Category: Pensacola fishing

Pensacola, fl

It is a well known fact that in the summertime many Sharks move from the deeper waters offshore into inland waterways and beaches. Why do they do this? Well the Sharks seek warmer shallow waters to carry out mating rituals and to either lay eggs or give live birth. So why is this important? It is very important if you are interested in swimming or in landing huge fish from the bank. There is no other type of fishing (that I know of) where the angler has an exceptional chance of hooking on to a 500lb plus fish while fishing from the bank.

Living near the Gulf of Mexico during my youth my family would take at least one vacation each summer to the beach. Week long vacations at the beach can sometimes get a little boring for a kid who grew up in the Hardwood Bottoms of middle Georgia. Fishing was the answer to my problems. I started off doing some light surf fishing but soon realized that there were truly bigger fish in the sea.

On one trip in particular I was introduced to shark fishing as I know it today. A friend and I had made our way down to the Pensacola Beach Peir for an afternoon of catching Blues, Spanish, Kings and hopefully a Cobia. We fished like we always had with live menhaden and had an average day.

A few Spanish, a pretty hefty king and more blues than we knew what to do with. We began to gather our gear for the walk home when another fisherman was arriving at the pier.

As the guy made his way down the pier I noticed that he was holding the biggest fishing rod and reel that I had ever seen. I had to approach the guy.

When I first approached the fell he was nice and friendly. But when I started probing him about his fishing techniques he quickly shut off.

I could tell (from years of dealing with older wiser fishermen) that this guy had a secret about fishing and I had to know it.

Well Mike (my fishing buddy) and I had a meeting right there on the pier and decided that we would stay on the pier and watch the guy and try to figure out what he needed such a big reel for.

So I made a quick trip back to the condo to inform my parents that we would not be back until late and for them not to wait up for us.

After some haggling permission was granted.

I loaded up on sandwich meat, bread, crackers, beanie-weenies and sardines for our all night fishing trip.

When I returned to the pier about an hour before sunset I was amazed that the guy had yet to put his hook in the water.

He had been at the pier almost two hours and had not wet a line.

When I approached the guy and inquired about why he was not yet fishing, he replied I only have one bait.

Now I have been fishing all my life and I know that when you go fishing you need more than one bait.

The guy had to notice the puzzled and confused look on my silenced face so he went into a little detail. He explained, as he opened a cooler, that in shark fishing it is good to have more than one bait but that he was so skilled that he only needed one. Upon opening the cooler the fella removed a Spanish Mackrel that easily weighed 4lbs. I said that’s a nice Spanish, are you going to grill it or fry it? He replied It’s my bait.

The whole thing?, Yep.

Things were definitely starting to come together now. I’ve heard of using big bait to catch big fish but this was a little extreme. Then I saw a way for us to ‘bribe’ this guy into teaching us how to fish for sharks. I offered him the Spanish Mackrel that we had caught earlier in the day. He instantly replied “What do I have to do for them? Teach us how to do what you’re doing

We were in the guy lightened up and said at least he would have some company on the desolate pier.

With extra bait the guy instantly began rigging up the behemoth pole.

He withdrew a steel cable leader with a massive hook on one end and a swivel on the other.

He began explaining in detail the ins and outs of shark fishing.

The leader has to be at least 15 feet long or longer, I like mine at least 20, and you can’t get this stuff at a bait store, you have to go to the hardware store I questioned him about the hook and swivel, he replied that they were purchased from a local tackle shop at $2-4ea.

I was quickly realizing that shark fishing could get expensive quick. He glanced toward our 4/0 Penn Fishing Reels and scoffed “You guys are going to need some bigger tackle.

In disbelief I asked “Do you really need a reel as big as yours? He replied If you want to catch big fish you have to have big tackle.

His reel was a 14/0 Penn Senator and looked as if it would hold 5 miles of the braided 80lb test line that it was spooled with.

I suddenly was stumped. How was this guy going to cast a 20′ steel leader with a 4lb spanish mackrel hooked to the end of it? My question would be answered by means of kayak.

The guy removed a kayak from his truck and began to paddle toward the end of the pier.

Upon arriving at the end directly beneath us he instructed for us to carefully lower the spanish mackrel with a gaff-sized hook in it into his lap. We did as we were told and the guy was off paddling in a flash.

Ok, here is the situation: This crazy guy is paddling in a kayak toward the middle of the ocean, in shark infested waters with a 4lb spanish mackrel laying in his lap. At this point I began to question the guy’s sanity.

Paddling the bait out took no more than 5mins and very quickly the guy took his seat next to his reel. After fooling with the reel for a while, checking drag, engaging a clicker and securing the reel to the pier with a rope he sat back and opened a cold beer and said now we wait.

How long? I replied.

As long as it takes.” he firmly stated.

After several long boring hours of catching catfish and an occasional foot long shark I was beginning to grow tired of waiting.

Could Shark Fishing really be worth all this effort and time? Not even a single bite on the big pole. Then I heard the sweetest most spine tingling sound that a fisherman could possibly hear.

Drag! And lots of it, more than I had ever heard before. The massive reel was producing the loudest most chilling sound that I could ever imagine. Line was being stripped off at a phenominal rate and the guy was just sitting there watching it. What was he doing? Obviously the Shark had the bait why wasn’t he setting the hook?

He slowly began strapping himself into what appeared to be a fish fighting harness. Calmly picked up the reel and strapped it in the butt holder and clipped straps from his shoulders to the reel.

I realized that this guy was strapping himself directly to the reel! If something went wrong he would not be able to just let go of the reel, he was truly one with the reel.

With line stripping off as if it were tied to the bumper of a Porsche the guy engaged the reel and the demeanor on his face changed instantly. With the ferocity of a college line backer he began repeatedly setting the hook while almost running backward.

When he reached the end of his walkway he would reel down on the fish and almost jog back to the edge of the pier.

This process was repeated two or three times. Then the fight began!

For the first hour it appeard that he was going to almost be able to reel the fish directly in.

Kinda like cranking in a boat with a wench.

Boy was I wrong. Seemingly the Shark was just swimming toward the pier and did not know that he was even hooked.

When it appeared that the shark was getting close he turned and headed out to sea. He ran and stripped drag for what seemed like an eternity.

Line leaving the 14/0 reel a hundred yards at a time. With adrenaline pumping the excitement began to slightly subside.

The guy was in a calm and focused mood with one thing on his mind. After a couple of hours fighting the guy (while still fighting the fish) asked me to reach into his cooler and get him water.

What? This guy wants to drink water while he is fighting this monster fish? He explained that in the course of fighting a big fish it was very important to remain hydrated. I asked how long the fight usually took.

And he replied that the fight time varies greatly from one fish to another, some lasting only an hour and some lasting 12-14 hours.

The battle was one of constant give and take he would reel in 100 yards and the shark would take 200.

An hour rolled into two, two to three, until all track of time was lost. Soon we were awakened to what time it was as the sun began to creep up from the dark abyss in the east. This guy had been fighting this fish from a little after sunset until sunrise with no vast improvement in line on the reel.

My realization of the addictiveness of shark fishing came when the guy stated I hope this fish comes on in I have to be at work by 10:00am This guy had stayed up all night fighting this huge fish (which we hadn’t even seen yet) and he had to be at work in 5 hours. That is true Dedication and love for a sport.

It was about 8:30am when we got our first glimpse of the shark. The guy said it looked like a Bull Shark and was probably around 12 feet long. It looked more like 20′ to me.

As the shark began to tire the question came to me “What are you going to do now?” I asked and he replied “What do you mean what am I going to do now, I’m gonna land this fish take some pictures and go to work Sounded like a good idea to me but we were 20 off the water on the pier there was no possible way to hoist the thousand pound fish up onto the pier.

Then everything began to come clear.

The guy was making his way down the pier toward the beach. When he reached the end of the pier he made his way down to the beach. Us not far behind.

The guy worked the shark past the first sandbar and up into the shallow waist deep water at the breakers.

When the Shark appeared to have run out of energy the guy disengaged his reel and handed it to me.

If he starts running just hold on to the reel.

The guy removed a length of rope from his belt and began to wade out to the shark.

With a loop in one end of the rope he grapped the sharks tail and secured the loop around it. With a grunt he began to drag the massive fish up onto the beach. With half the fish in the water and half out he removed a waterproof disposable camera from his pocket and handed it to me.

Take the whole roll with me and the shark.

I started snapping pictures and soon the roll was gone. I turned around and to my amazement we had drawn a huge crowd of people.

Onlookers, tourist, kids, old people, even a few beach dogs and a mangy looking cat had been drawn to the fiasco.

With the film in the camera gone the guy measured the shark, untied the tail rope and walked the shark out to deeper water.

He stayed with the shark long enough for it to regain its strength and let it go. The defeated creature slowly slumbered out past the first sandbar and onto the second. I was truly in disbelief. This guy had fought this fish all night with his own blood sweat and probably some tears only to let it go.

When I questioned him about this he simply replied, “Where else can you spend $20, catch a thousand pound fish and have a blast all night doing it. I do it for the fun of it. I catch fish people only dream about and I let them go so I can catch them again.

It was then that my outlook on fishing was changed forever. It is not about what you take home for the table, it’s what you take home for yourself. Don’t get me wrong I love fish and I harvest many fish each year to eat, but I let the big ones go.

They have made it this far, why should I be the one to end it for them.

Then I realized something: It was all worth it, the reel, the rod, the bait, the hooks, line, money and time.

It was all worth it.

Five months later after saving every paycheck from my summer job I ordered my first shark fishing reel a 16/0 Penn Senator for $300 from Bass Pro Shops.

I also ordered line, 3000 yard of Braided 80lb test $250 and a rod to put it all on $120. Ever since that night on the Pensacola Pier I have a new addiction in my life Shark Fishing.

I have been to beaches all over the South Eastern United States combing the beaches and piers for just the right sandbar, just the right current and tide.

I usually rent a kayak from the local Beach Supply Store and we usually camp or rent a hotel.

The bait is hard to find and expensive. I have found the best places to find fresh fish is at a fish market and usually Asian fish markets have a much wider selection to choose from.

My most successful baits are as follows King Mackrel, Spanish Mackrel, Jack Crevelle, Bonito and lastly Mullet.

I have since caught many sharks and several over 10 feet long. All of them off of a Beach or a Pier.

I have also introduced several friends to my addiction; they too have seen the light and purchased equipment. Shark fishing is something the whole family can truly enjoy.

It’s not just about catching the fish.

It’s about good friends, family and beautiful beaches.

Pensacola, fl

Fishing season is among us again! There are several great charters in Pensacola to choose from; moreover, shouldn’t you be able to catch fish on your own? I want everyone to be able to catch some fish this season.

I have experience to show you the tackle and targeting methods to be a success. My knowledge is a great chance to have a good time and increase your knowledge of fishing for flats species.

Flats’ fishing is best when you’re targeting specific species such as: speckled trout, red fish, and flounder. The Emerald Coast is surrounded with areas with high potential, or even a sure hook-up with the targeted fish as mentioned before.

I am going to write a list of instructions, so you can be successful while flats fishing.

Now remember! Fishing for species with the right gear, with the right bait, at the right time, in the right place is the bottom-line for a successful trip. My advice provides valuable information such as: the right location during certain months of the year

the right hooks, line, leader, and sinkers. The correct time to be at those locations considering tides, currents, lunar, and temperatures. I will offer a high level of sophistication through professionalism and technology.

First, you will want to look for some great locations.

The best way to spot great locations is by looking for areas with structure such as oyster beds, debris, or reefs in shallow waters.

Moreover, my favorite spots consist of grass beds and sandy areas scattered throughout the grass beds.

We are not looking for just grass beds or just sandy bottoms; we are looking for areas with both mixed throughout the area. Red fish, speckled trout, and flounder are all ambush predators, and these areas provide that tactic for these targeted species.

Second, you will want the appropriate gear to fight these fish ashore, to you, or to your vessel. I recommend 3000 to 5000 series reel and rod.

I recommend using a 12 to 15 pound braided line for your setup because it provides more fish due to its proven durability.

Now, you should focus on tackle. The best method for catching fish in my opinion is to use live bait. I would grab some number one and two circle hooks, ¼ ounce through 1½ ounce egg weights.

You will need some 20 pound test swivels.

You will need a few types of fluorocarbon leader line such as: 15 pound, 20 pound, and 25 pound. These leaders will be used based on location.

You should use lighter leader lines the clearer the conditions. You should use heavier leader lines the rougher the conditions and the type of area you’re fishing such as if you’re fishing reefs, debris, or oyster beds.

Then you should tie together the swivel to a 12-18 inch leader line, tie the hook on the end, put a sinker on your braided line, and connect your leader set up to your braided line.

However, if the conditions are excellent, you can free line the bait without using a sinker in the setup as mentioned above.

Third, we need to have a few locations available to get live bait. I recommend live bait such as shrimp or live finger mullet. I catch finger mullet with a cast net.

You should grab a few dozen live shrimp because smaller fish such as pin fish, croakers, and grunts will also eat them.

Hook the shrimp at the end of their tails.

The object is to let them swim around and seem natural.

Fourth, the best months are March to September. You will need to look at the lunar, tides and currents table or chart for that day.

Certain internet sites offer them, but you will find out by experience that some are not correct. Once you find a reliable source here are some things to keep an eye out for. Fish like to eat while the currents are moving.

Opinions differentiate on which tide is better the outgoing tide (ebb) or the incoming tide (flood). Through 25 years experience, I catch a lot of fish on a break of dawn, top of an outgoing tide situation.

You will catch fish on both tides; although, you will be more productive during the first 4-6 hours of day light, and the last 3-5 hours of day light on a moving tide.

Full moons will slow down your productivity too.

Last, you should get a local fishing regulations guide and go catch some fish!

As Andrew Brown stated, There is nothing like hooking up with a 25″ red fish, fighting the fish, and reeling that big one in.

(A. Brown, Pensacola Resident) Reeling in a prize fish is very excited and easy when you follow these simple instructions.

THE RIGHT GEAR, THE RIGHT BAIT, AT THE RIGHT PLACE, AT THE RIGHT TIME, EQUALS SUCCESS!

Pensacola Deep Sea Fishing is one of the most enjoyable and entertaining activities to do when you are in Pensacola. The Pensacola Area on the Gulf of Mexico has steadily become one of the topmost tourist destinations over the years, specifically for charter fishing.

Charter fishing s fun and safe too because the Pensacola Deep Sea Fishing charter companies are responsible and give out chartered boats or ferries that are absolutely safe and allows you to soak in the unique experience totally. There is a number of fishing chartered companies in Pensacola and they lend their boats at reasonable costs.

Before you hire boats for sea fishing, you must know the requirements well. You must know where specifically you want to go fishing. If you are not sure, you can take the help of the guides. You must specify the number of people that will accompany you on the ride and so on.

Let us take a look at the various Pensacola Deep Sea Fishing companies as well as the various Pensacola Saltwater fishing companies:

Alabama Deep Sea Fishing This is located in Orange beach, Alabama in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The company has been arranging excellent fishing trips for over 11 years. They also serve anglers and provide guides who are expert at the various locations and can provide an overall good service in Pensacola Fishing Deep Sea.

Getaway Gulf Fishing: They provide great fishing experience with clean air-conditioned boats that are painted every year. You can choose different slots of fishing activities from 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours and so on. The company does not allow fishing in rough sea conditions. They also serve anglers and provide guides who are expert at the various locations and can provide an overall good service in Pensacola Fishing Deep Sea.

Good Times Charter Fishing This is located in San Roc Cay Marina, 27267 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, Alabama. You can hire their services at reasonable rates and can pay through major credit cards.

The company has been arranging excellent fishing trips for many years. They also serve anglers and provide guides who are expert at the various locations and can provide an overall good service in Pensacola Fishing Deep Sea.

Fishing Cotton Services: This Company specializes in providing guides who not only help you sail through the waters smoothly, but also locate the fishes conveniently. The company has been arranging excellent fishing trips for many years. They also serve anglers and provide guides who are expert at the various locations and can provide an overall good services fishing in the Deep Sea.

Fishing in Pensacola region of Florida is a thrilling experience. There are 2 major types of fishing done in this region – freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing. Lets us look at them in greater detail:

• Freshwater Pensacola fishing: freshwater fishing is done in the Escambia River. This river is the biggest freshwater body in this region. It originates in the Alabama and ends into the bay. The river passes through several interesting places which you will be able to locate in your fishing sprees. You will come across the swamphouse, the power plant, the white creek etc.

• Deep sea fishing: it is a sport which is practiced in full spirit in this region. To some people, it is regarded as a method to earn their daily living. This form of fishing has gained tremendous popularity.

A huge number of improved equipments, and charters have come up which facilitate deep sea fishing. The risk involved has been reduced to a great extent as a result of these improved techniques and fishing has become a much safer and an easier exercise.

THE FACTORS THAT FAVOR FISHING IN THIS REGION:

Tourists love to fish in Pensacola region of North West Florida. In the sea, warm ocean currents and cold ocean currents meet. For the weather conditions created, many fishes thrive in this part of the sea. Several people choose Pensacola over all the other possible options when it comes to fishing.

Deep sea fishing in this part of the world is such a delight.

CHARTERS AND OTHER EQUIPMENTS THAT AID IN DEEP SEA FISHING:

People rent out charters when they go fishing on Pensacola. There are many companies from which you can hire charters for your fishing trips. You need to find a suitable company carter boat for yourself. There are many factors which you need to consider before you choose your charter boat.

HOW WILL YOU SELECT WHICH ONE IS THE RIGHT CHARTER BOAT FOR YOU?

These factors should be considered before you make your decision:

• You should figure out your budget, i.e. the amount of money that you wish to blow up on your fishing sprees. This will determine which company carter boat you can afford.

• The features that are supported by the charter and the equipments are very important. This depends on the budget of the customer. As a customer, you can exercise your choice. You can choose what features which will assist you in your fishing trips and which one of them is unimportant to you.

• Some charter features are very helpful. For example, some carter making companies allow equipments on the decks so that everyone can witness the activities, even those who are not taking part in the fishing.

• Some companies provide guides to assist those who are fishing. They take the tourists to places where good number of catch is available.

• The guides are experts in handling the equipments. So they can help the tourists with them.