Pensacola fishing report for the week of September 24, 2026. It’s the heart of bull red season on the Emerald Coast, and with the full moon on Saturday, the pass is going to be busy. The fall bait migration is underway, and the pelagics are feeding along the beaches.
What’s Hitting
This week, big bull redfish are feeding in Pensacola Pass and along the beaches. Spanish mackerel are busting bait along the beaches and around the pier, and king mackerel are on the nearshore reefs and around bait pods just off the beach. Inside the bay, speckled trout and slot reds are active, and flounder are beginning to stage for their fall run.
Where to Find Them
Bull reds are in the pass, especially on the outgoing tide, and along the beaches from Perdido Key to Pensacola Beach. Spanish mackerel are along the beaches and around the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. King mackerel are on the nearshore reefs and around the bait pods in 30 to 60 feet. Trout and slot reds are in Big Lagoon, Santa Rosa Sound, and around the grass flats in the bay.
Tides & Conditions
With the full moon on Saturday, the tides are strong, and the bite in the pass has been best on the outgoing. Water temps are in the low 80s and falling. Keep an eye on the weather, especially the tropics, as this is still hurricane season.
Tackle & Tactics
For bull reds in the pass, a live pinfish, a cut menhaden, or a large jig on a heavy setup with a circle hook is the way to go. For Spanish mackerel, cast Gotcha plugs, spoons, or small jigs and retrieve quickly. For kings, slow-troll live cigar minnows or menhaden on a stinger rig with light wire. For trout and slot reds, a live shrimp under a popping cork or a soft plastic works well.
Local Intel This Week
The Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is a great place for shore anglers to target Spanish and kings. For boaters, the Bob Sikes Bridge ramp and the Big Lagoon State Park ramp provide good access. Fort Pickens offers shore access to the pass. Fish are concentrating in the pass and along the beaches. Check current FWC regulations, slot sizes, and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
When you’re fishing the pass for bull reds, use a heavy enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom in the strong current. The reds are often holding in the deeper parts of the channel, and a bait that’s drifting too high will be missed.
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