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Simpson River

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Florida, United States

4.3·180 catches

Top fish species at Simpson River

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Simpson River fishing reports

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Red drum

length · weight

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Gafftopsail sea catfish

length · weight

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Hardhead sea catfish

6 in · 3 oz

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Atlantic croaker

6 in · 3 oz

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Atlantic croaker

7 in · 6 oz

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Hardhead sea catfish

10 in · 1 lb

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General info

Simpson River is a stream located in Santa Rosa County, Florida, United States. It is most popular for fishing Red drum, Atlantic croaker, and Gafftopsail sea catfish.

Location

30°35′9″N 87°11′12.9″W
Directions

Amenities

Fishing regulations at Simpson River, FL

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Florida can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Red drum

Red drum

Regulation boundaryFL Panhandle (Redfish)
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size18" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Max size27" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Vessel limit4

The maximum number of individual fish legally possessed aboard any vessel.

Restrictions & requirements

Gigging

Harvest by gigging prohibited.

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Spears

Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.

Multiple Hooks

Harvest of this species by or with the use of any multiple hooks in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited.

Zero Bag for Captain

Bag and possession limit for captains and crew on for-hire vessels is zero.

Keep-Whole

Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore - head and tail must be intact.

Additional information
Off-the-water transport limit is four fish per person.Legal Gear: hook and line, cast nets
Edibility
Very Good
Synonyms
Channel Bass, Redfish, Sciaenops ocellatus, Spottail Bass
Season open: year-round
Atlantic croaker

Atlantic croaker

Regulation boundaryFL State Waters
Additional information
No minimum size limit. Bag limit = 100 pounds. This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Very good
Synonyms
Micropogonias undulatus
Season open: year-round
Gafftopsail sea catfish

Gafftopsail sea catfish

Regulation boundaryFL State Waters
Additional information
No minimum size. Bag limit = 100 pounds. This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Good
Synonyms
Bagre marinus
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Local laws and licenses

Florida fishing license

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Reviews of Simpson River

4.3
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6 ratings

5
4
3
2
1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

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Pensacola

9.9 miles away

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10.6 miles away

Bellview

11.3 miles away

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11.9 miles away

West Pensacola

12.0 miles away

Roeville

13.4 miles away

East Milton

13.5 miles away

Myrtle Grove

13.6 miles away

Chumuckla

13.8 miles away

Allentown

14.4 miles away

Gulf Breeze

15.0 miles away

Midway

15.3 miles away

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FAQ about Simpson River fishing

📍 Where is the Simpson River located?
the Simpson River is a stream located in Santa Rosa County, Florida, United States. Its coordinates are:
30°35′9″N 87°11′12.9″W
.
🎣 Where on the Simpson River is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on the Simpson River by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in the Simpson River?
The most common species in the Simpson River are:
📢 What are the latest Simpson River fishing reports?
The latest Simpson River fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at the Simpson River right now?
According to fishing regulations at the Simpson River, some of the species in season this November include: Spotted seatrout, Common snook, Northern red snapper, Fat snook, and Atlantic bluefin tuna. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at the Simpson River?

Fishing in Florida requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Freshwater, saltwater, or combination licenses are available for residents and visitors, purchasable online, by phone, or at authorized retailers.

In Florida, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 65 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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