Fishing in Destin

Destin has been a major destination for fishing enthusiasts throughout the years and the tradition lives on today. With the largest fishing fleet in the state of Florida, the city offers numerous opportunities to enjoy fishing both on the shore and in the sea. Here are some major activities a fisher can enjoy in Destin:

Jetty and Pier Fishing

Many sport fish species can be caught off the jetty or pier beach without using a boat. The best time for this type of fishing is between April and October, when there's plenty of Pompano fish in the waters of the Emerald Coast. You can use artificial, frozen or live bait for catching fish like Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Blue Runner, Sheepsheadr, Sail Cat, Whiting, Channel Bass, Cobia, Bonito, Jack Crevalle, Bluefish, Pompano.

You can also enjoy fishing all year-round in the Choctawhatchee Bay and its bayous. There's plenty of Sheepshead, White Trout, Speckled Sea Trout, Channel Bass, Sail Cat, Red fish, Bluefish; as well as Blue Crabs to be found in the area.

Inshore Trolling

The season for inshore trolling starts in March and ends in November with the first runs of Cobia (Ling) opening the trolling season. It is regarded as the most spectacular types of fishing with large fish being caught using an ordinary spinning tackle. You will find plenty of fishing boats offering half day or all day fishing trips at the docks. A great way to spend some time in the sea and catch fish like Mackerel, Cobia or Bonito.

Deep Sea Bottom Fishing

The most popular type of fishing offered by the Destin fleet is deep sea bottom fishing. There are half day, all day and overnight fishing trips available, which result in great catches of Scamp, Trigger fish, Grouper, Amber jack, Cobia and Snapper. Deep sea bottom fish is good all year around.

Offshore Trolling

Probably the most exciting types of fishing in the area, where you can easily catch a 400lb fish. Offshore trolling is usually done in about 27 mile southwest of Destin past the 50 fathom curve (300 feet). The most productive moths for this type of fishing are August through October, with great chances of catching White and Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo and Billfish.

Party boats

There's also a fleet of party boats in Destin. You can buy a ticket or charter a boat for you and your friends at most hotels in Destin or directly at the pier.