BOA : Weekly Gulf Coast Fishing Report 4/24 to 4/30

John Bedsole
Apr 24
2 min read

Welcome back to your weekly Gulf Coast fishing report from Bedsole Outdoor Adventures. Late April is delivering classic spring conditions across the Gulf, according to the captains, the bite is firing from Destin to Panama City Beach to Orange Beach. Here’s what to expect this week.

Weather & Conditions

A stable weather window sets up excellent fishing opportunities:

Wind: 6–12 knots most days, lightest in the mornings
Waves: 1–3 ft through the weekend, dropping to 1–2 ft early next week
Water Temp: Climbing into the mid–70s to upper–70s
Clarity: Improving along the beaches with cleaner green water pushing in

Overall: A great week for offshore and nearshore trips, with inshore action strengthening as temperatures rise.

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What’s Biting (4/24–4/30)

Offshore

Mahi-Mahi: Increasing numbers reported across the Gulf as warm water pushes in
Blackfin Tuna: Early morning bite remains strong around rips and temperature breaks
Vermilion Snapper: Steady limits on natural bottom
Scamp Grouper: Reliable in 180–260 ft
King Mackerel: Good numbers nearshore and around buoys

Nearshore

Spanish Mackerel: Excellent action along the beaches
Cobia: Continued sightings off Destin, PCB, and east toward Apalachicola
Pompano: Strong surf bite on sand fleas and shrimp-tipped jigs
Triple Tail: Showing up near buoys and floating structure in the eastern Panhandle

Inshore

Speckled Trout: Hot spring bite across flats and potholes; moving deeper as the day warms
Redfish: Consistent around docks, marsh edges, and bay systems
Flounder: Increasing activity on sandy bottoms and near structure in NW Florida

Special Notices for Anglers

2026 Red Snapper Season Dates

Federal For‑Hire (Charter Boats – Alabama, Destin, PCB)

June 1 – October 26, 2026 (147‑day season)

Alabama Private Anglers

2026 season not yet announced
Expected limits: 2 per person, 16" minimum

Florida Private Anglers (Destin / PCB)

2026 season not yet announced

Other Notices

Greater Amberjack: Closed in federal Gulf waters
Cobia: Verify updated size limits before keeping fish

Upcoming Events

Destin

Destin Cobia Tournament – Ongoing
Spring King Mackerel Shootout – Late April

Panama City Beach

Cobia Run Classic – April 19–27
Bay Point Billfish Open Prep – Teams scouting

Orange Beach / Gulf Shores

Mud Marlin Classic – April 25–26
Outboard Challenge – Ongoing through October

Book Your Fishing Trip

With warming water, calmer seas, and spring migrations in full swing, late April is prime time to get on the water. Charter calendars are filling fast — lock in your trip now and get after the bite.

Click Here to Book Your Fishing Trip