About Big Lagoon, Florida

The Big Lagoon in Florida is located in the 705- acre Big Lagoon State Park. The state park is situated on the northwestern coast of Florida, approximately 10 miles southwest of Pensacola on the Gulf Beach Highway. Inside the state park are the Wilde Grande Lagoon, Big Lagoon, and other minor tributaries, the alligator-inhabited Long Pond, and a man-made freshwater pond.

The park separates the mainland from Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico. The multiple fishing opportunities in the area make it a hot spot for anglers looking for a wide range of angling opportunities. Especially the Big Lagoon where angling is productive year-round because of its proximity and access to the waters of Pensacola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

All About Fishing in Big Lagoon Florida

Big Lagoon State Park is considered a gateway site for the Great Florida Birding Trail. With nine distinct natural communities such as tidal marsh, mesic Flatwoods, wet Flatwoods, and scrubby Flatwoods, the park offers a diverse number of species including threatened and endangered ones. However, the state park is not only about birding, but it also gives anglers access to multiple fishing opportunities especially in the Big Lagoon.

Lagoons are a common feature along coastlines all over the world. As long as there is a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by a reef or island, a lagoon is formed. Although some people include bodies of freshwater as lagoons, they could also be saltwater. The Big Lagoon is connected to Pensacola Bay waters and the Gulf of Mexico which leaves anglers a great opportunity to land on some mullets, redfish, bluefish, flounder, peacock cichlid, largemouth bass, Mayan cichlid, sea trout, mangrove snappers, and jack crevalle. 

Fishing locations in the lagoon can be anywhere. Any change or difference in the underwater environment might lead to a productive catch. Moreover, these areas also provide cover for game fish to ambush their prey. However, the most productive spots in the lagoon are areas near shallow drop-offs along grass beds, potholes, and channels. 

Anglers in the area fish with light to medium spinning tackles with baits ranging from live minnows and shrimps to fresh-cut baits. Though frozen baits also produce a productive catch from time to time. In addition, a ¼ oz jighead rigged with a soft plastic bait will help an angler land on nearly anything inshore. Though jigging is more popular, fly shining is also something that anglers can do in the lagoon. Surf fishing can also be done depending on the conditions of the lagoon. However, it may require more tailored equipment.  

Fishing Seasonality

Fishing in the Big Lagoon is open all year-round. Anglers can visit the lagoon and land on a productive catch any time of the year. However, if they are planning to land on certain species, visiting the Lagoon in a specific season or month will help them experience the Lagoon fully. The best time to fish in the Lagoon, specifically in the gulf coast area is from the months of May to October. One could also visit the lagoon during spring times as schools of different fish species flock in preparation for spawning.

Fishing Seasonality

Fishing in the Big Lagoon is open all year-round. Anglers can visit the lagoon and land on a productive catch any time of the year. However, if they are planning to land on certain species, visiting the Lagoon in a specific season or month will help them experience the Lagoon fully. The best time to fish in the Lagoon, specifically in the gulf coast area is from the months of May to October. One could also visit the lagoon during spring times as schools of different fish species flock in preparation for spawning.

All About Fishing in Big Lagoon Florida

Big Lagoon State Park is considered a gateway site for the Great Florida Birding Trail. With nine distinct natural communities such as tidal marsh, mesic Flatwoods, wet Flatwoods, and scrubby Flatwoods, the park offers a diverse number of species including threatened and endangered ones. However, the state park is not only about birding, but it also gives anglers access to multiple fishing opportunities especially in the Big Lagoon.

Lagoons are a common feature along coastlines all over the world. As long as there is a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by a reef or island, a lagoon is formed. Although some people include bodies of freshwater as lagoons, they could also be saltwater. The Big Lagoon is connected to Pensacola Bay waters and the Gulf of Mexico which leaves anglers a great opportunity to land on some mullets, redfish, bluefish, flounder, peacock cichlid, largemouth bass, Mayan cichlid, sea trout, mangrove snappers, and jack crevalle. 

Fishing locations in the lagoon can be anywhere. Any change or difference in the underwater environment might lead to a productive catch. Moreover, these areas also provide cover for game fish to ambush their prey. However, the most productive spots in the lagoon are areas near shallow drop-offs along grass beds, potholes, and channels. 

Anglers in the area fish with light to medium spinning tackles with baits ranging from live minnows and shrimps to fresh-cut baits. Though frozen baits also produce a productive catch from time to time. In addition, a ¼ oz jighead rigged with a soft plastic bait will help an angler land on nearly anything inshore. Though jigging is more popular, fly shining is also something that anglers can do in the lagoon. Surf fishing can also be done depending on the conditions of the lagoon. However, it may require more tailored equipment.