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Ward Cove

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Florida, United States

4.2·53 catches

Top fish species at Ward Cove

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Check which species have trophy potential in Ward Cove

Ward Cove fishing reports

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Black drum

length · weight

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Black drum

length · weight

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Black drum

length · weight

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Black drum

length · weight

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Atlantic croaker

9 in · 6 oz

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Pinfish

length · weight

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General info

Ward Cove is an inshore water located in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. It is most popular for fishing Hardhead sea catfish, Black drum, and Gafftopsail sea catfish.

Location

30°29′46.1″N 86°26′46.3″W
Directions

Amenities

Fishing regulations at Ward Cove, 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
Hardhead sea catfish

Hardhead sea catfish

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
Poor
Synonyms
Ariopsis felis
Season open: year-round
Black drum

Black drum

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.

Min size14" (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 size24" (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 > 24

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

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.

Additional information
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
Pogonias cromis
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 Ward Cove

4.2
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9 ratings

5
4
3
2
1
Top reviews

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FAQ about Ward Cove fishing

📍 Where is Ward Cove located?
Ward Cove is an inshore water located in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. Its coordinates are:
30°29′46.1″N 86°26′46.3″W
.
🎣 Where on Ward Cove is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Ward Cove 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 Ward Cove?
The most common species in Ward Cove are:
📢 What are the latest Ward Cove fishing reports?
The latest Ward Cove fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Ward Cove right now?
According to fishing regulations at Ward Cove, 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 Ward Cove?

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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