Migrating Pompano, Trophy Trout, and Early Spanish Mackerel

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya covers a productive spring transition despite rough offshore weather, with pompano showing up in the surf, big trout feeding in the bay, and Spanish mackerel providing a solid option closer to shore. This episode features Blake Hunter with Reel30A and Capt. Blake Nelson of Last Cast Charters. The big theme this week is that spring fishing is taking shape across Northwest Florida, but anglers still need to stay flexible and fish around changing conditions. Joe starts in the surf with Blake Hunter of Reel30A, who says the pompano migration is underway and the next few weeks should offer some of the best beach fishing of the season. He explains how fish are moving in waves along the beach, why live sand fleas are so important right now, and how staying mobile can help anglers find the best concentrations of fish. Next, Joe checks in with Capt. Blake Nelson of Last Cast Charters for an inshore report from the Choctawhatchee Bay area. Blake says the trout bite has been very good, with quality fish over 20 inches and some larger trout showing up. He also reports redfish action and the arrival of Spanish mackerel around bridges, flats, and drop-offs. Blake shares that both live bait and artificials are working, with success often coming down to stealth, long casts, and making the right presentation. Sponsors: Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Admiral Shellfish Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Hilton's Realtime Navigator Deep South Cranes