Pensacola Bay Trolling & Dolphin Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour bay trolling adventure through scenic Pensacola watersDolphin watching combined with trolling over ledges and structuresSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboard
Looking for a laid-back fishing adventure that combines the best of Pensacola's waters with some amazing wildlife viewing? This 3-hour bay trolling trip with Saltwater Fever hits the sweet spot between relaxing cruise and productive fishing. We'll take you through the scenic waters of Pensacola Bay, past the historic Ft. Pickens and the Naval Air Station, while keeping lines in the water over some prime structure. It's the perfect introduction to our waters if you're new to the area, or a great way to unwind if you want something more chill than our hardcore reef trips.
This isn't your typical full-throttle fishing charter – and that's exactly what makes it special. We keep it intimate with just 4 guests max, so you'll have plenty of room to move around and won't feel rushed. The trip focuses on trolling, which means we're covering water while dragging lures behind the boat at a steady pace. This technique lets us show you the sights while staying productive on the fishing front. You'll cruise past some of Pensacola's most iconic landmarks while we work productive ledges and structure that hold fish year-round. The dolphins are a huge bonus – they're curious about our boat and often put on quite a show, especially when we're working areas where baitfish are thick. Don't worry about bringing anything except sunscreen and drinks; we've got all the tackle, bait, and gear you'll need. The pace is relaxed, the conversation flows easy, and you'll come away feeling like you've seen the real Pensacola from a local's perspective.
Trolling in Pensacola Bay is all about reading the water and knowing where fish like to hang out. We'll be pulling a spread of lures at different depths – some running shallow, others diving deep to work the drop-offs and ledges that dot our bay system. The key is covering water efficiently while hitting the zones where predator fish ambush baitfish. We use a mix of spoons, diving plugs, and live bait depending on what's working that day. The bay has incredible structure – old docks, channel edges, oyster bars, and artificial reefs that concentrate fish. What makes this trip special is how we can show you the landmarks while explaining what's happening underwater. You'll learn to read the electronics, understand how current and structure work together, and pick up tips that'll make you a better angler whether you're fishing from shore or boat. The trolling setup is simple but effective – we'll get you hooked up to a rod and show you how to work the fish when they hit. No prior experience needed, but if you're a seasoned angler, you'll appreciate the local knowledge and productive techniques we use.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of our trolling spread, and Pensacola Bay serves up some beautiful fish. These speedsters typically run 15-30 pounds in the bay, with occasional bigger fish pushing 40+ when conditions are right. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action happening when water temps hit that 70-75 degree sweet spot. Kings are pure adrenaline – they hit hard, make blistering runs, and jump like crazy. What makes them special here is how they use the bay's structure to their advantage, setting up ambush points along channel edges and drop-offs.
Redfish are year-round residents that never fail to impress guests. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-27 inches in our waters and fight way above their weight class. Fall and winter are phenomenal for reds as they school up in deeper bay waters before heading to spawn. They're incredibly strong, making long, bulldogging runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive copper color and black spot near the tail. Many guests say landing their first red drum is what gets them hooked on saltwater fishing.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute warriors that'll give you a workout. These fish are built like underwater bulldozers, with broad shoulders and an attitude to match. They school heavily in summer months and are always ready to eat. A 10-pound jack will fight harder than fish twice its size, making multiple runs and testing every knot in your system. They're perfect for kids or anyone who wants to feel their rod bend and their drag scream.
Little Tunny, or "false albacore" as some folks call them, are speed demons that show up in good numbers during cooler months. They're smaller than their bigger tuna cousins but make up for size with pure speed and stamina. These fish travel in schools and create some of the most exciting topwater action you'll see in the bay. When they're feeding on the surface, it looks like the water is boiling with activity.
Bluefish round out our target list as aggressive predators that'll hit almost anything we put in front of them. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and bad attitude, making them a blast to catch but requiring some care when handling. Blues are seasonal visitors that show up in cooler months, often in large schools that create feeding frenzies. They're excellent eating when fresh and provide consistent action when other species are being finicky.
This bay trolling adventure gives you the best of both worlds – productive fishing and scenic touring that showcases why Pensacola is such a special place. Whether you're looking to introduce family to saltwater fishing, want a relaxing day on the water, or just prefer a more laid-back approach to angling, this trip delivers every time. The 3-hour format is perfect for fitting into vacation schedules without taking up your whole day, and the small group size means personalized attention and plenty of room to enjoy the experience. Book your spot with Saltwater Fever today and discover why locals and visitors keep coming back to explore Pens
Our freshly restored 22' Robalo center console is your ticket to prime fishing waters around Pensacola Bay. This 2006 boat got a complete makeover in 2023 and runs like a dream with its 250HP Yamaha outboard, hitting speeds up to 40 knots when you need to chase the action. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS to find those honey holes, fish finder to locate the schools, and a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky fish without spooking them. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold, while the onboard head means no cutting trips short. Whether you're trolling the deeper structures near Ft Pickens or working the shallows for redfish and trout, this rig handles Pensacola's inshore waters like a champ. She's stable enough for newcomers but equipped for serious fishing when the bite gets hot.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that average 2-10 pounds and show up in Pensacola waters during cooler months. These blue-green fighters have razor-sharp teeth and a nasty attitude, often attacking schools of baitfish in shallow bays and along surf beaches. They're known for "blitzing" - churning the water like a washing machine when feeding. Guests enjoy their hard fight and willingness to hit almost anything you throw at them. The meat is excellent when fresh, with a mild flavor in smaller fish. Just watch your fingers - those teeth are serious business. Best technique around here is casting cut bait or silver spoons near feeding activity. When you find baby blues in summer, it's perfect action for kids. Use a wire leader because they'll cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bullies of Pensacola Bay, averaging 3-5 pounds but capable of hitting 20+ pounds. These brassy, golden fighters hang around structures, grass beds, and anywhere baitfish congregate. They're most active during warmer months and you'll often find them by watching for diving birds - jacks push bait to the surface while birds attack from above. What makes them special is their raw power and stubborn fight. They won't jump much, but they'll pull drag and test your tackle with bulldogging runs. The meat's decent but most folks release them. Pro tip: when you see birds working, cast silver spoons or swim baits past the school and retrieve fast. Jacks love the chase, and that aggressive retrieve triggers strikes. Don't cast right into the school or you'll spook them.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive predators that typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen some bruisers push 50+ pounds. They cruise along ledges and structures in 40-150 feet of water, hunting schools of baitfish. These speedsters are most active during warmer months when water temps hit 70-80°F. What makes them so popular is their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag and your arms. The meat is decent eating, though watch the mercury levels in bigger fish. Here's a local trick: when trolling our nearshore ledges, use a wire leader with two hooks on your live bait. Kings love to bite the tail end of a struggling mullet, so that back hook will nail them when they circle around for the kill.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunny, also called bonita or false albacore, are scrappy members of the tuna family averaging 10-12 pounds. These torpedo-shaped speedsters travel in schools through our nearshore waters, especially around jetties and inlets during warmer months. They're distinguished by dark wavy lines on their backs and fingerprint-like spots on their sides. What guests love is their incredible fighting ability - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish in these waters. The dark, red meat has a stronger flavor than regular tuna, but it's great when prepared fresh. They're noisy feeders, so listen for splashing when they're attacking baitfish. My go-to technique is trolling small feathers or casting metals when you find them busting bait. Work fast - they move constantly and won't stick around long.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect shallow water target, running 20-35 inches and fighting like bulldogs in 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them tailing in the grass flats around Pensacola Bay, especially near oyster bars and structure. They're year-round residents but fish best during cooler months when they school up. What guests love is the sight fishing - watching that copper back cruise the shallows with their distinctive black spot near the tail. They eat well too, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect on the grill. The key to success here is staying quiet and making long, accurate casts. These fish are spooky in shallow water, so keep your distance and let your topwater plug or soft plastic do the work. Once hooked, they'll make powerful runs toward the nearest structure.
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