10 Pensacola Fishing Forums: Fishing Reports & Discussions

4. GON Forum

The GON Forum is where you can gather and share stories about hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventures. The forum has around 114,062 members, 954,617 threads, and 13,232,073 messages. It provides information about news, announcements, updates, freshwater fishing, Georgia coastal fishing, fly fishing, kayaks, canoes, etc.

Website: https://forum.gon.com/

5. 360 Tuna Fisher Forum - Pensacola Fishing

The 360 Tuna Fishers Forum community has been active since 2006 and is dedicated to Tuna fishermen. Forum members engage in discussion about fishing guides, bait, safety, gear, tackle, reviews, classifieds, accessories, and more. The forum has around 19.3k members and 593.5K posts. Some of the top forums of 360 Tuna Fisher Forum are Jigging and Popping, Tackle and Rigging, Offshore Fishing Reports, and Global Reports.

Website: https://www.360tuna.com/ 

6. Fishing Booker

Fisher Booker is a community that helps people have excess fishing experiences by booking trips. Their only demand is to be an angling expert before you book a fishing trip. Until now, they have conducted 46855 visits in 2202 cities and 115 countries. You can customize your trip based on fishing types, techniques, and targeted fish species.

Website: https://fishingbooker.com/

7. Facebook Group >> Pensacola Fishing Forum

Pensacola Fishing is a public Facebook group created in 2020 with around 4.9k members. It lays a foundation that fishing is a fun and hassle-free activity. The group shares photos and posts about others' experiences, and anyone from outside can view and comment on the posts.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1095318667514933/

8. Crappie.com Forum - Pensacola Fishing

Since 1996, the Crappie Fishing Forum has provided articles, tips, and techniques. It has over 49,000 members, 433,406 total threads, and 4,359,442 total posts. There are forums for newbies, fishing and personal blogs, fishing photography, fishing electronics, watercraft, hunting, DIY forums, and more. It also has separate forums for almost all the states of America for events, get-togethers, slab fests, and fish tournaments.

Website: https://www.crappie.com/

9. The North American Fly Fishing Forum

The North American Fly Fishing Forum has 83,901 members, 772,934 threads, and 1,669,365 messages. There are general fly fishing discussion forums, spey & switch rods subforums, tackle talk forums, fly fishing article forums, photography forums, classified forums, regional fishing forums, and more.

Website: https://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/index.php

10. Reddit >> Fishing in Pensacola

Reddit forums, like Pensacola, Florida, are open discussion forums about fishing. The forum has around 42k members and is among the top 3% of Reddit communities. You can engage in the thread by commenting or sharing via a link.

Website: https://www.reddit.com/r/Pensacola/comments/16vz634/fishing_in_pensacola/

Pensacola Fishing License

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a fishing license is required to take saltwater fish, clams, crabs, and other organisms in Pensacola, Florida. A fishing license is required regardless of whether they are caught in state or federal waters. The licenses include resident annual, five-year, non-resident annual, non-resident 3-day,  and non-resident 7-day.

If you plan to visit Florida, purchase a fishing license before casting a line. You can get a saltwater or freshwater fishing license to hook up on saltwater bays and lagoons. You can buy saltwater and freshwater licenses if you plan to catch various fish. If you see a saltwater fish but you have a permit for a freshwater fish, you should release the saltwater fish immediately.

License is available for non-residents over 16 years of age and residents between 16 and 65 years. Even if you are helping someone else while they are fishing, you need a license. People with disabilities in Florida can apply for a Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing License and fish for free. On-service military personnel can fish for free as well. Residents with food stamps can do saltwater fishing  (land-based) for free.

Here is a list of all licenses and permits required for saltwater and freshwater fishing:

• Resident Annual
• Resident Five-Year
• Non-Resident Annual
• Non-Resident 3-Day
• Non-Resident 7-Day
• Resident Annual Saltwater Shoreline License
• Annual Resident Saltwater Fishing|Freshwater Fishing Combination
• Annual Resident Saltwater Fishing|Freshwater Fishing|Hunting Combination
• Annual Resident Gold Sportsman's License
• Five-Year Resident Gold Sportsman's License
• Annual Resident Military Gold Sportsman's License
• Resident Youth Saltwater Fishing License
• Resident Youth Gold Sportsman's License
• State Reef Fish Angler Designation
• Shore-based Shark Fishing
• Annual Resident Silver Sportsman's 64+
• Five-Year Resident Silver Sportsman's 64+

Fishing Reports: When and Where to Fish in Pensacola?

Pensacola is one of the top fishing destinations for many anglers and was once known as the Red Snapper Capital of the world. It is an excellent destination for targeting many other fish species in its rivers, bays, and Gulf of Mexico. The city also offers some of the best reef fishing, with many artificial and natural reefs off the coast. Out on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico near Desoto Canyon, you can have a great fishing experience.

According to the data, around 16,480 fishing spots in Pensacola and 55100 fishing predictions are served for Pensacola. Based on the historical data, the highest catch rate is for Red Snapper, which is 30.34%, followed by Pinfish at 7.03%, Vermilion Snapper at 6.55%, and Spot Croaker at 6.42%. Since 1853, 179 fish species have been counted for Pensacola within a 30-mile radius.

Reports say that most people look out for the Red Snapper in state and federal waters in June. King, Spanish Mackerel, and Redfish are the targets in the coastal passes. In July, anglers will mostly enjoy targeting sharks in shallow water and cobia around the reefs. Substantial aquatic species will also be found offshore in July.

People visit Pensacola mostly during summer as the city is in full swing with many people on the beaches. However, when it comes to fishing, you can get plenty of varieties all year round. For example, Cobia, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, and Triggerfish are the top targets in spring and fall. Bull Redfish and Amberjack can be seen more during the fall season. In summer, inshore fish like tarpon, trout, sheepshead, etc., are found more in the bays. While offshore, big species like Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, and Mahi exist. As Red Snappers are the summer favorite, Grouper fishing is preferred in winter. Big, hungry fishes are often caught in the cold, shallow waters.

For Redfish, April to November is the best time to fish; for Spotted Seatrout fishing, you can consider the whole year. The Gag Grouper fishing is closed from January to August and opens from September to December. Tarpons can be found from June to September, and red snapper fishing is only done in June and July. Mahi Mahi fishing starts from May to October, Blue Marlin from June to October, and Blackfin Tuna fishing from May to October.

There are a variety of fishes found in Pensacola, such as inshore sport fish, reef fish, and deep-sea monsters, and within these types lie many species, such as:

• Redfish (Inshore sports fish)
• Spotted Seatrout (Inshore Sport Fish)
• Tarpon (Inshore Sport Fish)
• Flounder (Inshore Sport Fish)
• Triggerfish (Reef Fish)
  Snappers (Reef Fish)
• Cobia (Reef Fish)
• King Mackerel (Reef Fish)
• Mahi Mahi (Deep Sea Monsters)
• Wahoo (Deep Sea Monsters)
• Yellowfin (Deep Sea Monsters)
• Blackfin Tuna (Deep Sea Monsters)

In the shallow waters of Pensacola, you will mainly find Flounder, Redfish, and Seatrout, some of the popular coastal species in the city. One species, known as the Pompano, is found in the surf, and these are almost impossible to spot. Reefs have some delicious species like Triggerfish and snappers. As you venture farther out, bigger fishes like Cobia and King Mackerel can be seen. Yellowfin, Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo are deep sea monster species that are big game predators and delicious to eat.

Here is the list of 10 best places to fish in Pensacola:

• Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
• Fort Pickens Fishing Pier
• Navarre Beach
• Pensacola Beach
• Perdido Key State Park
• Artificial reef
• Big Lagoon State Park Campground
• Escambia Bay
• Hudson Marina
• Palafox Pier

Fishing Gear That You’ll Need Every Time

Shopping for fishing gear for a beginner can be overwhelming as each gear has unique features to improve the experience. Some essential fishing gear include:

Fishing Rod and Reel

Fishing rods are slender poles made up of fiberglass or graphite. These go deep into the water and cast your fishing line. Fishing rods are classified by their power, bending capability, and taper. If you are a beginner, a medium-strength rod would be suitable to angle different kinds of fish. The ideal length of a fishing rod should be 30cm. Fishing reels are attached to your rod to help you draw in your catch. These are lightweight, easy to handle, and versatile. Many budget-friendly rod and reel combos are available for you to start with.

Fishing Line

A fishing line is another essential gear and may complement a new reel. If you are a beginner, you may find the fishing lines break or get tangled up, so it is essential to keep some extra rolls. Fishing lines come with various strings or specifically designed cords with different powers. Strong and heavy fishing lines are used in rough conditions, and thin ones are used in clean waters.

Hooks

Hooks are used to catch fish of different sizes by poking them in the mouth or the body. Hooks are of various types, such as single, double, circle, and treble. However, if you are a beginner, you can start with single hooks. The hook size can range from 32 to 19/0.

Bait

Baits are different types of food attached to the end of the line to attract fish. Live baits such as worms and minnows are most commonly used, while other options include cord, grubs, bread, hotdogs, or marshmallows. You can purchase bait from your local store or dig up some worms in your backyard, store them in a place, and take them out when fishing.

Lures

Fishing lures such as plastic worms are man-made baits that attract predators' attention. If fishers run out of live bait, they store lures in their tackle box to use plastic ones. Different types of lures make it easier for anglers to target various kinds of fish in different weather conditions. For example, you can use light-colored lures for bright days and clear water; on cloudy days and dark waters, you can use dark-colored lures.

Bobbers

These keep your bait closer to your surface and let you know which fish has fed upon the bait. The bobber will sink when the fish bites the bait, and you can catch it. Various types of bobbers are composed of cork and plastic and serve different purposes when attached to the line. For example, the plastic ones are easy to attach and are most commonly used.

Sinkers

Sinkers stabilize the line as the hook and bait sink deeper. If you go for longer fishing hours, have some extra sinkers. Traditionally, sinkers were made of lead, but now they are made of brass, tungsten, steel, and bismuth.

Below is a table listing all the fishing gear, like fishing reels, rods, bites, and more:

There is a method known as electrofishing or pulse fishing in which an electric current is passed to catch the fish. A direct current is passed through water between the anode and cathode with the help of an electric device. If you do electrofishing frequently, you can use the portable, eco-friendly, and travel-friendly Jackery Portable Power Stations to charge the electrofishing device.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Fishing in Pensacola

Founded in 2012, Jackery is a leading brand that manufactures Jackery Solar Generators, Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, and Jackery Portable Power Station to provide all nature lovers with green energy. The Jackery Portable Power Station is a portable and compact battery-powered backup that uses clean and renewable energy to charge electrical appliances.

When placed outside in direct sunlight, the photovoltaic cells in the solar panel absorb solar radiation and convert it into electrical energy. This electrical energy is then stored in the power station and converted from DC to AC through the built-in inverter. You can use the portable power station for electrofishing or charging gears, such as a pulse trawl.

Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station is lightweight and portable and supports multiple appliance charging. Whether you plan to come to Florida from another state for fishing or are a resident, you can carry the power station anywhere to charge your devices to ensure you are never out of power during fishing. The power station is ergonomic and ideal for outdoor adventures and emergency home backup solutions.

Appliance Working Hours

• Electric Fish Finder (400W): 1.1H
• Powerbank (15W): 29.35H
• Portable Fan (100W): 4.4H
• Phone (30W): 14.67H
• Mini Fridge (90W): 5H

Customer Review

“After much research, I found that the Jackery 500 fits my needs. It is lightweight, has plenty of ports, safety features, and MTTP solar charging.” -- John Newman

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station is ideal for camping, fishing, road trips, and more and offers power on the go. It fits easily in your backpack while you go fishing and can power multiple devices you need to use. It operates quietly, so there will be no disturbance in the surrounding area, and it has book-sized foldable panels that can easily slip into your backpack.

Appliance Working Hours

• Mini Cooler (150W): 1.63H
• Mini Fridge (90W): 2.72H
• Phone Charger (20W): 12.24H
• Power Bank (15W): 16.32H
• Phone (30W): 8.16H

Customer Review

“Lightweight, making it portable, can charge a phone, laptop, plug in lights, & a small appliance for cooking. High-quality equipment for home after storms, bug-out evac, or camping. Thank you for enabling greater peace of mind.” -- Marie

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station is a mini portable power station with a long-lasting battery. It is emission-free and fits right in the palm of your hand. It can charge three devices simultaneously and is compact enough to be taken abroad if you wish to visit Pensacola, Florida, for fishing.

Appliance Working Hours

• Apple AirPods Pro (1.5W): 0.8H
• Phone (29W): 2.9H
• Laptop (70W): 1.2H
• Power Bank (15W): 5.61H

Customer Review

“I love this little personal size Jackery. I can take it anywhere; it fits in the palm of my hand, and it can charge my devices when I am outside, or the power goes out. I love it.” -- Deborah Lomax

Pensacola Fishing Tips & Techniques

Inshore fishing is considered by anglers who like to fish but want to stay within the shore. The water is usually 20 feet deep in the inshore fishery, and you still have a good target. Here are some fishing tips for different inshore fishing in Pensacola:

Beach Fishing

Beach fishing is usually done in saltwater and is a great way to start. You only need essential gear such as bait, tackle box, rod, reel, and a license. You can purchase the gear from a local shop or online. Beach fishing lets you catch redfish, frogs, trout, pompano, and more.

Pier Fishing

King Mackerel and cobia are the spices you can catch when fishing on the pier. Anglers who do not have a boat can consider the beach Gulf Pier to experience deep sea fishing without setting foot. Sometimes, anglers have also been seen catching Mahi and Sailfish off the pier.

Boat Fishing

Inshore fishing is an excellent choice if you have access to a boat. In that case, you can fish the bayous, flats, and even Red Snapper, as the ship allows you to reach the reefs. You can also partner with captains who offer fishing charters.

That said, fishing is not new; it has been an ancient practice of human life for more than 40,000 years. Fish is still the primary food source in many parts of the world. Various fishing techniques have been developed among people and tribes globally. Here are some methods which are essential for the local populations to be well-versed:

Spearfishing

Anglers have used this age-old method for thousands of years around the world. People in India and France used harpoons, spears, and tridents, which have also been written in stories and texts. Currently, techniques like gigging are popular for Flatfish in the US and Gulf of Mexico. Fishermen in the Bahamas use pole spears for big species found around the reefs.

Angling

Angling is one of the oldest and most widespread fishing techniques in which a hook is attached to a fishing line. Angling has two main methods: line fishing and rod angling. A fishing line is lowered from an elevated point like a cliff in line. In rod angling, a pole is attached to a hook. Around 4,000 years ago, anglers used bamboo trees to make rods.

Ice Fishing

In ice fishing, fish are caught through an opening in a frozen body of water. It was traditionally practiced in cold northern regions and has remained in its original form. It includes angling and spearing with a twist. Countries like the United States, Norway, Estonia, Russia, Finland, etc., organize annual fishing tournaments attended by fishermen.

Netting

Nets have been used for catching fish for ages. They are made of thin threads and are widely meshed to allow fishermen to catch more fish. The most commonly used nets are casting nets and gillnets. Casting nets have an opening on the upper side and are covered with mesh on the rest of the sides. They are used in shallow water to catch a school of fish swimming there. In gillnets, fishermen add corks to the edges for buoyancy and some weights in the middle to spread the fish out.

Pensacola Fishing Forum FAQs

What size of portable power station do I need for fishing?

To know the right size of the portable power station for fishing, you should see the number of appliances you will be chagrin about while fishing and for how long.

For example, a Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station can charge an electric fishfinder (400W) and portable fan (100W),

Working Time = Capacity of Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station in Wh × 0.85 / Operating wattage of the appliances.

So, Working time = 518Wh × 0.85 / 500W = 0.88H x 60 =  52.8 min.

Note: While charging the devices, there will be some power loss multiplied by 0.85.

What fish are biting in Pensacola?

Inshore fishing provides Bluefish, Flounder, Ladyfish, Pompano, Sheepshead, and Cobia near the shore.

Does Pensacola have a fishing pier?

Yes, Pensacola Fishing Pier is located on Casino Beach.

Is Pensacola good for fishing?

Pensacola is a famous fishing destination, and the reefs have some fish species suitable for eating.

Can you surf fish in Pensacola?

Yes, you can catch a number of species, such as Pompano, Flounder, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, etc., during surf fishing.

Pensacola Fishing Forum Conlusion

Pensacola fishing forums could be essential to your fishing journey, especially if you are a beginner. These forums help you to make connections, participate in events, attend fests, and share information. These are vital for you to stay informed and seek help whenever required. Modern fishing techniques make use of electronic devices, which need a continuous power supply. For similar scenarios, you can consider the Jackery Portable Power Stations to charge your appliances, which you spend long hours fishing. These use clean and renewable energy, emit no toxic fumes, and are noise-free.