Gulf of Mexico Fishing Report: Steady Spring Bite, Warm Temps, and Offshore Opportunities

This is Artificial Lure with your Gulf of Mexico, Florida fishing report for May 14, 2025. Today’s a classic spring morning along the Panhandle and west Florida coast, with sunrise at 6:38 AM and sunset at 8:08 PM. We’re sitting in the sweet spot of the spring bite—water temps are warm, winds have been light, and the bite’s been steady whether you’re wading the flats or running offshore.

Tidal movement today is strong, with a high tide around mid-morning and a decent outgoing pull after lunch, which always fires up the fish in shallows and near structure. Early birds working the higher water have had luck with trout and redfish on the inside flats. Live shrimp under popping corks and Gulp baits have been the ticket for both, especially over oyster bars and grass edges. MirrOlures and paddle tails in natural colors are also producing, especially when worked across sandy potholes and along the mangrove lines.

Along the beach and near the passes, pompano are still running good. Anglers fishing from the sand have been picking them off using Sand Flea Fishbites, fresh shrimp, and Pink E-Z Shrimp, especially at the first sandbar break about 20 feet out. Whiting are tagging along too, and some nice keepers are hitting the coolers[2]. As the sun gets higher, Spanish mackerel have made a strong showing—throw a silver spoon or small Gotcha plug for fast action. Look for bird activity and bait schools, especially on the falling tide.

Offshore, the reports are solid. Grouper season’s off to a strong start—head out to 80-120 foot ledges and drop squid or big pinfish for red grouper and scamp. King mackerel action is steady near the reefs off Port St. Joe and Panama City, with a few cobia sightings mixed in. Troll with drones or slow-troll live cigar minnows for the kings, especially around color changes and weed lines.

Tarpon are beginning to trickle into their summer haunts, especially around Boca Grande and Destin beach troughs. Early morning and late afternoon have been best, with live crabs or big swimbaits taking fish for those willing to put in the time.

For hot spots, check the flats around Apalachicola Bay for quality trout and reds, and the Port St. Joe jetty and St. Andrews Pass for everything from flounder to mackerel. Offshore, try the public reefs just south of Cape San Blas—grouper and snapper are both hungry.

In short, now’s the time to get out. The fish are here, the weather is prime, and the Gulf is alive. Tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water[2][3][4].