Navarre has good inshore fishing all year, but what you catch depends on the season, tide, weather, and where the fish are holding that day. The Santa Rosa Sound, Blackwater Bay, and nearby creek and bayou systems all give fish plenty of places to feed and move around. Redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, black drum, and Jack Crevalle are some of the species anglers run into most often.
On trips with trusted fishing charters in Navarre, FL, the captain usually adjusts the plan based on what is biting instead of forcing one target all day. Some outings focus on redfish or trout, while others turn into a mixed bag with two or three species. That is part of what makes fishing in Navarre fun: the water changes, the bite changes, and every trip can look a little different.
Redfish (Red Drum)
Redfish are the species that define inshore fishing in Navarre. Red drum are present in the Santa Rosa Sound year-round, which makes them the most consistently available target on our inshore fishing charters regardless of the time of year. They feed on shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish across the shallow grass flats, around bridge structures at the Navarre Beach Causeway, and along the edges of bayou mouths and tidal creek mouths.
Spring and fall are the two strongest windows for redfish. In spring, rising water temperatures bring fish up onto the flats and into active feeding mode. In the fall, redfish school in larger numbers, making it easier to find concentrations and work multiple fish from the same area. Summer mornings on the flats can produce well before midday, when heat pushes fish into slightly deeper water. Winter slows them down but does not eliminate them. They hold tight to pilings and dock edges where water temperature stays relatively stable.
For a detailed breakdown of how to target redfish locally, see our guide to catching redfish in Navarre, Florida.
Speckled Trout
Speckled trout are one of the most popular inshore targets on the Panhandle, and the Santa Rosa Sound holds good numbers from late winter through fall. Spring and fall are the peak windows, when water temperatures sit between 60 and 75 degrees, and fish feed aggressively on bait schools across the grass flats.
In summer, trout push into slightly deeper water during the middle of the day to escape the heat. Early morning trips in July and August produce the best trout action before conditions change. Winter brings the largest trout of the year in some cases, with fish concentrating near deeper channel edges during cold fronts. Live shrimp and artificial lures both work well, and topwater plugs on calm, low-light mornings in the fall can be some of the most exciting fishing of the year on the Santa Rosa Sound.
Flounder
Flounder are bottom-oriented ambush predators that hold along grass edges, drop-offs, and the mouths of tidal creeks and passes throughout the year. Fall is the season that produces the best flounder fishing in Navarre. From September through November, flounder stage near the passes and channel edges as they prepare to move offshore for winter. These fish concentrate in predictable locations, and our captains time their approach around this staging behavior.
Live bait worked along the bottom near transition areas produces consistent strikes. Fall flounder trips often deliver a mixed bag, with redfish and speckled trout active in the same areas at the same time. A full look at the inshore species calendar is available in our Navarre, Florida, fish species guide.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are one of the most reliable cold-weather targets in Navarre. They stack on hard structure throughout the year but concentrate heavily on bridge pilings, dock edges, and oyster bars from December through February, providing consistent fishing when other species slow down.
They are notoriously careful biters. Sheepshead pick at bait with precision rather than committing to a run, which means the strike can be subtle and the hookset needs to be quick. Fiddler crabs and shrimp worked tight to structure are the most productive presentations. They are also excellent table fare, which makes them worth targeting during the slower winter months.
Black Drum and Jack Crevalle
Black drum hold on a similar structure to sheepshead and show up regularly as bonus catches on our inshore trips throughout the year. They are strong fish on light tackle and tend to occupy the same bridge pilings, dock structure, and shell bottom areas that sheepshead prefer.
Jack Crevalle are summer visitors that arrive in force from June through August. They are aggressive, fast, and put up a strong fight on light tackle, making them popular with anglers who want consistent action during the slower summer midday periods. They are not typically kept for eating, but the sport they provide is hard to match among inshore species during the summer months.
What to Expect by Season
Each season shifts which species are most productive and where they’re holding in the Santa Rosa Sound and surrounding bay systems. Here is a practical breakdown of what to expect across the full calendar year.
Spring (March through May): Speckled trout peak on the flats. Redfish are active, and sight-fishing conditions are good with clear water. Flounder begin showing as water temperatures climb. Sheepshead are still on structure through early spring. For a closer look at spring conditions specifically, our March fishing guide covers the specific patterns to expect.
Summer (June through August): Redfish stay on the shallow grass flats. Trout move deeper during the midday hours, but are active early morning. Jack Crevalle are common throughout the Sound. Longer daylight hours support extended morning trips and later afternoon outings.
Fall (September through November): The strongest inshore season overall. Flounder stage near the passes. Redfish school in numbers. Speckled trout pick back up as water cools. Mixed bags across multiple species are common on a single trip during this window.
Winter (December through February): Sheepshead peak on structure. Redfish hold tight to pilings and dock edges. Overall pace is slower, but the fishing is still productive for anglers who know where to look.
Ready to Get on the Water?
Our inshore fishing charters run year-round from Navarre Beach, Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, and Fort Walton Beach. Every trip is private, all gear is included, and our captains adjust the target based on what is producing on the day of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most commonly caught fish in Navarre, FL? Redfish and speckled trout are the two most consistently caught inshore species in Navarre. Both are present year-round, with spring and fall being the strongest seasons for each. On most trips, the captain targets whichever of the two is most active based on current conditions.
What fish can you catch in Navarre Beach in the summer? Summer produces redfish on the shallow grass flats, Jack Crevalle throughout the Santa Rosa Sound, and speckled trout on early morning trips before midday heat pushes them deeper. It is one of the most active seasons for overall fish variety, particularly for families who want consistent action.
Is Navarre good for flounder fishing? Yes. Fall is the strongest flounder window in Navarre, from September through November, when fish stage near the passes in predictable concentrations. Our captains specifically target flounder during this period, and fall trips frequently produce a mixed bag that includes redfish and speckled trout as well.
Do I need experience to catch fish on an inshore charter in Navarre? No experience is needed. Our captains coach all skill levels, from kids catching their first fish to experienced anglers chasing specific species. The calm inshore water of the Santa Rosa Sound keeps the experience comfortable and manageable for everyone on the boat.
What is the best month to fish in Navarre, FL? October and November offer the strongest overall inshore action, with flounder, redfish, and speckled trout all active at the same time. Spring runs a close second for diversity and sight-fishing quality. Both windows consistently produce the most varied and active fishing of the year.
Can I keep the fish I catch on a charter? Yes, within Florida regulations. Fish cleaning and bagging are included at the dock at the end of your trip on applicable charters, so your catch is ready to cook when you get back to your rental house.
What bait is used on inshore charters in Navarre? Live shrimp is the primary bait and works year-round across most inshore species. Our captains also use species-specific live bait and artificial lures based on conditions and what the fish are responding to. All bait is included with every charter.
Ready to Plan Your Emerald Coast Fishing Trip?
Whether you’re visiting Navarre Beach, Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, or Fort Walton Beach, Showintail Inshore Charters makes it easy to enjoy a private day on the water with experienced local guides. From kid-friendly fishing trips to half-day inshore charters, every trip is built around your group, your comfort level, and the best fishing conditions of the day.
Bring your family, your friends, or your first-time anglers. Showintail provides the rods, reels, tackle, bait, fishing licenses, and local know-how so you can simply show up ready to fish.
Have questions or need help choosing the right charter? Contact Showintail Inshore Charters today and let their team help you plan the perfect trip.
Book your fishing charter online or call/text (850) 582-3474 to get started.
Email: showintailcharters@gmail.com
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