Chassahowitzka Bay is a shallow, expansive saltwater bay on Florida's Gulf Coast, forming a significant part of the Big Bend region. It is characterized by extensive seagrass beds, oyster bars, and coastal keys, creating a rich estuarine environment within the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. The bay is fed by the spring-fed Chassahowitzka River and connects to the Gulf of Mexico, offering a mix of protected backwaters and open bay fishing. Water depths are generally shallow, with significant tidal influence causing dramatic water level changes that dictate access and fish location.