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Sheephead Bayou

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Florida, United States

5.0·8 catches

Top fish species at Sheephead Bayou

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Check which species have trophy potential in Sheephead Bayou

Sheephead Bayou fishing reports

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Spanish mackerel

length · weight

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Spotted seatrout

length · weight

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Spotted seatrout

27 in · 4 lb 3 oz

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Red drum

length · weight

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Northern red snapper

length · weight

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15 in · 1 lb

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General info

Sheephead Bayou is a lake located in Bay County, Florida, United States. It is most popular for fishing Spotted seatrout, King mackerel, and Spanish mackerel.

Location

30°07′20.6″N 85°39′40.7″W
Directions

Amenities

Fishing regulations at Sheephead Bayou, 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: March 1 - January 31
Spotted seatrout

Spotted seatrout

Regulation boundaryFL Seatrout Panhandle
Bag limit3

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 size15" (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 size19" (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.

Memorable / trophy limits1 > 19

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.

Restrictions & requirements

Gigging

Harvest by gigging prohibited.

Snagging

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

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.

Hook & Line Only

Allowable gear: hook and line.

Additional information
Panhandle RegionRecreationalSlot limit: 15–19 inches total lengthBag limit: 3 per person/dayClosed season: FebruaryOpen season: March 1 – Jan. 31Over-slot allowance:May possess no more than one fish per person or per vessel, whichever is less,that is greater than 19 inches total length, included in the bag limit. StatewideIllegal Gear: cannot harvest using any multiple hooks in conjunction with live or deadnatural bait; snatching prohibitedAllowable Gear: hook and line and cast netZero captain and crew bag limit when on a for-hire trip Panhandle: The western boundary is located at the Florida-Alabama border, and the region extends to the eastern coastal boundary at 84°20.800ꞌ West Longitude in Franklin County near Alligator Point. Includes all inland waters of the counties named and highlighted in yellow. Does not include Ochlockonee Bay or the Ochlockonee River and its tributaries.
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Cynoscion nebulosus, Speckled Trout
Season open: year-round
King mackerel

King mackerel

Regulation boundaryFL Gulf State Waters
Bag limit3

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 size24" (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.

Additional information
Bag limit increased to 3 king mackerel in FL Gulf State Waters and Monroe County, for more information see MyFWC.com/KingMackerel. 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, but may contain elevated mercury levels. Watch Deer Meat for Dinner's Kingfish Catch, Clean, Cook. It's very good!
Synonyms
Scomberomorus cavalla, Smoker, kingfish
Season open: year-round
Spanish mackerel

Spanish mackerel

Regulation boundaryFL State Waters
Bag limit15

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 size12" (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.

Additional information
Transfer of Spanish Mackerel to other vessels at sea is prohibited. This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information. The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting a series of port meetings along the Atlantic coast in order to take a focused look at the commercial and recreational king and Spanish mackerel fisheries. Input gathered during these port meetings will directly affect future management efforts for king and Spanish mackerel https://safmc.net/posts/king-and-spanish-mackerel-port-meetings-continue-in-florida-and-south-carolina/
Edibility
Very good, but may contain elevated mercury levels. Catch, Clean, Cook Spanish Mackerel by DMFD
Synonyms
Scomberomorus maculatus
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Local laws and licenses

Florida fishing license

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Reviews of Sheephead Bayou

5.0
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3 ratings

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1
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Cities nearby

Parker

3.6 miles away

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Southport

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Panama City Beach

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Mexico Beach

19.0 miles away

Laguna Beach

19.6 miles away

Ebro

25.3 miles away

Wewahitchka

28.0 miles away

Port St. Joe

29.4 miles away

Vernon

34.5 miles away

Wausau

35.6 miles away

Freeport

38.8 miles away

Sumatra

41.2 miles away

Alford

42.7 miles away

Blountstown

42.9 miles away

Altha

44.5 miles away

Bonifay

45.4 miles away

Chipley

45.7 miles away

Bristol

45.9 miles away

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FAQ about Sheephead Bayou fishing

📍 Where is Sheephead Bayou located?
Sheephead Bayou is a lake located in Bay County, Florida, United States. Its coordinates are:
30°07′20.6″N 85°39′40.7″W
.
🎣 Where on Sheephead Bayou is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Sheephead Bayou 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 Sheephead Bayou?
The most common species in Sheephead Bayou are:
📢 What are the latest Sheephead Bayou fishing reports?
The latest Sheephead Bayou fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Sheephead Bayou right now?
According to fishing regulations at Sheephead Bayou, 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 Sheephead Bayou?

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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