٠LICENSING & REGULATIONS٠

 

        

      Out-of-State Residents:

         Saltwater:

          License required to fish from land or boat

          Annual license cost: $32

          Seven-day license cost: $17

          Freshwater:

          License required to fish from land or boat

          Annual license cost: $31.50

          Three-day license cost: $6.50

          Seven-day license cost: $16.50

        Florida Residents:

          Saltwater:

       License required to fish from a boat or when wading in water over four feet deep.

          Annual license cost: $13.50

          Freshwater:

          License required except when fishing from land, with a cane pole, in fisherman's

          county of residence.

          Annual license cost: $13

         NOTE: When fishing in brackish water (a mixture of both fresh and saltwater),     anglers must have a freshwater license to keep freshwater species, a saltwater license to keep saltwater species, or both if they wish to keep species of both types.

Licenses may be obtained at most local bait & tackle shops, or through the Walton County Tax Collector's Office. To order a license in advance, contact the Tax Collector's Office at 904-892-8121. A list of regulations concerning size limits, bag limits, and closed seasons on all species can be found wherever fishing licenses are sold.

        

 

For more information about fishing the Beaches of South Walton

PLEASE CALL 1-800-822-6877

With 14 fresh and saltwater lakes, the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico included in its recreational waterfront, the Beaches of South Walton offers exciting fishing opportunities for anglers with all levels of expertise.

      Five Ways to Fish South Walton Beaches

FRESHWATER FISHING: Species in South Walton: bass, bream, bluegill, mullet, catfish, and shellcracker. Fall is peak freshwater fishing that finds all species active and hungry. Try plastic worms or spinner baits for bass and crickets, earthworms or small spinner baits for bream, bluegill, mullet, catfish and shellcracker. Bluegill, shellcracker and bass can all be caught in the winter months, but all will be holding in deeper water. Springtime sees the action pick up when the fish are found in shallow water again. Best bets are topwater plugs to catch bass and popping flies for bream and bluegill. Summer is slower for bass fishing, but the other species mentioned are still biting and mullet are plentiful. Try doughballs and pieces of earthworm as bait to catch mullet.

SALTWATER FISHING: Fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay: Species in South Walton: speckled trout, red fish, spanish mackerel, flounder, bluefish and cobia. Speckled trout and redfish may be caught year-round, but springtime brings a rise in their numbers as well as an increase in feeding activity. Spring also marks the beginning of great fishing for mackerel and cobia as they have migrated north then west, following the coast. Summer brings flounder and bluefish into the bays in large numbers. Add these species to the trout, redfish and mackerel that are plentiful this time of year, and there are endless possibilities. Fortunately, these fish are not very particular about baits; live shrimp, small bait fish, jigs, spoons and plugs will all take their share of fish. Fall and winter fishing is devoted to trout and redfish when they are headed into the creeks and rivers. The fish will be found in deeper holes, so jigs and live bait fished on the bottom will work best.

BOTTOM FISHING: Species in South Walton: Several varieties of grouper, snapper, sea bass and trigger fish. Bottom fishing refers to fishing in the Gulf, over wrecks, reefs, or any other bottom structure in water from 40-180 feet deep. This type of fishing is excellent in the spring, with copper-bellied grouper and red snapper most abundant. Premium baits are live cigar minnows, pinfish and other bait fish; however, cut bait and large jigs will work as well. Summer and fall see little decline in the action. The main seasonal difference is that the seas are calmer, allowing for a more comfortable ride out to the fishing grounds. The bottom fish move closer to shore as the water warms. This makes bottom fishing much more accessible during September, October, November and December. There are fewer boats on the water at this time of the year, making competition less fierce and often yielding highly productive trips.

OFFSHORE FISHING: Species in South Walton: dolphin, tuna, king mackerel, wahoo, sailfish, blue marlin, and white marlin. Offshore fishing is done from 25 miles or more offshore, and usually includes trolling live or artificial baits. Fall is the prime season for offshore action, when the largest blue and white marlin are caught. Spring and summer also offer great offshore fishing, especially for dolphin, king mackerel and wahoo.

SURF FISHING: Species in South Walton: pompano, spanish mackerel, trout, red fish and bluefish. Surf fishing can be done anywhere along the 26-miles of beaches in South Walton and is most productive from April through November. Preferred tackle includes a long rod (7-feet or longer) and a large spinning reel with 12-15 pound line. Shrimp, cut bait, jigs and spoons work well, but to catch pompano, sand fleas or small white jigs are most effective.

If you go fishing, consider these options…

Grayton Beach State Recreation Area: Grayton Beach State Recreation Area offers diverse and exciting fishing opportunities. Located in the park is Western Lake, a fairly large lake containing brackish water that is home to both fresh and saltwater species of fish, including redfish, trout, largemouth bass, bream and bluegill. The lake has a boat ramp, but can be fished from the shore as well. The beach offers excellent surf fishing and is just a short walk from the lake. Entrance fee is $3.25 per car (eight person maximum).

Elrod's Fish Camp: Located on the Choctawhatchee Bay. Elrod's Fish Camp has an extensive bait and tackle shop, as well as a ramp to launch boats. Elrod's also offers professional fishing guide excursions in lakes and the Choctawhatchee Bay and smaller boat rentals.

Fishing at South Walton Resorts: The numerous ponds on and around the golf courses at Sandestin Resort have been stocked with largemouth bass and bream, and provide excellent fishing for guests of the resort. Sandestin's Baytown Marina also offers deck boat rentals for recreational use in the bay. Guests of Seascape Resort & Conference Center, Cassine Garden, Emerald Coast RV Resort and Holiday Travel Park are welcome to fish in their stocked lakes and ponds.

Charter Boat & Party Boat Fishing: Visitors to South Walton can choose from many charter boat and party boat saltwater trips by driving just a few miles west of South Walton to Destin East Pass. Names of specific charter and party boat services can be found in the local yellow pages, at any local bait & tackle shop or in the South Walton Information Center.

Charter Trips: Charter vary in size up to 60' in length, accommodating parties of six passengers or more depending on what each boat is licensed to carry, including a captain and mate. The passenger load can vary from six to thirty depending on the boat. Advantages of a charter trip include personalized service, first class comfort and excellent fishing especially of the offshore variety. Charters are offered for half or full day trips and prices will vary from $250 - $700 depending on the type of trip and the number in the party. A $20 - $40 tip to each mate is customary. All equipment is provided, however, you must bring what you plan to eat and drink unless advance arrangements are made.

Party Boats: Party boats are large vessels (50'-75' in length), accommodating 20-90 fishermen, a captain and several mates. The boat provides rods, reels, all bait and tackle. Party boats offer half or full day trips; they are less luxurious than charter boat trips, but the cost is just $25-$45 per person (a $5 gratuity to your mate is customary). 

         Common Saltwater Fish of the Emerald Coast
 
 

 

Blue
 

Blue Marlin
 

Blue Runner
 

Cobia
 

Flounder
 

Jack Crevalle
 
Kingfish
 
King Mackerel
 
 

The keys to catching pompano and other fish in the surf are water conditions, temperature, tide, and location. Fish might bite in muddy water, but the best conditions are clear to fairly clear water, and flat to moderate surf. A moderate chop on the gulf is okay, but as soon as the water becomes rough and dirty the pompano split.

Look for a sandbar that can be reached with a moderate to long cast. Ideally, there will be a break in the bar, or an opening at one end. Success with pompano comes on beaches where you can cast to, or sometimes past, the bar. You can catch fish on both sides of the bar. Concentrate on the deep edge that can be found along the beach side.

Not to be forgotten is where waves break on the beach. Not only pompano, but many species of fish will follow these edges, looking for food dislodged by the breaking waves.

Most folks using the pre-rigged two-hook bottom rigs, with hooks sized from #3 up to #1. They usually have pre-snelled hooks with fluorescent beads. On days when the water is clear, keen eyed pompano shy away from too much hardware in the water. Put together a homemade bottom rig, tied from a 30-inch piece of 25-test clear monofilament. Hook sizes remain the same, and maybe add a plastic fluorescent bead just in front of the hook eye.

While pompano may be caught on small jigs in the surf, most of the time they are caught on pieces of fresh bait. Shrimp and sand fleas head the lineup. Sand fleas (mole crabs) are small crustaceans that live in the sand between the high and low tide marks on the beach. They can be dug by hand or with a wire scoop. The scoops are available at many tackle shops. The fleas will die if put in a bucket of water, but will last for a day or two in a few inches of damp sand.

Most tackle shops sell fresh shrimp during the summer, and shrimp may be available either with the heads on or off. Either will work fine. If no fresh bait is available, you can get frozen baits at most shops. Check your baits frequently, since small crabs and little fish also love the taste of shrimp.
 
Red Drum (Redfish)
 
Red Grouper
 
Red Snapper
 
Sheepshead
 
                                             
                                                                                                      Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout)
 
                                             
                                                                                                                                             Tarpon
 
                                             
                                                                                                                                          Tripletail
 
                                             
                                                                                                                                Yellowfin Tuna
 
                                             
                                                                                                                         Yellowtail Snappper

                                                    

                                                                         Florida Pompano

  Florida Pompano.....This Settles the Pompano Controversy
                                                      (Letter to the Editor, Florida Sportsman, 1945)

Dear Sir;

   I'm no writer in any sense of the word, but have read and heard about my friend the pompano not taking a bait 'till I've just got to squawk. I have been taking them on light tackle for over thirty years and saw it done before that.

   My wife and I own a cabin at Grayton Beach, which is in this county (Walton), and spend every day we can there. We usually begin catching them in mid April and the season continues 'till late Fall. Fourteen was our record day's catch this past summer, but we took as high as ten on several occasions.

   They run from two to six pounds as a rule but I caught an 8 3-4 pounder several years ago. They are absolutely tops for speed and gameness. When you land one or two on light tackle you are a hopeless addict. Can't express myself on paper but do wish I could get just one or two of the fellows that say it can't be done to come up and let us how them how.

   Am sending under separate cover some of the dope I've learned about this fish. If you can use it do so. Am also sending some snapshots including one of the pair I caught last June on one cast. The larger is a female and Weighed six pounds. The smaller is a 3 ˝ pound male.

   I am an avid reader of your magazine and enjoy it very much. May your shadow increase.

Very sincerely,
K. R. Smith, DeFuniak Springs, Fla.
1945

P. S. - These fish spawn up here, that's why they are in pairs. Perhaps that's why they strike.

(Editor's response)

   Now look here, Mr. Smith, you have us all confused. In your opening sentence you say "I'm no writer in any sense of the word, BUT…" and then you go on to write an absorbingly interesting article on pompano hook fishing out in good old Walton (article follows).

   And for heaven's sake, what is a pompano bird? Now don't you tell us you catch them on hooks, too. Fly fishing, perhaps? - Editor.

Mr. Smith… He Catches 'Em With Hooks
By K. R. "Tuff" Smith, DeFuniak Springs, Fl
June 1945

   We "fishheads" over in this part of the state start looking for sand fleas, pompano birds and pompano about the middle of April each year. The sand flea (or sea flea) lives along the beach and comes in with a breaker, burying its body as the wave recedes. There are millions of them and they are the most commonly used bait for this fish. Personally I would much rather use the small needle crab which is to be found in the wet sand a few feet higher up on the beach and which buries in much the same way as he sand flea. These are the only baits with which I ever caught pompano.

   The "pompano bird" is one of the lesser sandpipers common to all our beaches. When these birds show up in the spring one may be sure the sand fleas are on the beach as the young flea is this bird's favorite food. The commercial fishermen make many hauls of pompano before any are caught with rod and reel for the reason that the fleas are not out yet. When the conditions are right and the sun warms up the sand the pompano begin showing up in pairs. The larger of the two is usually the female and the smaller the male. They seem to travel the shoreline searching for fleas; following the deeper water between the inside reef and the beach. I have hooked many a fish within thirty feet of the shore, but the pompano that sees you first is the one you don't catch. I have read a lot on bonefishing and it is very similar to the pompano. He is a very shy citizen.

   As to tackle, we use the standard freshwater rod and reel. Perhaps the most popular is the 150 yard service reel or light salt water reel of the same type. There are many kinds used, however, but the lighter the better. The line must be either white or natural color, and again, the smaller the better. One will land twice as many pompano on a six thread line as he will on a nine or twelve.

   The sinker or casting lead and the hook used are very important items. I make my own leads of various weights as a heavier lead must be used in a rough sea. This one weighs around two ounces. On a calm day one ounce is sufficient to cast. The lead should be flat to prevent the surf and tide rolling it back on the beach. My pet lead is triangular in shape with a small hold for the line in the apex.

   The hook should be of the O'Shaughnessy type and in a bright finish. Never use a bronze or black hook, and you will catch more fish if you pass up the offset variety. As to hook size, either the 2/0 or 3/0 are about right, the 3/0 being a bit better when the fish are running large. The spare hook which used to come in the box with the Al Foss Shimmy Wiggler was the ideal and I kept a record of over fifty pompano caught on one of these hooks before a skip jack (Lady fish to you) cut it off.

These two pompano, apparently happily married, were caught on one hook by K. R. "Tuff" Smith of DeFuniak Springs.

   To make up the rig tie a short loop in the end of the line. Pass this loop through the hole in the sinker. Then drop up the line 16 or 18 inches and catch another loop long enough to allow the hook to pass through and tie off forming a snood not over two inches long. Pass this loop through the eye of the hook, back over the barb and draw tight. If two hooks are preferred, (which sometimes pays off) go up the line another foot and repeat. Some use a sliding lead with one hook at the end of the line which is a good way, but sometimes tangles when cast. When using this type a match stem should be looped into the line to keep the lead free of the hook. The bait is about the size of a pecan and should be impaled on the hook cross wise with only the point showing through the shell.

   I usually catch my bait as I fish, carrying a few extras either in my pocket or in a small cloth bag we make for the purpose. Sand fleas will stay alive for days if kept in a bag or pail of wet beach sand.

   Now for the fish. The man or woman who stays on the beach all day will catch the pompano. They strike only when they are hungry and there is no fallible rule to follow. One day they will feed on an incoming tide, next day on a falling tide and the third when there just ain't no tide at all. Today you will catch them in a heavy surf and tomorrow on a dead calm. You may see fifty and not get a strike and again see four and catch them all.

   My wife and I are genuine dyed-in-the-wool pompano nuts. We have a good boat on one of the fishiest rivers in Florida where the bass and big Bluegills are plentiful. But, let the pompano birds arrive at the beach and the sun warm up the sand. You will find us ready to spend every hours of spare time with the "pomps." And we catch 'em.