With 26 miles of beach along the Gulf of Mexico as well as access along the Choctawhatchee Bay, there’s definitely a fishing adventure for any angler, no matter their skill level. But What do you need to fish in South Walton?
A License
A recreational saltwater fishing license is required for both Florida residents and non residents in state and federal waters. The cost for a saltwater license can vary based on various factors, such as home state and length of license.
- Currently, out of state visitors can purchase a 3-day saltwater fishing license for $17, and a 7-day saltwater fishing license for $30.
- Licenses can be bought online at www.myfwc.com or at several local stores including Yellowfin Ocean Sports and Walmart
- Children under the age of 16 and Florida resident seniors who are 65 or older are not required to purchase a fishing license.
Anglers who will be fishing in freshwater are also required to purchase a license.
For more information about where and how to obtain a fishing license through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, visit www.myfwc.com/license/recreational/saltwater-fishing/ or call 888-FISH-FLORIDA.
A Great Location
Fishing in South Walton can vary. Some people may prefer to fish from the sandy beach, inshore on the Choctawhatchee Bay or a coastal dune lake, or head out into the Gulf of Mexico on a chartered deep sea fishing trip.
For a list of charter boars, inshore excursions and outfitters, visit www.visitsouthwalton.com/interest/explore-outdoors.
Surf Fishing is a great way to soak up some South Walton sunshine while casting a line directly from our sugar-white beaches. While fishing from the beach, anglers can expect to catch a variety of inshore fish, such as pompano, redfish, snapper and snook.
Taking an inshore-chartered fishing trip in the Choctawhatchee Bay and other shallow waters is a great experience for newbies and seasoned anglers. Your guide will take you to some great fishing holes, ensuring your rod gets a workout. Guides will not only help you catch more fish, they can help bait your hook and teach you about fishing in South Walton.
Anglers who want to go offshore fishing or deep sea fishing can book trips and board boats directly from the marina in Baytowne Wharf, as well as other beach neighborhoods in South Walton, including the unique opportunity to launch directly from the sand in Grayton Beach.
Fishing in one of South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes also offers anglers a unique South Walton experience, as these naturally occurring ecosystems only occur in a handful of places in the world.
What Will I Catch?
Fishing inshore, expect to find:
- Redfish
- King mackerel
- Spanish mackerel
- Speckled trout
- Flounder
Offshore, some of the more popular species are:
- Red snapper
- Yellowfin tuna
- Grouper
- Flounder
- Jack crevalle
- Mahi mahi
- Cobia
- Pompano
- Amberjack
Time to Eat:
With your catch in hand, it’s time to indulge on some fresh Gulf seafood. Here’s some local South Walton restaurants that will be more than happy to cook your catch.
Mariana Bar and Grill: Located inside the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, this dockside eatery offers views of Horseshoe Bayou and will fry or blacken your skinned and deboned fish as part of their “You Catch ‘em – We cook ‘em” option.
- Address: 8330 Mike Hayes Dr., Miramar Beach
- Phone: (850) 267-7778
- Website: www.sandestin.com/dining
Grayton Seafood Co.: Located in Grayton Beach, this local eatery offers fresh Gulf Seafood in a casual setting. Their cook your catch option is a local secret.
- Address: 50 Uptown Circle, Grayton Beach
- Phone: (850) 213-3683
- Website: www.graytonseafood.com
Bud and Alley’s: Located in Seaside, this waterfront eatery will gladly cook your catch. Prior reservations are required and fish must be deboned and ready to prepare.
- Address: 2236 East Co. Hwy. 30A, Seaside
- Phone: (850) 231-5900
- Website: www.budandalleys.com