In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya covers a productive spring transition despite rough offshore weather, with pompano showing up in the surf, big trout feeding in the bay, and Spanish mackerel providing a solid option closer to shore. This episode features Blake Hunter with Reel30A and Capt. Blake Nelson of Last Cast Charters. The big theme this week is that spring fishing is taking shape across Northwest Florida, but anglers still need to stay flexible and fish around changing conditions.

Joe starts in the surf with Blake Hunter of Reel30A, who says the pompano migration is underway and the next few weeks should offer some of the best beach fishing of the season. He explains how fish are moving in waves along the beach, why live sand fleas are so important right now, and how staying mobile can help anglers find the best concentrations of fish.

Next, Joe checks in with Capt. Blake Nelson of Last Cast Charters for an inshore report from the Choctawhatchee Bay area. Blake says the trout bite has been very good, with quality fish over 20 inches and some larger trout showing up. He also reports redfish action and the arrival of Spanish mackerel around bridges, flats, and drop-offs. Blake shares that both live bait and artificials are working, with success often coming down to stealth, long casts, and making the right presentation.

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Deep South Cranes

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya covers a strong early spring shift with the surf bite turning on, big trout showing up in Pensacola-area backwaters, and offshore anglers working around windy weather. This episode features Justin Reed on a full-blown pompano run from Pensacola to Navarre, Brandon Barton on topwater trout in transition areas, and Capt. Tyler Massey of Hot Spots Charters on Spanish mackerel and early scamp season opportunities. The big theme this week is that spring patterns are taking shape across the region, but success still depends on adjusting to conditions and staying flexible.

Joe starts in the surf with Justin Reed with Justin Reed Fishing, who says the pompano run is officially on, with schools of fish moving the beaches and consistent action for anglers fishing the sandbars. He breaks down how to pick productive water, space rods, choose colors, and adjust baits and rigs to stay on fish during the migration.

Next, Joe checks in with Brandon Barton with Emerald Waters Kayak Charters for an inshore report from the Pensacola area. Brandon says big trout are setting up in transition zones around creeks and bayous, with bait getting pushed out and topwater lures producing some of the better fish of the week. He also explains why stealth, long casts, and covering similar types of water are key right now.

To wrap up, Joe heads offshore with Capt. Tyler Massey of Hot Spots Charters. Tyler says rough weather has limited offshore trips, but Spanish mackerel have arrived near Pensacola Beach and are providing fun action for anglers trolling or casting. He also shares that bottom fishing remains productive, with scamp season reopening and live bait becoming easier to find as water temperatures rise.

Sponsors:

Dixie Supply and Baker Metal

Killerdock

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Black Buffalo

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Deep South Cranes

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya covers a spring transition with updates from offshore, the surf, and Pensacola inshore waters. This episode features Capt. Harris Scruggs on Panama City triggerfish, grouper, vermilion snapper, and early Spanish mackerel, Blake Hunter on scattered pompano, bull reds, and black drum in the surf, and Brandon Barton on clear-water trout and redfish tactics. The big theme this week is that spring is close, but anglers still need to adjust to changing conditions.

Joe starts offshore with Capt. Harris Scruggs of Triple B Fishing Charters. Harris says short bottom trips are producing triggerfish, vermilion snapper, red grouper, and scamp, and he explains how fishing bigger baits off the bottom can help target larger triggerfish. He also shares a quick update on early Spanish mackerel showing closer to the beach.

Next, Joe checks in with Blake Hunter of Reel30A for the surf report. Blake says the main pompano run has not fully arrived, but there are enough fish around to keep anglers watching the full moon, beach structure, and water temperature. He also says bull reds and black drum are giving surf anglers another strong option right now.

To wrap, Joe heads to Pensacola with Brandon Barton of Emerald Waters Kayak Charters for an inshore report on trout and redfish. Brandon explains why stealth matters so much in the clear, shallow water and shares a few lure and presentation adjustments that can make a difference. Overall, the report shows Northwest Florida is right on the edge of a stronger spring bite.

Sponsors:

Dixie Supply and Baker Metal

Killerdock

Coastal Connection EXP Realty

AFTCO

SlipSki Solutions

Black Buffalo

Hilton's Realtime Navigator

Deep South Cranes