About Santa Rosa Sound, FL

Santa Rosa Sound is situated on the northern shore where Fairpoint Peninsula and some parts of the mainland in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa County are also located. Bounded to the south by Santa Rosa Island, the sound connects Choctawhatchee Bay and Pensacola Bay in Florida and serves as a separation from the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway is routed through the sound, interconnecting Pensacola Beach and Fort Walton Beach. Some other notable communities located along Santa Rosa Sound are Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Navarre Beach, and Mary Esther. 

The salty waters of Santa Rosa Sound mimic miles worth of a playground to those who visit. With about 33 miles of clear, calm waters covering the lagoon, this long and shallow waterway is a good place to consider for swimming, saltwater fishing, kayaking, beachcombing, and paddleboarding. 

All About Fishing in Santa Rosa Sound, FL

Anglers who seek fish species such as redfish, catfish, and speckled trout would be glad to know that they are readily available in Santa Rosa Sound. Some other fish species to catch in the area would be the black drum, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish species. With redfish being the most prevalent fish species in this location, anglers would be glad to have a hint on how to reel them in with a few tips. First off, redfish are usually in the shallow parts of the sound, so anglers should watch out for the pilings and docks. Redfish are bottom feeders so anglers should time casting their bait to the bottom. Some baits that lure them in would be blue crabs, fiddler crabs, and mud crabs. As for bait equipment, a live mullet on the bottom works better for clear waters whereas cut baits get more bites in murky waters.  Luring redfish with gold spoons and circle hooks would give anglers a greater chance of catching this species. 

It would be practical to fish inshore by the docks since the water in Santa Rosa Sound is shallow and clear. The depth of these waters is usually three to four feet depending on the time of the year. For anglers who want to experience a good catch, some notable fishing spots around the sound would be Williams Creek, Dean Creek, East Bay River, Tom King Bayou, Poplar Creek, Milley Bayou, Chimney Cove, Panther Creek, The Narrows, and Live Oak Creek. 

Fishing Seasonality 

Although anglers can fish anytime in Santa Rosa Sound (as long as they acquire the proper licenses), December is one of the most action-packed months. Fish species like speckled trout, redfish, sheepshead, and striped bass are prevalent in this season. It is best to note that anglers should place staying warm as their top priority as they fish in December due to the temperature drop that the month goes through. Fishing during the day would be practical for anglers who plan to schedule their fishing trip in such cold weather. As opposed to other months, anglers should be aware that in December, fishing in the warmest time of the day would be better. Checking on the weather updates would also be wise for anglers to experience a hassle-free trip. 

Fishing Seasonality 

Although anglers can fish anytime in Santa Rosa Sound (as long as they acquire the proper licenses), December is one of the most action-packed months. Fish species like speckled trout, redfish, sheepshead, and striped bass are prevalent in this season. It is best to note that anglers should place staying warm as their top priority as they fish in December due to the temperature drop that the month goes through. Fishing during the day would be practical for anglers who plan to schedule their fishing trip in such cold weather. As opposed to other months, anglers should be aware that in December, fishing in the warmest time of the day would be better. Checking on the weather updates would also be wise for anglers to experience a hassle-free trip. 

All About Fishing in Santa Rosa Sound, FL

Anglers who seek fish species such as redfish, catfish, and speckled trout would be glad to know that they are readily available in Santa Rosa Sound. Some other fish species to catch in the area would be the black drum, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish species. With redfish being the most prevalent fish species in this location, anglers would be glad to have a hint on how to reel them in with a few tips. First off, redfish are usually in the shallow parts of the sound, so anglers should watch out for the pilings and docks. Redfish are bottom feeders so anglers should time casting their bait to the bottom. Some baits that lure them in would be blue crabs, fiddler crabs, and mud crabs. As for bait equipment, a live mullet on the bottom works better for clear waters whereas cut baits get more bites in murky waters.  Luring redfish with gold spoons and circle hooks would give anglers a greater chance of catching this species. 

It would be practical to fish inshore by the docks since the water in Santa Rosa Sound is shallow and clear. The depth of these waters is usually three to four feet depending on the time of the year. For anglers who want to experience a good catch, some notable fishing spots around the sound would be Williams Creek, Dean Creek, East Bay River, Tom King Bayou, Poplar Creek, Milley Bayou, Chimney Cove, Panther Creek, The Narrows, and Live Oak Creek.