Stump Hole / Bay Side Cape San Blas — Fishing, Boating, and Bay-Front Living
The Stump Hole and Bay Side areas of Cape San Blas offer bay-front and bay-view ownership with exceptional fishing and boating access at more affordable prices than Gulf-front properties. Here is what buyers need to know.
The bay side of Cape San Blas — including the Stump Hole area and the bay-front properties along St. Joseph Bay — offers a different kind of Cape San Blas experience. Where Gulf-front ownership is about beach access and vacation rental income, bay-side ownership is about fishing, boating, and the extraordinary natural environment of St. Joseph Bay.
For buyers who prioritize fishing and boating over Gulf swimming, the bay side of the Cape often represents better value than the Gulf side — lower prices, lower CBRA exposure in many areas, and direct access to one of the best fishing grounds in Florida.
Who Is Kinsey Haddock P.A.?
I'm a licensed Florida REALTOR® and Buyer's Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty — Panhandle, representing buyers across Cape San Blas and the Forgotten Coast. License #BK3253849.
What Is Stump Hole / Bay Side?
Stump Hole is a well-known fishing area on the bay side of Cape San Blas — a shallow flat where the bay bottom changes character and creates exceptional conditions for redfish, trout, and other species. The bay-side properties in this area offer direct access to these fishing grounds, with boat docks and bay views.
The bay-side properties along Cape San Blas Road on the St. Joseph Bay side include a mix of residential homes, vacation rentals, and vacant lots — all with bay access and views across the bay toward Port St. Joe.
St. Joseph Bay Fishing
St. Joseph Bay is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water and is one of the premier fishing destinations in the Gulf Coast. The bay supports:
- Redfish (year-round, exceptional)
- Spotted seatrout (year-round)
- Flounder (fall peak)
- Scallops (seasonal harvest, July–September)
- Sheepshead, pompano, and other species
Bay-side properties on the Cape put buyers directly on these fishing grounds. A boat dock or kayak launch from your property means immediate access to world-class fishing.
CBRA Zone Considerations
CBRA zone coverage on the bay side of Cape San Blas is generally lower than on the Gulf side, but it exists. Always verify CBRA status for any specific parcel before purchasing.
Price Ranges
Bay-front homes:
- 3BR/2BA: $380,000–$650,000
- 4BR/3BA: $550,000–$950,000
Bay-view homes:
- 3BR/2BA: $250,000–$450,000
- 4BR/3BA: $380,000–$650,000
Vacant bay-front lots:
- $100,000–$300,000
FAQ
Is bay-front or Gulf-front better on Cape San Blas?
It depends on your priorities. Gulf-front produces higher vacation rental income and offers direct beach access. Bay-front offers better fishing and boating, lower prices, and often lower CBRA exposure. Many buyers who fish seriously prefer the bay side.
Can I access the Gulf from the bay side?
Yes — by boat via the tidal passes at the tip of the Cape. The drive to Gulf-front beach access is also short from most bay-side properties.
How do I get started buying on the bay side of Cape San Blas?
Contact me at emeraldcoastbuyersguide.com — I represent buyers across Cape San Blas and can help you find the right bay-side property.
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Kinsey Haddock · Coldwell Banker Realty
Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring your options on the Emerald Coast, I'm here to answer every question — no pressure, no obligation.
Written by
Kinsey Haddock P.A.Kinsey Haddock P.A. is a Broker Associate and REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Realty, specializing in coastal real estate across the entire Florida Panhandle — from St. George Island and the Forgotten Coast to Panama City Beach, Scenic Highway 30A, and Destin.
