East Bay Swamp is a Swamp located in Okaloosa County, FL. Starting in the East Bay Swamp has a total surface area of 15.8 miles. The East Bay Swamp has an elevation of 33 feet. Find maps, fishing guides and recreation info at Guidesly.

About East Bay Swamp, FL

The East Bay Swamp is located in Okaloosa County, Florida. It has an elevation of approximately 10 meters. It is specifically situated in the northwest part of Harris and the northeast part of Prairie Creek. 

Okaloosa County belongs to the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is located in the northwestern part of Florida and extends from the Gulf of Mexico to the Alabama state line. The name of this county is a Choctaw word which means “black (lusa)  water (oka)”. On September 7, 1915, Okaloosa County became Florida’s 52nd county. 

Tourists of different ages can enjoy a lot of activities in Okaloosa County. Adventures for kids include camping, kayaking, snorkeling, and surfing. Kids at heart who are longing for adventure can enjoy dolphin excursions, boating, scuba diving, and fishing. 

All About Fishing in East Bay Swamp, FL

Anglers can have the chance to encounter various fish species in East Bay Swamp. Some of these fish species include largemouth bass, bluegill, and redfish. 

The largemouth bass is considered native in most parts of North America. The adult largemouth bass eats frogs, crayfish, and fish while the young largemouth bass eats crustaceans, insects, and smaller fish. This fish species is also a popular food source throughout the world and one of the top fish species for United States fish sports. If you’re hunting a largemouth bass, keep in mind that they like to stay in spots where it is easier to hide such as thick weeds and sunken objects. The most effective way to catch it is by fishing with swim-baits and dragging. 

Another fish species that can be found in the East Bay Swamp is the bluegill. This fish species is very famous for its taste. Bluegill has a body shape that reduces water resistance and enables it to swim fast. It usually feeds on small fish, snails, eggs, worms, and insects. It is not selective when it comes to food because it also consumes crackers, corn, bread, and even human scraps. The best strategy to catch bluegill is to use spin fishing with worms and jig fishing with small hooks. 

Redfish prefer to stay in shallow waters, bays, oyster reefs, coves, and lagoons. For anglers who like to catch one, keep in mind that this fish species is also considered as protected game fish so there are some regulations to follow. Using prey as live bait is deemed as one of the most effective techniques in catching redfish.

Aside from these three fish species, anglers can also get the chance to encounter rainbow trout, flounder, ladyfish, and bluefish in East Bay Swamp. For anglers and other tourists who want to explore more of what Okaloosa County can offer, there are other interesting spots in the nearby areas such as Blackwater River State Forest, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Recreation Area, and Henderson Beach State Park. 

Fishing Seasonality

According to the locals, the best fishing experience in East Bay Swamp happens from early morning to mid-afternoon. These times are perfect for anglers who want smaller crowds for them to concentrate on fishing. Fishing is almost a year-round activity in Okaloosa County. However, most anglers agree that the best time to fish would be from late fall to late spring. 

A fishing license is required for freshwater fishing in East Bay Swamp. You can get one from Okaloosa County’s Tax Collector’s Office or at various sports stores, bait and tackle shops, and retail stores. 

Fishing Seasonality

According to the locals, the best fishing experience in East Bay Swamp happens from early morning to mid-afternoon. These times are perfect for anglers who want smaller crowds for them to concentrate on fishing. Fishing is almost a year-round activity in Okaloosa County. However, most anglers agree that the best time to fish would be from late fall to late spring. 

A fishing license is required for freshwater fishing in East Bay Swamp. You can get one from Okaloosa County’s Tax Collector’s Office or at various sports stores, bait and tackle shops, and retail stores. 

All About Fishing in East Bay Swamp, FL

Anglers can have the chance to encounter various fish species in East Bay Swamp. Some of these fish species include largemouth bass, bluegill, and redfish. 

The largemouth bass is considered native in most parts of North America. The adult largemouth bass eats frogs, crayfish, and fish while the young largemouth bass eats crustaceans, insects, and smaller fish. This fish species is also a popular food source throughout the world and one of the top fish species for United States fish sports. If you’re hunting a largemouth bass, keep in mind that they like to stay in spots where it is easier to hide such as thick weeds and sunken objects. The most effective way to catch it is by fishing with swim-baits and dragging. 

Another fish species that can be found in the East Bay Swamp is the bluegill. This fish species is very famous for its taste. Bluegill has a body shape that reduces water resistance and enables it to swim fast. It usually feeds on small fish, snails, eggs, worms, and insects. It is not selective when it comes to food because it also consumes crackers, corn, bread, and even human scraps. The best strategy to catch bluegill is to use spin fishing with worms and jig fishing with small hooks. 

Redfish prefer to stay in shallow waters, bays, oyster reefs, coves, and lagoons. For anglers who like to catch one, keep in mind that this fish species is also considered as protected game fish so there are some regulations to follow. Using prey as live bait is deemed as one of the most effective techniques in catching redfish.

Aside from these three fish species, anglers can also get the chance to encounter rainbow trout, flounder, ladyfish, and bluefish in East Bay Swamp. For anglers and other tourists who want to explore more of what Okaloosa County can offer, there are other interesting spots in the nearby areas such as Blackwater River State Forest, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Recreation Area, and Henderson Beach State Park.