Florida Panhandle · United States

Apalachicola Bay Florida fishing forecast

61 Good of 100

Apalachicola Bay Florida is a saltwater fishing spot in Florida Panhandle, United States. Anglers here target Mutton Snapper, Dusky Grouper, King Mackerel. The most productive months are typically April, May, June, July, August, September, October.

Quick answer

Best monthsApril, May, June, July

Top speciesMutton Snapper, Dusky Grouper, King Mackerel

Score now61/100

Local rulesFlorida

Today’s verdict

In line with this spot’s 7-day average

Score confidence ±7 points, from 7 live signals

The statistical model disagrees with the physics model here today — treat this score with extra caution.

Helping the score most

Water temperature+25.0Waves+9.0Wind+8.0

Pressure trend

Pressure stable — fish feeding on their usual rhythm

Next solunar peak

major 09:44

Current conditions

Live conditions are temporarily unavailable for this spot (last data Sep 2, 2026). Seasonal and regulation info below is unaffected.

What the score means at Apalachicola Bay Florida

Apalachicola Bay Florida currently scores 61 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 25.5 °C. 7 forecast signals are active in this score.

Water temperature +25.0: how close the water is to this species mix’s comfort band
Waves +9.0: swell energy stirring the water column
Wind +8.0: surface chop, oxygen and bait drift
Chlorophyll +7.8: plankton density — the base of the food chain
Chlorophyll front +3.6: a plankton edge — classic feeding line
Pre-storm bite +3.5: the classic feed before heavy weather

What’s biting now

The model expects today: king-mackerel, mutton-snapper, southern-flounder, red-drum, black-drum, spotted-seatrout, spotted-sea-trout, gulf-flounder

Bite windows

Moon

Waning Gibbous · 72% lit

Solunar day rating

50 / 100

Best months for Apalachicola Bay Florida:

Score history at this spot

9 days tracked at this exact location

Best recent day: 2026-08-01, 71/100

1 day(s) at 70+ in the tracked period

5 points below the same day last week

About this spot

Water type

Sea

Open coastal saltwater — conditions and safety depend heavily on the live wind, wave, and tide forecast, so check them before you head out.

Access & shore

Fishable from shore · offshore-only

What you can catch

Mutton Snapper

Lutjanus analis
Dusky Grouper

Epinephelus marginatus
King Mackerel

Scomberomorus cavalla

Best months by species at Apalachicola Bay Florida

Mutton SnapperLutjanus analis
Dusky GrouperEpinephelus marginatus
King MackerelScomberomorus cavalla

Typical months; local seasons and closures apply.

Local regulations

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

Florida

Species	Bag limit	Min size	Open season
Mutton SnapperFWC recreational saltwater regulations — Snappers; Chapter 68B, F.A.C.	10/day	min 40.6 cm	Jan 1 – Dec 31
In Monroe County (Florida Keys), combined snapper aggregate bag limit may apply.

Licensing:

saltwater-recreational — residents Florida residents 16–64 must purchase a Saltwater Fishing License; $17/yr (short-term rates available)., non-residents Non-residents 16+: $17/3-day, $30/7-day, $47/annual.
saltwater-recreational — residents Federal Recreational Fishing License may be required in addition to state license when fishing federal (EEZ) waters., non-residents Same as residents. Many states require their own license even in federal waters.

FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only. Always verify current rules at myfwc.com before fishing. Seasons and limits change annually.