Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Niceville, FL (Full Guide)
Niceville offers some of the best fishing in Florida. Knowing the best times and seasons to fish waters near Niceville will greatly increase your fishing success.
The best times to fish near Niceville are from May to October for amberjack, black drum, cobia, gray triggerfish, flounder, jack crevalle, king mackerel, mahi-mahi, redfish, red snapper, Spanish mackerel, spotted seatrout, and tarpon.
This area is known for its productive fishing spots. Anglers interested in freshwater can go fishing in the rivers. Brackish estuaries, expansive grass flats, reefs as well as wrecks hide an abundance of fish.
Best Time to Fish in Niceville
Niceville is known as a year-round fishing destination. However, professional anglers usually try to get the most out of their fishing trip in Niceville. That’s why they usually prefer to go fishing in the region when the chances to catch their favorite fish species are high. So, plan a fishing trip in the area with the bite times in mind.
It’s worth noting that fishing in Niceville is more productive during warm months and less productive during the cold months. The weather is getting warmer and the water heats up in the early spring. As a result, many species get active and fishing is getting better. On the other hand, water cools down in the fall and that’s why fishing in Niceville is becoming less productive.
The vast majority of fish species are active in the local waters between May and October. So, the best Niceville fishing season starts in the late spring and ends in the late fall.
To learn the best times to fish in Destin, check out this helpful guide.
Niceville Species Breakdown: Best Time
Amberjack
Amberjack is active in the waters near Niceville throughout the year. The late spring is the best time of the year to target amberjack in the region. Amberjack bites well in the early morning or in the evening. Destin is the right place to target amberjack.
Cobia
The cobia fishing season in Niceville starts in March and ends in December. The best months to target cobia in the region are April and between September and October. Cobia feeds actively in the middle of the day. Shalimar is one of the best places to catch cobia.
Gray Triggerfish
The season to catch gray triggerfish in Niceville starts in the early spring and ends in the early fall. The best times of the year to fish for gray triggerfish in the region are between April and May and in August. Gray triggerfish feeds during the day. It’s possible to catch gray triggerfish on Fort Walton Beach.
Jack Crevalle
The jack crevalle peak fishing season in Niceville starts in the late spring and ends in the early fall. Jack crevalle feeds in the daytime. Jack crevalle can be found near Okaloosa Island.
King Mackerel
The king mackerel fishing season in Niceville starts in the early spring and ends in the late fall. The best time of the year to target king mackerel in the region is between May and October. King mackerel bites well at dawn and at dusk. Anglers can catch king mackerel successfully in the waters near Destin.
Red Snapper
Red snapper fishing is best in Niceville between May and July and between September and October. Red snapper is active in the morning and in the evening. It’s a good idea to target red snapper in the waters near Okaloosa Island.
Redfish
Anglers can target redfish in the waters near Niceville throughout the year. Redfish bite well in the morning and in the afternoon. It’s possible to catch redfish on Santa Rosa Beach.
Sailfish
The best time of the year to catch sailfish in Niceville is between September and October. Sailfish feed actively in the early morning. Sailfish can be found in the waters near Destin.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel fishing in Niceville is good between March and October. The best times of the year to fish Spanish mackerel in the region are April and May and between September and October. Spanish mackerel bites well early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Okaloosa Island is the right place to target Spanish mackerel.
Spotted Seatrout
Spotted seatrout fishing in Niceville is excellent year-round. So, it’s possible to go fishing for spotted seatrout in the region at any time of the year. Spotted seatrout bites well in the morning or late at night. Spotted seatrout can be found in the waters near Destin.
Recommended Fishing Guides/Charters in Niceville
These Niceville-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a great service. 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 |
| Farrell Fish Co. | Niceville, FL |
| High Flying Saltwater Charters | Niceville, FL |
| Broke Tip Charter | Niceville, FL |
| Southern Charm Fishing Charters | Niceville, FL |
| Just Add Water Charters | Niceville, FL |
| Reel Runners | Niceville, FL |
| Aquadoc Outdoor Adventures | Niceville, FL |
| Salty Noceans Charters | Niceville, FL |
| L4K Charters | Niceville, FL |
| Garibaldi Inshore Fishing | Niceville, FL |
| Flat Attack Charters | Niceville, FL |
| Strike Hunter Adventures | Niceville, 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.
Best Seasons to Book a Niceville Charter
Fishing in Niceville is possible throughout the year. However, different fish species are active in the local waters at different times of the year. Now, we’ll give you insights into fishing in Niceville during the different seasons of the year and explain what anglers can expect to catch in the region in spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Spring
Spring means the beginning of the fishing season in Niceville. The water heats up and that’s the reason why the activity of fish increases. Fishing in the early spring is less productive compared to fishing in the late spring.
Amberjack, black drum, cobia, gray triggerfish, mako shark, vermilion snapper, spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, red grouper, jack crevalle, king mackerel, red snapper, redfish as well as wahoo are the main fish species you can catch in Niceville during the spring months.
Summer
Fishing in Niceville is best during the summer months. The weather is warm and that’s why many fish species are active in the local waters.
Summer is the perfect time of the year to target such species as barracuda, black drum, blue marlin, mahi-mahi, gag grouper, gray triggerfish, red grouper, jack crevalle, king mackerel, redfish, red snapper, vermilion snapper, spotted seatrout, tarpon, blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo.
Fall
The peak fishing season continues and many species are still active in the waters near Niceville in the early fall. However, the waters cool down and many fish species get inactive in the area in the late fall.
In fall, it’s possible to catch barracuda, black drum, blue marlin, cobia, mahi-mahi, gag grouper, red grouper, jack crevalle, king mackerel, redfish, sailfish, red snapper, vermilion snapper, Spanish mackerel, spotted seatrout, tarpon, blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo.
Winter
Winter is not the best time of the year to go fishing in Niceville. Nevertheless, it’s still possible to fish in Niceville during the winter months. Fishing in the region is better in the early winter.
During the winter months, anglers can catch bonito, flounder, gag grouper, red grouper, redfish, sheepshead, vermilion snapper as well as spotted seatrout.
Best Time of Day to Fish Niceville
It’s incredibly important for anglers to go fishing in Niceville at the right time of day. The best time of day to fish in Niceville depends a lot on the fish species that you are targeting and the season of the year.
Anglers should always study the bite times of their favorite fish species in advance. It would be great to go fishing in the region when these species feed actively.
In summer, the vast majority of fish species bite in the early morning and in the evening. Waters cool down and that’s why fish begin to feed actively during the morning and evening hours.
On the other hand, the afternoon is the best time of day to fish in Niceville in the spring, fall, and winter. The water heats up and many species get active during afternoon hours.
Niceville Fishing & Tidal Impacts
Tides affect fishing in Niceville. Understanding the local tides help anglers get more fish during their fishing trips. Anglers need to know what are the best tides and the worst tides to go fishing and how the top targeted fish species in Niceville react to tides. But most importantly, fishermen have to study the tide times for Niceville and pick the best tide time to fish in the region.
It’s not recommended to fish in Niceville during times of high and low tides. It’s important to know that there is no movement of the water when water levels reach the highest and lowest points. That’s why many fish species stay inactive and don’t bite during these hours.
On the other hand, it makes a lot of sense to fish in the waters of Niceville before and after the high tide and low tide. Water moves during incoming tides and outgoing tides. Water movement increases the activity of fish. That’s why anglers get great results during incoming and outgoing tides.
Storms & Niceville Fishing
Fishing in Niceville can be affected by storms and rainstorms. Anglers can go fishing before and after storms. Fishing during storms and rainstorms should be avoided for safety reasons. It’s crucial for anglers to know how storms impact fishing in the region.
It’s a good idea to go fishing in Niceville before a storm. It’s worth noting that approaching storms as well as rainstorms stimulate fish to feed. As a result, great opportunities for fishing in the region are created.
Fishing after storms can be very productive. Barometric pressure changes and fish get active after a storm. When a storm ends, fish begin to search for food actively. So, anglers find it easy to catch it.
Fishing charters in Niceville are canceled if there are signs of bad weather. Stormy weather poses risk to anglers. It’s also important to note that fish move to deeper areas and don’t bite during storms.
Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Niceville?
Fishing in Niceville is good year-round. Traditionally, fishing during the warmer months is better compared to fishing during the colder months. Fish stay inactive and the demand for fishing is low in winter.
However, anglers can still go fishing in Niceville during the winter months despite the colder weather. Niceville fishing is more productive in the early winter compared to fishing in the later winter.
In December, anglers can catch such species as bonito, flounder, gag grouper, red grouper, redfish, sheepshead, vermilion snapper, and spotted seatrout. In January – February, it’s possible to target such species as bonito, redfish as well as spotted seatrout.
Night Fishing in Niceville
Some anglers choose to fish under the cover of darkness in Niceville. It’s a good idea to fish in Niceville at night during the hot summer months. Night fishing is comfortable. Anglers can avoid heat as well as sunburns when fishing in the area during night hours.
Grass Lake is a good place for night fishing near Niceville. When fishing on the lake at night, anglers can catch such species as bream, carp, catfish as well as walleye.
Fort Walton Beach and Choctawhatchee Bay are other good fishing spots that have gained popularity among those anglers, who prefer to fish in the local waters during night hours.
Night fishing in Niceville can be very productive. When fishing in the waters near Niceville at night, anglers can catch such species as black drum, flounder, tarpon, redfish, spotted seatrout as well as groupers and snappers.
Top Fishing Spots near Niceville
Destin
Destin is a fishing village that gained huge popularity among anglers all over the world. Destine charters will provide you with a fishing trip that you’ll never forget. Anglers can experience fishing in shallow inshore waters, nearshore waters, and in deep waters. It’s the perfect place to try such fishing techniques as bottom fishing, trolling, and deep-sea fishing.
The rich waters of Destin impress anglers with their fish diversity. Fishing in Destin is good between May and October. The main targets include amberjack, cobia, flounder, groupers, mako sharks, marlin, mahi-mahi, mackerel, jack crevalle, red snapper, tarpon, sailfish, sheepshead as well as tuna, and wahoo.
Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach is a year-round fishing destination that attracts so many anglers. The beach provides fishermen with easy access to the hottest fishing grounds. It makes sense to fish in inshore bays and on the nearshore reefs. Anglers can also go fishing in the deep waters of the Gulf. Fishing in the region is best between May and September.
Fort Walton Beach allows fishermen to target a great variety of species. The catches include amberjack, barracuda, black drum, bonito, cobia, jack crevalle, gag grouper, gray triggerfish, kingfish, mahi-mahi, marlin, flounder, red snapper, redfish, tuna, sailfish, sheepshead, spotted seatrout, swordfish, and wahoo.
Okaloosa Island
Okaloosa Island is a good destination for family fishing, beginners, and experienced anglers. Inshore and offshore fishing trips are available in the region. The local captains will help you explore the best fishing spots around the island. Reefs and wrecks provide the best fishing opportunities. Okaloosa Island fishing is productive between May and September.
Among the top fishing species that anglers can target in the waters near Okaloosa Island are amberjack, barracuda, black drum, cobia, king mackerel, flounder, red snapper, redfish, gag grouper, sailfish, vermilion snapper, gray triggerfish, Spanish mackerel, tarpon, sheepshead, tuna, wahoo, and others.
Santa Rosa Beach
There is a high demand for fishing charters available on Santa Rosa Beach. The local captains are always happy to help anglers discover what the waters around the beach have to offer. Santa Rosa Beach is best known for its inshore fishing grounds. It’s also possible to go fishing in deep waters.
The reefs in the area attract plenty of fish. Fishing in the region is best between May and June. Santa Rosa Beach is home to such species as amberjack, black drum, cobia, gag grouper, ladyfish, mackerel, mahi-mahi, redfish, spotted seatrout, sheepshead, tarpon, blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo.
Shalimar
Shalimar provides anglers with great fishing opportunities. Here, it’s possible to fish on grassy beds and shallow flats. Those anglers, who visit the town, usually decide to try fishing on the Shalimar Bridge. The bridge is popular among local anglers as well.
Fishing in Shalimar is possible throughout the year. However, the best time of the year to fish in the region is between July and September. Shalimar is home to many fish species such as cobia, gag grouper, gray grouper, flounder, jack crevalle, king mackerel, mahi-mahi, vermilion snapper, red snapper, redfish, sheepshead, spotted seatrout, and Spanish mackerel.
Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons
Niceville is a popular fishing destination among those anglers, who give preference to charter fishing. It’s important to note that the destination attracts so many shore anglers as well.
Niceville offers excellent surf fishing opportunities. It’s possible to fish from shore in the region throughout the year. Shore anglers fish from docks, beaches, and piers. Among the most popular fishing piers near Niceville are Bob Sikes Fishing Pier, Valparaiso Fishing Pier, Okaloosa Island Pier, Baytowne Wharf Fishing Pier, Destin East Jetty, HB Pier, Fort Pickens Fishing Pier, Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, Russell-Fields Pier, M.B. Miller County Pier and others.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Shalimar, check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Port Charlotte, check out this helpful guide.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Venice, check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Nokomis, check out this helpful guide.
