Fishing South Walton: Guide to Top 30A Charters and Visitor Tips

Fishing South Walton ranks as a favorite activity and must-do when visiting the 30A area. Its access to beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay provide both open waters and secret nooks for visitors trying to catch the ‘big one’. With so many opportunities, several fishing charter companies call the area home and specialize in family-friendly fun and lots of catches. Not sure where to start? Learn about the top charters along 30A.

Top Charters for Fishing South Walton

fishing south walton charters vacation

Photo: WIDTTF

Santa Rosa Charters

One of the top South Walton fishing guides, Santa Rosa Charters LLC specializes in back bay fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay. The bay sits north of Miramar Beach and offers 30 miles of water to explore. Several fish species live in the bay, and those fishing with Santa Rosa Charters may catch redfish, speckled trout and gulf sturgeon, to name a few.

Families can choose to fish for four to six hours, and tours are based on one to four participants. This option also caters to children unable to fish the full four hours, and parents can book a two-hour afternoon trip just for them.

30A Inshore Charters

30A Inshore Charters offers light-tackle, family-friendly fishing charters in five beach areas including Grayton and Seaside. Possible catches include redfish and trout. The company provides all equipment and license responsibilities. Other fun activities 30A Inshore offers to families include sightseeing tours and crabbing charters.

Fishy Booty Charters

In Grayton Beach, head to Fishy Booty Charters. These South Walton fishing charters depart from Grayton Beach, and guests can catch species including grouper and mackerel. Trips range from three to four hours, and Fishy Booty supplies all equipment and bait. To add to the adventure, book a four-hour diving trip or sightseeing tour.

fishing south walton family vacation

Not a Dog Charters

Another expert in fishing South Walton is Not a Dog Charters. The Not a Dog, a custom-built catamaran built by charter Captain Kerry, welcomes all skill levels and ages. Groups of four or smaller enjoy fishing for red snapper, grouper, trigger fish and king mackerel. In the spring, families may also catch cobia. Not a Dog offers three- and four-hour trips, and provides all equipment and bait.

Dead Fish Charters

Award-winning Dead Fish Charters won Grand Champion by Visit South Walton as the best fishing charter in 2016. This charter offers bottom, surface, cobia, and tarpon fishing for groups of four and smaller. Charter times range from three to four hours, and possible catches include grouper, snapper, tuna and barracuda. Dead Fish Charters also offers half- and full-day tarpon fishing at Indian Pass.

fishing south walton 30a charters

Captain Phil’s Charters

Groups of five and fewer should check out Captain Phil’s Charters led by native Captain Phil. Rates include three- and four-hour excursions with equipment and bait provided. Fishers enjoy trying to catch various species of snapper, grouper, mahi mahi, cobia and mackerel. Occasionally, guests will also catch sailfish and sharks.

Florida Boy Adventures

Accommodating groups as large as six, Florida Boy Adventures offers inshore tours in the bay. This top-rated fishing charter ranks as one of the best in the South Walton-30A area. With Florida Boy Adventures, which meets in Santa Rosa Beach, guests can schedule flats-fishing, fly-fishing and sightseeing trips. The flats fishing option provides all gear, with possible catches including redfish, trout, black drum and ladyfish. Those fly fishing should bring their own gear and equipment.

Fishing South Walton and 30A Tips

Visitors planning to book one of these 30A fishing adventures should plan to dress approximately and bring a few things. Morning temperatures can become chilly, so it’s best to dress in layers. Here are a few other items to bring:

  • Cooler with ice kept in the car for catches
  • Camera kept in waterproof bag
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats
  • Soft-sole shoes, such as non-slip flip flops or sandals
  • Refreshments and snacks. Most charters provide bottled water, however snacks and additional non-alcoholic refreshments are welcome.

Need more fun things to do? Check out the top bike trails in South Walton-30A.

Find your family’s South Walton vacation rental and start planning today.