Destin, FL: Top Fishing Destination

Destin, Florida Fishing

Destin, FL is quickly becoming one of the nation’s best vacation spots. It’s long been known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” - so it’s no wonder with the beautiful water and tons of outdoor activities why it’s a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Whether you hang out at the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, sit with your toes in the sand on the beach, or enjoy the community of Crab Island (a super fun sandbar/water meet-up spot with inflatables, paddleboards, and pick-up games like volleyball or football) you’re bound to have an incredible time visiting Destin! Destin is located on the Florida Panhandle off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, almost exact center between Pensacola Beach and Panama City Beach. This stretch of land is also known as the Emerald Coast; the water is beautiful, and the fishing is world renown! Inland fishing on the Choctawhatchee Bay is tons of fun, and there’s also access from the East Pass directly to the Gulf of Mexico. It doesn’t matter when you’re planning your next fishing trip in Destin, there are boats hitting the water year round. Whether you’re inshore or offshore fishing, there are tons of options for your next Destin fishing adventure! Fishing Choctawhatchee Bay will bring you Sheepshead, Spotted Seatrout, Redfish, and more; while setting your hook in the Gulf of Mexico can reel in Red Snapper, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Blue Marlin, and much more. Your FishAnywhere Professional Fishing Guide or Charter Captain can lead you in the right direction, depending on the season and what you’re looking for… there really isn’t a bad choice when trying to decide your Destin fishing trip. If you’re looking for a real adventure: attempt what’s known locally as the “Inshore Grand Slam” - reeling in a Flounder, Redfish, and Spotted Seatrout all in one trip. It’s a thrill and unique bragging right, respected among all anglers. What Fish are in Destin?

Apart from the Inshore Grand Slam fish (Flounder, Redfish, Spotted Seatrout), here are the other inshore and offshore fish species available while fishing in Destin: - Catfish

Sheepshead

Grouper

Red Snapper

Bluefish

Black Drum

Ladyfish

Whiting

Bonito

Amberjack

Jack Crevalle

Spanish Mackerel

King Mackerel (Kingfish)

Mahi Mahi (Dolphin)

Tuna

Wahoo

Blue Marlin

Sailfish

Cobia

Tarpon

Barracuda

Sting Rays

Shark

Keep in mind that some species are highly regulated to keep conservation numbers healthy. Red Snapper in particular is a summer-only species (check with your Professional Charter Captain for more details).

Best Season to Fish Destin

The best season to fish Destin is determined by what you want to catch. The fishing is good year round, but you’ll only be able catch Red Snapper from June - August. In October there are over 30,000 anglers in the area to participate in the Destin Fishing Rodeo - an open tournament of sorts for anglers of all skill levels. Deep Sea Charters in Destin are busiest in the summer months: partly due to the demands of the tourist, but really because that’s when the fish are biting in the Gulf. Inshore fishing is good January thru December - just grab your pole and get ready to reel in some fresh dinner!

Popular Types of Fishing in Destin

Because fishing is such a big draw in Destin, you have tons of options for your fishing excursion. If you’re a “Lone Ranger” type - grab your pole and head to Okaloose Island Fishing Pier. It stretches over 1,200 feet into the Gulf, and you’ll be able to go light tackle fishing for Ladyfish, Mackerel, or Tuna. If you have a group of six passengers, try booking a private fishing charter that can customize your trip. Whether it’s casting for Flounders, fly fishing for Tarpon, or trolling for Tuna - the Captain can share his expertise with you and you’ll be reeling in your limits in no time! If you have a large group, or looking for a lower price point, head boats (or party boats) offer a shared trip experience. You won’t be the only group on the boat, but it’s a fun way to spend the day and you’ll get to keep what you catch. However you choose to fish Destin, you’ll be sure to have the trip of a lifetime!

Booking a Fishing Trip in Destin

Destin, Florida holds a special place in our hearts: It’s such a fun town with so much to do! Visitors of all ages are able to create memories to share for a lifetime - from the kids who spend every summer running up and down the beaches, to the old-timers who once remember a small fishing village that suddenly isn’t so secret anymore! Pier fishing in Destin doesn’t require a fishing license, so there’s easy access and easy reward. The numerous private fishing charters have Captains and Crews who know these waters like the back of their hand, and are eager to share their knowledge with everyone. And the party boats are just a really fun way to spend your day with a group of people that you bond with over fishing - there’s really nothing quite like it! We recommend doing a bit of everything, it really is hard to choose the best kind of fishing in Destin. As long as your hook is in the water, you’re destined for a good time! Book with a today and you’ll see exactly what we mean!