A group displaying their red snapper haul caught with Can’t Quit Fishin’ charters
Anglers in Our Midst Local Charter Fishing Options Abound By Emily Echevarria Pensacola’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico offers plentiful opportunities for seaside recreation, from splashing on the beach to paddleboarding along the shoreline. Venturing a little farther beyond the crashing waves opens yet another world of water recreation, along with a seafood feast to commemorate the journey. For those that crave the unique experience of harvesting the fruits of the sea, the local charter fishing offerings have all the knowledge and equipment necessary so guests can focus on the fishing and fun.
Anglers looking to bring home some fresh catch have many options along the Gulf Coast, and types of charters vary. There are bigger “head boats” or “party boats,” larger vessels that can take out multiple groups and often have amenities like air conditioning, bathrooms and even bunks where guests can lie down during a longer trip offshore or for overnight trips. Smaller vessels are great for private groups, usually around six people, where a captain and possibly a deckhand can offer a little more personal attention to each angler. On either type of trip, captains take care of all the necessary equipment and share their knowledge of the local waterways and what’s biting.
Early summer on the water is ruled by red snapper. This year’s season runs June 4 to July 28 and brings anglers from all around to the Gulf Coast, which is known as the “Red Snapper Capital of the World” (though whether Pensacola or Orange Beach currently deserve to hold the title is up for debate among area captains). “You can catch red snapper up here in the bay by the Three Mile Bridge,” local charter captain James Pfeiffer said. “They’re pretty bountiful and [with] the regulations they’ve put on them for the last several years, they’ve gotten more plentiful, so they’re pretty abundant everywhere you go.” JULY '21
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