Forgotten Coast Fishing Report: Late October 2025
Fishing along the Forgotten Coast is excellent right now, with cooling water temperatures signaling the peak of the fall bite. Anglers are having great success both inshore and from the surf, primarily targeting robust schools of Redfish and Speckled Trout.
Inshore & Bay Fishing (Apalachicola Bay, St. George Sound, Carrabelle)
The inshore bite is hot, with redfish and trout being the main attractions.
- Redfish & Speckled Trout: These fish are actively feeding on the flats, around oyster bars, and tucked into marshy pockets. Target them in the 2 to 3 foot depth range. Productive baits include gold spoons, soft plastics (like Berkeley Gulp in new penny or white colors) on a jighead, or live shrimp under a popping cork. Early mornings with topwater plugs are also proving effective for some explosive strikes.
- Sheepshead & Black Drum: These species are being caught around bridge pilings and structure. Fiddler crabs or small pieces of shrimp are the go-to baits. Nighttime flounder gigging is also productive, with plenty of sheepshead and black drum being caught in the mix.
Surf & Shore Fishing (St. George Island, Carrabelle Beach)
Surf fishing conditions are good for a variety of species.
- Pompano & Whiting: These fish can be found in the troughs between sandbars. Use sand fleas, Fish Bites, or dead shrimp for the best results.
- Redfish & Flounder: Anglers are catching a mix of redfish and flounder from shore, especially where there are breaks in the sandbars.
- Spanish Mackerel: Mackerel are still around, and silver spoons or other flashy lures resembling greenbacks work well.
Offshore Fishing
Offshore, the action can be hit-or-miss depending on the day and conditions.
- Grouper & Snapper: Anglers are finding grouper and vermillion snapper in 80 to 100 feet of water. Chumming can help bring fish up from deeper water.
- Sharks: Sharks can be a challenge offshore, but using larger dead baits like bonita chunks can be effective.
Pro Tips
Weather: Be prepared for changing conditions. Fall weather can be dynamic, with temperatures shifting quickly.
Check Tides: The movement of the water is key. Always consult a local tide chart before heading out, as fish activity is heavily influenced by the current.
