Top fish species at Dons Bayou

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Dons Bayou fishing reports

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Summer flounder

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Great barracuda

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Red drum

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General info

Dons Bayou is a part of an ocean located in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. It is most popular for fishing Red drum, Spotted seatrout, and Summer flounder.

Location

30°27′3.2″N 86°36′25.1″W
Directions

Fishing regulations at Dons 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: 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: 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 closed: October 15 - November 30
Summer flounder

Summer flounder

Regulation boundaryFL State + Fed 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.

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
These regulations apply to Gulf flounder, Southern flounder, Summer flounder and Fringed flounder. Legal Gear: spears, gigs, hook and line, seine, cast net; see FWC Flounder Page. If you catch a Flounder over 25" total length for adults (or 18" total length youth), enter it into the Saltwater Reel Big Fish program to be recognized. For more information or to register your catch, visit Catch a Florida Memory.This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Excellent
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Local laws and licenses

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Cities nearby

Fort Walton Beach

1.9 miles away

Wright

2.1 miles away

Eglin AFB

3.4 miles away

Hurlburt Field

5.7 miles away

Valparaiso

6.6 miles away

Destin

9.0 miles away

Niceville

9.5 miles away

Miramar Beach

16.3 miles away

Navarre

17.1 miles away

Holley

17.7 miles away

Harold

20.5 miles away

Crestview

20.6 miles away

Woodlawn Beach

23.5 miles away

East Milton

24.1 miles away

Midway

25.1 miles away

Bagdad

27.6 miles away

Roeville

28.0 miles away

Freeport

28.1 miles away

Garcon Point

28.8 miles away

Milton

29.2 miles away

Oriole Beach

29.7 miles away

Avalon

30.0 miles away

Point Baker

31.0 miles away

Pea Ridge

31.3 miles away

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FAQ about Dons Bayou fishing

📍 Where is Dons Bayou located?
Dons Bayou is a part of an ocean located in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. Its coordinates are:
30°27′3.2″N 86°36′25.1″W
.
🎣 Where on Dons Bayou is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Dons 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 Dons Bayou?
The most common species in Dons Bayou are:
📢 What are the latest Dons Bayou fishing reports?
The latest Dons Bayou fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Dons Bayou right now?
According to fishing regulations at Dons Bayou, some of the species in season this October 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 Dons 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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