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California Swamp

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Florida, United States

2 catches

Top fish species at California Swamp

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California Swamp fishing reports

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Red drum

length · weight

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Northern red snapper

15 in · 5 lb

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General info

California Swamp is a swamp located in Bay County, Florida, United States. It is most popular for fishing Red drum and Northern red snapper.

Location

30°07′34″N 85°29′16.5″W
Directions

Fishing regulations at California 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
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 closed: November 2 - November 6
Northern red snapper

Northern red snapper

Regulation boundaryFL Gulf State Waters
Bag limit2

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 size16" (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.

Aggregate limit10

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

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

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.

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 red snapper. To sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler, call 1-888-347-4356.
Additional information
The 2026 Gulf red snapper season is open to those fishing from private vessels in Florida Gulf state and federal waters. The season also applies to charter-for-hire vessels that do not have a federal permit; however, these vessels are limited to fishing in Florida Gulf state waters only. The fall season will include the following dates:September 1 – October 4October 9 – 22October 23 – 25October 30 – November 1November 7– 8, 14– 15, 21– 22, 26– 29December 5– 6, 12– 3, 19– 20, 25– 27January 1–4, 2027 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
Excellent, but may contain ciguatera toxin.
Synonyms
Lutjanus campechanus
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Local laws and licenses

Florida fishing license

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Cities nearby

Callaway

4.2 miles away

Parker

6.7 miles away

Tyndall AFB

7.7 miles away

Panama City

8.4 miles away

Lynn Haven

11.6 miles away

Mexico Beach

13.0 miles away

Pretty Bayou

13.5 miles away

Southport

14.9 miles away

Upper Grand Lagoon

15.4 miles away

Wewahitchka

17.6 miles away

Port St. Joe

23.3 miles away

Panama City Beach

24.5 miles away

Laguna Beach

29.1 miles away

Sumatra

31.0 miles away

Ebro

31.7 miles away

Blountstown

34.3 miles away

Wausau

35.5 miles away

Vernon

36.5 miles away

Bristol

36.8 miles away

Altha

37.6 miles away

Alford

39.8 miles away

Apalachicola

40.4 miles away

Chipley

44.9 miles away

Freeport

46.8 miles away

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FAQ about California Swamp fishing

📍 Where is California Swamp located?
California Swamp is a swamp located in Bay County, Florida, United States. Its coordinates are:
30°07′34″N 85°29′16.5″W
.
🎣 Where on California Swamp is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on California 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 California Swamp?
The most common species in California Swamp are:
📢 What are the latest California Swamp fishing reports?
The latest California Swamp fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at California Swamp right now?
According to fishing regulations at California 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 California 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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