Triggerfish Tactics, Summer Pompano, and Deep-Water Gator Trout

In this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya covers triggerfish and natural-bottom fishing out of Destin, a strong August pompano bite along 30A, and deep-water tactics for large speckled trout around Pensacola. This episode features Capt. Adam Schroeder with Ignite the Bite Charters, Blake Hunter with Reel30A, and Capt. Evan Wheeler with Tall Pines Tight Lines and Nervous Bait Company. Capt. Adam Schroeder explains how to target triggerfish around natural bottom and artificial pyramids with small light-wire hooks, two-hook rigs, squid, and sensitive rods. He also covers vermilion snapper, red grouper, mangrove snapper, king mackerel, bait selection, and when to leave an unproductive area for a larger move. Inshore, mangrove snapper, redfish, black drum, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, and bluefish are available around bridges, jetties, and deeper docks. Blake Hunter reports one of the best summer pompano bites Walton County has seen in several years. He recommends scouting beach accesses, checking water clarity, and looking for sharp drop-offs, cuts, troughs, and places where green water quickly turns dark blue. Afternoon fishing has been strongest, while ladyfish, bluefish, hardtails, and occasional redfish are also being caught. Capt. Evan Wheeler wraps up with the Pensacola inshore report, where large trout are holding deeper during the summer heat. He explains how to locate clean water, bait, birds, and current seams, then fish the entire water column. Larger trout have been responding to quarter- and three-eighth-ounce jig heads paired with six-inch soft plastics, while smaller trout, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, and bluefish are feeding higher in the water column. Sponsors: Pike Consulting EMS Endeck PVC Decking Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Admiral Shellfish Sea Tow Coastal Connection EXP Realty - Abaco Orange Beach SlipSki Solutions Deep South Cranes