Keaton Beach, Florida, is a renowned haven for anglers, offering ample fishing opportunities and an array of fish species. Popular game fish like redfish, trout, flounder, and sheepshead abound, making it a prime destination for those seeking an exceptional fishing experience. The region’s distinctive features, including shallow grassy flats, create an ideal habitat, while the nearby river and Gulf waters provide both saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities. Anglers can employ various techniques, such as live bait, artificial lures, and fly fishing, to pursue their desired catch.
Beyond its fishing allure, Keaton Beach is also a favored spot for scalloping, especially during the summer months. The area’s shallow waters are conducive to these bivalve mollusks, found in seagrass beds along the coast. Scalloping, a family-friendly activity, involves swimming or snorkeling to spot and collect scallops, which can then be brought ashore for cleaning and cooking. The abundance of scallops, coupled with the scenic coastal backdrop, makes Keaton Beach an irresistible destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Situated on the main deep water canal of Keaton Beach, this location offers convenient boating access to the Gulf waters and Steinhatchee River. Boaters can embark on short rides to Hagen’s Cove or Big Bend WMA, establishing it as a central hub for exploring local waterways and discovering prime fishing and waterfowling spots. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse avian population, featuring brown pelicans, great egrets, snowy egrets, ospreys, bald eagles, and various shorebirds.
For those seeking heightened adventure, the famed Big Bend WMA lies due South of the lodging. This wildlife management area presents a unique opportunity for waterfowl hunters, particularly those targeting mottled ducks and black-bellied and fulvous whistling ducks. The region is renowned for trophy hunting of Red Heads, receiving acclaim from enthusiasts worldwide. During the hunting season, the area witnesses a variety of waterfowl species, including teal, diving ducks, wood ducks, bluebills, buffleheads, canvasbacks, goldeneye, and ring-neck. Coastal hunts add a distinctive and memorable dimension to the overall experience. Waterfowl hunting is permitted in designated areas during specific seasons, typically running from November to January. Hunters must possess the required licenses and permits, adhering to all state and federal regulations.