Florida Fish Species

Common Questions:

What fish are in season in Florida?

At Changing Lanes Fishing Charters, LLC, we target fish species based on what’s in season. Throughout the year, anglers can catch redfish, speckled trout, black drum, flounder, and sheepshead inshore. During the warmer months, red snapper, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and shark are active in nearshore waters. Red snapper season usually peaks in summer, while fall and spring are great for inshore species like flounder and sheepshead.

What is the best fish to catch in Florida?

One of the most popular fish to catch from Destin to Pensacola is red snapper, known for its size, fight, and taste. We also frequently target speckled trout, redfish, and Spanish mackerel, which are great options for anglers on our private fishing charters in Florida. The best fish to target depends on the season and the type of trip—inshore or nearshore—you choose.

Can you catch red snapper in Florida year-round?

While red snapper can be found offshore throughout the year, the fishing season is regulated, and keeping them is only allowed during specific dates set by state and federal authorities. Changing Lanes Fishing Charters, LLC keeps up with all legal seasons and will guide you through the best times to book your Destin red snapper charter.

What fish can kids catch on a charter in Florida?

We specialize in family-friendly fishing charters on the Florida Gulf Coast, and kids love catching croaker, pinfish, trout, Spanish mackerel, and redfish. These species are fun to reel in and commonly found during our kids' fishing trips, Pensacola Beach, and inshore fishing, Gulf Breeze outings. We tailor the experience to be safe, educational, and fun for young anglers.

Where can I catch speckled trout from Destin to Pensacola?

Speckled trout fishing in Destin to Pensacola is best in the bays and shallow flats, especially early morning or late afternoon. We often fish around grass beds and oyster bars during inshore fishing trips from Destin to Pensacola, where speckled trout are known to feed. Our guides know the best spots to target these popular fish year-round.

Do you offer shark fishing in Florida?

Yes! Shark fishing charters in Florida are one of our most exciting trips for guests looking to catch something big. We target blacktip, spinner, and sandbar sharks using heavy-duty gear and safe handling practices. These trips are great for thrill-seekers and are available in warmer months during nearshore outings.

Can I catch king mackerel near Destin to Pensacola?

Absolutely. King mackerel fishing trips, Gulf Breeze, and nearshore charters in Pensacola are ideal for catching this fast, hard-hitting fish. We troll near reefs, buoys, and bait schools where king mackerel hunt. They're most active during spring through early fall.

What’s the best time to fish for flounder in Florida?

Flounder and sheepshead fishing in Florida is excellent during the fall and early winter, especially when they move from shallow areas to deeper channels. These fish are often caught on our evening fishing trips in Gulf Breeze and private inshore fishing charters from Destin to Pensacola, Florida, using live bait or soft plastics near structure.

What types of fish are caught on nearshore fishing trips?

Our nearshore fishing trips, Pensacola Beach and Fishing charters Gulf target a variety of species including Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, red snapper, triggerfish, and bonita. These trips are great for anglers who want action without heading too far offshore.

Do you catch black drum from Destin to Pensacola?

Yes, we often catch black drum on our inshore fishing trips, in Gulf Breeze, and around Florida's docks and bridges. These hard-fighting fish are typically found in cooler months and are a great target for light tackle. Ask us about adding a black drum fishing trip in Gulf Breeze, FL, to your inshore adventure!

A Changing Lanes Fishing Charters LLC Fishing Charter targets the top Florida Fish species, including Cobia, Gag Grouper, Greater Amberjack, Lane Snapper, and Wahoo Fish. We primarily fish the Gulf of Mexico, Choctawhatchee Bay, Pensacola Bay, East Bay, Santa Rosa Sound, Butcherpen Cove, Lake Earl, and Pirate Cove.