Refuge waters include Oyster Pond (100 acres) and lakes 1-5 (total 156 acres). Fishing season is May 15-September 30. Available species include largemouth bass, redear sunfish and catfish. Boating restrictions include no outboard motors, and electric motors only on refuge lakes and ponds. Saltwater fishing in surrounding bay and gulf waters is for spotted seatrout, red drum, sheepshead, black drum, flounder, mullet, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, whiting, pompano and sharks.
Both freshwater and saltwater fishing are available on St. Vincent Island. It is possible to catch anything that swims in the Gulf of Mexico - redfish, speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, pompano, flounder, tarpon, whiting, black drum, sheephead, and black tipped sharks.
Fishing in designated areas of the Refuge is allowed in accordance with state regulations. Consult the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website for fishing license requirements, seasons, limits, and regulations.
Surf and bank fishing are allowed year round. Four of the six permanent lakes on St. Vincent Island are well stocked with largemouth bass and bluegill (hand-painted bream color variant).
Boats are allowed in Refuge lakes from 15 May through September 30. Electric motors are allowed on boats in season but all other motors must be secured to a designated motor rack.
The use of live minnows as bait is prohibited. The taking of frogs and/or turtles is prohibited.