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Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing in Pensacola
- Published Date: December 5, 2025
- Fishing
- Pensacola
- $350 - $750 price range
- Updated Date: December 5, 2025
Summary
Captain Quintarius Simpkins offers a laid-back, full-day fishing trip in Pensacola that's perfect for beginners. Over 8 hours, you'll explore calm inshore waters and learn the ropes of angling at a comfortable pace. Captain Q provides hands-on guidance, teaching you helpful techniques as you target fish like redfish, sheepshead, gag grouper, and snapper. The trip is all about building your skills and confidence on the water, whether you're casting a line for the first time or looking to improve your technique. With a small group size of just 3 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and have time to practice what you learn. It's a great way to spend a day on the Gulf Coast, soaking up some sun and hopefully reeling in a few good catches. By the end of the trip, you'll have a solid foundation in inshore fishing and some fun memories of your time out on Pensacola Bay.
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Pensacola Bay Catches
Full Day Fishing Fun for Beginners in Pensacola
Ready to wet a line but don't know where to start? Captain Quintarius Simpkins has got you covered with this laid-back, full-day trip perfect for first-timers and casual anglers. You'll spend 8 hours cruising the calm waters around Pensacola, learning the ropes and hopefully landing some fish along the way. No need to stress about gear or knowhow - Captain Q provides everything you need and breaks it all down step-by-step. Whether you're looking to finally learn how to fish or just want a chill day on the water, this trip hits the spot.
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're out on the placid waters of Pensacola Bay, the sun warming your face as you watch your line. Captain Q's at the helm, pointing out good spots and showing you how to work your rod. There's no rush here - the pace is easy-going, giving you plenty of time to get comfortable. You might hit a few different areas throughout the day, from grass flats to deeper holes, wherever the fish are biting. And when you do hook up, get ready for some excitement! There's nothing quite like the feeling of reeling in your first redfish or sheepshead.
Fishing 101: Gear and Techniques
Don't sweat it if you've never held a fishing rod before - Captain Q's got your back. He'll set you up with all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. You'll likely be using light to medium spinning gear, perfect for inshore fishing. As for techniques, get ready to learn the basics of casting, setting the hook, and reeling in your catch. Depending on what's biting, you might try bottom fishing for grouper, using live bait for snapper, or sight casting to redfish in the shallows. Captain Q's a pro at breaking it all down so even total newbies can get the hang of it.
Top Catches This Season
Pensacola's waters are teeming with a variety of fish, and what you're likely to catch can change with the seasons. Here's a rundown of some of the prime targets you might be reeling in:
Red Snapper: These tasty bottom-dwellers are a Gulf Coast favorite. They put up a good fight and make for some excellent eating. Red snapper season is strictly regulated, but when it's open, it's game on. These fish love structure, so you'll often find them around reefs and wrecks.
Gag Grouper: Another delicious bottom fish, gag grouper are known for their strong pulls and tendency to dive for cover when hooked. They can grow pretty big, with some topping 50 pounds. Catching one of these bad boys is always a thrill, especially for beginners.
Goliath Grouper: True to their name, these giants can reach sizes over 500 pounds! While they're protected and must be released, hooking into one is an unforgettable experience. It's like trying to reel in a Volkswagen - a real test of strength and patience.
Sheepshead: Don't let their funny-looking teeth fool you - these striped fish are clever and make for a fun catch. They're notorious bait-stealers, so feeling their subtle bites and setting the hook takes some practice. But when you get it right, you're in for some great eating.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They put up a great fight, often making strong runs and tail-walking across the surface. Sight-fishing for reds in shallow water is incredibly exciting, even for seasoned anglers.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Fishing with Captain Q isn't just about catching fish - it's about having a good time on the water. His easy-going nature and patient teaching style make the trip enjoyable for everyone, regardless of skill level. You'll learn a ton without feeling overwhelmed, and probably have a few laughs along the way. Plus, Pensacola's diverse fishery means there's always something biting. Whether you're battling a big grouper or finessing a sheepshead, each trip brings new challenges and experiences. And let's not forget the views - from dolphins playing in the wake to osprey diving for their dinner, there's always something to see out on the bay.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you've been thinking about giving fishing a try, or just want a relaxed day on the water with a chance to catch some fish, this trip's got your name on it. Captain Q's knowledge, combined with Pensacola's fantastic inshore fishing, makes for an experience you won't forget. You'll come away with new skills, maybe a few fish for dinner, and definitely some great memories. So why wait? Grab a couple friends (the boat can take up to 3 guests) and book your trip with Southern Strike LLC. Who knows - you might just get hooked on fishing yourself!
Learn more about the species
Gag Grouper
Gag grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers that'll test your skills and tackle. These olive-brown fish with wavy markings can grow over 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 5-15 pound range. You'll find gags lurking near reefs, wrecks, and rocky ledges in waters 60-250 feet deep. They really turn on in cooler months as they move closer to shore to spawn. Gags are known for their powerful first run - be ready to put your back into it when one hits. Live bait like pinfish or mullet works great, but they'll also crush jigs and plugs. My tip: when you feel that thump, reel fast and lift to set the hook before they can dive back into the rocks. Gags make excellent eating too, with firm white flesh that's great on the grill. Just watch out for those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Goliath Grouper
Goliath grouper live up to their name - these massive fish can grow over 8 feet long and 800 pounds. You'll spot them around reefs, wrecks, and bridges in relatively shallow waters under 150 feet. Goliaths are catch-and-release only these days, but hooking one is an experience you won't forget. They're ambush predators with huge mouths that can inhale fish whole. When targeting them, use heavy tackle and big live baits like jacks or ladyfish. Be ready for an intense but short fight - that first run can nearly pull you overboard. My tip is to keep the fish away from structure or it'll break you off quick. While we can't keep goliaths, it's amazing to see these gentle giants up close before a careful release. Just remember, no removing them from the water - snap a quick photo and let 'em swim away.
Red Snapper
Red snapper are prized catches in Pensacola, known for their tasty white meat and strong fighting ability. You'll find these beauties hanging around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in waters 30 to 620 feet deep. Most snapper we catch run 1-2 feet long and under 10 pounds, but big ones can hit 35 pounds or more. Spring through fall is prime time, with spawning peaks in summer. Snapper put up a great fight and make excellent table fare, so they're always a hit with guests. When targeting them, I like to use cigar minnows or squid on a heavy duty bottom rig. The key is getting your bait down deep near structure, then be ready for that telltale thump. Set the hook hard and start reeling - these fish will try to dive back to cover fast. With some luck, you'll be adding a delicious red snapper to the cooler.
Redfish
Redfish are one of our most popular inshore targets here in Pensacola. These copper-colored beauties with the trademark black spot near the tail are found in shallow bays, grass flats, and around oyster bars. Most reds we catch run 3-10 pounds, but big bull reds over 20 pounds aren't uncommon. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Redfish put up a great fight, often making long runs and bulldogging near the bottom. They'll hit a variety of lures and baits - I like using live shrimp or cut mullet. My go-to trick is working a gold spoon slowly across a grass flat. When you see that telltale wake, get ready for an explosive strike. Reds are also excellent eating, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Just check the regulations, as slot limits apply.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are quirky-looking fish with human-like teeth and black stripes that earned them the nickname "convict fish." You'll find them around docks, bridges, and reefs, usually in 5-15 feet of water. Most run 1-5 pounds, but big ones can hit 20 pounds. Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead time as they gather to spawn. These fish are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hook-set. I like using fiddler crabs or oysters on a small hook. My top tip: when you feel that telltale nibble, wait a second before setting the hook hard. Sheepshead put up a good scrap for their size and make excellent eating. The mild, sweet meat is delicious, but cleaning them can be tricky with their tough scales. Still, they're a fun target that'll keep you on your toes.
About the 1990 Triumph Center Console
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Johnson
Maximum Cruising Speed: 37
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90
Captain Quintarius Simpkins invites you aboard for a laid-back, full-day fishing adventure in Pensacola's calm inshore waters. Perfect for newcomers to angling, this 8-hour trip offers a relaxed pace and hands-on guidance. You'll cruise to productive spots around the bay, targeting a variety of fish like redfish, sheepshead, gag grouper, and snapper. Captain Q's patient instruction and helpful tips make this an ideal outing for those looking to learn or improve their fishing skills. With room for up to three guests, it's a great opportunity to spend quality time on the water while soaking in the beauty of the Gulf Coast. Whether you're casting a line for the first time or simply want a low-key day of fishing, this trip provides a comfortable and educational experience for all skill levels.
