On the Emerald Coast of Florida’s panhandle, visitors will stumble on the quaint seaside paradise of Destin. The town has adopted the authorized slogan, “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and the claim is supported with some of the richest fishing in the region. Approximately 3.5 million tourists come to Destin each year, most of them searching for the top fishing on the Gulf Coast. But along with the best fishing, Destin offers guests the most extraordinary beaches in the area and some of the most beautiful shorelines on the Gulf of Mexico.
Fishing has been a part of life in Destin ever since it was established in the 1840s by Captain Leonard Destin. This New England master fisherman built a Cape Cod style house on Monroe Point and started a small commercial fishing business. His children sustained the company for decades.
Now, visitors are lured to Destin for the terrific fishing, fishing related events and great beach rentals. In October, the Destin Fishing Rodeo has drawn anglers from around the nation since 1948. Pompano season from April to October also draws a crowd. And while it is correct that Destin is home to the largest fishing fleet in Florida, those who want to stay close to shore can fish from the famed Destin pier or one of numerous jetties no matter what time of the year. When planning a vacation and making reservations for vacation rentals, keep in mind the best times for fishing each of the varieties you desire.
There are lots of different varieties of fish frequent to the waters around Destin. Fishing from the jetty with live, frozen, or artificial bait will produce whiting, channel bass, sheepshead, blue runner, bluefish, sail cat, spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, and bonito. For the trolling fan, the time between March and November brings cobia season. Cobia in excess of 100 pounds are regularly caught.
The gigantic charter fleet in Destin is open year round for individuals or families. Half day, whole day, or overnight fishing tours are to be had, but reserving ahead of time is recommended, particularly in peak fishing season.
Getting away from the pier and the shore, the salt marshes of the Choctawhatchee Bay and the surrounding estuary provide several of the finest fishing available in Destin. Their are quaint romantic getaways nearby and the fishing in the bay is year round and brings in speckled sea trout, sheepshead, white trout, channel bass, red fish, sail cat, bluefish, and flounder. Crabs are also plentiful along the shore of the bay, and can yield blue crabs throughout the year.
Subsequent to a day of fishing or just relaxing on the white sand beach, Destin’s many fresh seafood bistros present tourists a range of the finest local fish available. There are more than 20 varieties of fish accessible to neighborhood chefs during any of the fishing seasons. Destin lays claim to one of the biggest selections of seafood dining establishments on the Gulf of Mexico.