Florida’s Big Bend region remains one of the state’s best-kept fishing secrets. While anglers flock to the Keys, Tampa Bay, and Panhandle, the coastal waters and rivers around Perry and Steinhatchee offer exceptional fishing without the crowds. Here’s what makes this area special for anyone looking to cast a line.
Perry: The Gateway to Big Bend Fishing
Perry serves as the inland hub for anglers exploring Taylor County’s waters. Located about 20 miles from the Gulf Coast, it provides:
- Well-stocked tackle shops where locals share current fishing intel
- Affordable accommodations for fishing trips
- Easy access to multiple fishing destinations via Highways 19/27 and 98
- Boat repair services and marine supply stores
From Perry, anglers can quickly reach several productive fishing spots:
Keaton Beach
About 20 minutes southwest of Perry, Keaton Beach offers immediate access to some of the Big Bend’s best flats fishing. The shallow, grassy areas hold impressive numbers of redfish and speckled trout year-round. During summer, the clear waters become a hotspot for recreational scalloping.
Econfina River
The dark, tannin-stained waters of the Econfina River, accessible south of Perry, provide excellent freshwater fishing for largemouth bass, bream, and catfish. Its lower sections transition to brackish water, creating opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater species.
Aucilla River
East of Perry, the Aucilla River features limestone outcroppings and deep holes that harbor largemouth bass, striped bass, and various panfish. The river’s unique karst features create diverse habitats that concentrate fish.
Steinhatchee: The Coastal Fishing Mecca
About 35 miles southwest of Perry, Steinhatchee sits directly on the Gulf Coast and offers some of Florida’s finest inshore and offshore fishing opportunities:
Inshore Fishing
Steinhatchee’s extensive seagrass flats are legendary for:
- Redfish: Abundant year-round, with schools of larger breeding fish in fall
- Speckled Trout: Particularly productive during spring and fall transitions
- Flounder: Best during fall migration periods
- Sheepshead: Plentiful around rocky areas and structures, especially in winter
The river mouth and nearby creeks create productive areas where freshwater meets salt, attracting diverse species and baitfish.
Offshore Fishing
Beyond the flats, Steinhatchee provides access to:
- Nearshore reefs (5-15 miles out) producing Spanish mackerel, cobia, and kingfish
- Mid-range grounds (15-30 miles) yielding red snapper (during open season), gag grouper, and amberjack
- Deep-water opportunities (30+ miles) for yellowtail snapper, blackfin tuna, and various grouper species
Steinhatchee’s marinas offer boat ramps, charter services, and local guides who know the unmarked rock piles and natural ledges where big fish congregate.
Scalloping Season
From typically early July through early September, the shallow waters near Steinhatchee host recreational scallopers gathering these tasty bivalves. This family-friendly activity often accompanies fishing trips during summer months.
Seasonal Fishing Calendar
The Big Bend fishing calendar offers year-round opportunities:
Winter (December-February)
- Sheepshead around structure
- Redfish schooling in deeper holes
- Grouper in nearshore waters (season regulations apply)
- Excellent time for crappie in freshwater
Spring (March-May)
- Cobia migration along the coast
- Spanish mackerel runs
- Trout moving to shallow flats
- Bass spawning in freshwater areas
Summer (June-August)
- Scallop season
- Tarpon opportunities
- Offshore pelagics
- Early morning and evening fishing to avoid heat
Fall (September-November)
- Large bull redfish
- Flounder migration
- Grouper moving closer to shore
- Consistently productive trout fishing
Fishing Tips for Perry and Steinhatchee Waters
- Tide Awareness: The Big Bend experiences significant tidal fluctuations. Moving water (either incoming or outgoing) typically produces better results than slack tide.
- Local Bait: Live shrimp, pinfish, and whitebait work year-round. For artificial lures, soft plastics in natural colors and gold spoons are local staples.
- Navigation Caution: The Big Bend coastline features extremely shallow areas that extend miles offshore. First-time visitors should follow marked channels, use updated charts, and consider hiring a guide for initial trips.
- Weather Effects: Strong north or northwest winds can push water out, making some areas too shallow to navigate. Southerly winds typically raise water levels and can muddy inshore areas.
- Less-Pressured Areas: Fishing pressure increases near boat ramps and popular spots. Traveling an extra mile or two often leads to virtually untouched waters.
Whether you’re a dedicated angler or a family looking to combine fishing with other outdoor activities, the waters accessible from Perry and Steinhatchee offer some of Florida’s most rewarding fishing. The combination of diverse habitats, healthy fish populations, and relatively light pressure makes this region a true angler’s paradise within easy reach.
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