On the Emerald Coast of Florida’s panhandle, tourists will find the quaint seaside paradise of Destin. The town has adopted the approved slogan, "The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village" and the assertion is supported with some of the richest fishing in the region. Roughly 3.5 million tourists come to Destin each year, most of them hoping for the best fishing on the Gulf Coast. But combined with the best fishing, Destin offers tourists the best beaches in the region and some of the most beautiful shorelines on the Gulf of Mexico.
Fishing has been a part of life in Destin since it was founded in the 1840s by Captain Leonard Destin. This New England master fisherman built a Cape Cod style bungalow on Monroe Point and began a small commercial fishing business. His children continued the business for decades.
Now, tourists are lured to Destin for the terrific fishing, fishing related events and a great beach rental. In October, the Destin Fishing Rodeo has drawn anglers from around the nation since 1948. Pompano season from April to October also attracts a crowd. And while it is correct that Destin is home to the largest fishing fleet in Florida, those who want to lodge close to shore can fish from the famed Destin pier or one of several jetties no matter what time of the year. When planning a vacation and making reservations for vacation rentals, keep in mind the best times for fishing each of the varieties you desire.
There are a lot of other varieties of fish customary to the waters all-around Destin. Fishing from the dock with live, frozen, or artificial bait will produce whiting, channel bass, sheepshead, blue runner, bluefish, sail cat, spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, and bonito. For the trolling fan, the season between March and November brings cobia season. Cobia in excess of 100 pounds are often caught.
The enormous charter fleet in Destin is available year round for folks or families. Half day, whole day, or overnight fishing adventures are available, but reserving ahead of time is advisable, specifically in peak fishing season.
Getting away from the pier and the seaside, the salt marshes of the Choctawhatchee Bay and the surrounding estuary offer a number of the finest fishing to be had in Destin. Their are quaint bed and breakfasts nearby and the fishing in the bay is year round and brings in speckled sea trout, sheepshead, white trout, channel bass, red fish, sail cat, bluefish, and flounder. Crabs are also abundant along the shore of the bay, and may yield blue crabs throughout the year.
After a day of fishing or simply relaxing on the white sand beach, Destin’s many fresh seafood restaurants present visitors a selection of the tastiest local fish available. There are more than 20 kinds of fish available to community chefs during any of the fishing seasons. Destin lays claim to one of the biggest selections of seafood eateries on the Gulf of Mexico.
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