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Summer Fishing in Navarre: What’s Biting & When

Explore Navarre

Summer in Navarre Beach brings warm water, long days, and plenty of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. While the heat can slow down some species during midday, early mornings, late evenings, and deeper waters come alive with action. From pier fishing for powerful kings to surf casting for pompano and whiting to exploring the Sound for trout and reds, summer offers endless fun on the water.

Here’s your complete guide to summer fishing at Navarre Beach and what’s biting throughout the season.

Why Summer Is a Fun Season for Fishing in Navarre

Summer fishing stands out for several reasons:

  • Warm water temperatures bring in migratory pelagic species
  • Baitfish schools surge along the shore, attracting predators
  • Longer daylight hours provide extended fishing windows
  • Calm morning seas make surf and pier fishing particularly productive
  • Prime opportunities for kayak fishing and early offshore runs

Although mid-day heat slows the bite, sunrise and sunset can be electric.

What’s Biting in June

June kicks off the true summer pattern, offering some of the year’s most exciting fishing around Navarre.

Target Species:

King Mackerel
A top target at the Navarre Pier – fast, powerful, and thrilling.

Spanish Mackerel
Abundant and easy to catch on spoons or plugs.

Pompano
Early June still sees solid pompano action before they taper off.

Redfish
Active in the surf and Sound.

Speckled Trout
Sunrise and after-dark bites are fantastic.

Flounder
Steadily increasing around docks and shallow structure.

Best Places in June:

  • Navarre Beach Fishing Pier (king central)
  • Surf anglers targeting pompano and reds
  • Sound flats for trout
  • Bridge pilings for flounder

What’s Biting in July

July is peak summer – hot temps, bright skies, and lots of fish if you time your outings right.

Target Species:

King Mackerel
Still strong, especially at dawn on the pier.

Spanish Mackerel
Consistent action continues.

Ladyfish & Bluefish
Fun, fast, and acrobatic – great for kids and beginners.

Speckled Trout
Best during low-light hours or night fishing.

Redfish
Good around deeper troughs and structure.

Mangrove Snapper
Common around the pier, bridge, and rock structure.

Best Places in July:

  • Pier for kings, Spanish, snapper, ladyfish
  • Sound for morning trout
  • Surf for reds and whiting
  • Bridge for snapper and flounder

What’s Biting in August

August may be hot, but it’s still full of opportunities especially if you focus on early and late windows.

Target Species:

King Mackerel
Late-summer kings remain active on the pier.

Spanish Mackerel
Strong all month long.

Mangrove Snapper
Excellent around structure – these tasty fish love summer heat.

Speckled Trout
Night fishing becomes extremely productive.

Redfish
Look for deeper pockets and shaded areas.

Tarpon (Occasional Sightings!)
Large tarpon may cruise past the beach or pier during migration. Not guaranteed, but thrilling when it happens.

Best Places in August:

  • Pier for kings, Spanish, snapper, and tarpon sightings
  • Sound docks and bridges for snapper and trout
  • Surf at sunrise for reds and whiting
  • Deeper grass edges for flounder

Best Places to Fish in Navarre During Summer

1. Navarre Beach Fishing Pier

A summer hotspot for:

  • King mackerel
  • Spanish mackerel
  • Mangrove snapper
  • Ladyfish & bluefish
  • Occasional tarpon sightings

2. Surf Along Navarre Beach

Great for:

  • Redfish
  • Whiting
  • Late-season pompano
  • Bluefish
  • Early-morning surprises

3. Santa Rosa Sound

A reliable summer zone thanks to:

  • Cooler nighttime temps
  • Shadow lines under docks
  • Deep pockets holding trout & reds

Ideal for sunrise or evening fishing.

4. Navarre Bridge & Causeway

Excellent for snapper, flounder, sheepshead, and redfish during hot months.

Best Baits & Lures for Summer Fishing

Natural Baits:

  • Live cigar minnows (kings!)
  • Shrimp
  • Sand fleas
  • Cut mullet
  • Live minnows
  • Squid (for snapper & pier species)

Artificial Lures:

  • Got-Cha plugs (king & Spanish)
  • Spoons (especially silver)
  • Soft plastics on jig heads (trout & reds)
  • Pompano jigs
  • Topwater lures at sunrise (explosive trout bites!)

 Summer Fishing Tips for Navarre

  • Go early or go late – mid-day heat slows most species.
  • Watch for bait balls – mackerel, kings, and ladyfish won’t be far.
  • Stay hydrated, it gets hot fast.
  • Use a cast net if targeting live bait near shore.
  • Pay attention to water clarity, Spanish and kings love clean water.
  • Check for afternoon storms, common in summer months.

Summer rewards consistency and timing.

Final Thoughts: Summer Fishing Brings Big Action to Navarre

From the thrill of hooking a king mackerel on the pier to peaceful sunrise trout fishing on the Sound, summer offers a wide range of exciting fishing experiences in Navarre Beach. Warm water, active baitfish, and long fishing windows make it a season full of opportunity for beginners, families, and serious anglers alike.

If you’re visiting Navarre this summer, pack the rods, you’re in for some unforgettable days on the water.

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