Private 4 Hour Fly Fishing Trip - Pensacola Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour fly fishing adventure in Pensacola Bay watersTarget Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Spanish Mackerel speciesExpert guides accommodate beginners and experienced anglers alike
Looking for a top-rated fly fishing adventure that puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best inshore action? You've found it. Our private 4-hour fly fishing trips in the Pensacola Bay area are designed for anglers who want to experience the pure joy of sight fishing these crystal-clear flats and grass beds. Whether you're bringing your own 8-weight or need us to set you up with gear, we've got everything covered. The shallow waters around Pensacola Bay create perfect conditions for stalking redfish, trout, and mackerel on fly - and trust me, once you feel that first strip-set hookup, you'll understand why fly fishing these waters is absolutely addictive.
Your day starts early when the water's still glassy and the fish are moving. We'll meet at the boat launch and get you rigged up with the right flies for the conditions - could be anything from a gold spoon fly for reds to a Clouser minnow if the trout are being picky. The beauty of Pensacola Bay is the variety of structure we can hit in just four hours. We might start working the grass flats near the Pensacola Beach bridge where redfish cruise the edges, then move to the deeper pockets where speckled trout hold, and finish up around the passes where Spanish mackerel are busting bait. The water clarity here is phenomenal most days, which means you'll often see your target before you cast. There's nothing quite like watching a big red slowly turn on your fly in two feet of water. We keep groups small - just you and up to three of your friends - so everyone gets plenty of coaching and casting time. Don't worry if you're new to saltwater fly fishing; we'll have you double-hauling and stripping line like a pro by the end of the trip.
We run fully equipped for serious fly fishing action. Each angler gets rigged with an 8 or 9-weight rod depending on wind conditions and target species - heavier if the Spanish mackerel are running thick, lighter if we're sight fishing for trout in the skinny water. Line selection matters here, and we typically start with an intermediate sink tip that gets your fly down in the grass without hanging up every cast. Our fly box is stocked with proven Gulf Coast patterns: EP baitfish in chartreuse and white, spoon flies that drive redfish crazy, and some small Clousers that absolutely crush specks when they're feeding on glass minnows. The technique varies based on what we're targeting. For reds, it's all about that slow, steady strip with pauses - these fish want to track the fly before committing. Trout fishing is faster and more erratic; short strips that mimic fleeing shrimp or small baitfish. Spanish mackerel? Hold on tight because they hit like freight trains and make blistering runs. We'll teach you the proper strip-set technique (no trout sets here!), how to fight fish on the reel, and most importantly, how to read the water so you can spot fish before they spot you.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Pensacola Bay fly fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs range from slot-sized 18-inchers up to bruiser bulls pushing 35+ inches. Reds love the shallow grass flats where they tail and cruise looking for crabs and small fish. Peak season runs from April through November, but we catch them year-round. What makes reds special on fly gear is their willingness to eat and their incredible fight - they'll make long runs and use every oyster bar to try and break you off. Watch for their backs and tails in skinny water, especially on warmer days when they're actively feeding.
Speckled trout are the most abundant species you'll encounter, and they're perfect for honing your fly fishing skills. These beautiful fish typically run 14-20 inches in Pensacola Bay, with occasional gator trout pushing 25+ inches. They school up around grass beds, drop-offs, and structure, making them relatively predictable targets. Spring and fall offer the best action when water temperatures are in the 70s. Specks hit fast and fight with surprising strength for their size, making multiple jumps and long runs. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Spanish mackerel show up during warmer months (May through October) and provide some of the most exciting fly fishing action you'll find. These speed demons typically run 1-3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They're often found around structure, bridges, and anywhere baitfish are schooling. Mackerel have razor-sharp teeth and make blistering runs, so we use wire leaders when targeting them specifically. The visual excitement of seeing mackerel crash bait on the surface, then dropping your fly right in the chaos, is what fly fishing dreams are made of.
Black drum are the surprise bonus fish that can really make your day memorable. These bottom dwellers typically range from 5-15 pounds around Pensacola Bay, though larger specimens cruise through regularly. They're most active in spring and fall around oyster bars and structure. Drum have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so when one picks up your crab pattern fly, you'll know it immediately. They're incredibly strong fighters that use their broad sides and powerful tails to test your drag system and patience.
Ready to experience why Pensacola Bay is becoming a world-class fly fishing destination? Our private 4-hour trips give you the perfect taste of what these waters have to offer, with enough time to target multiple species and really dial in your technique. We handle all the gear, flies, and local knowledge - you just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a cooler if you want to take
Meet Mermaid One, your 24-foot Ranger bay boat that's built to handle the shallow waters and grass flats where trophy redfish and speckled trout love to hide. This brown and white beauty comes equipped with a powerful 300hp white Suzuki that'll get you to the hottest fishing spots fast, plus a T-top to keep you comfortable during those long sight-fishing sessions. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on fish without spooking them – perfect for fly fishing those crystal clear flats around Pensacola Bay. You'll have GPS to mark productive spots, VHF radio for safety, and a fish finder to locate structure and baitfish. There's even an onboard toilet so you can stay on the water longer chasing that perfect cast. With room for up to 4 anglers, Mermaid One is designed for serious fly fishing in the productive inshore waters where the big ones cruise.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldozers of our flats - powerful, determined fighters that will put your tackle to the test. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 5-30 pounds around here, though we occasionally hook into real monsters. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water, using those crusher jaws to munch on crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. What guests love about drum fishing is the strength of these fish - they're not flashy jumpers, but they'll make long, powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare too. Here's the key: when you see their dark backs tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of them and let your weighted fly sink to the bottom - they rarely look up.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, and once you hook one, you'll understand why. These bronze-backed fighters typically run 18-27 inches in the shallows, with that distinctive black spot near their tail that makes them unmistakable. They love cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and marshy shorelines in water so shallow their backs show above the surface. Fall and spring offer the best action, though we catch them year-round. What gets guests hooked on redfish is their power - they'll strip drag and make multiple runs even in shallow water. Plus, they're smart and spooky, so there's real skill involved in getting close enough for a good cast. The smaller slot fish are also excellent eating. Here's my go-to tip: when you spot a red tailing or cruising, cast 3-4 feet ahead of where he's going, not where he is. Let that fly sink and give it a slow strip.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our bay fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 14-24 inches and about 1-3 pounds, though we catch plenty that push 5 pounds or better. They love grass flats, shallow drop-offs, and areas where fresh and salt water mix. You'll find them in 2-8 feet most of the time, though they move deeper during winter months. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but we catch them year-round here in Pensacola Bay. What makes trout fishing so popular is their willingness to hit topwater flies and their excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for beginners since they're relatively forgiving to fight and land. Pro tip: early morning and late evening are magic times, but when the water's stained after a rain, they'll feed all day long in the shallows.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese silver speedsters are some of the most exciting fish to target on fly. Running 1-2 feet long and weighing 8-11 pounds, Spanish mackerel are built for speed and show it when hooked. You'll find them schooling near the surface around structures, jetties, and grass flats, especially during warmer months when they move closer to shore. Spring through fall gives you the best shots at them. What makes guests love targeting these fish is their aggressive strikes and blistering runs - they'll test your drag and your nerves. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. Local tip: when you spot diving birds or bait getting pushed to the surface, get your fly in there quick. Spanish mackerel often feed in a frenzy, and you'll have a small window before they move on to the next school of baitfish.
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