Being known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” should tell you all you need to know about fishing being tops among things to do in Destin, Florida.
Depending on the time of year you’re visiting this beautiful Panhandle location, you’ll find agreeable weather in Destin Florida and plenty of opportunities to head out for as little as eight miles or as far as fifteen miles on Destin Florida fishing charters.
You’ll also find many Destin beachfront condos at the best Destin Florida resort when you choose this northwest Florida destination. We’ll be sure to cover some of these Destin condos so you can make the best choice regarding your vacation accommodations.
Before we do, however, let’s take a closer look at fishing in Destin, Florida.
Fishing in Destin
When it comes to deep sea fishing, you’re simply in one of the most thriving spots in the southeastern part of the United States in Destin, Florida.
The waters around Destin are the perfect storm for sports fish and wide other varieties. The spot is prime for big game fish like marlin, sailfish, and tuna since their feeding source is abundant in these waters.
Destin’s waters also provide an easy path to deep waters, so year-round, you’re sure to find many species of fish passing through as they head to warmer climes. These migrations throughout the year make fishing abundant when you’re vacationing in Destin, Florida.
Whether you’re fishing off a jetty or a pier, staying nearshore, or heading a half-day out for deep sea fishing, you will succeed as a fisherman in Destin.
Finest Kind Fishing Charters
If you want the finest when it comes to fishing in Destin, Florida, you’re in the right place with the Finest Kind charter boat.
“Built for speed, comfort, and fishing,” the 53-foot G&S Sportfish has everything from air conditioning to satellite phones. With the latest fish-finding equipment and twin turbo-charged 1320hp diesel, you’ll be powered out to sea in no time and hauling fish up on deck before you know it.
It is recommended that you bring sunscreen and something to eat and drink. The boat is equipped with a microwave, fryer, and grill, along with a refrigerator and freezer. Waterproof bags, rubber-soled shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and fishing gloves are typically recommended. As a precaution, you should pack rain gear as well.
A deposit of 50% of your trip is required to reserve the Finest Kind. Trips offered are 4-, 5-, and 6-hour half days; 8–10-hour three-quarter days; or 12- to 18-hour all-day trips. In addition, you can choose an overnight 24- to 72-hour fishing charter.
As a guest at Islander Resort, you can enjoy discounted rates with their VIP agreement with Finest Kind.
Finest Kind is located at Harborwalk Marina, 10 Harbor Boulevard.
American Spirit Fishing Charters
The 92-ft. long American Spirit is ready to take you and 79 other passengers out on an offshore fishing trip.
Captained by a fisherman with over 20 years of experience fishing in Destin, Florida, the American Spirit has complete galley comfort. Since it’s approved for 149 passengers and carries only 80 for fishing charters, you have plenty of room to enjoy that comfort!
Two other boats, The Suzie Q and New Florida Girl, are also available. American Spirit is the largest of the boats chartered in Destin.
During the summer months (May to August), rates are:
- 4-hour trips (2 p.m. – 6 p.m.): $65 per adult, $27.50 per child
- 6-hour trips (7 a.m. – 1 p.m.): $85 per adult, $37.50 per child
- 8-hour trips (7 a.m. – 3 p.m.): $105 per adult, $47.50 per child
- 10-hour trips (7 a.m. – 3 p.m.): $125 per adult, $47.50 per child
A 15% – 20% tip is customary.
The American Spirit is fully stocked with breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks, so there is no need to drag along a cooler or other container. Bait, tackle, rod, and reels are also included in the overall price of your fishing trip.
Your Islander Resort VIP card gets you 10% off the American Spirit fishing charter!
American Spirit Fishing Charters is located at 116 Harbor Boulevard.
Where to Fish
You have several options when it comes to fishing in Destin, Florida. You can choose to walk to the beach from your Destin Florida resort and cast a line from the sand or pier, or you can select from the few Destin Florida fishing charters in the area and head out for some near- or offshore fishing excursions.
There are plenty of piers, docks, jetties, and beach space for you to catch a wide variety of fish without ever stepping foot on a boat. Flounder, snapper, mackerel, bluefish, redfish, and sheepshead are just a few that you might catch when fishing from land.
You can also choose to fish the bays and inlets feeding into the Gulf with some light tackle in about 20 feet of water. Fishing inshore along the Choctawhatchee Bay could have you nab trout, sheepshead, mackerel, and many others.
Trolling nearshore is one of the more popular methods for fishing in Destin, Florida. Charter boats provide the right bait and tackle, an experienced captain, and even fish-finding equipment to help your trip succeed. Nearshore fishing at about eight miles from shore opens up the variety of fish you can go after, such as amberjack, grouper, bonito, and cobia. You might even pull in one of a variety of sharks native to the area!
However, it’s offshore or deep-sea fishing that defines Destin fishing. Full-day and overnight fishing charters miles out into the Gulf provide the opportunity to reel in big game fish: huge snapper, wahoo, dolphin, swordfish, and sailfish, to name a few. Here’s where Destin Florida fishing charters are most recommended, not only because a seasoned captain and crew know the waters so well but also because they are fully aware of the ever-changing fishing regulations you must adhere to. These regulations include the allowed sizes of certain types of fish, types of hooks, and even fishing methods.
Find Your Destin, Florida Resort
Islander Resort has plenty of two-bedroom oceanfront and ocean view Destin beach condos to make your vacation the best it can be.
With accommodations to sleep up to six guests, these Destin beachfront condos feature fully stocked kitchens, a private washer, and dryer, up to 50-in. flat-screen TVs, queen-sized beds, modern designer décor, and more!
Plan Your Visit
Outside is a private pool, BBQ grills, hot tub, fitness center, tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts. You also get two complimentary beach chairs and an umbrella! What’s more, you’ll be close to casual and fine restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and everything else you need or want as a Destin vacationer.
So, before you land a big fish, be sure to land the best of Destin condos at Islander Resort for everything you need to make your vacation comfortable, convenient, and memorable. Between the luxurious amenities, the prime location, and the dedication of our team, you’re in for the vacation of a lifetime!