Rising Son Expeditions
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Santa Rosa Beach, 30A & Destin, FL

Species Guide

What Fish Can You Catch in Choctawhatchee Bay?

A complete guide to the 8 primary inshore species near Santa Rosa Beach & 30A — best seasons, proven techniques, and Florida FWC size limits.

By Rising Son Expeditions·Updated April 2026·8 Species Covered

Why Choctawhatchee Bay?

Choctawhatchee Bay is one of Florida's most productive inshore fisheries — a 174-square-mile estuary stretching from Destin to the east, bordered by the 30A corridor to the south and the Panhandle to the north. Its diverse habitats — seagrass flats, oyster bars, river mouths, bridge structure, and tidal creeks — support an extraordinary variety of species year-round.

Unlike the crowded Destin harbor, Rising Son Expeditions launches from a strategic point that gives us faster access to the quiet, less-pressured North Bay and river mouth areas — where the fish are and the crowds aren't.

Below is a complete guide to the 8 primary species our guests target throughout the year — including the best seasons, Captain Trey's proven techniques, and current Florida FWC size and bag limits.

RedfishSpeckledSouthernSheepsheadSpanishFloridaMangroveBlack
Redfish (Red Drum) caught in Choctawhatchee Bay, Florida

Sciaenops ocellatus

Year-round · Peak: Fall (Bull Reds)Beginner–Intermediate

Redfish (Red Drum)

The Redfish — or Red Drum — is the crown jewel of Choctawhatchee Bay and the fish most anglers come to Rising Son Expeditions to target. Identified by its copper-bronze scales and the iconic black spot near the tail (nature's "false eye" to fool predators), Redfish are powerful fighters that will test your drag and your patience. In the bay, we target slot reds (18"–27") on the grass flats year-round, but fall brings the real spectacle: oversized "Bull" Redfish pushing 30–50 inches that school near the Mid-Bay Bridge and the pass.

Captain Trey's Technique

Live shrimp under a popping cork on the grass flats is the classic approach. For Bull Reds in the fall, we switch to cut mullet or large soft plastics slow-rolled near structure. Captain Trey reads the water — look for tailing reds in shallow grass, nervous water, or the distinctive bronze flash just below the surface.

FWC Keep Limit

1 per person · 18"–27" slot

Fun Fact

Redfish can live over 40 years and grow to over 90 lbs. The state record in Florida is 52 lbs 5 oz.

Speckled Trout caught in Choctawhatchee Bay, Florida

Cynoscion nebulosus

Year-round · Peak: Summer & WinterBeginner–Intermediate

Speckled Trout

The Speckled Trout — officially the Spotted Sea Trout — is arguably the most popular inshore target on the Florida Panhandle. Silver-bodied with distinctive black spots along the back and upper sides, yellow-tipped fins, and prominent canine teeth, Specks are aggressive feeders and spectacular on light tackle. They're one of the best eating fish in the bay, making them a top choice for anglers planning a "Hook and Cook" dinner. Summer mornings on the grass flats and winter deep holes both produce excellent trout fishing.

Captain Trey's Technique

Topwater plugs at first light during summer are absolutely thrilling — the explosive surface strike is unforgettable. Live shrimp under a popping cork works all year. In winter, slow-sinking lures and jigs worked along deep grass edges and channel drops are the go-to presentation.

FWC Keep Limit

5 per person · 15" minimum

Fun Fact

Speckled Trout are highly sensitive to cold water. A hard freeze can cause a "cold stun" event that temporarily incapacitates fish — a natural phenomenon that occurs every few years in the Panhandle.

Southern Flounder caught in Choctawhatchee Bay, Florida

Paralichthys lethostigma

Year-round · Peak: Fall (Flounder Run)Intermediate

Southern Flounder

The Southern Flounder is one of the most fascinating — and delicious — fish in Choctawhatchee Bay. A master of camouflage, Flounder lie flat on the sandy bottom with both eyes on the same side of their body, ambushing prey that passes overhead. Their white, flaky meat is prized by anglers and chefs alike. The annual Flounder Run in fall is one of the most anticipated fishing events on the Gulf Coast, when large numbers of Flounder migrate through the passes toward the Gulf as water temperatures drop.

Captain Trey's Technique

Flounder are ambush predators, so presentation is everything. Live finger mullet or mud minnows bounced slowly along the bottom near grass edges, channel drops, and pass entrances are the most effective approach. During the Flounder Run (October–November), Captain Trey targets the pass and Mid-Bay Bridge for the best action.

FWC Keep Limit

10 per person · 12" minimum

Fun Fact

Flounder start life as normal-looking fish. As juveniles, one eye migrates to the other side of the head — a process called metamorphosis — transforming them into the flat, bottom-dwelling ambush predators we know.

Sheepshead caught in Choctawhatchee Bay, Florida

Archosargus probatocephalus

Spring · Peak: March–MayIntermediate–Advanced

Sheepshead

The Sheepshead is the fish that humbles experienced anglers. With its bold black-and-white vertical stripes (earning it the nickname "convict fish") and remarkably human-like teeth — designed for crushing barnacles, oysters, and crustaceans — the Sheepshead is one of the most distinctive and challenging fish in the bay. They're notorious bait stealers, with a light, subtle bite that requires a hair-trigger hookset. Spring is prime time, when Sheepshead congregate around bridge pilings, jetties, and dock structure.

Captain Trey's Technique

Fiddler crabs are the gold-standard bait for Sheepshead — they simply can't resist them. Fresh shrimp and sand fleas also work well. Fish tight to structure: bridge pilings, oyster bars, and dock legs. The key is feeling the subtle "thump" of the bite and setting the hook immediately — hesitate and you'll come up empty.

FWC Keep Limit

8 per person · 12" minimum

Fun Fact

Sheepshead teeth are so similar to human teeth that they've been mistaken for human remains in forensic cases. Their molars are perfectly designed for crushing hard-shelled prey.

Spanish Mackerel caught in Choctawhatchee Bay, Florida

Scomberomorus maculatus

Spring & Fall · Peak: April–JuneBeginner

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are the speedsters of Choctawhatchee Bay — sleek, iridescent, and blazing fast. Their silver bodies with blue-green backs and distinctive yellow-gold spots make them one of the most beautiful fish in the bay. Spanish Mackerel arrive in the Panhandle in spring as water temperatures rise and stay through early summer before moving offshore in the heat. They return again in fall. Known for explosive surface strikes and screaming runs, Spanish Mackerel are a blast on light tackle and are excellent table fare when iced immediately after catch.

Captain Trey's Technique

Spanish Mackerel are sight feeders that respond well to fast-moving presentations. Trolling small spoons or casting silver Gotcha plugs near surface-feeding schools is the most productive approach. Look for diving birds and surface commotion — that's where the action is. Wire leader is recommended due to their razor-sharp teeth.

FWC Keep Limit

15 per person · 12" minimum

Fun Fact

Spanish Mackerel can swim up to 35 mph in short bursts — one of the fastest fish in inshore waters. Their sharp, serrated teeth can easily cut through monofilament line.

Florida Pompano caught in Choctawhatchee Bay, Florida

Trachinotus carolinus

Spring · Peak: March–MayIntermediate

Florida Pompano

The Florida Pompano is widely considered one of the finest eating fish in the ocean — and one of the most prized catches in Choctawhatchee Bay. With its deep, compressed silver body, golden-yellow belly and fins, and deeply forked tail, Pompano are as beautiful as they are delicious. They arrive in the Panhandle in spring, feeding aggressively along sandy beaches, jetties, and the bay entrance. Pound for pound, Pompano are exceptional fighters on light tackle, and their firm, rich white flesh commands premium prices at restaurants.

Captain Trey's Technique

Sand fleas (mole crabs) are the classic Pompano bait — they're irresistible to these fish. Small jigs tipped with shrimp or fished plain also work well. Target sandy bottom areas, jetties, and the bay entrance during incoming tides. Pompano feed close to the bottom, so keep your presentation low.

FWC Keep Limit

6 per person · 11" minimum

Fun Fact

Florida Pompano is one of the most expensive fish sold in U.S. seafood markets, sometimes fetching over $20/lb at restaurants. A fresh Pompano dinner is one of the true culinary highlights of the Gulf Coast.

Mangrove Snapper caught in Choctawhatchee Bay, Florida

Lutjanus griseus

Summer · Peak: June–AugustIntermediate

Mangrove Snapper

The Mangrove Snapper — also called Gray Snapper — is the summer specialist of Choctawhatchee Bay. Reddish-brown to gray with a distinctive dark stripe running from the snout through the eye, Mangrove Snapper are cunning, leader-shy fish that require a finesse approach. They congregate around dock structure, bridge pilings, and any hard bottom during summer, often in large schools. They're exceptional eating fish with firm, white, mildly sweet flesh — and they fight hard for their size.

Captain Trey's Technique

Light fluorocarbon leader is essential — Mangrove Snapper are notoriously line-shy. Live shrimp or small pinfish fished near structure on a light jig head or free-lined is the most effective approach. Fish during low-light periods (early morning, evening) when Snapper move out from structure to feed more aggressively.

FWC Keep Limit

10 per person · 10" minimum

Fun Fact

Mangrove Snapper can live over 25 years and grow to over 15 lbs, though most inshore fish are 1–3 lbs. The largest recorded was 17 lbs 4 oz.

Black Drum caught in Choctawhatchee Bay, Florida

Pogonias cromis

Fall & Winter · Peak: Oct–FebBeginner–Intermediate

Black Drum

The Black Drum is the gentle giant of Choctawhatchee Bay. Deep-bodied, dark grey to black, with distinctive chin barbels used to feel for food along the bottom, Black Drum are powerful, methodical fighters that can reach impressive sizes — 30+ lbs in the bay is not uncommon. They're most active in fall and winter, feeding heavily on oysters, crabs, and shrimp in deep bayous and river mouths. Black Drum are excellent eating at smaller sizes (under 15 lbs), with firm, mild white flesh perfect for blackening or grilling.

Captain Trey's Technique

Black Drum are bottom feeders, so keep your bait on the bottom. Fresh shrimp, blue crab, and fiddler crabs are top baits. Target oyster bars, bridge structure, and deep channel edges during falling tides. In winter, slow-rolling jigs along deep bayou bottoms and river mouths produces consistent results.

FWC Keep Limit

5 per person · 14" minimum · 1 over 24"

Fun Fact

Black Drum are named for the loud drumming or croaking sound they produce by vibrating their swim bladder — a sound loud enough to be heard from the dock on calm days.

Seasonal Quick Reference

When to target each species in Choctawhatchee Bay

SpeciesSpringSummerFallWinter
Redfish✓✓Peak✓
Speckled Trout✓Peak✓Peak
Flounder✓✓Peak—
SheepsheadPeak—✓✓
Spanish MackerelPeak✓✓—
PompanoPeak—✓—
Mangrove Snapper✓Peak✓—
Black Drum✓—PeakPeak

★ = Peak season  ·  ✓ = Good fishing  ·  — = Off season

Ready to Target Your Favorite Species?

Captain Trey knows exactly where and when to find every species on this list. Book your inshore charter on Choctawhatchee Bay today — all skill levels welcome.

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