Best Fishing Trips and Top Fishing Guides in Destin Florida
Fishing in Destin.
Situated immediately next to East Pass and just seconds away from the Gulf of Mexico, Destin, Florida has become one of the most popular Gulf Coast fishing locations in the United States. With inshore, offshore, and deep-sea fishing opportunities galore, the area is the perfect place for your next fishing adventure.
Types of Fishing in Destin
Destin’s offshore waters host a number of species including amberjack, grouper, red snapper, tuna, wahoo, billfish, and mahi mahi. But if you’re not looking to take a trip offshore, the waters around Destin are home to a flourishing fish population. Some of the most sought-after species in the Keys establish their homes in Choctawhatchee Bay all year round, such as spotted sea trout, redfish, and flounder.
Fishing Season in Destin by Month
January
While the weather is on the chillier side in Destin during January, the fishing scene is promising. Try bottom finishing offshore and you’re likely to come across ample snappers. You can also catch trout and redfish in the Destin bay.
February
Since February is too chilly for the majority of pelagic fish, go bottom fishing instead or fish in the bay during this month in Destin.
March
As temperatures begin to get up to the high 60s, reef fish begin moving closer to the shorelines and cobia begins to appear.
April
April is an ideal month for fishing in Destin, especially when you’re on the hunt for cobia.
May
As the cobia season dwindles, Destin’s offshore fishing scene in May heats up. Now is the best time to take an offshore fishing trip to catch groupers while they’re still available.
June
June marks the start of Destin’s busiest time of the year. Remember to plan your trip and book your guide early, as many Destin boats reach their capacity rather quickly throughout this month.
July
Being Destin’s warmest month of the year, July is another busy month for fishing in the area. Head out in July and expect to pull in red snappers and tarpon.
August
Destin’s peak fishing period continues well into August as snappers and groupers are still biting. In addition to being great for inshore fishing, this season is perfect for offshore fishing trips for those hoping to catch a variety of pelagic fish species.
September
The weather gets a bit cooler in September in Destin, and the area is much less crowded overall. Now’s the idea time to go surface fishing just as sailfish and blackfin tuna get closer to the shoreline and easier to catch.
October
October in Destin means one thing: The Destin Fishing Rodeo. Participate with 30,000 of your fellow fishers in pursuit of a cash reward.
November
While the fishing scene begins to cool down in Destin, there are still many fish biting. Bay and bottom fishing are excellent options in November, and you may even come across some pelagic fish species while you’re at it.
December
Even though temperatures in December are generally in the 50s in Destin, bottom and offshore fishing are both still more than promising.
Reach Out to These Guides for the Ultimate Fishing Trip in Destin
Still on the hunt for the best fishing guide to help you meet your goals during your next fishing trip to Destin? Connect with one of the top fishing guides on our list to leverage the support of the professionals who can help you make the most out of your upcoming fishing expedition to Destin.