Inshore fishing is when one is fishing along the bottom of a waterway that is often no more than 10 or 12 feet deep. It can be done in fresh or saltwater and provides a great deal of pleasure for many anglers -not to mention, a wide variety of fish to be caught. You may choose to fish along the banks and ledges where there is a natural or man-made cover or from a boat. In the past few years, there has been resurgence in inshore fishing in Destin.
Thanks to the Choctawhatchee Bay’s many inlets and estuaries there are many shallow inshore fishing locations in the Destin area. These waterways are abundant in water grass flats bordered by reed grass and tree lined shores making them the perfect habitat for not just the fish that reside there, but also prime habitats for shrimp, oysters and crabs – all favorite foods for the myriad of fun to catch, taste bud tantalizing saltwater fish caught when inshore fishing in Destin.
In the Destin, Florida area, inshore fishing means saltwater anglers often catch such species as eel, mackerel, barracuda, redfish, sheepshead, black drum, sharks, flounder and spotted sea trout to name just a few, though there are dozens more that could be mentioned! Of course, these can be very strong and feisty fish, so catching them requires using stronger equipment than one would use for standard freshwater fishing.
Your rod and reel need to be strong enough or it will break – especially should you hook one of the larger species of fish. In addition to sturdiness, it also needs to be rated for saltwater as the water itself can cause significant damage to your gear. Consider using reels that are stainless steel, titanium or fiber with at least a 10-pound monofilament line. For larger fish such as redfish and mackerel, you will need slightly stronger lines and gear. Other key elements when going inshore saltwater fishing include:
Circle hooks in 2/0, 3/0 and 4/0 sizes
A 7-foot, medium action spinning rod
A 30-pound test fluorocarbon leader material to refract light when under the water thus making it nearly invisible to the fish
A torpedo-shaped top water plug
A 1/8 to ¼ ounce jighead paired with a live or artificial shrimp.
While anyone can get in a canoe or small fishing boat, load up their gear and bait and enjoy inshore saltwater fishing, to truly enjoy the sport, boarding a charter is the way to go. A charter boat will be able to go a few miles offshore and will provide all the equipment and bait you will need. Then after your successful day on the water, your fish will be cleaned for you so that all you have left to do is tell the stories and enjoy a meal or three featuring the fish you wrangled to the boat.
So, the next time you are looking for a new fishing adventure, why not cast line towards some Destin inshore fishing action? You are certain to have a wonderful time.
Deep sea fishing in Destin is an experience everyone should share!
The good news is, it’s even more affordable than ever. Whether you’re going out with the boys, creating a new family memory, or are just seeking an adventure, there’s no bad reason to visit the sandy shores of Destin, FL for a deep sea fishing trip.
Long known for its beautiful beaches and gorgeous sunsets, Destin regularly tops national lists for best and most family-friendly vacation destinations. Even with its popularity, many people still don’t know how great the deep sea fishing is here! Year after year, people talk about the great stories they return home with and the photos they share with friends and neighbors – and some are so spectacular they encourage others to try out deep sea fishing in Destin’s waters, too! We’re firm believers that when you’re on vacation, you should take some time to really get away from it all.
One of the most popular reasons people come to Destin for deep sea fishing excursions is part of a bachelor party or “guy’s weekend.” It’s an easy-to-organize plan that’s tons of fun without being too wild. You and your buddies can get out in the sun and enjoy the water. Destin’s fish vary by season – from Amberjack to Grouper – but the unknown is a big part of the excitement!
Amberjack is one of Destin’s local specialties. To catch these challenging fish you need to choose a top notch Destin Charter Fishing Boat to guide you to where schools are and show you the ropes of reeling the big one in. Choosing the right charter boat can be the difference in having a fun filled day or just coming home with a tan. Captain Jason Mikel and his crew on the Finest Kind are recognized as one of the most knowledgeable charter boat services in Destin when it comes to finding Amberjacks. Locals know they’re the go-to operation – but now the secret’s out!
So, isn’t it time you got out there and saw the world away from land?
We take pride in our highly trained staff that’s always available to answer questions and keep your party safe. Parents, wives, and friends will feel at ease knowing their day-sailors are in good hands. If you’re going to try deep sea fishing fort he first time, why not go with experts in the field who know the best places to fish?
And with affordable rates for any size party, there’s sure to be a trip to fit practically any budget. Many companies promise to give the best in fishing trips, but not all can provide the experience and comfort you’ll find on a Finest Kind voyage! Contact us today to find out how affordable a charter deep sea fishing excursion really is. You’re going to be surprised!
Deep sea fishing in Destin isn’t something everyone has experienced, but they should. Have something different to take home from your vacation than sunbathing and crowded pools. Fun, adventure, and a little peace and quiet…isn’t that what a vacation is all about?
Ready to book your trip on the Finest Kind?
Reserve your choice time slot now to ensure you get the time and day that suits your vacation plans. It’s always smart to book your trip ahead of time as professional and yearly anglers typically snag the prime slots quickly.
See you in the waters of Destin where you’ll be making memories for a lifetime!
In Destin, Florida, inshore fishing is a family-friendly activity that’s not only fun, but can result in some rather tasty future meals, too! Inshore fishing generally refers to fishing off a pier or in the shallow salt flats along shore.
Have You Tried Inshore Fishing Yet?
Because of its shallow depth, inshore fishing is the perfect way to catch lots of delicious fish like:
Redfish
Bonefish
Tarpon
Spotted Sea Trout
King Mackerel
Cobia
Grouper
Like any sport, inshore fishing in Destin, known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” has its own set of unwritten rules. That’s why working with a local is so important! A local pro can take you to the piers and shorelines where you can catch your limit, and knows where to find the bait you need, and even more importantly, guide you on the right rods and reels to use. Or even better, schedule a fishing trip directly with us and we’ll provide all the fishing gear you need!
If you do decide on an inshore fishing trip in Destin without a pro, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Be patient and understand the hierarchy. Anglers will fish for sharks and big game fish such as Cobia, King Mackerel, Redfish and Tarpon off the end of the pier. Towards the middle of the pier, you’ll find anglers fishing for Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish. On the shallow end of the pier, people will be fishing for Panfish and Pompano.
When fishing for Cobia, the first person to spot them gets to cast first. If they don’t get a bit then the fish is then fair game for everyone else.
Boats must, by Florida law, stay at 300 feet away from of a surf pier. Failure to follow this rule may result in a ticket – and sometimes pier anglers take matters into their own hands! Follow this rule to avoid a flurry of high-flying lead weights in your direction.
Transport all your fishing gear using something with wheels. This, of course, isn’t a rule but it will make your inshore fishing adventure easier to enjoy. If you don’t have a wheeled item for transporting fishing gear, a 5-gallon bucket is great, plus is does double duty as a seat.
Ask around about the best kinds of tackle. When it comes to bait, talk to the locals and find out what is working best for the fish you want to catch.
So, grab your rod and reels, get some bait, and come visit the piers to see the most skilled anglers practice their craft in The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village. With so many types of fish to catch, you’ll wonder why you ever considered fishing anywhere else!
King mackerel are one of the most popular game fish to hunt in Destin, Florida. They’re big, they’re fast, and they’re totally delicious! If you hook up with one of these smokers, get ready for the exciting fight that comes along with the King of all “Mack”-Daddy fish found in the Gulf of Mexico.
King mackerel are favored for their size and abundance, which makes them an excellent tournament fish. They are known for their speed, fight, and their delicate flavor. Followers of warm temperatures above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, these pelagic species are found both nearshore and offshore in the Panhandles’s gulf waters, beginning in late March through mid-November, but primarily during the spring and summer months, peaking between May and October. Kings are unpredictable from day to day but can be caught with live or frozen baits and artificial lures, using both various trolling methods and anchoring. One of the ways we spot King Mackerels is by looking for large schools of bait fish that they may be feeding on. The good news is, the waters of Destin are so crystal clear sometimes you can see the Mackerel right from the boat!
Appearance
The Difference Between King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel Image Source: PolkOutdoors.com
The color of king mackerel varies from a black iridescent to bluish green on the top, and silver sides. The body is smooth-running with a tapered head. The lateral line distinguishes a king mackerel from other mackerel species, as it is set high towards the front of the body, and sharply drops down under the second dorsal fin. The young king mackerel are often mistaken for Spanish mackerel because they often have yellowish spots on their sides, around the lateral line. However, the dorsal fins can be used to tell differentiate the Spanish from the king mackerel.
The teeth of king mackerel are extremely sharp and are used to devour a multitude of prey. King mackerels weigh anywhere from 5-50 lbs., with average catches coming in around 15-20 lbs. The Florida state record for largest king mackerel was 90 lbs. Seasoned anglers sometimes refer to large king mackerels as “smokers” for their strike and speed during the fight. Small king mackerels under 15 lbs are sometimes referred to as “snakes,” which relates to their strike and speed, as well.
Characteristics
Like most fish species found in the Gulf of Mexico, king mackerel are a migratory species that follow bait fish into the waters off the coast of Destin. Usually found in schools and around structure, they are frequent visitors to the edges of reefs and wrecks where they can feed on other bait fish. King mackerels, like their distant cousins the Wahoos, are aggressive, hard hitters known for their speedy runs. You’ll hear people say that Mackerels attack the bait “like a missile” which obviously makes them a lot of fun for any charter fishing expedition. King mackerel are capable of spinning 100 to 200 hundred yards of line off of the spool in the first thirty seconds of the fight.
What do Mackerels Eat?
King Mackerels are migratory carnivores who like to feed on squid and small fish. King mackerel are sight hunters, which makes any silvery or bright live bait or lure appealing. However, kings will follow the scent of chum, which makes chunking and chumming an effective way to draw them to your bait. With any sight hunting fish, considerations must be given to the day’s tide, moon phases, and weather conditions, as sight hunting fish rely on light to feed. With the location of king mackerels varying from day to day in the Gulf of Mexico, chartering with an experienced captain and crew offers the best advantage for hooking up with local kings. Though there are a variety of live bait sources for king mackerel fishing off the coast of Destin, the fishermen favorites around here include:
cigar minnows
herring
hardtail
threadfin herring
ladyfish
bluefish
Common Live Bait for King Mackerel across the Florida coast Image Source: SaltwaterSportsman.com
What they prey on depends on their size. King Mackerels in Destin are usually found in small groups, but we see them often living alone. Live bait is usually what works best for us, but King Mackerel will also hit artificial baits from time to time. Yo-zuri Crystal Minnows and Sabiki Rigs with live baits seem to work well. To maximize your chances of hooking a king mackerel our best advice is to utilize as many bait type resources as possible by using multiple bait types including live, artificial, and frozen or thawed bait strips.
Techniques for Catching King Mackerel
Live Bait Rig Trolling for King Mackerel Image Source: SaltwaterSportsman.com
Trolling is one of the best ways to catch these fish while also enjoying Destin’s emerald green waters! While trolling with live bait is accomplished by moving slowly with live bait on top, and a downrigger below the surface, this method is typically used during tournaments to land larger fish. Faster trolls with frozen baits and lures may be characteristic of smaller king mackerel but offers a bigger opportunity for more mackerel meat with higher quantities of smaller kings more likely to hit the bait more frequently at a faster pace. While trolling for king mackerel, you can expect to get bites from other species who chase the same bait and have similar habits.
King mackerel are notorious for being caught when targeting other game fish. When bottom fishing in the Panhandle of Florida, throwing out a drift line is a great way to prepare for the chance of encountering king mackerel as an added bonus on your fishing trip. Dropping a chum block and mixing a chummy recipe of cut bait syrup will call in the bait fish, which draw in the kings, as well as other species that are in the area.
King Mackerel caught with Captain Jason Mikel of the Finest Kind
King Mackerel caught with Captain Jason Mikel of the Finest Kind
Local Advantage
For your best chance of spotting and reeling a King Mackerel, consider chartering your own deep sea fishing crew for the day. Locals know exactly how to spot these lightning-fast fish, and a captain and crew are familiar with the daily conditions that affect the constant change in king mackerel feeding habits.
King Mackerel is a delicious fish when eaten fresh. It has a rich flavor and the meat is flaky and soft, but does not freeze well, so we recommend cooking them up the day you catch them. Fish that are between 24″-30″ are the best to catch and keep as they’re younger and lower in mercury. Larger, older King Mackerel can build up mercury that can make the meat unsafe to consume, especially for children and pregnant women.
An ideal catch for beginners or seasoned anglers the King Mackerel in Destin, Florida is one of a kind. Fishing for these beauties is an exciting experience that no one’s going to forget anytime soon!
Take a bay area fishing vacation and see why Destin is called “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village“. Our crystal clear waters and huge variety of fish make the emerald coast a fisherman’s paradise. If you’re unfamiliar with the area just one trip will open your eyes to its position as one of the best inshore bay fishing spots in the country.
For the best in Destin Bay Fishing it’s always best to charter a fishing adventure with an experienced captain. A local will know the waters well as any fourth-generation fisherman, and he’ll be able to advise you on rules, laws, and general fishing best practices. Bay charters are affordable and fun for the whole family!
If you prefer to seek out your own fishing hole in Destin; here are a few suggestions:
The Destin Bridge
The Destin Bridge is home to Sheepshead, Gray Snapper, Grouper, Redfish, and Spadefish. Cruise around it in a boat or take a walk to try find different spots that may be less crowded.
East and West Jetty
Fishing Destin’s East and West Pass Jetties is a unique experience. Here you’ll get excellent views of Destin’s harbor, beach, and be able to watch the boats coming in and out. Due to tidal changes, this area is a prime feeding ground for a large variety of fish like Sheepshead, Flounder, Redfish, Trout, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Shark, and baitfish.
Coast Guard Station
The Coast Guard Station has grass beds and a rock wall that has created the ideal environment for a lot of different fish. Trout, Redfish, Flounder, Mullet, Ladyfish and Pinfish are popular in this area. Although certain spots are marked as “keep out” areas, there are plenty of pockets where anglers are allowed to fish.
Norriego Point
Just past the East and West Jetties, Norriego Point is a fantastic inshore fishing spot. You can find Ladyfish, Redfish, Trout, Jacks, Flounder, and lots of baitfish!
Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier
The Okaloosa Fishing Pier juts out 1,262 feet into the Gulf of Mexico. The Okaloosa Fishing Pier is a great place to buy bait and you don’t need a license to fish here. Stay near the shore for easier catches or go to the end and test your skill with more challenging fish.
Bay fishing in Destin is a great experience for anglers of all ages and skill levels. We formally invite you to come to Destin and experience the very best inshore bay fishing around! Well, as formally as a casual beach town can, anyway…
Thanks to the Choctawhatchee Bay’s many inlets and estuaries there are many shallow inshore fishing locations in the Destin area. These waterways are abundant in water grass flats bordered by reed grass and tree lined shores making them the perfect habitat for not just the fish that reside there, but also prime habitats for shrimp, oysters and crabs – all favorite foods for the myriad of fun to catch, taste bud tantalizing saltwater fish caught when inshore fishing in Destin.
So, isn’t it time you got out there and saw the world away from land?
