Apalachicola Bay is one of the Gulf’s most productive estuaries—a living engine driven by the freshwater pulse of the Apalachicola River, the Gulf’s tides, and vast mosaics of marsh, oyster bars, grass flats, and passes. That mix of salinity, structure, and current is why our inshore fishery stays strong year-round for redfish (red drum), spotted and sand seatrout, tripletail, flounder, and sheepshead.
Below is a practical, science-minded playbook—built for visiting anglers, families, and die-hards alike—followed by live charts and tables you can use to time your trip.
What drives the bite here?
Tides: Moving water concentrates bait and creates ambush lanes. In general, the first of the rise and a steady fall turn on most species. Slack tides spread bait, and many fish feed less aggressively until the flow returns.
Water temperature: Each species has a comfort band and a narrower “sweet spot.” When temps sit in those sweet spots, metabolism and feeding efficiency jump (see temperature table below).
Salinity & river flow: Higher river discharge lowers bay salinity and can push trout and redfish toward passes and beach-side edges. Lower flow (clearer, saltier water) brings bait deeper into the bay and over grass flats.
Weather & pressure: Stable weather = stable feeding. Rapid frontal passages often slow things down as pressure spikes and winds churn the water. The post-front warming trend is a classic “go now” window.
Light & clarity: Dawn, dusk, and overcast conditions favor topwaters and shallow flats. Bright, calm days are ideal for sight-fishing redfish on skinny flats and tripletail around markers or debris lines.
Species game plans
Redfish (Red Drum)
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Where/when: Edges of marsh drains, oyster bars, windward shorelines, and docks all year; big schools roam bars and beaches in fall.
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Tactics: Weedless soft plastics over grass and potholes, paddle tails and twitchbaits around bars, live shrimp/crabs near structure.
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Science note: Spawning peaks August–October near passes; fall schools push bait hard and feed in surges on moving water.
Spotted & Sand Seatrout
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Where/when: Over turtle-grass and sand potholes, along edges of channels, and over shell. Spring–early summer and again late fall/early winter are prime.
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Tactics: Topwater at first light, then suspending plugs, popping cork + shrimp, or soft plastics on a light jig as the sun climbs.
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Science note: Spotted seatrout spawn April–September (peaks May–August) on/in proximity to grass.
Tripletail
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Where/when: May–September with warm, clear water. They relate to vertical structure and shade—crab-pot buoys, channel markers, flotsam, weedlines.
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Tactics: Sight-fish with a freelined shrimp or small jig; cast past and slide the bait into the shade.
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Science note: Offshore summer spawner; moderate current and bright skies actually help you see them.
Flounder (Gulf & Southern)
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Where/when: Sand/grass transitions, channel edges, and current seams. Spring and fall are best; late fall fish migrate offshore to spawn.
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Tactics: Bounce bucktails or soft-plastic paddles slowly on bottom; think down-tide edges where bait funnels.
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Science note: Offshore spawning November–February; bite often lifts ahead of cool snaps.
Sheepshead
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Where/when: Piling, rock, and oyster structure December–April. They favor clearer water and vertical habitat.
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Tactics: Finesse! Small hooks, fiddler crabs or shrimp, and tight to the structure.
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Science note: Spawning February–April around passes/nearshore reefs; bite often coincides with a healthy incoming tide.
When should I come?
Use the live Monthly Catch Likelihood chart and the Spawning/Peaks and Temperature tables below. They summarize the patterns we see on the Forgotten Coast and how they line up with fish biology. (Every year is a little different—river flow, storms, and cold snaps can slide these windows a bit.)
Reading the water like a local
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Falling tide: Reds and flounder stage on the down-tide side of points, bars, and drains. Trout drift edges and eat pinfish, shrimp, and glass minnows flushed off flats.
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Rising tide: Trout slide back onto grass; topwater gets good again. Sheepshead set up higher on structure.
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Slack: Slow down and go precise—tight to pilings for sheepshead or sight-cast reds and tripletail.
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Wind: A light onshore breeze can help redfish on windward grass. High wind + high river = stained water; switch to louder plugs, darker plastics, or bait.
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After a front: Expect a brief lull with stiff north wind and high pressure; fish midday as temps rebound, and look for clearer leeward water.
Fish with Williamson Outfitters
Whether it’s a family-friendly half day for trout and redfish, a full-day fall redfish mission, or sight-fishing tripletail in summer, we tailor the day to conditions and your crew.
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USCG-licensed captains, local guides
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All tackle, bait, and safety gear provided
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Small group or big group—multiple boats in our fleet
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Great for all ages and experience levels
Call or text: 850-251-8650
Website: www.FloridaDucks.com
"Williamson Outfitters — Making the Forgotten Coast unforgettable!"