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Choctawhatchee Bay

Walton County, Florida. Choctawhatchee Bay ends in Miramar Beach, Florida. 196496274.59 miles (316230198.37 sq kilometers)

About The Choctawhatchee Bay

About Choctawhatchee Bay, FL

Situated in the Emerald Coast region of the Florida Panhandle, the Choctawhatchee Bay is located between Okaloosa and Walton Counties. The bay has a surface area of 129 square miles and serves as an inlet to the Gulf of Mexico through the East Pass. The Pass, also known as Destin Pass, is the only outlet within the bay that flows directly to the gulf. Aside from this, the Choctawhatchee River also flows into the bay alongside other smaller streams and rivers. Choctawhatchee Bay also connects to the Santa Rosa Sound in Fort Walton Beach to the west and St. Andrew’s Bay in Bay County to the east. 

Aside from the bountiful fishing to be had on its waters, the bay and its surrounding bodies of water are also a perfect destination to do some boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other eco-tours. The bay is also the home of the giant gulf sturgeon and other endangered species. Visitors can visit the Eden Gardens State Park or the Hogtown Bayou to catch some of the native wildlife in the area. If you’re lucky, you can even spot a dolphin pod looking for mullet there. There are private excursions within the Choctawhatchee River to observe the crocodiles and other wildlife that live there.

Choctawhatchee Bay Fishing Description

All About Fishing In Choctawhatchee Bay, FL

Choctawhatchee Bay is a prime fishing spot for any angler visiting Florida. Not only is it connected to the Gulf of Mexico, but it also has several rivers, streams, and other bodies of water that flow through it. Here you can find redfish, speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead, and flounder swimming in its waters. Some of the best fishing spots in the area include Fort Walton and Santa Rosa Beaches, Destin, Niceville, and Shalimar. Aside from these, some other nearby streams and bayous aren’t as popular but just as rich in gamefish that you could visit if you want to avoid the more crowded sites. 

As for fishing techniques, light, and heavy tackle, bottom fishing, trolling, and spinning are popular in the area. Due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, it is recommended that you hire a charter boat if you would like to fish on the gulf. Aside from that, you can also try casting your line on the Choctawhatchee River and the surrounding bayous and streams. Here you can also try fishing via a canoe or kayak when looking for gamefish in the deeper parts of the river or bayou. Just be careful when doing so and avoid the areas where crocodiles are known to be swimming. 

If you want to make the most of your trip -, there are fishing charters that offer their services in the area. These charters provide a variety of assistance to first-time visitors - from where to cast their line to which fishing technique is best - when catching a specific fish. So if you’re not sure how to approach the Choctawhatchee Bay, you can try hiring one of these charters to get started. 

Choctawhatchee Bay Seasonal & Other Description

Fishing Seasonality

Fishing occurs throughout the year in Choctawhatchee Bay. The summer and fall months of June to October are the best times to catch black drum as they’ll be plentiful and active during these months. Redfish are readily available in the area that you can catch a lot of them at any time of the year. Another readily available fish is the speckled trout. If you’re looking for flounder, the best months to do so are April and November to December. Summer is usually when anglers go and visit the area, as fish are more active during these months, making them easier to catch. But if you visit there during the colder months, try casting your line on deeper water, where fish now stay to maintain their body temperature. 

Temperature and Optimal Seasons

Fishing Seasonality

Fishing occurs throughout the year in Choctawhatchee Bay. The summer and fall months of June to October are the best times to catch black drum as they’ll be plentiful and active during these months. Redfish are readily available in the area that you can catch a lot of them at any time of the year. Another readily available fish is the speckled trout. If you’re looking for flounder, the best months to do so are April and November to December. Summer is usually when anglers go and visit the area, as fish are more active during these months, making them easier to catch. But if you visit there during the colder months, try casting your line on deeper water, where fish now stay to maintain their body temperature. 

Choctawhatchee Bay Fish Species

All About Fishing In Choctawhatchee Bay, FL

Choctawhatchee Bay is a prime fishing spot for any angler visiting Florida. Not only is it connected to the Gulf of Mexico, but it also has several rivers, streams, and other bodies of water that flow through it. Here you can find redfish, speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead, and flounder swimming in its waters. Some of the best fishing spots in the area include Fort Walton and Santa Rosa Beaches, Destin, Niceville, and Shalimar. Aside from these, some other nearby streams and bayous aren’t as popular but just as rich in gamefish that you could visit if you want to avoid the more crowded sites. 

As for fishing techniques, light, and heavy tackle, bottom fishing, trolling, and spinning are popular in the area. Due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, it is recommended that you hire a charter boat if you would like to fish on the gulf. Aside from that, you can also try casting your line on the Choctawhatchee River and the surrounding bayous and streams. Here you can also try fishing via a canoe or kayak when looking for gamefish in the deeper parts of the river or bayou. Just be careful when doing so and avoid the areas where crocodiles are known to be swimming. 

If you want to make the most of your trip -, there are fishing charters that offer their services in the area. These charters provide a variety of assistance to first-time visitors - from where to cast their line to which fishing technique is best - when catching a specific fish. So if you’re not sure how to approach the Choctawhatchee Bay, you can try hiring one of these charters to get started.