Severe seas across the region today, with southeast to south winds of 14–30 mph and waves running 8.7 to 9.8 feet at Navarre Beach, Pensacola Beach and Destin as Tropical Storm Bertha develops in the Gulf. Solunar activity is high and fish are feeding well, but rough water and constant wave action will make finding and staying on fish extremely difficult today. All three beaches are flying double-red flags — the water is closed, and shore fishing itself carries real risk given the sea state.
What's Biting Today
Bonita — Present in the region, but strong wave action and water turbidity make locating and targeting bonita from shore very challenging. Fish are active, but aggressive sea conditions limit reliable opportunities.
Bluefish — Moving through the rough water, though current conditions make connecting with them difficult from accessible casting positions. Heavy wave activity obscures fish location and movement.
Hardtail — Mixed throughout the turbulent water column, but strong current action and elevated wave heights prevent consistent contact from the shore.
Fishing windows today are dominated by the sea state rather than the tide — approach with caution regardless of the time you go out.
Beach-by-Beach Report
Navarre Beach — Bonita, hardtail and bluefish presence is confirmed, but severe wave action and wind-driven conditions make productive fishing from Navarre Beach impractical today. Pier access may be available, but safety concerns are elevated. Contact Navarre Beach Marine Park for current access information and conditions.
Pensacola Beach — Bluefish and hardtail are in the area, though rough seas create extremely challenging conditions for targeting and landing fish. Strong water movement and reduced visibility from wave activity severely impact success. Check with local operators for any advisories or access limitations today.
Destin — Bonita and hardtail are active, but the highest wave heights of the three locations (9.8 ft) make Destin the most challenging environment for fishing today. Strong wind and aggressive wave patterns limit practical opportunities from shore. Verify current pier access and conditions with local facilities.
Tides & Conditions
| Beach | High Tide | Low Tide | Water Temp | Wind | Waves |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navarre Beach | 4:14 AM (1.47 ft) | 4:38 PM (0.20 ft) | 84°F | SE-S 15–30 mph | 8.8 ft |
| Pensacola Beach | 3:18 AM (1.38 ft) | 3:58 PM (0.10 ft) | 83°F | SE-S 14–30 mph | 8.7 ft |
| Destin | 5:31 AM (0.67 ft) | 5:02 PM (0.06 ft) | 84°F | SE-S 15–30 mph | 9.8 ft |
The National Weather Service has placed local coastal areas under a Tropical Storm Watch until further notice due to the development of Tropical Storm Bertha in the Gulf. A High Surf Warning is in effect until July 23 at 6:00 AM CDT, a Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect until July 23 at 10:00 AM CDT (flooding of lots, parks and roads, with only isolated road closures expected), and a Rip Current Statement covers Navarre Beach, Pensacola Beach and Destin until July 24 at 6:00 AM CDT. Building surf is creating life-threatening water conditions. Double-red flags are flying at all three beaches today — the water is closed to the public. If you're fishing from a pier or the shoreline today, stay well back from the water's edge — sea state like this makes wading, wave splash-over and sudden surges genuinely dangerous, not just uncomfortable.