Fishing at Destin...
Explore the Emerald Coast!

Fishing at Destin - for the gulf coast fishing vacations you're dreaming of! Why? Destin has the quickest access to Florida deep sea fishing - a depth of 100 feet beginning only 10 miles out from the East Pass in Choctawatchee Bay - you won't waste valuable time getting to where the fishing is hottest!

Fishing at Destin: The Billfish Capital of the World!

In the city of Destin, Florida fishing is supreme - the entire month of October is devoted to Destin's Fishing Rodeo, held at Destin Harbor. Destin fishing has earned the title, "Billfish Capital of the World."

What, exactly, are billfish? Sailfish, spearfish, swordfish, and marlins are considered billfish. Must have something to do with those long noses...

If you've never experienced saltwater fishing Destin will amaze and delight you with the variety of fish to catch. The Atlantic Ocean is home to over 1,000 different kinds of fish. The most common ones captured number well over 100 varieties!

When fishing Florida waters, like Forrest Gump said....

Fishing in Destin:
Something for everyone!

A Destin fishing charter is easily found - from smaller crafts that hold as few as six passengers, to a big Destin fishing party boat that can hold over 100 anglers - there is a Destin fishing charter to meet every desire (and budget!).

Maybe charter boats aren't your preferred fishing method. That's okay - fishing in Destin doesn't have to be done on a fishing charter trip. There are plenty of excellent fishing spots in Florida! Pier fishing in Florida is also quite popular. And pier fishing Destin style, means the 1,200-foot Okaloosa Pier, located at nearby Ft. Walton Beach.

The pier is part of Fort Walton Beach Landing, a waterfront park on the Santa Rosa Sound. Quality pier fishing, a boat ramp, and rest rooms - take the family fishing!

Okaloosa Pier is lighted for night fishing. Tarpon fishing from the pier can be very challenging; 100-pound tarpons are known to hang around Okaloosa pier.

Another alternative to charter boats, is bridge fishing. A popular Florida vacations activity , fishing from bridges, is plentiful in the Destin area. And, when you're fishing in Destin from bridges or pier fishing, you'll land the fish without having to get out in the rough waters of the Atlantic.

Troubled by seasickness? Have limited time or funds? Pier or bridge fishing can be just the ticket to an enjoyable Florida gulf coast fishing experience.

Inshore, cobia begin running in early March; later runs lasting through November may include bluefish, black fin tuna, barracuda, king mackerel and spanish mackerel.

Remember the bridge fishing? The 3,000 foot Destin Bridge catwalk is great for anglers seeking redfish, speckled trout, and white snapper.

When in Destin Florida, onshore fishing yields croaker, white trout, sheepshead, channel bass, bluefish, and sailcat.

Numerous bayous and marsh areas add to the variety of Destin fishing opportunities. Canoe and kayak fishing are often preferred over power boats. Motors frighten the wildlife, and power boats just can't get into some areas.

Fishing at Destin offshore waters begins 27 miles out from East Pass, and you'll land blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish. Wahoo and dolphin fishing are found offshore, too.

The best offshore catches are made from April through October for these types of sport fish.

Florida deep sea fishing will reward bottom fishers with grouper fishing, triggerfish, red snapper, and amberjack.

Fishing at Florida's State Parks

Looking for top-notch Florida recreational fishing? Florida's many state parks draw thousands annually. The ones listed here offer campsites and other activities to keep your family busy and happy.

Kids, we love 'em, don't we? But, they don't usually have the patience or the attention-span to fish for very long. When our kids were very little, our fishing options were, shall we say, a little limited.

We always recommend state parks for fishing when it's a family outing!

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Camping reservations and rates: 1-800-326-3521

Henderson Beach State Park

With a Destin location, Henderson Beach State Park has 6,000 feet of Gulf shoreline. If you enjoy surf fishing, you may catch a popular species like flounder, pompano, whiting, red fish, catfish, and the occasional cobia.

The park has full-service camping. Park admission is $4.00 per vehicle with up to 8 people; $3.00 for single-occupant vehicle.

Henderson Beach State Park
17000 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin, Florida 32541
Phone: 850–837–7550

Grayton Beach State Park

Directions: The park is located South of U.S. 98, about halfway between Destin and Panama City Beach. Drive County Road 283 south of U.S. 98. Turn left at the stop sign on 30A approximately 1/2 mile east of the C.R. 30A and C.R. 283 intersection. The entrance is on the right.

Fees: Admission is $4.00 per vehicle.

You can relax with surf fishing on the famous sugar-sand beaches of the Emerald Coast at Grayton Beach. The park has both freshwater and salt water fishing in the brackish waters of the 100-acre Western Lake.

Grayton Beach
357 Main Park Road
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459
Phone: 850-231-4210

Blackwater River State Park

Directions: Coming from the West: Drive East on I–10, to exit 31 (Hwy 87N). Drive 1/2 mile, turn right on Hwy 90E. Drive approximately 7 miles to town of Harold. Turn left onto Deaton Bridge Road, drive 3 miles to main gate.

Coming from the East: Drive West on I–10, take exit 45 to town of Holt (blinking light). Turn left onto Hwy 90. Drive approximately 15 miles to the town of Harold. Turn right on Deaton Bridge Road, drive 3 miles to main gate.

This state park is our top choice for freshwater fishing at Destin. Why? The Blackwater River has one of the purest sand bottom rivers in the nation. The river's average depth is 2 1/2 feet; it's flow speed is about 2-3 miles per hour. Great conditions for swimming, fishing, tubing, or paddling a canoe! A caution: water levels can change rapidly after rainfalls. Stay safe; call the park ranger to check the river's current conditions before any river activities.

The 350-acre Hurricane Lake in the park is stocked with large-mouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill and shellcracker. We really enjoy fighting with a good bass, don't you?

If you're on a budget, or simply enjoy roughing it for awhile, camping is a great way to experience many Destin fishing adventures!

Blackwater River State Park
7720 Deaton Bridge Road
Holt, Florida 32564
Phone: 850–983–5363

Plan your Destin Florida fishing vacations

Whatever you choose - whether a Destin fishing charter, bridge fishing, pier fishing in Destin, or camping - the opportunities to explore the waters and beaches while fishing at Destin are nearly unending!

We trust that you have found our review helpful, with all the possiblities of Destin Florida fishing vacations.

What's left to do? Why, what else...

A good starting point to find out more about accommodations in Destin is found at our Destin Florida hotels review page.

Perhaps hotels aren't your style. In that case, vacation home rentals in Destin might be just what you're looking for. Choose from private vacation homes and condos, some just steps away from one of Destin's beautiful, white-sand, private beaches.

Fishing Destin: Other Top Florida Fishing Vacations in the Panhandle

While you're in the Panhandle area, try Apalachiola fishing which offers up some fine bass and bream on the river by the same name, and Panama City lies on the coast midway between Destin and Apalachicola. Make the most of your fishing trips to Florida and be sure to schedule some time for fishing in these great locations!

If you're finished learning about the fishing in Destin, you may return to the Northwest Florida Fishing Guide main page.