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Port guide / Florida Panhandle / Florida
Port St. Joe fishing guide
Port St. Joe sits on St. Joseph Bay, about 73,000 acres of grass flats and clear water sheltered by the Cape San Blas peninsula, so most days you can wade or drift the bay for trout, reds and flounder. The Gulf side of the peninsula is surf water for pompano, whiting and reds, Indian Pass to the east opens toward St. Vincent Island and Apalachicola Bay, and the Gulf County Canal ties the bay to the Intracoastal. Offshore boats run to bottom and reefs for snapper, grouper and kings, with the Mexico Beach reef program just up the coast.
10 ft, conditions now
Conditions now
Live from NOAA and the National Weather Service. Times show in your own time zone.
Today’s bite
A forecast built from live data and the calendar below. Not a catch report.
Working out today from the tides, water and calendar.
Tides
- Loading the next highs and lows from NOAA.
On the water now
- Water
- Checking
- Wind
- Checking
Marine forecast
Loading the National Weather Service forecast.
7 day forecast
National Weather Service, for Port St. Joe. Updates through the day.
- Loading the 7 day forecast.
NOAA tides, Port St. Joe, FL (opens in a new tab) NOAA station Apalachicola, FL (opens in a new tab) NWS 7 day forecast (opens in a new tab) NWS marine forecast, Coastal waters from Mexico Beach to Apalachicola FL out 20 NM (opens in a new tab)
12 ft, the chart
Chart and depths
The official NOAA chart, centered on Port St. Joe. Depths, channels, reefs and markers, live from NOAA.
The NOAA chart loads when you scroll here.
15 ft, fishing reports
Fishing reports
What people are catching, on what, and where. Every report links to whoever wrote it. We do not write these ourselves.
Latest reports
From local captains, shops and outdoor writers. Newest first, last 14 days.
- Checking the latest reports.
Report sources: Bluewater Outriggers Fishing Reports (opens in a new tab) The Apalachicola Times Forgotten Coast Fishing Report (opens in a new tab)
Straight from the dock
Reports sent to us by shops and captains on this guide. We check each one before it posts.
Checking for reports.
20 ft, what is biting
What is biting, month by month
When each fish is at its best around Port St. Joe. This month is marked.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redfish | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good |
| Speckled trout | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Good | Good |
| Flounder | Slow | Slow | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Good | Slow |
| Sheepshead | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Good | Good |
| Black drum | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Good |
| Florida pompano | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Good | Good |
| Spanish mackerel | Slow | Slow | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Slow | Slow |
| Tripletail | Slow | Slow | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Slow |
| Cobia | Slow | Slow | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Slow |
| Red snapper | Slow | Slow | Slow | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Slow |
Redfish
Peak: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
In St. Joseph Bay all year and a regular in the Gulf-side surf of the peninsula; locals wade the bay with a popping cork or a baited jig head.
Speckled trout
Peak: April, May, June, October
Work the bay grass flats such as Eagle Harbor with soft plastics in about three feet of water, and remember harvest is closed in February in the Panhandle region.
Flounder
Peak: May, June, October
Shallow bay spots give them up on live bull minnows in early fall, but harvest closes Oct. 15 through Nov. 30.
Sheepshead
Peak: March, April, May, October
Fish live shrimp on a small circle hook along the Intracoastal Waterway and other hard structure as the water cools.
Black drum
Peak: April, May, June, November
A year-round bay fish that shows up alongside the reds and sheepshead.
Florida pompano
Peak: April, May, June, October
A Gulf-side surf fish at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, along with whiting, sharks and reds.
Spanish mackerel
Peak: May, June, July, August
A warm-water fish here, best from May through August.
Tripletail
Peak: May, June, July, August
A summer target, best May through August.
Cobia
Peak: April, May, June
Best in spring, April through June.
Red snapper
Peak: May, June, July, August
An offshore bottom fish that local charters target along with grouper, kings and amberjack; keep only during the open 2026 days listed below.
30 ft, seasons and rules
Seasons and rules
Open and close dates we could confirm from official sources, plus where to check limits before you keep a fish.
Red snapper, private recreational, Gulf state and federal waters
Summer season May 22 to July 31 daily. Fall season Sept. 1 to Oct. 4 daily, Oct. 9 to 22 daily, then Oct. 23 to 25, Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, Nov. 7 to 8, 14 to 15 and 21 to 22, Nov. 26 to 29, Dec. 5 to 6, 12 to 13 and 19 to 20, Dec. 25 to 27, and Jan. 1 to 4, 2027. Also applies to charter boats without a federal permit fishing Florida Gulf state waters.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Red snapper, federal for-hire (charter boats with a federal reef fish permit)
Opened 12:01 a.m. June 1, 2026 and closed 12:01 a.m. Oct. 26, 2026.
NOAA Fisheries, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Gag grouper, Gulf state and federal waters
Open Sept. 1 to 30, 2026; harvest closed Oct. 1 for the rest of the year.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Red, black and scamp grouper, Gulf
Open year-round in state waters; in federal waters closed Feb. 1 to March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms.
FWC, current Official page (opens in a new tab)
Greater amberjack, Gulf state waters
Open Sept. 1 through Oct. 13 and closed at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 14, matching adjacent federal waters.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Gray triggerfish, Gulf state and federal waters
Open March 1 to May 31 and Aug. 1 to Dec. 31.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Flounder, state and federal waters off Florida
Closed every year Oct. 15 through Nov. 30.
FWC, annual, applies to 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Spotted seatrout, Panhandle Region
Closed in February; open March 1 through Jan. 31.
FWC, annual, applies to 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Snook, Panhandle Region
Harvest closed Dec. 1 through the end of February and May 1 through Aug. 31; a snook permit is required to keep one.
FWC, current Official page (opens in a new tab)
Bay scallops, St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County zone
Closed to harvest for the 2026 season after a summer survey found very low scallop numbers. The zone runs from the Mexico Beach Canal to the west tip of St. Vincent Island. The area stays open for fishing, boating and swimming.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
40 ft, where to fish
Where to fish
- Flats
St. Joseph Bay grass flats
About 73,000 acres of bay habitat where trout, reds and flounder can be caught by boat or by wading with a popping cork or jig.
- Beach
St. Joseph Peninsula surf
The Gulf side of the state park is surf water for pompano, sharks, whiting and redfish.
- Flats
Eagle Harbor flats
Bay flats in about three feet of water that gave up steady trout on soft plastics in October 2026.
- Channel
Intracoastal Waterway and Gulf County Canal
Live shrimp under a sinker produces sheepshead, mangrove snapper, reds and trout along the waterway in fall.
- Pass
Indian Pass
The Indian Pass ramp opens up St. Vincent Island, Indian Pass Lagoon and Apalachicola Bay.
- Pier
Frank Pate Park fishing pier
The city's iconic pier on St. Joseph Bay, next to the main boat launch in the middle of town.
- Reef
Mexico Beach artificial reefs
The Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association has deployed more than 315 reefs off Mexico Beach since 1997.
50 ft, launch and piers
Ramps and piers
Public launches and fishing piers. Fees and hours change, so check the link before you tow.
| Name | Type | Fee | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Pate Park boat launch (opens in a new tab) | Ramp | Paid | US Hwy 98 at US Hwy 71, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 |
| T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park boat launch (opens in a new tab) | Ramp | Check | St. Joseph Peninsula, Cape San Blas, FL |
| Indian Pass Boat Ramp (opens in a new tab) | Ramp | Check | 2850 Indian Pass Road, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 |
| Frank Pate Park fishing pier (opens in a new tab) | Pier | Check | US Hwy 98 at US Hwy 71, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 |
60 ft, bait, tackle and charters
Bait, tackle and charters
Where to get live and fresh bait, tackle and a guide. We are not paid to list anyone here.
Bait and tackle (4)
Showing all 4 shops
- Bait and tackleLive bait
Bluewater Outriggers
Bait: live shrimp
121 W Highway 98, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
Big 13,000 square foot outdoor store on Highway 98 that opens at 6 am ET every day and posts a weekly local fishing report.
- Bait and tackleLive bait
Scallop Cove Bait & Tackle
Bait: live bait, frozen bait, artificial baits
4310 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
Bait and tackle shop and general store on Cape San Blas that also sells fishing licenses, fuel and ice.
- MarinaLive bait
Mexico Beach Marina & Outfitters
Bait: live bait
102 MiraMar Dr, Mexico Beach, FL 32410
About 20 minutes west in Mexico Beach; sells ethanol-free gas, live bait and tackle, with off-season hours from 7 am CT.
- Fuel dock
Captain's Cove Marina
1646 Captain Carl Raffield Way, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
Gas and diesel fuel dock at the mouth of the Gulf County Canal; the marina says Captain Salty Baits are sold onsite.
Live bait comes and goes with the weather and the season. Call before you drive.
Charters and guides
| Charter | Fishing |
|---|---|
| Congo Charters (opens in a new tab) | Inshore and offshore |
| Liquid Addiction Charters (Capt. Taft Taunton) (opens in a new tab) | Inshore and offshore |
| Shallow Seas Charters (Capt. Lee) (opens in a new tab) | Inshore |
| Shore Thang Charters (opens in a new tab) | Inshore |
70 ft, on the calendar
Tournaments and events
Annual events on this water. Dates move, so confirm with the organiser.
MBARA Kingfish Tournament (Mexico Beach) (opens in a new tab)
usually late July
2026: July 24 captains' party, July 25 fishing and weigh-in at the Mexico Beach public boat ramp (30th annual)Florida Seafood Festival (Apalachicola) (opens in a new tab)
early November
2026: November 6 to 7 (63rd annual, Battery Park)
80 ft, asked and answered
Fishing Port St. Joe, asked and answered
Is scallop season open in St. Joseph Bay in 2026?
No. FWC closed the St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County zone for the 2026 season after a summer survey found very low scallop numbers. The bay is still open for fishing, boating and swimming.
What can I catch in St. Joseph Bay?
Speckled trout, redfish and flounder are the bay staples, with sheepshead, black drum and tripletail in their seasons. Many people wade the bay with a popping cork or a baited jig head.
Where can I buy live bait in Port St. Joe?
Bluewater Outriggers on Highway 98 carries live shrimp, and Scallop Cove on Cape San Blas sells live and frozen bait. Mexico Beach Marina, about 20 minutes west, also sells live bait.
Is there a fee to launch at Frank Pate Park?
Yes for visitors. The launch needs a permit: residents get a free annual pass, while out-of-county boaters buy a daily or annual pass.
Can I keep a speckled trout in February?
No. Port St. Joe is in FWC's Panhandle Region, where seatrout harvest is closed in February and open March 1 through Jan. 31.
90 ft, the kit
What we would take to Port St. Joe
Sources for this guide (25), last checked 2026-10-27
- captainscovefl.com/marina-services.cfm (opens in a new tab)
- bluewateroutriggers.com/pages/frontpage (opens in a new tab)
- captainexperiences.com/locations/florida/port-st-joe/seasonality (opens in a new tab)
- cityofportstjoe.com/frank-pate-park.cfm (opens in a new tab)
- franklincounty.news/2026/09/22/hitting-the-limit-fishing-in-carrabelle/ (opens in a new tab)
- franklincounty.news/2026/10/20/cool-weather-can-help-wear-out-the-fish/ (opens in a new tab)
- mbara.org/kingfish-tournament/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/bay-scallops/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/flounder/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/groupers/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snappers/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snook/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/spotted-seatrout/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/news/all-news/gray-triggerfish-0226/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/news/all-news/greater-amberjack-0826/ (opens in a new tab)
- fisheries.noaa.gov/bulletin/noaa-fisheries-announces-2026-gulf-america-red-snapper-recreat (opens in a new tab)
- floridaseafoodfestival.com/ (opens in a new tab)
- floridastateparks.org/learn/fishing-st-joseph (opens in a new tab)
- mexicobeachmarina.com/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitgulf.com/listing/congo-charters/229/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitgulf.com/listing/indian-pass-boat-ramp/136/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitgulf.com/listing/liquid-addiction-charters/19/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitgulf.com/listing/scallop-cove/283/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitgulf.com/listing/shallow-seas-charters/318/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitgulf.com/listing/shore-thang-charters/236/ (opens in a new tab)
100 ft, the seabed
Gear up for Port St. Joe
UPF 50+ fishing shirts, hats and gloves for the Gulf Coast. Free shipping over $100. Ships from Texas, usually within 1 to 2 business days.