Grassy Point, Escribano Point WMA, Navarre Fishing

Grassy Point sits within Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area, miles of undeveloped marsh on the shores of Blackwater Bay. It rewards anglers willing to work the grass edges and creek mouths quietly.

• A state wildlife management area that lists saltwater fishing among its activities
• Redfish, speckled trout, flounder and sheepshead named by the agency
• Marsh shoreline, tidal creeks and a primitive paddle launch
• Quiet, scenic and best on a moving tide

The area is north of Navarre, off Grassy Point Road, and runs from the Bayside Recreational Area to the Bayou Recreational Area. A paved public road leads to the campgrounds, and there is a parking area off Grassy Point Road. The WMA lies inside Eglin Air Force Base land, so stay on the public road and marked areas.

• Parking: signed lots at the recreation areas and off Grassy Point Road
• Launch: a primitive canoe and kayak launch onto the bay and tidal creeks
• Surface: sand, grass and trail, with no pier or deck that we could confirm
• Fees and hours: not confirmed, so check the WMA page or signs
• The pin is an estimate on the shore, not a surveyed fishing spot

Blackwater Bay's brackish marsh edge fishes best in the warmer months, with a winter shift to the deeper creeks.

• Spring (Mar-May): speckled trout and flounder along the grass as the water warms
• Summer (Jun-Aug): redfish and trout at dawn and dusk, with croaker and catfish on the bottom
• Fall (Sep-Nov): redfish and flounder move along the shore, with mullet schools in the shallows
• Winter (Dec-Feb): sheepshead and black drum near any structure, and trout in the deeper creek holes

Light spinning gear and quiet approaches work here.

• Live shrimp under a popping cork along the grass edge for trout and redfish
• Soft-plastic paddle tails or a gold spoon for redfish in the shallows
• Shrimp or crab on a small hook near any wood or oyster shell for sheepshead
• A small jig bounced slowly on the bottom for flounder
• A kayak lets you reach creek mouths that the bank does not
• Bring all bait, because there is no shop nearby

Blackwater Bay follows the Gulf tides with one small high and low on most days, and the marsh creeks drain more than they look.

• Fish the moving tide, ideally the outgoing at creek mouths
• Low light at dawn and dusk is best in summer
• Rain and a south wind muddy the water
• Plan your kayak trips around the tide so you are not stranded on a falling tide
• Check the NOAA tide predictions for the bay before you go

This is wild shoreline, not a developed fishing park.

• Soft mud and oyster shell make for poor footing and sharp edges
• Mosquitoes, deer flies and ticks are heavy in warm weather
• Hunting seasons apply on the WMA, so check the FWC hunting calendar and wear bright colors then
• Cell service may be spotty
• Tell someone where you are going when you paddle

Facilities are basic and mostly for campers.

• Two campgrounds along the paved road
• Parking areas at the recreation areas
• A primitive canoe and kayak launch
• Trails from the parking areas
• No bait shop; the nearest shops are in Navarre and Milton
• We could not confirm restrooms or fees, so bring water and plan ahead

• Bring bait with you, since the nearest shops are a drive away
• Kayak the creek mouths on a falling tide for redfish
• Check the WMA brochure for current area rules and hunting dates
• Wear bug spray, long sleeves and a hat in summer
• Fish early, before the heat and the afternoon storms
• Pack out all trash and fishing line

Escribano Point WMA is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which lists freshwater and saltwater fishing among the area's activities.

• Carry the appropriate licenses and permits
• Area rules, including vehicle and hunting-season restrictions, are in the WMA brochure
• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt
• Check current FWC rules for size, bag and season limits before keeping anything