Perdido Key Fishing Guide: Where to Go and What to Catch
Perdido Key, Florida is a barrier island located on the Gulf Coast of the Florida Panhandle. It's a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, emerald-green waters, and abundant wildlife. But did you know that Perdido Key is also a world-class fishing destination?
With its diverse marine life and variety of fishing spots, Perdido Key has something to offer anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're looking to catch inshore fish like redfish and trout, or offshore fish like mahi mahi and tuna, you're sure to have success in Perdido Key.
In this guide, we'll share some of the best fishing spots in Perdido Key, as well as tips on what to catch and when. We'll also cover Perdido Key fishing licenses and charters.
Inshore Fishing in Perdido Key
Inshore fishing is a great way to catch a variety of fish in Perdido Key. Some of the most popular inshore fishing spots include:
Big Lagoon: This large saltwater lagoon is home to a variety of fish, including redfish, trout, flounder, and sheepshead.
Perdido Key Bridge: This bridge is a great spot to fish for redfish, trout, and mackerel.
Perdido Pass Jetty: This jetty is a popular spot to fish for mackerel, pompano, and bluefish.
Perdido Bay: This bay is home to a variety of fish, including redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum.
What to Catch Inshore in Perdido Key:
Some of the most popular inshore fish to catch in Perdido Key include:
Redfish: Redfish are a popular game fish known for their hard fights and delicious meat.
Spotted Seatrout: Spotted seatrouts are another popular game fish that are known for their excellent taste.
Flounder: Flounder is a flatfish that is known for their mild flavor and versatility in the kitchen.
Sheepshead: Sheepshead are a unique fish that are known for their sharp teeth and their ability to change color.
Black Drum: Black drums are large fish that are known for their powerful runs and their mild flavor.
Offshore Fishing in Perdido Key
Offshore fishing in Perdido Key can be very rewarding, with anglers having the chance to catch a variety of large fish, including mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo, and billfish.
Some of the most popular offshore fishing spots in Perdido Key include:
The Nipple: This artificial reef is located about 15 miles offshore and is home to a variety of fish, including mahi mahi, tuna, and wahoo.
The Desoto Canyon: This deep-water canyon is located about 40 miles offshore and is home to a variety of large fish, including tuna, marlin, and sailfish.
The Swordfish Banks: These banks are located about 60 miles offshore and are a popular spot to fish for swordfish.
What to Catch Offshore in Perdido Key:
Some of the most popular offshore fish to catch in Perdido Key include:
Mahi Mahi: Mahi mahi are a popular game fish known for their bright colors and delicious meat.
Tuna: Tuna are large, powerful fish that are known for their hard fights and excellent taste.
Wahoo: Wahoo are fast, voracious fish that are known for their delicious meat.
Billfish: Billfish are a diverse group of fish that are known for their long bills and acrobatic jumps.
Perdido Key Fishing Licenses
All anglers fishing in Perdido Key must purchase a Florida saltwater fishing license. A license can be purchased online or at most bait and tackle shops.
In addition to a Florida saltwater fishing license, anglers fishing from a boat must also purchase a Florida vessel registration. A vessel registration can be purchased online or at most bait and tackle shops.
Perdido Key Fishing Charters
If you're new to fishing in Perdido Key, or if you're looking to catch a specific type of fish, consider booking a fishing charter. There are many experienced fishing charters in Perdido Key that can take you to the best fishing spots and help you catch the fish of your dreams.
Here are a few tips for choosing a fishing charter in Perdido Key:
Read reviews online. This is a great way to get feedback from other anglers who have booked fishing charters in Perdido Key.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations. If you know anyone who has fished in Perdido Key, ask them for recommendations for fishing charters.
Consider the type of fish you want to catch. Different fishing charters specialize in different types of fish. If you're looking to catch a specific type of fish, make sure to choose a charter that specializes in that type of fish.
Book your charter in advance. Fishing charters can book up quickly, especially during the peak fishing season. Be sure to book your charter well in advance, especially if you're fishing during the peak season.
Here are a few of the most popular fishing charters in Perdido Key:
Perdido Key Fishing Charters
When booking your fishing charter, be sure to ask about the following:
What type of boat does the charter use?
What type of fishing gear does the charter provide?
What type of fish does the charter specialize in?
What is the price of the charter?
What is the cancellation policy?
Once you've booked your fishing charter, be sure to arrive on time and be prepared to have a great time!
Perdido Key Fishing Tips
Here are a few tips for fishing in Perdido Key:
Fish during the early morning and late afternoon/evening hours. Fish are most active during these times of day.
Fish in areas with moving water. Fish are attracted to moving water, so try fishing near inlets, passes, and reefs.
Use the right bait or lure. The best bait or lure to use will depend on the type of fish you're targeting. Ask a local bait and tackle shop for recommendations.
Be patient. Fishing can be frustrating at times, but it's important to be patient. Keep casting and you'll eventually catch a fish.
Perdido Key Fishing Seasons
The fishing season in Perdido Key varies depending on the type of fish you're targeting. Here is a general overview of the fishing seasons in Perdido Key:
Redfish: Redfish can be caught year-round, but the best time to fish for them is during the spring and fall months.
Spotted Seatrout: Spotted seatrout can also be caught year-round, but the best time to fish for them is during the spring and fall months.
Flounder: Flounder can be caught year-round, but the best time to fish for them is during the fall and winter months.
Sheepshead: Sheepshead can be caught year-round, but the best time to fish for them is during the winter months.
Black Drum: Black drums can be caught year-round, but the best time to fish for them is during the spring and fall months.
Perdido Key Fishing Tournaments
There are a number of fishing tournaments held in Perdido Key throughout the year. These tournaments offer anglers the chance to compete for prizes and cash.
Some of the most popular fishing tournaments in Perdido Key include:
Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo: This tournament is held in June and is one of the largest fishing rodeos in the Gulf Coast region.
Perdido Key Inshore Fishing Tournament: This tournament is held in September and is open to anglers of all skill levels.
Perdido Key Offshore Fishing Tournament: This tournament is held in November and is open to anglers of all skill levels.
After a long day of fishing, you'll need a place to relax and recharge. Wise Getaways offers a variety of vacation rentals in Perdido Key, perfect for anglers of all groups and budgets.
Our vacation rentals are located in convenient locations, close to the beach, restaurants, and shops. We also offer a variety of amenities, including swimming pools, fitness rooms, golf courses, and more.
Book your Perdido Key vacation rental today and experience the best fishing that the Gulf Coast has to offer!
Visit our website or contact us to learn more about our vacation rental homes in Perdido Key.
