(Mar 30, 2023)
It's not just because of its great beaches, but Destin has more to offer than that. Destin boasts a multitude of restaurants and shops, boat rentals, sport fishing charters, dolphin cruises, and family-friendly attractions all within walking distance from one another. This article will share several intriguing reasons why Destin, FL is considered the “world’s luckiest fishing village.”
Best Fishing Spots
Whether you’re heading out to the Destin waters to fish alone or with a boat, there’s always a great fishing spot to have a great catch. The world’s luckiest fishing village is full of incredible fishing spots with plenty of different fish species. Below are some of the popular and most rich inshore and offshore angling grounds:
100-Fathom Curve
It’s located about 10 to 20 miles offshore with waters as deep as 600 feet. Anglers get an opportunity to catch sea monsters such as Snappers, Groupers, Cobia, Mahi Mahi among others.
Okaloosa Island Pier
This great Destin’s angling pier stretches out about 1200 feet into the Gulf offering anglers a chance to catch some prized seafood. You can expect to catch Cobia, Bonito, tuna, among other fish species.
East Pass Jetties
This is the most excellent place in Destin to fish from the shore. You should beware of the slopes between the cliffs as you cast away for some nearshore and inshore beauties. Some of the most popular fish found here include Redfish, Bluefish, Pompano, and Spanish Mackerel.
Navarre Beach Pier
This is literally Fort Walton Beach’s angling pier renovated in 2010 to create enough space for more fishermen to catch some of the Gulf’s most exciting fish species. Here you can expect to get your fill of Mahi-Mahi, Amberjack, Cobia, among others.
The Edge
This is the place to be if you want to discover the riches of Destin’s deep waters past the continental shelf. The Edge is where Destin’s big game angling takes place with a great chance to land Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, and more.
Plenty of Fish to Catch
In Destin, Florida, there are plenty of fishing opportunities for anglers who know where to go. You can find a variety of fish in the Gulf of Mexico, from redfish and snapper to jacks and pompano. In addition, Destin is home to some saltwater lakes that have largemouth bass and catfish waiting to be caught! If you're looking for a great place with ample fishery resources, then look no further than Destin, FL!
Snapper fish stands out to be the most common catch where you can expect to land lane snapper, gray snapper, red snapper, and mutton snapper. Red snapper is the most coveted type due to its huge size and bright scarlet color. The biggest red snapper ever caught in Destin Fl weighed 46 pounds and 8 ounces!
Another frequently reeled fish in Destin is the grouper, including red grouper, black grouper, and gag grouper. Groupers are bottom dwellers and offer a freakish challenge for commercial and recreational anglers due to their huge size and deep homes.
Dolphinfish, popularly known as Mahi-Mahi, is a species that commonly dwell near the water’s surface. Mahi-Mahis have rounded heads with bright blue and green scales and are known to change colors once they’re caught. Other fish species include Wahoo, Tuna, Marlin, Amberjack, Cobia, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, and more.
Fishing Options
So now you know what to fish and where to get the best catch in Destin, the next thing is how to do it! Destin’s whole economy essentially revolves around fishing, meaning there’s plenty of ways to get your favorite fish on. Whether you're a novice or an expert fisherman, recreational or commercial angler, there are plenty of fishing options, including:
- Pier fishing
- Kayak fishing
- Surf fishing
- Charter boat fishing
- Guided fishing tour
- Deep-sea fishing
International Fishing Tournaments
Destin deserves the title “world’s luckiest fishing village” because it makes the most of it. The town holds legendary fishing tournaments that bring people to this small town from all over the country and the globe. If you’ve got a competitive streak, you may want to test your fishing skills here.
The international Destin Fishing Rodeo brightens the city throughout every October, where over 30000 anglers and fans descend on the town. The tournaments involve all types of angling competitions, water sports, and plenty of delicious seafood. Other popular fishing tournaments include:
- The Harbor Walk Marina Cobia Tournament in March, April, and May
- Flounder Pounder Competition in November and December
- The Emerald Blue Marlin Classic and the Best Of the Bay Tournaments during summer.
Conclusion
Destin, Florida, is a popular tourist destination that has been named the world's luckiest fishing village. The town has been blessed with an abundance of life-giving natural resources. The crystal clear water, beautiful beaches, plenty of fish species highly coveted by anglers are just some of the reasons why Destin is considered one of America's best towns for angling. This post explores four reasons why this lucky fishing town is so fortunate.
(Mar 30, 2023)
