.reel30a.com/, who shares his approach to targeting redfish and pompano from the beach, including stealth tactics, lure selection, and how to spot and present baits to cruising fish. Blake also discusses setting achievable fishing goals and adapting to changing conditions like wind, tides, and persistent June grass. Next, Captain...
info_outlineThis Week’s Northwest Florida Fishing Report is Live!
The transition to fall is here, and the fishing is heating up! This week, we check in with two local experts to cover the bite from Panama City to Pensacola.
First, Captain Harris Scruggs joins the show to break down the fantastic offshore action. With Gag Grouper season in full swing, Harris dives deep into the tactics you need to land these powerful fish, from the best big baits and heavy leaders to the right gear and even how to get a gag out after it's rocked you up. He also covers the fall wahoo bite, discussing trolling speeds, live baiting techniques, and the key depths to find them, along with reports on cobia and king mackerel.
Then, we head inshore with Captain Evan Wheeler, who explains why the best thing about September is that "it's not August anymore." The inshore bite is firing up as baitfish push into the estuaries. Evan focuses on the incredible redfish action, sharing how to find and catch them on everything from topwater plugs at sunrise to live bait and soft plastics around deeper structure. He also discusses the changing seasonal patterns, what a "trout sky" means for the bite, and how to follow the bait and birds to stay on the fish.
Whether you're heading offshore for one last shot at a gag or want to cash in on the best redfish bite of the year, this episode is loaded with the local knowledge you need for a successful trip.
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