Fishing in Escambia Bay and Beyond

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a fish on the line, and nowhere is this more true than at Pensacola. From the historic allure of the Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge to the bountiful waters of Escambia Bay and beyond, fishing in this region is an adventure that transcends the simple act of securing your next catch – it’s a deep dive into a thriving marine ecosystem teeming with various species waiting to be uncovered.

With a variety of different fishing locales in the area, each one of these locations has its own unique charm and offers a range of diverse fishing opportunities throughout the year. For example, Pensacola Pass offers heart-pounding action in the dynamic gateway between the bay and Gulf, with tarpon, king mackerel, and sharks frequenting these deep and swift waters. Meanwhile, Johnson Beach is a classic surf destination with soft sands and glimmering waters, home to a wide array of fish species including Redfish, Sheepshead, and Pompano in season.

Fishing in escambia bay is possible year-round, but the peak season for this region is May through August when the weather is warm and the fish are biting. In addition to a great time to catch Bull Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Sheepshead in the bay, this period is also ideal for targeting big game fish including Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, and Tuna offshore.

When the weather cools down in the fall, this is a fantastic time to chase Bull Redfish in the bay and inshore areas as they spawn. Flounder also get more active as they move closer to passes and inlets during this time, making them easy targets in the Gulf. And if you’re looking for a delicious dinner, this is a great time to target Snapper and Grouper.

Getting around Escambia Bay is incredibly easy, with several different access points. The Fishing Bridge is a popular option for anglers who want to avoid the hassle of driving on the beach and instead simply walk up and cast away from the bridge’s ramp. This pier is open year-round and costs $7 per vehicle or $2 for pedestrians, with kids, seniors, and military members being offered discounted rates.

Another convenient way to access the upper bay is by using a boat, as there are several public and private launch sites located in the area. Quintette Landing, located off Highway 184 near Pace, is a good starting point for fishing the lower river and delta marshes.

The upper bay is a class III marine water body, which means that it is managed for recreation, propagation, and maintenance of a balanced and healthy population of wildlife and fish. It has lost a significant amount of seagrass due to erosion, but is still a productive water body, home to various species including Catfish, Snook, Black Drum, Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, and Gafftopsail Sea Catfish. This bay is also a breeding ground for a variety of migratory birds and mammals, including Bald Eagles and Ospreys.