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Southwind Sunset Fishing | Salty Cedar Charters
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Pensacola
- $450 - $950 price range
Summary
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Evening Catch Highlights
Nothing beats a challenging day on the water
Gulf views and great catches with Captain Clay
All smiles with our catch of the day
The early cast always brings the best bite
Picture-perfect day, picture-worthy catch on board
Gulf gave us exactly what we came for
Tackle tested, patience paid off on this trip
Pensacola mornings always start better with a cast
Hooked on fishing and these peaceful mornings
Big catch, easygoing vibes out on the Gulf
Nothing beats a challenging day on the water
Gulf views and great catches with Captain Clay
All smiles with our catch of the day
The early cast always brings the best bite
Picture-perfect day, picture-worthy catch on board
Gulf gave us exactly what we came for
Tackle tested, patience paid off on this trip
Pensacola mornings always start better with a cast
Hooked on fishing and these peaceful mornings
Big catch, easygoing vibes out on the Gulf
Nothing beats a challenging day on the water
Gulf views and great catches with Captain Clay
All smiles with our catch of the day
The early cast always brings the best bite
Sunset Fishing Bonanza at Southwind
Ready for some evening action on the water? Our Sunset at Southwind Trip is the perfect way to beat the summer heat and still land some impressive catches. We're talking big redfish, flounder, and mangrove snapper – and that's just the start. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the family out for some fun, this trip delivers the goods. And hey, we even throw in a catch guarantee to sweeten the deal!
What to Expect on the Water
As the sun starts to dip, we'll hit the sweet spots around Southwind where the fish are biting. We'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. You might hook into some hard-fighting redfish, sneaky flounder, or tasty mangrove snapper. If conditions are right, we can even extend into the evening to target big trout hanging around the dock lights – it's like a bonus round for night owls! This trip is all about flexibility and maximizing your time on the water. With a 2-person capacity, you'll get plenty of one-on-one guidance to dial in your technique.
Fishing Tactics & Gear
We'll be using a variety of tactics to put you on fish. For live bait fishing, we'll rig up with circle hooks and let those natural offerings do their thing. When it comes to artificials, we'll throw soft plastics, topwaters, and maybe even some flashy spoons to trigger strikes. Don't worry if you're new to any of these methods – I'll walk you through every step. We provide all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to terminal tackle. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two). Oh, and don't forget your camera – the sunset views alone are worth capturing!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a fan favorite for good reason. They put up a fantastic fight, often making powerful runs that'll have your drag singing. In Southwind, we see reds ranging from slot-sized eaters to oversized bulls that'll test your tackle. They love hanging around structure and oyster bars, so we'll target these areas with both live bait and artificial lures. The thump when a big red takes your bait is something you won't forget!
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these spotted predators are a blast to catch on light tackle. They're ambush feeders, often hanging in deeper pockets or around grass flats. During our evening trips, we might luck into some gator trout (the big ones) prowling the dock lights. Their soft mouths make for an exciting fight – you've got to finesse them just right to get them in the boat. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you're looking to take home dinner.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the ninjas of the inshore world. Masters of camouflage, they bury themselves in the sandy bottom waiting to ambush prey. Catching flounder requires a bit of finesse and patience. We'll slow-roll soft plastics or drag live bait along the bottom to entice a bite. When you feel that distinctive 'thump,' it's time to set the hook! Flounder fishing is all about the slow retrieve and paying attention to subtle bites. And let me tell you, a fresh flounder fillet is hard to beat for dinner.
Top Catches This Season
Lately, we've been absolutely crushing it on the redfish. Last week, we had a father-son duo out who both landed personal best reds – the son's fish was pushing 40 inches! The mangrove snapper bite has been hot too, especially around some of the deeper docks. And for those willing to stay out a bit later, the night trout fishing has been phenomenal. We're talking consistent 20+ inch specks inhaling topwater lures. It's the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back trip after trip.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing as the day winds down. The water calms, the sky puts on a show, and the fish often go on a feeding frenzy. It's the perfect recipe for memorable catches and stunning photos. Plus, with our catch guarantee, you know you're in for some rod-bending action. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing or you're an experienced angler chasing that personal best, our Sunset at Southwind Trip delivers. And let's be honest – there's no better way to end a day than with a bent rod and a breeze in your face.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Southwind has to offer? Don't let another sunset pass you by without a line in the water. Remember, we keep our groups small with just 2 guests max, so you'll get plenty of personalized attention and fish-catching opportunities. Whether you're after hard-pulling redfish, crafty trout, or delicious flounder, we've got you covered. And with our catch guarantee, you can book with confidence knowing you'll be into some fish.
Summer evenings are prime time, so slots fill up fast. Give me a call at 850-776-3672 to check availability and get all your questions answered. I'm always happy to chat fishing and help plan the perfect trip for you. Don't miss out on the chance to make some lasting memories (and maybe even catch dinner) on the beautiful waters of Southwind. Book your Sunset at Southwind Trip today and get ready for some serious inshore action!
Learn more about the species
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or specks as we call 'em, are perfect for light tackle. Most run 14-24 inches and a couple pounds, but the big gator trout can top 5 pounds. You'll find them hanging around grass flats, channels, and dock lights. Spring and fall are best, but you can catch 'em year-round. These fish are ambush predators, so work your lures with quick, erratic retrieves. Trout hit hard and make some nice runs, plus they're excellent eating. For a fun night bite, try throwing soft plastics under dock lights - the trout stack up there to feed. Just remember to work your lure higher in the water column than you think - trout often strike upwards.
Redfish
Redfish are a blast to catch and a staple around here. They're usually 20-30 inches long, but can get much bigger offshore. Look for them in shallow water, especially around oyster beds and grass flats. These guys love to cruise the shallows, sometimes with their backs sticking out of the water! They'll hit just about any bait, but topwater lures are my favorite - nothing beats seeing a big red blow up on a plug. Fall is prime time when they school up. Redfish put up a great fight and taste delicious too. If you're sight fishing, try using a weedless jig - it'll help you avoid snagging grass and spooking the fish. Just remember to set the hook hard, those reds have tough mouths!
Southern Flounder
Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators. They're flat as a pancake and can change color to match the bottom - you'll swear that patch of sand just grew eyes! Most are 15-18 inches, but they can get up to 5 pounds or more. Look for them on sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal areas, especially near structure. Fall is prime time as they move offshore to spawn. Flounder fishing takes patience, but it's worth it. They put up a good scrap and are some of the best eating fish out there. Try drifting with a live mullet or bull minnow on a Carolina rig. When you feel that thump, don't set the hook right away - give the flounder time to turn the bait and get it in its mouth. Then hang on!
