What's Biting FL
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

12am6am12pm6pm12am0 ftL 6:32 AM · 0.6H 11:14 PM · 1.5
Predicted tide at Okaloosa Island, feet above MLLW. Vertical line is now.

Bite forecast

SpeciesSun, Sep 13Mon, Sep 14Tue, Sep 15Why
Redfish (Red Drum) 998New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Flounder 887New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Mangrove (Gray) Snapper 888New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Gag Grouper 887New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
King Mackerel 776New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Spanish Mackerel 776New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Red Grouper 776New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Greater Amberjack 776New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Tripletail 777New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Spotted Seatrout 665New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Tarpon 666New Moon feeding boost. Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky
Hogfish 665New 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