The refuge is composed of approximately 30,500 acres of coastal wetlands, salt marsh salt marsh
Salt marshes are found in tidal areas near the coast, where freshwater mixes with saltwater.
Learn more about salt marsh and open Gulf. Fishing season is year-round, with closed harvest seasons for certain species. Freshwater species include largemouth bass and sunfish. Saltwater species include red drum, cobia, tarpon, spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel and snapper. Slow boat-speed restrictions apply during manatee seasons and vary according to river depth and season. The use of airboats requires a refuge airboat permit, which allows airboat use within navigable waters in the Hernando County section of the refuge; in the Citrus County section of the refuge airboats are only allowed within designated airboat routes. Refuge is accessible only by boat.