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Fishing is one of the most popular activities at the national seashore.
Photo by NPS/Adams
The waters of Gulf Islands National Seashore are home to many species of fish, shrimp and crabs. Daily tides blend nutrient-rich bayous and estuaries with the Gulf of America, creating an ideal habitat for a wide variety of undersea creatures.
Rules that apply to both states per the park rules include:
No vessels or persons in the water within 200 feet of the Fort Pickens fishing pier, the old remnants of the old pier, the Fort Pickens ferry dock, and the Fort Pickens government dock in the Fort Pickens Area, Florida.
No vessels or persons in the water within 40 feet of the Pensacola Bay ferry dock at Quietwater Beach “T” pier in Pensacola Beach, Florida.
No vessels will be anchored or tied to a navigation aid within the designated ferry navigational channel leading to and from Quietwater beach in Pensacola Beach, Florida.
No vessels within 200 feet of the Ship Island ferry dock in Mississippi from February 1 to October 31.
No docking of private vessels at the Fort Pickens ferry dock or Ship Island ferry dock.
Keeping all activities outside of the designated Ferry Navigational Channel that leads to Quietwater pier, and keeping all activities out of the 200-foot area surrounding the Fort Pickens public fishing pier and the Fort Pickens ferry pier reduces the chance of conflicts with boaters, fishermen and swimmers.
Recently, there has been an increase in visitor use in these areas causing conflicts among different recreational groups (i.e., fishing lines being cut, cast nets thrown on swimmers and boaters, and fishing lines and tackle getting caught on swimmers). Separating conflicting usage creates a safer environment for park visitors.
Visitors fishing in the national seashore are responsible to know and follow at park and state regulations. Additional information can be found by following the links below, for a full list of park regulations please visit our Laws & Policies page.
