Destin has always been known as one of the finest fishing locations in the world so it is no surprise we are referred to as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” With the largest fishing fleet in the State of Florida, we offer a wide variety of fishing from deep sea fishing to bay fishing.
There are unlimited ways to fish in the Destin Area. Deep sea fishing, bay fishing and surf fishing are all popular pastimes, with Destin sporting the largest fishing fleet in the State of Florida. There are over 100 charter boats to choose from ranging in size from 6 passenger capacity to over 100. A huge variety of fish including red snapper, grouper, triggerfish, scamp, amberjack, cobia, blackfin tuna, king mackerel and more are found in the area. The highlight of the fishing community is the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo that runs from October 1 through October 31 each year. For 51 years fishermen from all walks of life compete in over 30 different categories for more than $100,000 in prizes. All saltwater game is eligible so everyone has an equal chance to win. Destin also features other fishing tournaments including the Cobia Tournament in March and April, and the annual Destin / Ft. Walton Beach Sportfish Tournament.
Fishing Guide
Flounder
Best Location: Gulf – Bay
Average Size: 3/4 – 6 lbs.
Best Season: All Year
Best Baits: Cut Bait – Shrimp
Blue Marlin
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 45- 550 lbs.
Best Season: April – Dec
Best Baits: Bonito, Strip, Skipjack, Mullet, Balao, Live Bait
Tarpon
Best Location: Gulf – Bay
Average Size: 3 – 90 lbs.
Best Season: April – Nov
Best Baits: Mullet, Crabs
Black & Red Grouper
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 1 – 60 lbs.
Best Season: All Year
Best Baits: Cut Bait – Live Bait
Amberjack
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 1 – 65 lbs.
Best Season: All Year
Best Baits: Cigar Fish, Mullet, Spoon, Live Bait
Whiting
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 3/4 – 5 lbs.
Best Season: Mar – Oct
Best Baits: Shrimp, Cut Bait, Sandflea
Red Snapper
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 1 – 40 lbs.
Best Season: All Year
Best Baits: Cut Bait – Live Bait
Little Tuna
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 3 – 21 lbs.
Best Season: All Year
Best Baits: Duster, Spoons, Bonito, Strip
Sheepshead
Best Location: Bay
Average Size: 1 – 10 lbs.
Best Season: All Year
Best Baits: Sandflea, Crab, Shrimp
Warsaw – Grouper
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 5 – 350 Lbs.
Best Season: All Year
Best Baits: Cut Bait – Live Bait
Scamp
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 1/2 – 20 lbs.
Best Season: All Year
Best Baits: Cut & Live Bait
Croaker
Best Location: Bay
Average Size: 1/2 – 4 lbs.
Best Season: All Year
Best Baits: Shrimp, Cut Bait
Spanish Mackerel
Best Location: Gulf – Bay
Average Size: 1 – 5 lbs.
Best Season: April – Nov
Best Baits: Jigs, Spoons
Cobia
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 10 – 92 lbs.
Best Season: Mar – May
Best Baits: Jigs, Crabs, Plugs, Live Bait
Speckled Trout
Best Location: Bay
Average Size: 1/2 – 8 lbs.
Best Season: All Year
Best Baits: Shrimp, Jigs, Plugs
King Mackerel
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 3 -50 lbs.
Best Season: April – Nov
Best Baits: Jigs, Spoons, Cigar Fish
Dolphin
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 1/2 – 55 lbs.
Best Season: May – Oct
Best Baits: Jigs Spoons, Bonito Strip, Mullet, Cigar Fish, Balao
White Trout
Best Location: Bay
Average Size: 1/2 – 4 lbs.
Best Season: All Year
Best Baits: Shrimp, Cut Bait
Wahoo
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 8 – 75 lbs.
Best Season: April – Nov
Best Baits: Jigs, Strips, Mullet, Balao Cigar Fish
Pompano
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 1/2 – 8 lbs.
Best Season: Mar – Nov
Best Baits: Jigs, Sandflea
Bluefish
Best Location: Gulf – Bay
Average Size: 1/2 – 6 lbs.
Best Season: April – Nov
Best Baits: Small Duster, Spoons
Sailfish
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 5- 60 lbs. Best Season: April – nov
Best Baits: Bonito, Strip, Skipjack, Cigar Fish, Mullet, Balao, Live Bait
Triggerfish
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 1 – 12 lbs.
Best Season: All Year
Best Baits: Cut Bait
Sail Cat
Best Location: Gulf – Bay
Average Size: 1/2 – 20 lbs.
Best Season: All Year
Best Baits: Cut Bait
White Marlin
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 20 – 90 lbs.
Best Season: May – Dec
Best Baits: Bonito, Strip, Cigar Fish, Mullet, Balao, Live Bait
Blackfin Tuna
Best Location: Gulf
Average Size: 4 – 25 lbs.
Best Season: All Year
Best Baits: Jigs, Spoons, Mullet, Balao
