gulf coast · Pensacola to Apalachicola
Panhandle
Emerald Coast beaches, Pensacola Bay, Choctawhatchee Bay, St. Andrew Bay and Apalachicola Bay. Deep Gulf water is close to shore here, so offshore reef fish and pelagics are in play alongside inshore trout and redfish.
Today's report (2026-09-13)
Panhandle anglers are in for a solid day on the water this Sunday, thanks to the new moon triggering a major feeding boost. Redfish top the list, followed closely by flounder and mangrove snapper, all showing strong activity scores. These species are biting hard because the lunar phase is ramping up their appetite, though you need to stay sharp since the tides are running weak today. Best action happens during the minor solunar window from 6:50 to 7:50 a.m., which aligns nicely with the low tide at 6:32 a.m. This gives you a prime opportunity to work the flats at Pensacola Pass or St. Andrew Bay while the fish are actively moving.
Keep a close eye on the sky, as storms are possible after 1 p.m. with a slight chance of showers. It is best to be on the water early and get off before the afternoon weather turns. Wind should stay light out of the west, making for calm conditions in the morning. If you are targeting deeper structure at Destin East Pass, gag grouper are also feeding well under the new moon influence.
Pack light and be ready to move fast, because the early morning window is your best bet before any afternoon storms roll through.
Today's tide
Bite forecast
| Species | Sun, Sep 13 | Mon, Sep 14 | Tue, Sep 15 | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redfish (Red Drum) | 9 | 9 | 8 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Flounder | 8 | 8 | 7 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Mangrove (Gray) Snapper | 8 | 8 | 8 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Gag Grouper | 8 | 8 | 7 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| King Mackerel | 7 | 7 | 6 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Spanish Mackerel | 7 | 7 | 6 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Red Grouper | 7 | 7 | 6 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Greater Amberjack | 7 | 7 | 6 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Tripletail | 7 | 7 | 7 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Spotted Seatrout | 6 | 6 | 5 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Tarpon | 6 | 6 | 6 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
| Hogfish | 6 | 6 | 5 | New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky |
Score blends the seasonal pattern for each species with moon, tide swing, wind and weather. 10 is as good as it gets.
Species in this region
9Redfish (Red Drum)Sciaenops ocellatus
6Spotted SeatroutCynoscion nebulosus
6TarponMegalops atlanticus
8FlounderParalichthys lethostigma
4SheepsheadArchosargus probatocephalus
5CobiaRachycentron canadum
7King MackerelScomberomorus cavalla
7Spanish MackerelScomberomorus maculatus
5Red SnapperLutjanus campechanus
8Mangrove (Gray) SnapperLutjanus griseus
8Gag GrouperMycteroperca microlepis
7Red GrouperEpinephelus morio
7Greater AmberjackSeriola dumerili
7TripletailLobotes surinamensis
4Black DrumPogonias cromis
4Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish)Coryphaena hippurus
6HogfishLachnolaimus maximus
6Gray TriggerfishBalistes capriscus
5PompanoTrachinotus carolinus
5BluefishPomatomus saltatrix