Where is Destin, Florida?
Destin is a city located in Okaloosa County, Florida. Located on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Destin is famous of white beaches and amazing green waters. It used to be a small fishing village a long time ago, and now it has become a popular tourist destination. People call it by a lovely name “The world’s luckiest fishing Village” and local people there are proud of it and they also claim to have the largest fishing vessel fleet in the state of Florida.
The city is located on a peninsula separating the Gulf of Mexico from Choctawhatchee Bay. So from the shallow inshore water to the deep waters, anglers have endless opportunities for catching fish.
Where can you go fishing in Destin?
Normally, you can see fishing on boats. But it is not right in Destin. There are many choices for you to choose without taking a boat for fishing in Destin Florida.
Fishing Piers
Located exactly between Pensacola and Destin, Florida, Navarre Pier is one of the prime spots for pier fishing. And the second Destin boardwalk pier is the Okaloosa County Fishing Pier. Anglers can look for Sea Turtles and Dolphins, while they fish. Spanish Mackerel, Black Snapper, Whiting, Ladyfish and many more are been caught from piers.
Surf Fishing
Fishing from the beach is one of the best ways to fish with family, especially on the great Emerald Coast. Anglers usually catch Pompano in Spring. In the fall, just go surf fishing, you will see Redfish soon in your basket. In the winter, try for whiting, which are found close to shore. Anglers can also catch Bluefish, Black drum, Ladyfish, Catfish.
Kayak Fishing
The waters here, offer the best opportunities for sight casting and bottom fishing in the emerald waters. Summer and fall offer the chance to tangle with Redfish, Flounder, Speckled Trout, Snapper, Amberjack, Grouper, Tuna. Fishing by Kayak you may encounter Dolphins playing in the water surrounded by stunning scenery.
Which fish can I have when I go fishing in Destin, Florida?
Looking at the map( Destin boasts access to shallow bays, productive reefs, and the deep waters of Gulf of Mexico) will show you that Destin’s quick access to the deepest depths of the Gulf is unique to the area. Destin fishermen can reach all depths of fishable water for every Gulf species quicker that in any other location along the Gulf because plenty of species of fish live at different depths. The top fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Destin are:
Redfish
Redfish are the most popular inshore and nearshore game in the US, abundant in Gulf waters. It is also a hot target for anglers in Destin. They are strong and hard fighting fish and also so delicious fish. You will find these creatures year – round in the shallow waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay. If you get there in summer or full, the size of Redfish will always make you are surprised.
Tarpon
The Silver King is one of the world’s most prized inshore game fish. Tarpon like warm temperate tropical and subtropical waters. And fishing in Destin Florida never makes you are disappointed. Go fishing in Destin and you will see Tarpon’s performing by their amazing jump on the ocean.
Red Snapper
They taste great at any size and are some of the best eating fish you can catch. Just make sure you’re within bag and size limits. The minimum size limit for red snapper is 16 inches. Only two red snappers are allowed to be harvested per person. Red Snapper are temperate fish You’ll find them in Destin. Beside Red Snapper, you also can see Lane, Mangrove, Vermillion and Mutton Snapper when you go fishing in Destin.
Cobia
Cobia is one of the most catches out of Destin. Cobia fishing in Destin varies moderately throughout the year. High season is April and September to October. They will eat almost anything, so don’t miss a battle and get your fill of Cobia fishing in Destin.
Groupers
Groupers are a prime bottom fishing game in Destin, Florida. Landing one requires more persistence than skill, making this fish an inviting catch for younger, novice anglers as well.
Goliath Grouper must be released when caught. If you are a fan of fishing Tarpon, you definitely don’t miss this fish in Destin. You also can catch Scamp, Red Groupers, and Gag Grouper. The state record Gag was caught from Destin, weighing in at 80 pounds and 6 ounces.
In deep sea fishing, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Sailfish, Marlin will show up in front of your eyes. Head to the deeper waters of the Gulf, you can try bottom fishing and catch Mackerel, Cobia, Amberjack, Groupers and Red Snapper. Inshore, you will definitely see Flounder, Sheephead, Triggerfish, or Seatrout.
Does your mind up that Destin is the place to come for your next fishing adventure? If not, This attractive list will make you think again.
Okaloosa Island Pier: It stretches out over 1200 feet into the Gulf. So it provides incredible views and amazing fishing opportunities for anglers.
Navarre Beach Pier: Each spring, fishermen flock here to anticipate the first Cobia, Mackerel and Pompano runs along the Gulf Coast.
East Pass Jetties : There are thousands of anglers who come to fish out of Destin each year. The rock jetties of East near the beach attract tropical fish such as Flounder, Sheephead, Seatrout…
100 – Fathom Curve : only 10 to 12 miles from offshore, a 600 – feet depth will be under your boat, a wonderful place for catching land monster Groupers, Snappers, Mahi Mahi, Cobia and more.
The Edge: Its is the riches of deep water beyond the continental shelf, where your big game fishing in Destin starts, with prospect of Wahoo, Tuna, Marlin…
Some tournament are held in Destin
Throughout October, Destin Fishing Rodeo always attracts over thousands of anglers to join.
In March, April or May, It is the time for Harbor Walk Marina Cobia Tournament.
In November and December, these months for Flounder Pounder competition.
Come in summer and join the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, or the Best of the Bay Fishing Tournament.
Whenever you go fishing in Destin, by leaving your feet on there, you will push your skills.
After reading, you are ready to get in the water, buy a fishing shirt here and start your journey