Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Perdido Key (Full Guide)

Perdido Key can be amazing any time of the year for fishing but specific times and seasons really can be better. The trick is planning your trip to this fisherman’s dream during the optimum window.

The best times to fish in Perdido Key are in the spring and fall months, particularly March through May and September through November, when a variety of species like Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder are most active.

Month	Perdido Key Fishing Location
January	Big Lagoon State Park – Cast lines for Redfish and Speckled Trout in the calm, sheltered waters.
February	Perdido Bay – Try your luck with Sheepshead and Flounder in the bay’s diverse habitat.
March	Perdido Key State Park Beach – As temperatures rise, the surf is great for Whiting and Pompano.
April	Old River – Fish for Speckled Trout and Redfish amidst the grassy flats.
May	Ono Island Bridge – Enjoy high action for Cobia and King Mackerel near the bridge structure.
June	Artificial Reefs off Perdido Key – Drop lines for Red Snapper and Grouper on the prolific reefs.
July	The Wreck of the USS Massachusetts – Dive and fish for Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack at this historic wreck.
August	Innerarity Point – Spend the hottest month targeting Tarpon and Jack Crevalle.
September	Johnson Beach – As fall begins, try surf fishing for Pompano and Whiting.
October	Intracoastal Waterway – Cast for Redfish and Black Drum in the channel’s waters.
November	Perdido Pass – Fish for Sheepshead and Flounder migrating through the pass.
December	Gulf Beach – Close the year surf fishing for Whiting and Redfish along the shoreline.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Perdido Key. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Freshwater Fishing near Perdido Key

Escambia River (January-March): Chasing Largemouth Bass near the Molino Bridge offers great fishing.

Perdido River (April-June): Catfish abound in the deeper holes of this clear, swift river.

Tensaw River (July-September): Summer brings excellent Crappie fishing near the Gravine Island.

Blackwater River (October-December): Fall is a prime time for Redeye Bass near the Deaton Bridge.

Yellow River (May-July): The warmer months bring good Channel Catfish opportunities near the Milligan area.

Conecuh River (August-October): Fishing for Bowfin near the Brooklyn Bridge is particularly good.

Shoal River (November-January): The colder months mean great Flathead Catfish action near the State Road 85 bridge.

Styx River (February-April): Look for Spotted Bass in the areas with strong current near Steelwood Country Club.

Big Escambia Creek (June-August): Largemouth Bass fishing is good in the slower sections during the summer.

Pine Barren Creek (September-November): This creek offers solid Channel Catfish fishing in the fall.

Holmes Creek (December-February): Winter brings excellent Crappie fishing in the slower sections near Vernon.

Choctawhatchee River (March-May): Springtime is prime for Redhorse Sucker near the Caryville area.

Pea River (June-August): The warmer months are good for Bluegill fishing near the Elba area.

Sepulga River (September-November): The autumn months offer great Largemouth Bass fishing near Brooklyn.

Murder Creek (December-February): Winter is the perfect time for Channel Catfish near Brewton.

Burnt Corn Creek (March-May): Look for good Flathead Catfish action near the Brooklyn area.

Lake Stone (June-August): The summer months are prime for Largemouth Bass and Crappie fishing.

Karick Lake (September-November): Autumn brings excellent opportunities for Bluegill and Redear Sunfish.

Bear Lake (December-February): Winter is great for Largemouth Bass fishing in this beautiful lake.

Hurricane Lake (March-May): This is a perfect time to target Largemouth Bass and Bluegill.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing near Perdido Key

Perdido Key State Park Beach (April-May): Surf fishing here can yield Whiting and Pompano.

Perdido Bay (June-August): During summer, target Redfish and Speckled Trout near the jetties.

Ono Island Bridge (September-November): Excellent spot for King Mackerel and Cobia in the fall.

Old River (December-February): Winter months provide good opportunities for Redfish and Speckled Trout.

The Wreck of the USS Massachusetts (June-August): Summer is prime for Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack.

Artificial Reefs off Perdido Key (May-July): Great spot for Red Snapper and Grouper during the warmer months.

Big Lagoon State Park (April-June): Sheepshead and Flounder love the structure around the park’s piers.

Gulf State Park Pier (March-May): Spring brings Spanish Mackerel and Pompano to these waters.

Alabama Point (June-August): King Mackerel and Cobia are frequently caught here in the summer.

The Pines (September-November): In fall, fish the beach here for Pompano and Redfish.

Cotton Bayou (April-June): This sheltered bayou offers excellent Speckled Trout and Redfish fishing.

Terry Cove (July-September): The cove offers great opportunities for Flounder and Red Snapper in summer.

Robinson Island (October-December): Fall is excellent for Sheepshead and Flounder fishing around this island.

Dixey Bar (January-March): Redfish and Flounder bite well here in the cooler months.

Little Lagoon Pass (April-June): The pass provides excellent spring fishing for Flounder and Redfish.

San Carlos Bay (July-September): The bay offers great Speckled Trout and Redfish action in the summer.

Little Sabine Bay (October-December): In fall, target Speckled Trout and Redfish in this bay.

Johnson’s Beach (January-March): Winter surf fishing can yield Redfish and Whiting.

Bob Sikes Bridge (April-June): This spot is great for Sheepshead and Red Snapper in spring.

Fort Pickens Pier (July-September): The pier provides great summer fishing for Spanish Mackerel and King Mackerel.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Perdido Key

These Perdido Key-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Emerald “C” Fishing Charters	Perdido Key, FL
Lost Bay Charters	Perdido Key, FL
Perdido Key Fishing Charters – II	Pensacola, FL
Gulf Coast Water & Woods Guide Services	Pensacola, FL
Twistedpalms Salty Adventures	Pensacola, FL
Salt Style Guide Service	Pensacola, FL

I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Redfish

If you want to catch redfish near Perdido Key, the best time is during the cooler months from October to December, usually early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Some of the best spots to fish are Perdido Bay, the Old River, and the waters around Ono Island Bridge and Alabama Point.

Speckled Trout

To catch speckled trout near Perdido Key, try fishing during the warm months from April to September, in the early morning or evening when they’re most active. The best places to fish are Perdido Bay, the Old River, and around the Ono Island Bridge. You can also try Cotton Bayou and San Carlos Bay.

Flounder

To catch flounder near Perdido Key, your best bet is to fish in the fall, between September and November, especially during dawn and dusk. Some top spots for flounder are the Big Lagoon State Park, Terry Cove, and the area around the Ono Island Bridge. You can also try your luck at Little Lagoon Pass, another known flounder hotspot.

Whiting

Catching whiting near Perdido Key is a fun activity, and the best time to do it is between March and May, in the early morning or late afternoon. You can find whiting at the Perdido Key State Park Beach and the waters around Johnson’s Beach.

Pompano

Fishing for pompano near Perdido Key is most successful in the spring, from March to May, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Prime spots for these fish are the Perdido Key State Park Beach and Gulf State Park Pier.

King Mackerel

If you’re hoping to catch king mackerel near Perdido Key, the best time to try is during the warmer months, from May to October, and you might have more luck early in the morning. Good spots to find these speedy fish are around the Pensacola Bay Bridge, the Gulf State Park Pier, and the reefs off Orange Beach.

Red Snapper

If you want to catch red snapper near Perdido Key, your best chance is during the summer months of June and July, usually early in the morning. They love to hang out near reefs, so try fishing off the Pensacola Artificial Reef Area, the Orange Beach Artificial Reef Zone, or near the Gulf State Park Pier.

Sheepshead

Fishing for sheepshead near Perdido Key is best during the cooler months, from December to April, especially around midday. Good spots to find these stripey fish include the waters around the Perdido Pass Bridge, the Gulf State Park Pier, and the docks in Orange Beach Marina.

Cobia

For catching cobia near Perdido Key, aim for the warmer months of March and April, usually during the morning hours. Prime spots for these large fish include the waters around Orange Beach and the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. Also, try fishing off the Perdido Pass Bridge, a known cobia hotspot.

Spanish Mackerel

Catching Spanish mackerel near Perdido Key is a blast, and the best time is from late spring to early fall, particularly during the morning. The waters around the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, the Gulf State Park Pier, and the Alabama Point at Perdido Pass are all great places to cast a line.

Grouper

Fishing for grouper near Perdido Key is best during the warm months, from May to September, especially in the morning hours. Your best bet for catching these bottom dwellers is deep sea fishing near the Pensacola Artificial Reef Area, the Orange Beach Artificial Reef Zone, or off the Gulf State Park Pier.

Yellowfin Tuna

If you’re after yellowfin tuna near Perdido Key, your best bet is during the warmer months from June through September, particularly early in the morning. This fish prefers deep offshore waters, so charter a boat to take you to the deep sea fishing spots like the Pensacola Artificial Reef Area or the Orange Beach Artificial Reef Zone.

Bonito

Fishing for bonito near Perdido Key is a real thrill and the best time is during the warmer months, from May to October, preferably in the morning. Try deep sea fishing near the Pensacola Artificial Reef Area or the Orange Beach Artificial Reef Zone, or head out to the deeper waters off the Gulf State Park Pier.

Largemouth Bass

To catch largemouth bass near Perdido Key, your best bet is during the cooler months from late winter to early spring, especially in the morning or late afternoon. Freshwater spots like the Perdido River, Tarkiln Bayou, along with various small lakes and ponds nearby are great to try.

Crappie

Crappie fishing near Perdido Key is great fun, with the best times being early spring and late fall, usually early in the morning or just before sunset. Freshwater locations such as Perdido River, Escambia River, or Tarkiln Bayou are all perfect spots to look for crappie.

Catfish

Catching catfish near Perdido Key is perfect during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall, and they’re most active during night hours. Try your luck in freshwater spots like the Perdido River, Escambia River, or Bayou Marcus for the best results.

Bowfin

The best time to catch bowfin near Perdido Key is during the warmer months, from April to October, and they’re most active in the early morning or late evening. Check out freshwater spots such as the Perdido River, Tarkiln Bayou, and Big Lagoon State Park for a good chance to catch these fish.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Pensacola, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Sarasota, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Nokomis, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Best Fishing in Perdido Key on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

In winter, the Perdido Pass Bridge is a prime spot for catching sheepshead, known for their sharp teeth and tasty white flesh.
The Gulf State Park Pier is a popular location to target redfish, which are known for their powerful fight and distinctive reddish color.
Near the Perdido Key State Park beach, anglers can find flounder, which are flatfish that blend into the sandy bottoms and are great for eating.
The deeper waters of Perdido Bay are ideal for winter speckled trout fishing, with these fish often gathering near submerged structures.
Offshore, the artificial reefs near Perdido Key attract amberjack, which are strong and muscular fish that provide a thrilling challenge for anglers.

Spring

In spring, the Perdido Pass Bridge is a popular spot for catching sheepshead, known for their striped bodies and sharp teeth.
The Gulf State Park Pier is a great place to target Spanish mackerel, fast-swimming fish that put up a good fight.
Around Perdido Key State Park, anglers can find schools of speckled trout, eager to bite on lures or live bait.
The grassy areas and docks near Big Lagoon State Park are ideal for catching redfish, known for their bronze color and strong runs.
Offshore, near the artificial reefs, fishermen can target king mackerel, fast and powerful fish that are a thrill to catch.

Summer

During summer, Perdido Bay becomes an excellent spot for catching speckled trout, especially during dawn and dusk near grassy areas.
The beaches of Perdido Key State Park are teeming with pompano, often seen in the surf during the warmest part of the day.
Big Lagoon State Park’s deeper waters are home to redfish in the summer months; they love hanging around docks and structures.
Offshore near Perdido Key, the sunken wrecks and reefs are abundant with red snapper, a summer favorite among anglers.
Lastly, Old River at Perdido Key is a hotspot for flounder, who favor sandy and muddy bottoms, especially around jetties and bridges.

Fall

In fall, the Perdido Bay is a great spot to catch redfish, especially near the marshy areas and oyster beds.
The Perdido Key State Park beach is perfect for hooking pompano, just remember to look for them in the surf where they like to feed.
Over at the Big Lagoon State Park, speckled trout are a big hit in fall, especially near seagrass beds and docks.
If you’re up for a boat ride, the offshore reefs near Perdido Key are full of grouper, ready for a fight.
Lastly, head to the Old River at Perdido Key for flounder, they love sandy bottoms and you can often find them near the shore.