At this time of year in Destin, inshore fishing is at its peak. Redfish, trout, and flounder can be found throughout its coastal bays, flats, and docks; Sheepshead can also be found along structures from Panama through to Destin.
Cobia are making their annual migration through our area and present ample angling opportunities.
Spring
Spring marks the beginning of another fantastic fishing season on Florida’s Emerald Coast, and with it comes another excellent fishing opportunity in Destin, Florida. Anglers have access to the coastal waters of Choctawhatchee Bay and reefs and shipwrecks for reef fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay; reef fishing along its coastline provides anglers with plenty of targets. Sheepshead appears more regularly near shore, while Cobia is starting to migrate through our waters alongside Spanish Mackerel – offering anglers plenty of target fish species to target.
Springtime in Destin is an ideal time for family fishing trips! These trips typically last 4-5 or 6 hours and include bait, tackle, and rods/reels for kids to learn to fish while having fun! These outings also serve as an invaluable educational experience!
Snapper fishing increases significantly as soon as the Gulf water temperatures warm up. Mangrove snapper, red snapper, vermilion snapper and amberjacks, triggerfish, and scamp grouper can all be found plentifully around Destin. Amberjacks, triggerfish, and scamp grouper are also commonly available among its reefs and wrecks.
Summer fishing in Destin is exhilarating since the annual Cobia migration is underway! These large and tasty fish weighing 40-60 pounds are challenging to catch using light spinning tackle.
Summer months offer some of the best Mahi-mahi and Wahoo fishing available in Destin’s offshore waters, from reefs and wrecks to deeper water. Blue Marlin, Sailfish, and White Marlin may also be found here.
As fall turns to winter, inshore fisheries decline while offshore fishing remains outstanding. Blackfin Tuna, King Mackerel, Amberjack, and Scamp Grouper can all be caught during longer charter trips this time of year.
Summer
Destin fishing during the summer can be intense. Destin is bustling with activity from its peak season of inshore and offshore bucket list fish such as cobia to redfish biting well on light tackle during this exciting and busy time of year. Stay hydrated and calm by drinking plenty of fluids during this hot time – inshore fishing remains pleasing during this season, with snook, trout, and redfish all offering fantastic action while offshore cobia feeding zones come alive – they provide a thrill ride!
Throughout the summer, various fishing tournaments are held in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Miramar Beach that draw visitors and residents. Locals enjoy these events because they have a fun chance to get out onto the water and have some good times!
Inshore charters will focus on red snapper season, which starts June 1st and runs through mid to late July, while on the gulf side, an increase in yellowfin tuna activity makes for an unforgettable day on the water when targeting these fast, robust pelagic species.
As Fall advances, nearshore fishing becomes similar to spring as fish double back through on their journey toward their wintering grounds. Furthermore, speckled trout begin moving into shallower water, allowing anglers to capture one or two of these prized specimens!
Offshore fishing peaks during this time of year as marlin are running strong and king mackerel remains available on reefs and shipwrecks. Wahoo has also begun appearing, creating one of the most exhilarating experiences when hooked: they smash bait hard before taking off at high speed – great fish to catch with trolling gear, live bait, or jigs!
Fall
Destin experiences its second peak fishing season as temperatures cool as species continue their hot bite from summer into fall. Now is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of Destin’s emerald green waters while they are still warm for fun fishing adventures!
Winter offshore target species tend to change the most during this season, with marlin and kingfish shifting towards deeper waters while wahoo flourish in shallower waters – one of the most exhilarating pelagic fish to catch and sure to leave you breathless with its speed and power.
Fall is also an excellent time for inshore fishing, with redfish and speckled trout species becoming available as they feed heavily to gain strength for their impending spawning activities in shallow backwaters of bays and coastal waters.
Now is an excellent time to venture into the Emerald Coast bays, reefs, and wrecks for an exploration adventure. Snapper fishing will be fantastic on deeper wrecks, while mahi mahi and wahoo should be plentiful off-shore of Destin.
At Destin Fishing Rodeo, it’s the season for our annual Destin Fishing Rodeo that runs all month. Open to residents and tourists alike, this event gives anglers of all kinds a great way to see the green waters of the Gulf Coast, catch some fantastic fish, and have fun!
Destin is often known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Boasting the beautiful emerald green waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, an abundance of reefs and shipwrecks, and prime offshore fishing opportunities from all types of boats, Destin is one of the premier locations to catch an array of species all year long from all kinds of crafts. But you don’t need a boat; beachcombers and pier anglers alike can enjoy fishing here all year round. Inshore anglers may catch snook, Tarpon Trout Trout, or Redfish, while offshore, there may be trophy billfish like Blue or Sailfish plus Mahi Mahi or Wahoo to catch!
Winter
Destin is widely considered “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” making it an unparalleled fishing destination. Boasting abundant waters of Choctawhatchee Bay and miles of reefs and wrecks in the Gulf of Mexico, Destin offers incredible fishing opportunities. You will find something that meets your rod, from surf, beach, and pier fishing to inshore species like Snook, Redfish, and Speckled Trout fishing offshore monsters like Marlin or Mahi Mahi.
Beginning in March, cobia are making their annual journey north from South Florida and into warmer waters of inshore flats and channels to feed on coastal flats and channels in Central Florida. Meanwhile, snook and redfish feed near jetties, beaches, and bays in preparation for their spawn.
As summer progresses, water temperatures increase, and fishing picks up in response. Tuna, mahi mahi, and blue marlin that had been dormant all winter start migrating south – this being their peak season and a prime opportunity for many bucket list species.
Offshore, snapper and grouper fishing remain firm on the reefs, along with amberjacks and barracudas, while king mackerel fishing remains consistently good around Destin shipwrecks.
At this time of year, colossal bull redfish feeding on jetties, piers, bays, grass beds, and ledges are drawn into shallow coastal waters for breeding purposes. Their antics can be breathtaking as these trophy fish ambush their prey from grass beds, sandbars, and ledges.
Snook, redfish, and trout consistently bite on the coastal side at creek mouths, flats, sandbars, and backcountry spots. Tarpon can often be caught backcountry as well; brave the chill to see some big speckled trout during this time. Offshore marlin and king mackerel continue to bite, but as they depart, they open the door for some of the most exhilarating pelagic fish: Wahoo! These long, fast, toothy fish will test your rod and reel abilities!
