Bay Fishing on Florida’s Forgotten Coast

If you love bay fishing, Florida’s Forgotten Coast is the perfect destination for your next angling adventure! Franklin County offers some of the most productive bay fishing in the southeastern U.S.

Anglers can try their hand fishing in a diversity of bays across the Forgotten Coast: From the Apalachicola Bay, St. Vincent Sound, St. George Sound and East Bay on the west side of the county to the fertile waters of the Ochlockonee Bay and Apalachee Bay to the east off of Alligator Point.

Fishing Franklin County Bays

©Southern Salinity® Guide Service – Capt. Davidson

Here in Franklin County, anglers have loads of luck fishing in the bays. Whether you choose to fish from shore or a pier or prefer to wade, paddle or motor out into one of our local bays, you’re certain to see plenty of action in these productive waters.

 Our local bays are home to a dazzling array of marine life, lending to incredible bay fishing experiences. More than 100 species of fish make their home in the Apalachicola Bay alone. These fish gather among the grassy flats, channels, oyster bars, sand bars and small islands across the bay.

Off the coast of Carrabelle, the St. George Sound is home to some of the most bountiful grass flats in all of Florida. These grass flats are loaded with a myriad of marine life, including shrimp, redfish, trout and grouper. In fact, 90 percent of the grouper in the region’s offshore waters grow out of these St. George Sound grass flats.

Off of Alligator Point near Bald Point State Park, the Ochlockonee Bay and Apalachee Bay also are teaming with a wide variety of fish species, from speckled trout, redfish and sharks to sea bass, sheepshead and flounder. Heaps of fish gather around Apalachee Bay's lush grass flats as well as around structures in Ochlockonee Bay. From mid-April to October, when the water temps rise, anglers can enjoy unparalleled tarpon fishing with both live bait and dead bait in Ochlockonee Bay’s Mud Cove.

When fishing Franklin County’s bays, the type of species you’ll catch depends on the time of year, the tides and where you’re fishing. You’ll have a chance to land redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead and black drum year-round. Between March and November, Spanish mackerel, pompano, tripletail, bluefish, ladyfish and sharks are abundant in Franklin County’s bays.

Bay Fishing Charters

If you’re looking for a thrilling bay fishing adventure on the Forgotten Coast, turn to the pros! When you book a full or half-day bay fishing charter with a local expert, you’re guaranteed to catch a boatload of fish.

Franklin County is home to a number of experienced bay fishing captains. These angling experts will take you fishing in the bay for the trip of a lifetime, where you’ll land redfish, speckled trout, flounder, tripletail, grouper, black drum, pompano, Spanish mackerel and more. View a full list of our guides.

Explore Our Local Area

Ready to take a break from fishing in the bay? You’re in luck because there are countless things to see and do in Franklin County.

Affectionately called "Apalach” by locals, the hip, historical town of Apalachicola gives visitors a delightful taste of Old Florida while offering loads of fun activities and events. Renowned for fresh, local seafood—particularly our world-famous Apalachicola oysters—Apalachicola is home to an impressive array of restaurants. Enjoy a dozen oysters overlooking the sparkling Apalachicola River or grab a burger at one of the local diners. Swing by one of the town’s pubs or breweries to taste award-winning, local microbrews.

If you’re looking for relaxing day at the beach, head over to Carrabelle, St. George Island or Alligator Point. Known as simply “The Point” by locals, Alligator Point is nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and Alligator Harbor—an estuary known for clam harvesting. This coastal community boasts some of the most pristine beaches in Florida along with unsurpassed fishing and wildlife viewing.

St. George Island is Franklin County’s beautiful 22-mile barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. Home to the most unspoiled beaches in the Sunshine State, there are no high rises anywhere on this untouched island. Just a laid-back attitude, breathtaking coastline and wild nature.

If you’re dreaming of a picturesque coastal community with sugar white beaches, it’s time to explore Carrabelle. Known as the Florida Panhandle’s Gateway to the Gulf, Carrabelle is every outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

If you want to travel back in time and visit an authentic fishing community, pay a visit to Eastpoint. The seafood hub of Franklin County, Eastpoint is one of the few remaining working waterfronts in North Florida. Located across the bay from Apalachicola and St. George Island, this unique community is an important part of Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

Ready for the bay fishing trip of a lifetime? Start planning your Forgotten Coast bay angling adventure today!