Damn Good Cinco Bayou Fishing Charters

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Cinco Bayou fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

Choose a Date
5/5 Average Rating

Damn Good Guides

Experts Available 24/7

100% Weather Guarantee

Recently Booked Fishing Charters In Cinco Bayou

Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Fort Walton Beach

Nighttime Bowfishing Adventure

99% (92)
20 ft 1 - 6 People From $475
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty in Fort Walton Beach

Bay Fishing Trip

99% (92)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $680

Top Species for Fishing in Cinco Bayou

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Need a Place to Stay?

Want to Stay Put?

Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Cinco Bayou

What are the best fishing charters in Cinco Bayou?

The best fishing charters in Cinco Bayou are:

What is fishing in Cinco Bayou about?

Fishing in Cinco Bayou, Florida, offers anglers a tranquil yet rewarding experience in the heart of the Sunshine State. Located near Fort Walton Beach, Cinco Bayou provides access to a variety of fishing opportunities, both inshore and offshore. Inshore fishing in Cinco Bayou typically revolves around its calm waters and intricate network of mangroves, grass flats, and channels. Anglers can target a range of species including redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead. These shallow waters are ideal for light tackle or fly fishing, allowing for a more immersive and exciting fishing experience.

For those looking to venture further out, offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is easily accessible from Cinco Bayou. Charter boats are available to take anglers to prime fishing spots where they can target larger species such as grouper, snapper, kingfish, and amberjack. These deep-sea excursions offer the chance to reel in impressive catches while enjoying the beauty of the open ocean. Whether it's a half-day trip or a full-day adventure, offshore fishing in Cinco Bayou promises excitement and memorable moments for anglers of all levels.

Additionally, Cinco Bayou provides opportunities for shore and pier fishing, perfect for those who prefer to stay on land. The bayou's shoreline and nearby piers offer convenient spots to catch species like mangrove snapper, flounder, and sheepshead. Shore and pier fishing are family-friendly activities that allow anglers of all ages to enjoy the sport without the need for a boat. With bait and tackle shops nearby, anglers can easily access everything they need for a successful day of fishing in Cinco Bayou.

What are the most popular months to fish in Cinco Bayou?

Fishing in Cinco Bayou, Florida, offers a dynamic experience with seasonal changes bringing different opportunities for anglers throughout the year. Spring is an exciting time in Cinco Bayou, marked by warming waters and the return of many fish species to the area. This season sees an increase in activity for inshore species like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Anglers can enjoy casting in the shallows and along the mangrove-lined shores as these fish become more active and plentiful.

Summer in Cinco Bayou brings warmer temperatures and longer days, creating ideal conditions for both inshore and offshore fishing. Inshore, anglers can continue to target species like redfish and speckled trout, while offshore opportunities expand with the arrival of pelagic species like king mackerel and mahi-mahi. Offshore trips become more popular during this time, offering the chance to catch larger and more migratory fish species in the deeper waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

As fall approaches, cooler temperatures trigger changes in fish behavior in Cinco Bayou. Redfish and speckled trout become more active inshore as they prepare for the spawning season, offering excellent opportunities for anglers to reel in trophy-sized catches. Additionally, the arrival of baitfish in the area attracts predatory species like Spanish mackerel and bluefish, making for exciting nearshore and offshore fishing experiences. Fall is a favorite season for many anglers in Cinco Bayou, as the combination of comfortable weather and abundant fish populations provides excellent fishing conditions.

What types of fishing are popular in Cinco Bayou?

Fishing in Cinco Bayou, Florida, offers a diverse range of experiences for anglers of all preferences and skill levels. Inshore fishing is particularly popular, thanks to the bayou's calm waters and abundant marine life. Anglers can explore the intricate network of mangroves, grass flats, and channels to target species like redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead. Light tackle or fly fishing is often the preferred method in these shallow waters, allowing for precise casts and exciting battles with these prized inshore species.

For those seeking a more adventurous outing, offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is easily accessible from Cinco Bayou. Charter boats are available to take anglers to prime fishing spots where they can target larger species such as grouper, snapper, kingfish, and amberjack. These deep-sea excursions offer the chance to experience the thrill of battling powerful ocean predators while enjoying the beauty of the open water. Whether it's bottom fishing over reefs and wrecks or trolling for pelagic species, offshore fishing in Cinco Bayou promises excitement and memorable catches.

Additionally, Cinco Bayou provides opportunities for shore and pier fishing, perfect for those who prefer to stay on land. The bayou's shoreline and nearby piers offer convenient spots to catch species like mangrove snapper, flounder, and sheepshead. Shore and pier fishing are family-friendly activities that allow anglers of all ages to enjoy the sport without the need for a boat. With bait and tackle shops nearby, anglers can easily access everything they need for a successful day of fishing in Cinco Bayou.

What species are popular in Cinco Bayou?

In Cinco Bayou, Florida, anglers can expect to encounter a diverse array of fish species, making it an appealing destination for fishing enthusiasts. One of the most sought-after species in the bayou's waters is the redfish, known for its strength and fighting ability. Redfish are commonly found in the shallows around mangroves and grass flats, making them accessible to anglers using light tackle or fly fishing gear. These prized game fish provide exciting battles and are a favorite catch among anglers in Cinco Bayou.

Another popular species to target in Cinco Bayou is the speckled trout, also known as spotted sea trout. Speckled trout are abundant in the bayou's shallow waters and are known for their willingness to bite a variety of baits and lures. Anglers can find success targeting speckled trout around grass flats, oyster bars, and deeper channels. With their beautiful markings and tasty flesh, speckled trout are a favorite among both recreational and culinary anglers in Cinco Bayou.

In addition to redfish and speckled trout, Cinco Bayou offers opportunities to catch other inshore species such as flounder and sheepshead. Flounder, with their unique flat bodies and ambush hunting style, can be found lying on the sandy bottoms near oyster beds and structure. Sheepshead, recognizable by their prominent teeth and vertical black stripes, are often found around pilings, docks, and bridges. These species provide additional variety to the fishing experience in Cinco Bayou, ensuring that anglers can enjoy a diverse and rewarding day on the water.

Does Cinco Bayou have good fishing?

Cinco Bayou, located near Fort Walton Beach in Florida, offers anglers a serene and productive fishing experience amidst the scenic surroundings of the Emerald Coast. This small, picturesque bayou connects to Choctawhatchee Bay, providing a rich habitat for various saltwater species. Anglers visiting Cinco Bayou can expect to target a variety of fish, including speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and sheepshead. The bayou's calm waters and diverse underwater structure, including oyster beds and grass flats, create ideal conditions for both novice and experienced fishermen.

One of the main draws of fishing in Cinco Bayou is its accessibility and tranquil atmosphere. Anglers can launch kayaks or small boats from public ramps and easily navigate the bayou's waters to explore different fishing spots. Shoreline fishing is also popular, particularly along the bayou's banks and near its inlet into Choctawhatchee Bay, where anglers can cast lines for speckled trout and other species that frequent the area. The bayou's proximity to deeper bay waters also allows for opportunities to catch larger game fish during seasonal migrations.

Beyond its fishing opportunities, Cinco Bayou offers a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and families. The bayou's surrounding parks and picnic areas provide scenic spots for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of Florida's Gulf Coast. Nearby Fort Walton Beach offers amenities such as accommodations, dining options, and attractions, ensuring that visitors have everything they need for a memorable fishing trip to Cinco Bayou. Whether exploring by boat or casting from shore, anglers can enjoy a rewarding fishing experience in this charming bayou setting.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    We believe that Joey did a great job of taking care of us. Two very large 15 lb fish were caught. It was a pleasant fishing trip. Regards, George FLynn

    George F. | July 12, 2025

    Trip: Bay Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We were booked with Captain Joey, but we were guided and taken care of by Captain Mindy. I’m sure Joey is great, but I can’t imagine it going any better than it did with Mindy. She took great care of us, she was very patient with our kids (12&13), and helped us every step of the way. My wife and kids have never bow fished. I haven’t done so in 25+ years. So she basically had a boat full of newbies. We caught several! We missed several more! It was a lot of action and we enjoyed being out there at night for a change. Then my daughter caught the fish of the night! A very nice ray. My son had to shoot back up to make sure we landed it, so that made it even cooler. We would definitely take this trip again. If you get to go with Mindy that’ll be a bonus!

    Rubin W. | July 10, 2025

    Trip: Nighttime Bowfishing Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Melissa led us on a trip filled with good times and good memories for me and my family. She was patient and prepared, and was very good to my kids. We saw tons of neat marine life and flung lots of arrows. Didn’t find many large targets that night, so the small fish were difficult to bag, but that’s fishing sometimes. The boat was setup well and they provided everything needed for this excursion. I would book it again.

    Jon H. | June 29, 2025

    Trip: Nighttime Bowfishing Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    The captain was absolutely awesome he wade the experience very seamless he kept up with two young girls and keeping them with bait in the water plus took us to places where we got on fish pretty much instantly. Would highly recommend

    Anthony B. | June 23, 2025

    Trip: Bay Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had the best time! Bowfishing is one of our favorite sports and being able to have the opportunity to take this trip was without a doubt the coolest experience! Thank you again for a great night!

    Kyle S. | September 11, 2024

    Trip: Nighttime Bowfishing Adventure

Featured Cities

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick each and every one of them, and our network spans all across the US and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

See All Trips in Cinco Bayou