About Fort Walton Beach

The government established the sprawling Eglin Air Force base near Fort Walton in 1930. In 1940 Fort Walton had around 90 residents. After World War II the Eglin facility grew into a major U.S. Army Air Corps training base. After the war Fort Walton became "popular", and added "Beach" to its name. Today Fort Walton Beach relies heavily on tourism Looking for Fish in Fort Walton Beach

and the U.S. Air Force for its year round living. The area is graced by beautiful salt marshes, rolling dunes and alligator traffic. Many of the dunes have been missed by overzealous developers and left in their natural state.

The Subtropical Climate with Mild Southern Winds of Fort Walton Beach

Enter a time warp where life is easy and the charm of the Old South greets you at every location. Relax and enjoy yourself in the Central Time zone where the pace is slower and the beaches uncrowded. Miles of white sandy beaches, bays, bayous and the Gulf of Mexico await you. A subtropical climate with mild southern winds and very little Fort Walton Beach Pier

extreme weather make Fort Walton Beach perfect in any season.

Fort Walton Beach Has the Best Beaches in the Nation

Spring brings warm days and clear nights with temperatures averaging 79 degrees. Summer a very popular time with temperatures averaging 91 degrees and a gulf breeze blowing. Fall (Indian Summer) and the waters are a warm 79 degrees, still great for swimming. Winter days are clear and mild with accommodations half the summer rate. Any season is the perfect time to visit the place listed as one of the best beaches in the Netting in Fort Walton Beach

nation.

Fishing at Fort Walton Beach

You'll find alligators in rivers and streams that flow into the Choctawatchee Bay. The fresh waters are home to bass, bream, bluegill, mullet catfish and shellcrackers. Saltwater fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay brings in speckled trout, redfish, spanish mackeral, flounder, bluefish and cobia. Bottom fishing refers to fishing over wrecks, reefs and other structures in the Gulf.

Species found in bottom fishing are several varieties of grouper, snapper, sea bass and triggerfish. Offshore fishing is around 25 miles from shore and the fish of choice are dolphin, tuna, king mackeral, wahoo, sailfish, white marlin and blue marlin. Surf fishing can be done on the 26 miles of pristine beaches and is most productive April through November. Surf fishing brings in pompano, spanish mackeral, trout, redfish and bluefish.

The 1,200-foot Okaloosa Pier is lighted for night fishing and it is not uncommon to catch 100-pound tarpons. The locals are partial to Choctawatchee Bay and some favorite catches are specks, white trout and sheepshead. Over 20 species of edible game fish are readily available year round in the Gulf of Mexico. More billfish are caught each year in the area than at any of the other Gulf ports. For the thrill of a lifetime try one of the numerous charter boats available for fishing expeditions.

Choctawatchee Bay extends about 30 miles and is one of the largest inland bays in the country. In the waters surrounding Fort Walton Beach you can snorkel, dive, swim, sail, surf, jet ski and canoe. Rental crafts in any variety can be rented from local marinas and rental shops. Fishing charters and cruises are also available.