Navarre, Florida Fish Species Guide (What You Can Catch Inshore by Season)

Wondering what fish you can catch around Navarre, Florida? This guide breaks down the most common inshore species you’ll find in the area, when they’re most active, and simple tactics that work for beginners and families.

Quick List: Common Fish Species in Navarre (Inshore & Nearshore)

• Redfish (Red Drum)
• Speckled Trout
• Flounder
• Sheepshead
• Black Drum
• Jack Crevalle (seasonal high action)
• Spanish Mackerel (seasonal nearshore/bridge/passes)
• Pompano (seasonal, often surf/near passes)
• Snapper (select species) (seasonal/structure dependent)

Redfish (Red Drum)

Redfish are one of the most popular inshore targets around Navarre. They’re strong fighters, great for beginners, and often hold in predictable “edge” zones.

• Best time: year-round, with strong windows during warming trends and fall feeding periods
• Where: grass lines, shorelines, points, cuts, creek mouths, docks and current breaks
• Best baits: live shrimp, mullet/baitfish when available, cut bait when needed
• Best lures: paddle tails, gold spoons, jerkbaits (slow down in cool water)

Speckled Trout

Speckled trout are a perfect “confidence fish” for many anglers. They commonly feed along grass edges and drop-offs, and they’re a great target for kids and first-timers.

• Best time: year-round; cooler months often reward slower presentations
• Where: grass flats, deeper pockets near flats, drop-offs, protected shorelines
• Best baits: live shrimp under a popping cork
• Best lures: soft plastics and suspending twitch baits with pauses

Flounder

Flounder are ambush predators that sit on bottom and wait for bait to pass by. Around Navarre, they’re often found near sandy edges and areas that funnel bait.

• Best time: seasonal windows; best when bait is moving through passes and funnels
• Where: sand/grass transitions, drop-offs, channels, pass approaches
• Best baits: live minnows/mullet when available; slow jigs along bottom
• Tip: fish slow—most missed bites happen when anglers move too fast

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are famous for stealing bait and living tight to structure. They’re a great “action fish” for families, especially when you want steady bites.

• Best time: strong in cooler months and around structure-focused periods
• Where: bridge pilings, docks, seawalls, barnacle-covered structure
• Best baits: fiddler crabs, shrimp, small crab pieces
• Tip: keep a tight line and set the hook quickly on the first tap

Want the full sheepshead breakdown? Navarre Beach Sheepshead Guide →

Black Drum

Black drum are powerful fish that often hold near structure and deeper edges. They can be extremely consistent when conditions line up, and they’re a great option when you want a steady “bait bite.”

• Best time: year-round, often strong during cooler periods
• Where: bridges, docks, deeper edges with moving water
• Best baits: shrimp and crab baits

Jack Crevalle (Seasonal High-Action)

When jacks show up, it’s game on. They’re fast, aggressive, and a blast on light tackle—perfect when you want “drag-screaming” action.

• Best time: seasonal (often warmer periods)
• Where: around bait schools, open-water edges, passes and tide lanes
• Best approach: cast to surface activity and retrieve with speed

Spanish Mackerel (Seasonal)

Spanish mackerel are a great bonus species and can provide quick action when they’re around. They often show up near passes, bait schools, and occasionally around bridge areas.

• Best time: seasonal (often spring into summer patterns)
• Where: passes, nearshore edges, areas with bait
• Best baits: small baitfish profiles and fast-moving presentations

Pompano (Seasonal)

Pompano are a favorite Gulf Coast species and are often targeted from the beach or near passes. Timing and conditions matter, but when they’re present, the bite can be excellent.

• Best time: seasonal, tied to water temps and bait movement
• Where: surf zones, sandbars, pass approaches
• Best approach: match local bait and fish clean water and moving tide windows

How Seasons Change What You Catch

Navarre fishing is year-round, but the “best” species and patterns shift with water temperature and bait movement. Use this as a simple planning guide:

• Winter: redfish, trout, sheepshead, black drum (predictable structure and deeper edge patterns)
• Spring: transition bites, more shallow opportunities, increased bait activity
• Summer: early/late windows; shade/current patterns; more high-action fish opportunities
• Fall: bait-heavy patterns and aggressive feeding—often very consistent for redfish and trout

Beginner Tips for Catching More Fish in Navarre

• Fish moving water: incoming/outgoing tides often out-produce slack tide.
• Work edges: grass lines, drop-offs, and current seams are high-percentage zones.
• Use live shrimp: it’s one of the most versatile baits in the area.
• Slow down in cool water: longer pauses and slower retrieves get more bites.
• Let conditions pick the plan: wind and clarity decide where to fish—not the calendar.

Plan Your Navarre Trip by Goal

• Kids & first-timers: focus on steady bites (trout, sheepshead, drum) in protected water.
• “Big bite” hunting: target redfish edges and current breaks in the best tide window.
• Variety day: a longer trip allows multiple areas and multiple patterns.

FAQ: Navarre, Florida Fish Species

What fish are most common in Navarre inshore waters?

Redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum are common inshore targets, with seasonal opportunities for jacks and Spanish mackerel.

What is the best bait for inshore fishing in Navarre?

Live shrimp is one of the most versatile baits and can catch redfish, trout, sheepshead, and black drum.

Is Navarre fishing good for beginners and kids?

Yes. Protected water options and steady inshore bites make Navarre a great place for families and first-timers.

Do tides matter for Navarre fishing?

Yes. Moving water (incoming/outgoing tides) often produces more consistent bites than slack tide.

Where can I see your latest local updates?

Check the latest here: Fishing Reports →