BlueWater Outriggers Fishing Report 2-28-2026
It feels as if it was just yesterday, I was writing from my office speaking about how things were slowing down and Port St. Joe was turning into that sleepy little small-town ideal one might imagine in a Norman Rockwell painting. Now, as the warmer weather approaches, that feeling is starting to shift in the other direction. While we’re not in full blown tourist season yet, I can sense its rapid approach.
It’s not even eleven o’ clock, and I’ve dished out about all the live shrimp that Bluewater Outriggers received this morning. One customer bought two new Speedmasters and lined them up, getting ready for some trolling. Furthermore, I’ve spent the last week unloading a semi-truck load of new rods we received in order to prepare for the peak season. A change is certainly in the air.
Speaking of change, there has definitely been a change in the species of fish being caught recently. While trout and redfish are certainly in the mix, I’ve noticed the addition of flounder and sheepshead; and the redfish seem to be becoming more plentiful. My friend Phil Fiscella has caught a good number of reds and trout. He’s been focusing on skinny water in the direction of Tyndall Air Force Base, wading in some stretches while using his canoe on others. You can see a nice red he landed in his canoe (above left). Heading in the opposite direction, Captain Chris Lantz of Gettin’ Reel Sportfishing has been putting his clients on gobs of nice sheepshead, reds and flounder. You can see a couple of his very happy customers and their fish (above middle/right).
While we’re on the subject of inshore fishing, there has been a steady bite for those fishing in the surf, both on Mexico Beach and Cape San Blas. The whiting has been plentiful and as I mentioned earlier, I’ve spoken with a good number of customers who are reporting reds in the mix.
When it comes to offshore fishing, there’s not too much to report this week. The wind has blown steadily for the last five days, keeping most people on the dock. The upcoming week looks good for anglers wanting to head offshore as I’ve noticed there will be quite a few days with waves two feet or less. Perhaps Captain Jake Harpe, who has somehow finagled a schedule where his weekends are wide open, will put those days to good use and report back to us what type of fish are biting out there. I don’t know how you did it, Jake, but perhaps that is why you are known as, The Legend. I can assure you that while I’m covering for you tomorrow at work, thinking about you reeling in fish and laughing with your buddies, I will know you by a different name entirely.
Folks, that’s going to wrap it up for this week. With the change that’s coming and the different fish species moving in, you’ll need to prepare accordingly. Come in and see us at Bluewater Outriggers. We have more tackle than you could imagine and we will be more than happy to help in any way we can.
-Jeremiah Beasley