Boat Safety Essentials, Sea Tow Stories, and Real-Life Rescue Lessons

This week on the Northwest Florida Fishing Report, we’re shifting gears from rods and reels to one of the most important topics on the water—boating safety. Captain Walt Bond joins the show to share critical insights from his decades of experience as a firefighter, dive team member, port safety manager, and now Sea Tow captain in Central New Jersey.

Captain Bond walks us through what it really means to be prepared before leaving the dock—whether you’re trailering a skiff or running offshore in a center console. From essential gear like radios and life jackets to dewatering tools and float plans, this episode dives into the must-haves and the mindset that can save lives. Packed with real-world stories, sharp advice, and a heavy dose of humility, it’s a must-listen for every Gulf Coast boater.

It’s all brought to you whether it’s good, bad, or ugly. Subscribe, rate, and review the show wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to text “NWFFR” to 779-345-2918 to join the email list and score a free AFTCO camo lens cleaner cloth!

It’s all brought to you whether it’s good, bad, or ugly. Please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to text “NWFFR” to 779-345-2918 to get a free AFTCO camo lens cleaner cloth and join our weekly email list!

Important Links:

Sponsors

Fishbites

Dixie Supply and Baker Metal

Killerdock

Test Calibration

Coastal Connection EXP Realty

Great Days Outdoors

Hilton’s Realtime Navigator

Bucks Island Marine

Salts Gone

Snapper drop-offs, tarpon teasers, and kayak red grouper—seasonal strategy from Pensacola to Panama City.

In this week’s episode of the Northwest Florida Fishing Report, Brandon Barton shares what’s working inshore and nearshore around Pensacola. He breaks down early morning trout and redfish tactics on the grass flats, how moon phases and bait presence are shaping the bite, and why topwaters are key this time of year. Brandon also offers a deep dive into tarpon fishing from the kayak, covering everything from bait selection and livewell setup to ideal leader strength, drag pressure, and how to handle a bite when it finally happens.

Captain Adam Peeples of One Shot Charters delivers the offshore report, detailing how the thermocline and clean green water are influencing pelagic movement. He highlights the continued success of the swordfish bite, with several fish over 150 pounds, and shares a wild encounter with the biggest blue marlin he’s ever seen. Adam also gives tips on tuna tactics, bait choices, and using Hilton’s data to find the right temperature breaks and current lines offshore.

Harris Scruggs of Team Aquatic Charters checks in from the Panama City area with a report from both nearshore and offshore waters. He shares where he’s finding red snapper, what bait setups are proving most effective, and how conditions have changed over the past few weeks. Harris also discusses trolling strategies for king mackerel, the role of water clarity, and how to make the most of a short window when the bite turns on.

Whether you’re working the flats at dawn or chasing big game offshore, this episode brings the timely insight and local expertise you need to stay dialed in.

It’s all brought to you whether it’s good, bad, or ugly. Please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to text “NWFFR” to 779-345-2918 to get a free AFTCO camo lens cleaner cloth and join our weekly email list!

Important Links:

Sponsors

Fishbites

Dixie Supply and Baker Metal

Killerdock

Test Calibration

Coastal Connection EXP Realty

Great Days Outdoors

Hilton’s Realtime Navigator

Bucks Island Marine

Salts Gone

Borderland Bites, Gulf Fish Care, and Cooking Tips from Hank Shaw

This week’s episode of the Northwest Florida Fishing Report features a deep dive into culinary and conservation perspectives with award-winning author and outdoorsman Hank Shaw. Fresh off a fishing trip to Santa Rosa Beach, Hank joins the show to talk about his new book Borderlands—a culinary journey through the US-Mexico borderlands packed with wild game and seafood recipes. He also shares expert advice on fish care techniques like bleeding, ikejime, and proper freezing methods to improve flavor and texture, especially for Gulf species like king mackerel, amberjack, and snapper. For anglers who love to cook their catch, this episode is a must-listen.

The Northwest Florida Fishing Report is your best resource for the Destin Fishing Report, Panama City Fishing Report, Pensacola Fishing Report, Navarre Fishing Report, and everywhere in between.

It's all brought to you whether it's good, bad, or ugly. Please Subscribe, Rate, and Review wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to text the word “NWFFR” to 779-345-2918 to get that AFTCO camo lens cleaner cloth and to join our email list for weekly updates!

Important Links:

Sponsors

Fishbites

Dixie Supply and Baker Metal

Killerdock

Test Calibration

Coastal Connection EXP Realty

Great Days Outdoors

Hilton’s Realtime Navigator

Bucks Island Marine

Salts Gone