The Franklin and Wakulla Counties are unique due to miles of undeveloped coastline accessible by foot and sometimes by only walking a short distance. These areas can be extremely productive fishing spots at the right time, and there is enough diversity that a person can usually find a spot for every season. Year round fishing on foot is possible, though you must spend the time to figure out when, where and how (i.e. the tides, time of day, time of year and why different fish are present at various times).

A good set of maps for the region is a very valuable tool when looking for out-of-the-way places to fish on foot. When I say maps, I am talking about nautical charts, aerial photographs, topographical maps and yes, a good road map of the area also helps. These maps can be purchased through various vendors, as well as county, state, and federal agencies. Some of the aerial photography can be accessed on-line for free.

Much of the coastline in the Big Bend Area is either owned or controlled by the State of Florida, the county you are in, or by the National Fish and Wildlife Service. Access is generally not a problem, but you will want to check to ensure you are in accordance with the laws that govern.

Best Places to Explore
The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, east of the St. Marks River, offers the angler who doesn't mind walking or biking numerous opportunities. This portion of the refuge can be accessed off U.S. Hwy. 98, at Newport. A map of the refuge can be picked up at the front office upon entering the gate. The refuge impoundments are separated from the Gulf by dikes. You can reach many of the tidal creeks in the refuge by walking or. The creeks feature generous numbers of sea trout and redfish during the late fall, winter, and early spring. They are also home some very large alligators -- so watch your step.

Farther to the west in Wakulla County is Wakulla Beach. Follow U.S. Hwy. 98 west of the Wakulla River a couple miles, then turn south on Wakulla Beach Rd. This road will take you straight to the Gulf. Wakulla Beach is also part of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. From early spring to late fall, the possibilities are endless. The creeks, grass shorelines, oyster bars, and submerged grass flats in this area hold just about any species of inshore game fish you can imagine, along with abundant wildlife, which can be viewed while you are fishing.

Continuing on westward will lead you to the banks and mouth of the Ochlocknee River and Bay. This whole system offers year round opportunities as well. Mashes Sands is just east of the river mouth. This section of coastline can be reached by turning south off U.S. Hwy. 98, on to the first road east of the river, then continuing until it dead ends at the Gulf. From here you can walk west to the river’s mouth, or wade to the east fishing the shoreline, near shore structures, and various channels entering the gulf. Numerous trout, redfish, flounder and several other species of inshore saltwater fish live here and are present at different times of the year. If wading is not your ball game, there is also a county fishing pier extending out into the river just north of the mouth. It is open to the public and accessible from the same road used to access the water’s edge.

Cross the river into Franklin County. Over the river, to the west, you will see many places to fish along the banks of the Ochlocknee River. All the best spots can be reached by foot – even the area underneath the western edge of the bridge. This side of the river can be productive for the shore or wade fisherman throughout the year.

Your next stop is Bald Point. This is the area on the west side of the Ochlocknee River at the mouth. The land is owned, controlled and maintained by the State of Florida for public use. This area is a well-known fishing spot and can be very productive at times. It is lined with a maze of oyster bars and channels, the depth of which depends upon the tides.

Alligator Harbor, which is between Alligator Point and the mainland, also offers wading opportunities accessible from U.S. Hwy. 98. From Turkey Point to Carrabelle, then along the way to East Point and out to St. George Island, there are numerous places accessible for great fishing. A majority of the places are overlooked by the masses and hold fish on a regular basis during the season of the year when the fish are present in the given area.