This week’s Northwest Florida Fishing Report features an inshore report from Capt. Blake Nelson of Last Cast Charters out of Destin and an offshore report from Capt. Tyler Massey of Hot Spots Charters in Pensacola. After a rough, cold, and wet weekend, improving weather conditions are setting the stage for an excellent late-fall fishing window across the Emerald Coast. From redfish and speckled trout on the flats to wahoo, scamp, and snapper offshore, both captains break down what’s working right now and how anglers can take advantage of these calm winter weather windows.
Conditions Recap
A strong cold front brought nasty weather last weekend, with cold rain, wind, and negative tides making fishing difficult. As the week progresses, conditions are improving significantly. Forecasts call for light winds, generally 5–10 mph, and daytime temperatures in the 60s. Water movement will be key, especially on the inshore side, where fish activity noticeably increases once incoming tides get moving. Offshore, winter weather windows remain tight, but this weekend is shaping up to offer two to three solid days of fishable conditions, which is above average for this time of year.
Inshore Report – Destin & Panama City
Capt. Blake Nelson spent the weekend fishing a Power-Pole National Redfish Tour “Go Live” virtual tournament under brutal conditions. With extremely low tides and cold temperatures, redfish behavior changed dramatically. Early expectations of sight-fishing tailing reds in ultra-shallow water didn’t materialize until later in the day.
During dead-low tide, redfish pushed off skinny flats and stacked up along subtle drop-offs, sometimes transitioning from just inches of water into three to four feet. Once the tide began moving in late morning, tailing activity resumed in the shallows.
Effective Inshore Gear & Techniques:…