A Quick Guide to Inshore and Offshore Fishing in Navarre Beach, FL

Are you the outdoorsy type? Whether you're dreaming of hiking the trails in the Smokies or soaking up the sun on the Gulf Coast's dreamy beaches, planning ahead for the best outdoor adventures can make all the difference.

If you're ticking Navarre Beach off your list soon, there's one thing you've got to try while visiting "Florida's Most Relaxing Place"—fishing! The region has deep-rooted fishing traditions that go back generations, and the opportunities here (whether you're a newbie or a pro) are absolutely amazing.

Below, I'll walk you through the best spots to cast a line in and around Navarre Beach, plus all the local regulations you need to know for a hassle-free, fun fishing adventure.


Here's a sneak peek just for you:

• Inshore Fishing: With plenty of fish and calm waters, it's the ideal way for beginners to get hooked on the experience.
  
  
• Offshore Fishing: Navarre Beach is a perfect launch point for deep-sea fishing, offering access to stunning catches and beautiful open waters.
  
  
• The Best Seasons for Inshore and Offshore Fishing: As a rule of thumb, the best fishing season starts in late spring and lasts until early fall, with June and July generally considered the best months.
  
  
• How to Explore the Waters of Navarre Beach: the best way to go about it is by taking your own boat or hiring one from one of the many charter companies around.
  
  
• Lincenses & Permits: Check the website of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to know more about licenses and permits in Florida. 

How good is it to fish in Navarre Beach?

The Gulf of Mexico's warm waters are packed with fish, making it one of the best spots to cast a line—not just in the U.S., but around the world. Navarre Beach, nestled on Santa Rosa Island, is the perfect place for inshore, offshore, surf, and pier fishing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just testing the waters, the laid-back vibe and gorgeous scenery make every fishing trip here something special.

Inshore fishing in Navarre Beach, Florida

Inshore fishing in Navarre Beach happens in shallow waters—perfect for light tackle and smaller boats. With plenty of fish and calm waters, it's the ideal way for beginners to get hooked on the experience.

Top Locations & Highlights

• East Bay River.
  
  
  
• Santa Rosa Sound.
  
  
  
• Intracoastal Waterway.
  
  
  
• Navarre Beach Causeway
  
  
  
• Common Catches: Redfish, Trout, Sheepshead, Bluefish, Flounder, Tarpon, Jack Crevalle, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano.
  
  
  
• Ideal for light tackle fishing, kayak fishing, and small boat excursions.
  
  
  

Offshore fishing in Navarre Beach, Florida

Offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is a thrilling adventure that takes you far from the shore, where the big fish roam. Navarre Beach is a perfect launch point for deep-sea fishing, offering access to stunning catches and beautiful open waters.

Highlights

• Trophy Species: Anglers can target a range of sought-after fish, including Yellowfin Tuna, Blue and White Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Swordfish, Red Snapper, Amberjack, Grouper, and King Mackerel. 
  
  
  
• Water Adventure: Travel miles away from the shore on a larger boat in the direction of natural reefs or man-made structures like oil rigs and shipwrecks, all of which provide excellent habitat for baitfish as well as large saltwater game fish.

Heads up: Keep in mind that offshore fishing requires heavier equipment and a variety of bait and lure options to attract and catch larger species. Plan ahead, look for top-rated charters, and check if there are any skill-level requirements.

The Best Seasons for Inshore and Offshore Fishing in Navarre Beach

 Here's a breakdown of the highlights by season:

• Spring (March to May): Spring is a good time for coastal species, including Redfish and Trout. As the waters warm up, fish become more active, and you can also target species like Spanish Mackerel and Sheepshead in the region around Navarre.
  
  

• Summer (June to August): Summers offer opportunities for both inshore and offshore fishing. Inshore, you can catch species like Snapper, Flounder, and more. Offshore, pelagic species such as Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo are often abundant.
  
  

• Fall (September to November): Fall is another productive season for fishing in the Navarre Beach area. Redfish and Trout remain active, and you may also encounter migrating species such as King Mackerel and Tarpon. Offshore, the action can continue with species like King Mackerel and Sailfish.
  
  

• Winter (December to February): Winter still offers fishing opportunities near Navarre Beach, but the activity and species can differ compared to the warmer months. Pier fishing can be a particularly good option for winter fishing as some fish like to move closer to structures like piers, and bridges, in search of crustaceans.
  
  

Pro tip: As a rule of thumb, the best fishing season starts in late spring and lasts until early fall, with June and July generally considered the best months. These are the months when most species are more active, and you'll find plenty of red snapper, grouper, and amberjack in the waters.

Also, summer offers a diverse range of places and species to target for those seeking a deep-sea experience.

Wondering How to Explore the Waters of Navarre Beach?

For fishing, the best way to go about it is by taking your own boat or hiring one from one of the many charter companies around. Here are some of the local favorites:

Lucky Chucky Charters

Great for family trips, especially if you have kids in tow. They take you fishing in the gentle inshore and offshore waters for Redfish, Bull Reds, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, and more. The captain, Lucky Chucky, has been fishing in Florida all his life, and he did it around the world too, as you can read in his bio. After a long time touring the world, he went back home to share his passion with local enthusiasts and visitors. You might even gain some tips on how to cook your catch. 

PENSACOLA FISHING CO.

This is another top-rated service that provides fishing charter and guide services from Navarre to Pensacola. With over 20 years of experience, they specialize in light tackle inshore and offshore fishing, targeting snapper, redfish, trout, grouper, flounder, cobia, and more. They even have shark fishing charters. They offer full-day or half-day trips, and they have a special tour for a full-day big game fish excursion. Captain Mason is very knowledgeable and will guarantee you have a wonderful time. 

Coastal Life Charters

Coastal Life Charters offers family-friendly fishing excursions where you can catch speckled trout, redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel. Their trips are customizable, whether you want a relaxed outing or a chance to see the Blue Angels in action. Captains Ashley and Joe are friendly and knowledgeable, and their sunset cruise combos are perfect for wrapping up the day with stunning views. Expect plenty of dolphin sightings, great fishing, and an unforgettable boat ride.

Licenses & Permits for Fishing in Florida

Before heading out for your fishing adventures, it's essential to check the licenses and permits for fishing in Florida.

To avoid hefty fines, it is important to comply with state regulations. These procedures might sound like a turn-off, but they are in place to guarantee your safety and ensure the conservation of wildlife habitats and fish populations.

To know more about licenses and permits in Florida, check the website of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This link will provide the latest information and ensure a legal hunting and fishing experience for you.

Extra Tips for Fishing in Navarre Beach, FL

Other than understanding and adhering to the regulations set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, make sure to always ensure your own safety when fishing. This includes bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat. Also, nice extras to have when fishing are some snacks and refreshments for yourself, especially if you are offshore. Most charter options will provide you with a cooler for storage.

Wondering Where to Stay on Navarre Beach During your Fishing Trip?