Things to Know About Fishing in Destin, FL, and 25 Fish You’re Likely to Catch

Destin, Florida, is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village to visit because there is easy access to abundant sea life. You will have a great time from emerald green water to white sandy beaches. Once you have fulfilled your fishing desires, there are several other activities, such as dolphin watching or other water sports. If you are fishing on a charter boat, you do not need a fishing license; however, a fishing license is required if you are 16 or older. Now, let’s see what Destin, Florida, has to offer!

Several Ways to Fish

You can fish in Destin, Florida, and catch your prized fish in several ways. Fish techniques include surf fishing, deep sea, kayaking, pier, and at the bay.

• Surf fishing: The best time to surf fish is between March through November, early morning or night, or during tide changes. Oftentimes, anglers will use a surf rod that is 8 to 12 feet long.
• Deep-sea Fishing: Several deep-sea fishing charters will take you far out to capture the big game fish. Prepare for a full day of catching some powerful, challenging fish.
• Fishing at the Bay: Choctawatchee Bay is a popular spot to capture a mixture of freshwater and saltwater fish. The bay has much calmer waters, and you can rent your boat.
• Pier: Seven piers are within fifty miles of Destin. The Okaloosa Island Pier is the most popular pier to visit, with 1,262 feet to fish at. The Coast Guard Station is another great spot to fish because of the grass beds and rock wall that are inhabited by an abundance of sea life.
• Kayak: Kayaking in Destin gives access to several drop-offs and oyster reefs, attracting many types of fish. Plus, kayaking gives you the chance to appreciate the surroundings.

When and Why to Visit

There are over thirty miles of fishing water to explore and events to attend. The best time to visit Destin is from late May to early November, but you can see it throughout the year. If you are looking to fish for a particular fish, make sure to check out the best time of the year to find them. The chart below lists a few tournaments and events you can participate in!

Common Fish to Catch

Destin is not called the Luckiest Fishing Village for a reason. In this section of the article, I have picked a few fish to highlight and are commonly targeted; however, the list of fish does not stop there!

1. Red Snapper

The best time to capture a Red snapper is between June and August, but it can be caught year-round. Red snappers hang around reefs and wrecks deep in the water. Red snappers can grow up to 40 inches long and weigh up to 50 pounds.

2. Greater Amberjack

Greater Amberjacks have a dark amber stripe from its nose to the first dorsal fin. This fish can weigh up to 200 pounds and swim around rocky reefs, debris, and wrecks.

3. Swordfish

The swordfish is the trophy fish lurking in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This large fish’s typical weight is between 100 and 400 pounds, but it has reached 1,165 pounds. Swordfish are fast creatures, swimming at speeds of 50 miles per hour! Be ready to put up a fight with this large, powerful fish.

4. Cobia

Cobias migrate through the Gulf waters in Spring, a perfect time to target this fish. The average weight of this fish is between 10 and 50 pounds; however, they can reach 150 pounds and 6 feet in length. You can catch this fish around buoys, pilings, and water wrecks.

5. Wahoo

Wahoos are powerful, aggressive fish found near banks, pinnacles, or the water surface. The average size for Wahoos is 3 to 5.5 feet long.

6. Tarpon

Tarpons are generally captured during the summer months and are challenging, powerful fish to capture. Taprons can reach up to 8 feet long and weigh 300 pounds.

7. Gray Triggerfish

The Gray Triggerfish hang around reefs and ledges at 80 to 300 feet deep. This type of triggerfish can reach up to 28 inches long and weigh up to 13 pounds.

• 8. Mahi Mahi
• 9. Sailfish
• 10. Redfish
• 11. Trout
• 12. Red drum
• 13. Flounder
• 14. Grouper
• 15. Spanish Mackerel
• 16. Pompano
• 17. Whiting
• 18. Black drum
• 19. Blue runner
• 20. Shark
• 21. Sheepshead
• 22. Bonita
• 23. Bluefish
• 24. Ladyfish
• 25. Pinfish