Pensacola Fishing Report – Red Snapper, Vermilion Snapper, Lane Snapper, Red Porgy, Blueline Tilefish, Almaco Jack, Strawberry Hind Grouper & Triggerfish | Week Ending 07/12/2026 – State and Federal Waters
Deep Sea and Offshore Fishing Charter Pensacola
Double D Fishing Charters ran five offshore charters this past week, fishing both state and federal waters out of Pensacola. The weather and sea conditions were all over the place, but when we were able to get offshore and fish the deeper water, the results were strong.
Once again, the 6-hour federal-water charters were the winners for both fish variety and size. On our longer trips, we were able to travel as far as 36 miles from Pensacola Pass and fish depths up to approximately 250 feet. That extra range made a noticeable difference.
The vermilion snapper bite remained reliable, and we also brought in a nice mix of bottom fish, including:
- Red snapper
- Vermilion snapper
- Lane snapper
- Red porgy
- Blueline tilefish
- Strawberry grouper / red hind grouper
- Scamp grouper
- Triggerfish
A pair of blueline tilefish made it into the box, along with four red porgies and four strawberry grouper. A scamp grouper also made an appearance, which is always a welcome sight.
If you are hoping to have a realistic shot at catching grouper, your odds are much better on a federal-water charter. The additional time, distance, and depth give us access to better structure and a wider variety of fish than we can usually reach on shorter state-water trips.
The greater amberjacks did what they do best — pull like mules and give anglers the fight of their lives. We also saw almaco jacks and bonito mixed in during the week.
One nice bonus this week: no sharks and no dolphins causing trouble, so we were lucky there. We also saw sea turtles on three of our offshore runs, which is always a great part of the experience.
The weather was the biggest challenge. On one afternoon trip, conditions looked good early, but the wind came up shortly after we left and turned what had been a nice morning into a wet and uncomfortable ride. We made it a couple miles out, took a look at what was developing, and turned the trip around. That resulted in a free one-hour boat ride for our afternoon customers.
We would much rather have been offshore catching fish with them, but the safe decision is always the right decision. The fish will be there another day, and making those tough calls is disappointing but it means everyone gets another opportunity to drop a line.
For customers trying to decide between trip lengths, this week was another good example of why the 6-hour federal-water trip is often the best fishing value. The longer run gives us more options, better depth, and a better chance at quality fish and variety.
– Captain Paul & Captain Eric
Double D Fishing Charters
Inshore Fishing Charter Pensacola
Nothing to report inshore for the week as we made no trips.
To see pictures of some of our catches, visit our social media pages:
