Pensacola Fishing Report September 2024
Welcome back Gulf Coast Sportsmen for another fishing report for September 2024 in Pensacola, FL. The exciting news is that Amberjack season has officially reopened along the Gulf Coast! The season runs from September 1 through October 31, with some updated regulations. As catches are reported, these rules may change, so anglers should stay updated by checking FWC’s informational page regularly for bag limits and other key details. Red Snapper and Triggerfish are now closed for the season. Although weather conditions have been unpredictable, both charter captains and independent anglers are still enjoying productive fishing days across Pensacola’s waters.
Inshore
The Pensacola area has seen a solid production of slot-sized redfish recently. Anglers have had success using live bait and soft plastics, particularly around docks and other structures, with the best catches coming during the early morning hours. Trout action has been steady, especially on the flats and near dock lights at night. Black drum are also showing up around the docks and can be caught using live shrimp or chunks of cut crab fished on the bottom. Due to afternoon storms, many charters are heading out early, so be sure to book your inshore fishing trip in the morning this September.
Nearshore and Offshore
The weather has been variable in Pensacola over the past few weeks and looks to stay that way throughout the month. However, when the conditions allow, anglers have been finding King Mackerel and Wahoo while trolling Yozuri diving lures deep in the water column. Mingo snapper, triggerfish, and smaller amberjacks have been hitting live and cut bait around the many sunken wrecks in the area. Mahi mahi have also been caught just a bit farther offshore. When searching for them, keep an eye out for floating vegetation or debris, and have live bait or topwater popping lures ready to go when they appear.
Beaches and Piers
Surf and pier fishing has been improving as the grass clears from the water. Spanish mackerel are abundant around the pier, particularly when using bubble rigs. King Mackerel can be found near the ends of the piers. In the surf, pompano are still biting on the bottom, along with some bull reds. Sharks have also been active in the surf at night, with live bait or larger cut bait drawing them in. Frozen Bonita from a local tackle shop or fresh catch cut into long strips works well when placed between the sandbars.
Happy fishing, and stay safe out there this September!
