Pensacola State College

College Ambassador: Nicholas Meyer

Species

Redfish: The redfish most commonly is found in Pensacola Bay, as well as the East Bay. They typically stay all year round, but can be harder to catch in the winter.

Speckled Trout: Usually these guys are in the same places as redfish, they typically become extremely abundant in the summer. They may become more limp than a stick when you hook them, but they are super fun to catch.

Black Drum: Quite possibly one of the most powerful and fun fish to bless our local waters. Sometimes reaching into the upper 40s in pounds, these guys can be caught near any structure with even a hint of salt in the water. They’ll make sure you know that you’ve hooked them, so be ready for the awesome fight that follows!

Gator and Spotted Gar: Having one of the most hydrodynamic bodies possible, Gar will surely give you a good fight, even if they’re small. You can find them anywhere in the brackish water of the bays and occasionally in the gulf, as well.

Sheepshead: These absolute beauties are abundant next to any sort of structure. Best to use some fiddlers from the local tackle shop, or some shrimp.

Bass: True meaning is found by the words “you can catch a fish in a puddle in Florida '' thanks to these studs. If there's fresh water, there's probably some bass in it. A true favorite spot is the campus ponds behind some of the satellite campuses of PSC.

Pelagics: Mackerel, tuna, cobia, you name it we’ve got it. Most of the time there's no need to even go offshore, you can catch many of our pelagics from a pier.

Reef Fish: From Snapper to Amberjack, you are guaranteed to catch one of these amazing fish if you go offshore. Okaloosa county is the leading area in number of artificial reefs in all of Florida, promising more fishing holes than you can imagine!

Accessibility

Navarre Fishing Pier: Offering the most variety of fish possible for an inshore spot, you are guaranteed to have a good time. It costs $7 a day for fishing, or you can buy an annual pier pass for about $250. Catch anything from Black Fin Tuna in the winter to Tarpon in the summer. The community is great and loves seeing people who love to fish!

Pensacola Bay: Possibly the best spot in the area if you have a small boat or kayak. Get out on the water to fish flats in the daytime, or find some dock lights at night, and you certainly will find some fish.

Campus Ponds and Streams: Most campuses of PSC have small ponds and creeks that hold some pretty solid bass. The ponds offer a quick fishing break between classes that make all your classmates wonder why you smell like fish.

Community

It’s very hard to find students on campus that like to fish, however if you go to public spots where you know people will be, like the pier, you will definitely make new friends that are worth more than money can buy.

Hangouts/Shops

Emerald Coast Bait And Tackle: This place has everything you’ll need and more. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and can set you up for success. Definitely my top spot for getting lures and bait.

Gulf Breeze Bait And Tackle: A great place for some quick tackle. A bit smaller than Emerald coast, but is jam packed full of gear.

Half Hitch: This is a great first place to look for certain lures or bait, but they’re very limited. Usually if they don’t have it you can find it at the other stores.