The beaches of 30A, Florida aren’t just known for their sugar-white sand and crystal-clear water, they’re also home to some of the most exciting fishing opportunities on the Gulf Coast. Whether you’re casting lines in the back bays, drifting over nearshore reefs, or battling monsters around bridges and wrecks, 30A fishing charters offer anglers a shot at a wide variety of prized species year-round.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top fish to catch along 30A and the best time of year to target them, helping you plan the perfect fishing trip—whether you’re a seasoned angler or booking your first charter.
1. Redfish (Red Drum)
Best Time to Catch: Year-round, with peak activity in fall and winter
Redfish are the local favorite in 30A’s inshore waters, and for good reason. These hard-fighting fish thrive in the marshes, bays, and around dock pilings and bridges. In the fall, bull reds move into the bays and passes, offering anglers a shot at trophy-sized catches that can top 30 pounds.
Look for them tailing in shallow grass flats or stacked up around structure. Live bait like shrimp or pinfish works well, but experienced anglers can cast soft plastics or gold spoons for an awesome artificial bite.
2. Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout)
Best Time to Catch: Spring through early fall
Speckled trout are abundant along 30A’s inshore waters, particularly in the grass flats and sandy drop-offs around Choctawhatchee Bay. They’re fun to catch, tasty on the table, and a favorite for light tackle anglers.
Fish early mornings or evenings for topwater action, especially during warmer months. Soft plastics under popping corks or live shrimp work great all year round and is a favorite of ours.
3. Spanish Mackerel
Best Time to Catch: May through September
Spanish mackerel provide high-speed action and plenty of excitement when they make their annual summertime push through Choctawhatchee Bay. These fish are known for their blistering runs and aggressive strikes on trolled baits, and make great table fare!
4. Jack Crevalle
Best Time to Catch: March through October
When a school of jack crevalle crashes the shallows, it’s pure chaos in the best way. Pound for pound, few fish fight harder, and their explosive topwater strikes and brute strength are unforgettable. Though not commonly kept for eating, jacks are a favorite for anglers chasing raw power and nonstop action in Choctawhatchee Bay.
5. Flounder
Best Time to Catch: Fall and winter
Flounder are a tasty and fun challenge in the back bays and sandy drop-offs near 30A. They’re ambush predators that lie in wait for passing bait, so patience and precision are key.
Tips: Slow-dragging soft plastics, mud minnows, or live finger mullet along the bottom near sandy channels and docks often pays off.
Planning Around Seasons
Fishing along 30A is excellent year-round, but timing your trip around specific migrations or seasonal bites can elevate your experience. Here’s a quick seasonal summary:
- Spring: Peak for Trout, excellent Redfish
- Summer: Great for Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, trout
- Fall: Best time for bull Redfish
- Winter: Steady redfish action and solid trout bites in deeper inshore waters
Book Your 30A Fishing Charter Today
No matter what time of year you visit 30A, there’s always something biting! Whether you’re looking to battle big bull reds in the bay, put the kids on a trip they’ll remember forever, or load the cooler up with delicious fish for the freezer, we know where to go and what to use.
Ready to fish like a local?
Book your next 30A fishing adventure today and experience the Gulf Coast like never before.
