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East Bay Swamp

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Florida, United States

5.0·25 catches

Top fish species at East Bay Swamp

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Check which species have trophy potential in East Bay Swamp

East Bay Swamp fishing reports

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Largemouth bass

length · weight

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Greater amberjack

length · weight

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Chain pickerel

length · weight

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Largemouth bass

length · weight

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Largemouth bass

length · weight

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Largemouth bass

length · weight

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General info

East Bay Swamp is a swamp located in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. It is also intersecting with Santa Rosa County, Florida. It is most popular for fishing Largemouth bass, Chain pickerel, and Greater amberjack.

Location

30°28′51.5″N 86°41′32.3″W
Directions

When are Largemouth Bass biting on East Bay Swamp?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at East Bay Swamp. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at East Bay Swamp, 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
Largemouth bass

Largemouth bass

Regulation boundaryFL State Waters
Bag limit5

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.

Max size16" (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.

Aggregate limit5

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Memorable / trophy limits1 > 16

The maximum number of trophy individuals legally harvested per harvester per day. A trophy is any individual of a length greater than the max size limit. Trophy individuals are included in the daily bag limit unless stated otherwise.

RequirementKeep intact

In waters where minimum-length or slot-size limits apply, game fish may not be filleted, nor their head or tail fin removed until the angler has completed fishing for the day.

Special gear

FL FW Game Fish

Freshwater game fish may only be taken with pole-and-line or rod-and-reel. There is no limit on the number of rods an angler may use.

Restrictions & requirements

Keep Intact

In waters where minimum-length or slot-size limits apply, game fish may not be filleted, nor their head or tail fin removed until the angler has completed fishing for the day.

Additional information
No minimum length. Only 1 bass may be 16-inches or longer in total length. Black Bass or any part thereof may not be used as bait.Regulations are the same for both Florida Bass and Largemouth Bass throughout Florida, so there is no need for anglers to distinguish between the two species for regulations purposes. Catch a largemouth bass 8-pounds or heavier, check out our TrophyCatch for some amazing prizes.An angler participating in the TrophyCatch Program may temporarily possess in live condition one largemouth bass, 8 pounds or greater, over the legal length limit and bag limit in order to obtain photographic or video documentation of the fish. All largemouth bass retained for this purpose must be released alive into the waterbody in which it was caught immediately after documentation.An angler may possess one largemouth bass 16.5 pounds or greater, per day over the legal length or bag limit when submitting for the certification of a potential state record provided they contact the Commission at this link MYFWC-Potential state record largemouth bass. Largemouth bass maintained in live condition may only be possessed on the waterbody or adjacent shore from which the fish was caught and may only be released alive in the same waterbody, unless otherwise directed by Commission staff.
Edibility
Very good Catch, Clean, Cook Largemouth Bass by BlueGabe
Synonyms
Micropterus nigricans
Season open: year-round
Chain pickerel

Chain pickerel

Regulation boundaryFL State Waters
Additional information
No bag limit. No minimum size. No closed season. Whole pickerel or panfish (e.g., bluegill, redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, spotted sunfish, flier, warmouth) or parts thereof may be used as bait for sportfishing by the angler who caught them. Whole pickerel or bream or parts thereof may not be used as bait for trotlines or bush hooks or any method other than by rod and reel or pole and line.
Edibility
Good
Synonyms
Esox niger
Season closed: October 14 - August 31
Greater amberjack

Greater amberjack

Regulation boundaryFL Gulf State Waters
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 size34" (Fork Length)

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

Fork Length means the length of a fish as measured from the most forward point of the head to the rear center edge of the tail.

Special gear

Circle Hooks

The use of a dehooking device is required when fishing for reef fish. All persons aboard a vessel harvesting reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico must possess and use non-stainless steel non-offset circle hooks when using natural baits.

Restrictions & requirements

Keep-Whole

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

Descending Device/Venting Tool

Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready is required when fishing for reef fish, and use such device if releasing a fish that suffers from barotrauma. Get descending device gear for FREE by completing a 15-minute training from Return 'Em Right. Get started here: returnemright.org

Required licenses
Anglers 16 years of age and older are required to sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler if they fish from a private recreational boat for any greater amberjack. To sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler, call 1-888-347-4356.
Additional information
For additional details, see myFWC AmberjackFor Greater Amberjack regulations in Gulf Federal Waters, see GMFMC.This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. Take a short 15‑minute training to learn how to properly use required release gear and access it at a discounted price through returnemright.org.
Edibility
Very good, but may contain high levels of mercury.For identification help, see You Don't Know Jack.
Synonyms
Kahala, Seriola dumerili, Spaghetti salmon, allied kingfish, great amberfish, greater yellowtail, jenny lind, purplish amberjack, reef donkey, rock salmon, sea donkey, yellow trevally
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Local laws and licenses

Florida fishing license

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Reviews of East Bay Swamp

5.0
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1 ratings

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FAQ about East Bay Swamp fishing

📍 Where is East Bay Swamp located?
East Bay Swamp is a swamp located in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. It is also intersecting with Santa Rosa County, Florida. Its coordinates are:
30°28′51.5″N 86°41′32.3″W
.
🎣 Where on East Bay Swamp is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on East Bay Swamp 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 East Bay Swamp?
The most common species in East Bay Swamp are:
📢 What are the latest East Bay Swamp fishing reports?
The latest East Bay Swamp fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at East Bay Swamp right now?
According to fishing regulations at East Bay Swamp, some of the species in season this November include: Spotted seatrout, Common snook, Fat snook, Atlantic bluefin tuna, and Lane snapper. 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 East Bay Swamp?

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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