Destin’s summer deep sea fishing season is just around the corner. It’s a time when the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding shores come to life with nonstop adventure and excitement. As captains and crew members gear up for the unknown encounters of daily deep sea fishing trips, anticipation of the annual fleet blessings draws locals and visitors to the Destin Harbor. Destin’s Annual Blessing of the Fleet displays the tradition, heritage, and culture of the coastal community by observing a time of prayer and celebration of those who make up the largest fishing fleet in the state of Florida.
4:00 pm: Blessing of the Fleet Ascension Day services
5:00 pm: Fleet Blessing
5:30 pm: Annual Blessing Fish Fry
What is the Blessing of the Fleet?
The Blessing of the Fleet is an annual tradition honoring the men and women who utilize the resources of the sea as a means of survival. As a centuries-old ritual, fleet blessings are commonplace among ports located all over the world.
With strong roots in the Catholic Church, fleet blessings have long been established as a time of prayer and faith. This ocean to ocean tradition marks a time when locals and churches come together to pray over each fleet vessel, the captains and crew members, and their families for safe passages, bountiful catches, and prosperity.
In addition to services and ceremonial prayers, fallen fishermen and local legends are remembered as tribute of their contributions to the coastal communities.
How did Destin’s Blessing of the Fleet begin?
Destin, Florida 13th Annual Blessing of the Fleet 1970 Image Source: State Archives of Florida/Veselka.
Destin’s Annual Blessing of the Fleet has a history dating back to May 30, 1957, when fishermen congregated at St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church for communion and services conducted by founder, Reverend William Irwin.
The blessing ceremony followed the service as church members and fishermen prayed over each vessel. Back then, there were just over twenty boats, and the town was considered a small fishing community.
Those fishermen and their families built what we know today as one of America’s favorite beach and deep sea fishing destinations. The fleet has continued to grow in number, and the Destin Harbor is now recognized as home to the largest fishing fleet in the state.
Destin’s Unique History
Though Destin’s Blessing of the Fleet as an annual tradition began in 1957, the significance of prayers over the fishermen and their families is unique to those who know the story of Destin’s beginnings.
Destin was first discovered as a fishing haven by Leonard Destin in the 1830s. On his fishing voyage from New London, Connecticut, Leonard’s father and brother were lost at sea in a tragic accident close to Cape Canaveral. As Leonard continued through the Gulf of Mexico, and into the waters just below the Destin coastline, he knew that he’d found something spectacular. After Leonard settled along the shore, word soon traveled of the magnificent blessings found in the waters nearby.
Today, the blessings of the past seem to shine brighter than ever. Destin’s fleet has proved prosperous and protected from the dangerous elements of hurricanes and oil spills that have affected other coastal communities. Locals stand by their beliefs that God continues to watch over and bless the fishermen of Destin’s Harbor, just as he watched over and blessed Leonard Destin during his voyage and discovery of Destin, Florida.
The Atmosphere
Though times have changed from the early years of Destin’s introduction as a quiet fishing village, the Blessing of the Fleet takes locals and visitors back to a time when life-lines were dependent upon tight fishing lines. We are reminded of the significant role that fishermen played in building our beloved Destin community.
Though many visitors travel to Destin to witness the beautiful white sand and emerald waters of the Gulf Coast, Destin as a vacation destination would not be the same as we know it without the work of fishermen and their families, of both past and present.
Today the atmosphere during the Blessing of the Fleet transcends changes to the modern landscaping of Destin. As high-rise condominiums and tourist attractions fade away during the Blessing of the Fleet event, boats decorated with flags and bunting line up along the Destin Harbor, awaiting their chance for mass prayers extended to the vessel, the captain and crew members, and their families. The prayers also extend to all who climb aboard each vessel for deep sea fishing and recreation.
These fishermen and their families capture the same hard-working spirit of those who came before them. Thousands travel to Destin each year to witness the miraculous experience of one of the oldest traditions along the Emerald Coast. All visitors are invited to join the events surrounding Destin’s Blessing of the Fleet, as an experience unlike any other found among coastal traditions.
From the Blessing of the Fleet to the Week of Blessing
As Destin continues to maintain a prosperous reputation, the seeds of early fleet blessings have sprouted across the entire community. What began as the Blessings of the Fleet has led to an entire week of blessings for local families, emergency personnel, pastors, marketplace, and the youth.
During the annual Week of Blessings, churches from various denominations join together in prayer. Unification of Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Baptist, Church of Christ, and Non-Denominational congregations are joined together to represent the Church of Destin. Through testimony and faith, prayer is strengthened, and lives are changed during the week surrounding Destin’s annual Blessing of the Fleet.
Destin’s Blessing of the Fleet. Image Source: Immanuel Anglican Church
The 62nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet
The year 2019 marks Destin’s 62nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet. All services and ceremonies for the 61st Annual Blessing of the Fleet will be held in front of the Fisherman’s Co-op, which is directly under the back side of Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer. The address for Brotula’s is 210 HWY 98 East, Destin, Florida, 32541. Once you pull into the parking lot of Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer, take a right, then an immediate left. Follow the driveway down to the dock to find parking.
Locals and visitors are invited to attend the Blessing of the Fleet Ascension Day services at 4:00 pm, where local pastors, captains, and crew members will share testimonies and prayers for all attending the gathering.
Following the service, Destin’s fleet will line up along the Destin Harbor, and beginning at 5:00 pm, they will take turns stopping in front of the barge where Destin’s pastors pray over each vessel. Whether you hang out along the dock, enjoy a blessed dolphin cruise, or dine at one of the many harbor view restaurants, you’re sure to get a great seat to witness the blessing ceremony.
The traditional Blessing Fish Fry has been a part of the Blessing of the Fleet since its start in 1957. Following the blessing ceremony of the boats, the Blessing Fish Fry will be prepared behind Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer at 5:30 pm.
Caught in 1953 off the Cabo Blanco waters this Black Marlin still reigns as the largest Marlin ever caught. It weighed 1,025 pounds. The angler was Alfred Glassel, Jr and he landed this Marlin through trolling using Mackerel as his bait.
The huge Black Marlin that was caught off the Cabo Blanco waters in 1953 still reigns as the largest Marlin ever caught.
The Bluefin that landed it in the top second position was landed in 1979 by Ken Fraser from Aulds Cove. This Atlantic Bluefin weighed 1496 pounds. The technique that Ken Fraser adopted to catch this record Bluefin was trolling with Mackerel as the bait.
One such fisherman was Paulo Amorim who caught the largest Atlantic Blue Marlin ever. This record breaking Marlin weighed 1402 pounds on the scale. The record Marlin was caught using a Moldcraft Lure by trolling from the waters in Vitoria, Spain.
The largest Pacific Blue Marlin that was landed was from the Kaaiwi Point in 1982 by Jay de Beaubein. The Marlin was reeled in using trolling with Kita bait and it scaled to 1375 pounds.
The largest Swordfish that was caught and recorded weighed 1182 pounds. Louis Marron was the angler who reeled in this gargantuan Swordfish from Iquique, Northern Chile in 1953 using trolling with a Bonito as the bait.
In 2012, Guy Yocom caught the largest Yellowfin Tuna that has ever been recorded. This huge fish that was caught from the waters of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Using a Melton rod and bait fishing with chunk Guy Yocom was able to land this massive tuna that weighed 426 pounds.
Max Domecq in 2003 caught the largest recorded Tarpon that stands at an enormous 286 pounds. This huge monster was fished out from the waters of Rubane. Max used mullet as bait with still fishing.
It was Carl Stewart in 1947 who landed the largest Pacific Sailfish ever recorded. A colossal Sailfish of 220 pounds was pulled out of the waters of Santa Cruz Island Ecuador.
The biggest Wahoo ever caught was from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and this world record is held by an avid fisherwoman Sara Hayward. In 2005 Sara reeled in a Wahoo weighing 183pounds using trolling and this record still stands undefeated.
The world record catch of a Dorado was made by Manuel Salazar in 1976. He reeled in a gigantic Dorado of 86 pounds from the Papagayo Gulf in Costa Rica. The method used in this record catch was trolling, with soft plastic squid.
In August 1986, Mundus and Donnie Braddick brought in the largest fish EVER caught by rod and reel. Using 150-pound test line, the pair reeled in a 3,427-pound Great White Shark!
Alfred Dean caught a 2,664-pound great white shark off the coast of southern Australia. Amazingly, it only took Dean 50 minutes to reel in this monster. More amazing – he was only using 130-pound test line!
Cloyce Tippet caught an 80 pound roosterfish off the coast of Cabo Blanco, Peru on June 13, 1954 using an Ashaway line; Penn Senator reel and Bob Kleiser glass rod.
After a 45-minute battle, Siegfried Dickermann caught an 88lb. 2 oz albacore in the waters of Gran Canaria, Spain. Bait – live mackerel.
Paulo Amorin caught a 1,402 lb. 2 oz blue Marlin in Vitoria, Brazil on February 29, 1992. He was using a white Softhead lure, and the battle lasted 1 hour and 20 minutes.
On a October 26, 1979 in Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada, Ken Fraser caught an Atlantic Bluefin Tuna weighing in at 1,496 lb. using trolled mackerel.
A 435 lb. big-eyed tuna was caught by Dr. Russell Lee on April 17, 1957 in Cabo Blanco, Peru. He spent 55 minutes reeling the tuna aboard.
Also in Cabo Blanco, Peru, Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. caught a black marlin weighing 1,560.5 lb. and measuring 174 inches. The fish was caught on August 4, 1953.
After a 15-minute battle, James M. Hussy caught a 31lb 12oz bluefish in the waters of the Hatteras Inlet in North Carolina.
On October 26, 1962, Brian Batchelor caught a 19.5 lb. bonefish in Zululand, South Africa.
Not to leave the women unrepresented, Mrs. Jane Haywood caught a 52 lb. 6 oz. Pacific Snook. It took 30 minutes of reeling using a Wright & McGill line; Penn Spinfisher reel and a Wright & McGill No. B95H rod.
On May 20, 1961 and after a 50-minute fight, Lynn Joyner caught a 680 lb. Goliath grouper in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Weighing in at 109 lb. 2 oz. this large California yellowtail was caught in Ohara, Chiba, Japan by Masakazu Tabiwaki on October 24, 2009, after dust a 12-minute battle.
Another shout out to the ladies! On November 30, 1986, Ms. Jeanne Woods caught a 44 lb. 1 oz great barracuda. The 55-minute battle took place in Groote Eylandt, N.T., Australia.
After a 65-minute battle, Richard Lane reeled in a 557 lb. 3 oz. giant black sea bass in the waters of Catalina Island, California on January 7, 1962.
On November 19, 2010, Hideyuki Nemoto was fishing in Iki Island, Nagasaki, Japan. After a 40-minute battle, he reeled in a 156 lb. 14 oz. greater amberjack.
In Dampier Archipelago, Australia, on August 6, 2000, Wayne Brown caught a narrowbarred mackerel weighing 80 lb. 3 oz. using a lure of garfish.
Weighing in at 135 lb. 9 oz., the cobia caught be Peter Goulding was caught in Shark Bay, W.A., Australia on July 9, 1985.
On the Seymore River Estuary, Queensland, Australia on June 12, 1996, Ms. Esme Henderson caught a 77 lb. 2 oz. giant trevally.
On March 14, 1989, Dick Love caught a 51 lb. Pacific cubera snapper in Isla de Cano, Costa Rica. He was using blue runner bait, and spent 20 minutes reeling in the snapper.
Renato Fiedler was fishing on December 14, 2002 in Ilha do Mel, Paranagua, Brazil when he reeled in a 60 lb. permit using shrimp twin – tail/jig.
After only a 20-minute battle on February 20, 1994, Ms. Bernadette Nicolson reeled in a 128 lb. 1 oz. Atlantic Sailfish in Luanda, Angola using a Moldcraft 8-inch hooker.
Using a stingray for bait, Bucky Dennis reeled in a 1,280-pound hammerhead shark from the waters of Boca Grande, Florida. This May 23, 2006 battle took 5.5 hours!
On May 11, 1979, angler Billy Pate reeled in a 182lb. Tarpon in Homosassa, Florida.
On February 29, 1992, Ms. Cheryl Adams caught a 634 lb. 14 oz. mako shark in Port Stephens, Australia.
On April 23, 1999, Robert Cunningham, Jr. caught a 73 lb. 10 oz. cobia in waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama.
After a 45-minute battle, on November 7, 1984, David Deuel caught a 94lb. 2 oz. red drum in Avon, North Carolina.
In Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador on February 12, 1947, Carl Stewart caught a 221 lb. Pacific Sailfish.
Weighing in at 53 lb. 6 oz., the yellow tuna caught by Mark Sosin took 40 minutes to reel in.
After only a 16-minute fight, George Hogan, Jr. reeled in a 41 lb. 8 oz. Atlantic snook in Jupiter, Florida.
On May 6, 2012, Frank Sholtz caught a 235 lb. 5 oz. yellowfin tuna in Cape Point, South Africa. The fight lasted 6 hours.
Using a handmade fly, and fighting only a 25-minute battle, Fouad Sahiaoui caught an 89 lb. 15oz. swordfish in Watamu, Kenya.
In Bimini, Bahamas on November 12, 1989, James Orthwein caught a 12 lb. bonefish.
Fouad Sahiaoui also caught a 83 lb. 12 oz. a white marlin in Mohammedia, Morocco. The battle lasted 2 hours and 55 minutes on October 25, 1997.
On August 4, 2011, Gregory Myerson caught an 81lb. 14oz. striped bass in Westbrook, Connecticut.
In Pinas Bay, Panama on January 18, 1962, Dr. Webster Robinson caught a 74 lb. 8 oz. Pacific sailfish.
A dogtooth tuna weighing 147 lb. 14oz. was caught by H.T. Chittum III on October 18, 2005.
On August 18, 1988, after a 65-minute battle Genes Grimes reeled in a 244 lb. Pacific Halibut.
On February 17, 2012, Nathan Adams reeled in a 739 lb. 6 oz. Pacific Bluefin tuna in New Zealand.
After a 7-hour battle, Stewart Campbell reeled in a 329 lb. Atlantic bigeye tuna on May 5, 1986, in the waters of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Africa.
Sophi Grover caught a 194-pound striped marlin in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia on January 10, 2010.
A 208-pound Atlantic blue marlin was caught on May 20, 1994 in La Guaira Bank, Venezuela by Charlie Tombras.
Weighing in at 296 pounds and 14 ounces, the Pacific blue marlin caught in Bateman’s Bay, Australia, took angle Melanie Kisbee just 90 minutes to reel in!
Sara Hayward, age 15, caught a 184-pound cobia in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in July 29, 2005.
On September 7, 1974 in Salinas, Ecuador Santiago Maspons caught a 168-pound pacific sailfish.
A 102-pound Pacific sailfish was caught by Deborah Dunaway in Flamingo Bay, Costa Rica on July 9th, 1992. Interesting side note, at one time Ms. Dunaway held records for all nine billfish species simultaneously, a record that will never be duplicated. Those fish were Atlantic and Pacific blue marlin, Atlantic and Pacific sailfish, swordfish, black marlin, white marlin, striped marlin and shortbilled spearfish. The abbreviated fight time indicates that adroit boat handling played a big role in this and other ultra-light-tackle records.
On July 5, 1993, after just a 6 minute fight, Jerry Dunaway caught a 111 pound Pacific sailfish in Flamingo Bay, Costa Rica.
Weighing in at 181 pounds and 4 ounces, a white marlin was caught in Vitoria, Brazil on December 8, 1979 by Evandro Coserin.
On February 22, 2010 David Kahlenberg caught a 150 pound, 5 ounce mako shark in North Wale Island, New Zealand.
January 4, 2007 – Gary Carter caught a 58 pound, 30unce dolphin in Panama.
George Hogan caught a 106-pound tarpon in Marathon, Florida on June 10, 1992.
On May 16, 2006 Martin Arostegui caught a 385 pound lemon shark in Key West, Florida.
Enrico Capozzi caught a 161 pound, 7 ounce Pacific blue marlin in Playa Carillo, Costa Rica on December 15, 2007.
On December 18, 2007, Stacey G. Parkerson caught a 187 pound, 4 ounce Pacific blue marlin in Playa Carillo, Costa Rica.
On August 23, 2008, after just a 2-minute battle, Gary Carter caught a 252 pound, 9 ounce Pacific blue marlin in Pinas Bay, Panama.
A 41.5 pound permit was caught by Del Brown in Key West, Florida on March 13,1986 after a 1 hour fight.
Stacey G. Parkerson caught a 56 pound, 15 ounce Pacific sailfish in Playa Carillo, Costa Rica on January 30, 2008.
Fouad Sahiaoui caught a 269 Atlantic blue marlin in Mindelo, Cape Verde on May 5, 2012.
On December 3, 2001, Mike Levitt was fishing in Cairns, Australia and caught a 631-pound black marlin. It took 1 hour and 45 minutes to reel the marlin in.
Eryn Jacobsen reeled in a 400 pound, 12 ounce Pacific blue marlin on February 20, 2011 in North Cape, New Zealand.
On February 25, 2002, Thomas M. Evans, Jr. caught a 230-pound striped marlin in New South Wales, Australia.
James Holland caught a 202.5-pound tarpon in Chassahowitz, Florida on May 11, 2001.
On July 6, 1982, Annette Lopez caught a 1,073-pound Atlantic blue marlin in St. Thomas, USVI.
Marking the first official sport-caught blue marlin, a 1,003-pound Pacific blue marlin was caught by George Parker in Kona, Hawaii on November 13, 1954.
Billy Pate caught a 188-pound tarpon in Homasassa, Florida in 1982.
On November 22, 1982 after a nearly 4-hour fight, Eugene Nazarek reeled in a 768 pound, 10 ounce Pacific blue marlin in Buena Vista, Mexico.
Raleigh Wertking caught a 141.5-pound Pacific sailfish in Pinas Bay, Panama on December 27, 19892, after an 8-minute fight.
On September 18, 2012, Guy Yocum caught a 427-pound yellowfin tuna in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
In Grand Bereb, Ivory, Stewart Campbell caught a 714.5-pound Atlantic blue marlin after a 2.5-hour fight.
After just a 1-hour fight, Bill Boniface caught a 494 striped marlin in Tutukaka, New Zealand on January, 16, 1986.
In 1926, Captain Laurie Mitchell caught a 976-pound black marlin in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
On June 11, 1949, Louis Schmidt caught a 1,006-pound black marlin in Perlas Islands, Panama.
September 28, 2011 – Eryn Jacobsen caught a 911-pound Bluefin tuna in Cape George, Nova Scotia, Canada.
On January 12, 2001 in Morehead City, North Carolina, Bradly Kistler caught a 196 pound, 9 ounce Bluefin tuna.
Thomas M. Evans, Jr. caught a 288 pound, 12-ounce pacific blue marlin in port Stephens, Australia on March 2, 2002.
On June 4, 2002, Stewart Campbell caught a 562-pound Atlantic blue marlin in La Gomera, Spain.
Mario Salazar caught a 283-pound tarpon on March 19, 1956 in Venezuela.
Glen Kirkwood caught a 1,364 pound, 10 ounce tiger shark in Swansea, New South Wales, Australia on September 20, 1990.
On November 16, 1981, Mike Levitt caught a 737 pound, 7 ounce black marlin in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
On May 10, 2010, Thomas M. Evans, Jr. caught a 194.5-pound tarpon in Pine Island, Florida.
On June 26, 1974, Jack Herrington caught a 1,142-pound Atlantic blue marlin in Oregon Inlet, North Carolina.
Alfred Dean caught a 2,334-pound white shark in Streaky Bay, Australia on November 6, 1960. There was only a 45-minute fight!
On April 9, 1992, Stewart Campbell caught an 820 pound Atlantic blue Marlin in Grand Bereby, Ivory Coast, Africa.
With just a 5-minute fight, Guy Jacobsen caught a 385 pound, 5 ounce striped marlin in Poor Knights Island, New Zealand.
For more than 3 decades, Jay de Beaubien has held the record for catching a 1,376 Pacific blue marlin in Kona, Hawaii on May 31, 1982.
On June 25, 1987, Kelly Everete caught a 1,103.5-pound Pacific blue marlin in Kona, Hawaii.
On October 7, 1976, Peter Mahood caught a 1,051-pound black marlin in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
On March 8, 2009, Guy Jacobsen caught a 231 pound, 7 ounce striped marlin in Middlesex Bank, New Zealand.
After just an 18 minutes battle, Leo Cloostermans caught a 573 pound Atlantic blue marlin in Azores, Portugal.
Eric Capozzi caught a 735 pound, 3 ounce black marlin on February 7, 2000 in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia.
On June 14, 1964, Walter Maxwell caught a 1,780 tiger shark in Cherry Grove, South Carolina.
When you travel to another city – whether for work or pleasure – one thing is certain, you need to eat. And, you’re going to be ready for quite a hearty dinner after a day of Destin, Florida saltwater fishing. It’s time to put away the familiar chain restaurant menus and explore some local favorites.
This list of local Destin restaurants with a flair will get you started. The criteria for inclusion was having a 4.8+ star rating on Google Reviews or word of mouth from locals who were willing to provide an opinion. Here goes…
Louisiana Lagniappe – This is a dinner-only restaurant (opens daily at 5) that has been on the Best of Destin list for years. Established in 1984, Louisiana Lagniappe is best known for its surf and turf menu that invokes all the flavors of Creole cooking. It is an upscale dining experience perfect for business dinners or simply unwinding after a long day. ($$$ – 775 Gulf Shore Dr., Destin, FL)
Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant – As one of the older local owned restaurants in Destin, this is the place to not just dine on amazing local favorites, but a place where you can relax, enjoy a flavor-filled meal and learn a little about the area. Better yet, it is a place that might inspire you to create your dish(es) using the fish you caught while deep-sea fishing!
The food At Dewey’s is always prepared fresh, which means that you might have a small wait, but it is always worth it! There are daily specials based on the catch of the day, as well as a long assortment of standard menu offerings. Though primarily a seafood restaurant, they do have a great selection of steak, chicken, and vegetarian options as well as a children’s menu. ($$, 9 Calhoun Ave, Destin, FL)
image from mcguiresirishpub.com/
McGuire’s Irish Pub – Since 1977 when McGuire’s opened as a small neighborhood restaurant in Pensacola, it’s been a local favorite. In fact, it became so popular, that they now have several Gulf Coast locations, and Destin is fortunate enough to have one! Open daily from 11 am till 2 am, this is the place for all things Irish. They have an extensive drink menu, delightful appetizers, main dishes and desserts and always make things fresh! McGuire’s has also been featured on The Food Network and the Today Show. In addition to media recognition, they have won the Golden Spoon Award 11 times, been awarded as the Best Steak in Florida by the Beef Backers Association and have several other awards print publications. ($$$, 33 E. Hwy. 98, Destin, FL)
Mimmo’s Restorante Italiano – One of the newest hot spots in Destin, Mimmo’s is the perfect venue for any occasion. With a full bar, authentic Italian food, and great service, you will love spending time here. Whether you are craving a hearty Italian sub, in the mood for steak and seafood, or just want to indulge in decadent desserts, this is the place to go. ($$, 979 US Hwy 98 E Ste. 5)
LuLu’s Destin – Looking for burgers, seafood and entertainment suited for the family? Maybe you want a place that understands that we did not choose our food allergies, but still need places that respect them? Then LuLu’s is the place to go. As a hub of family-friendly fun, this is more than just a place to enjoy great food, but a place where memories are made. With nightly live music, shopping, beach access, and friendly service, it’s definitely a place where you can kick back and relax. ($$, 4607 Legendary Marina Dr, Destin, FL)
The Local Market – For a true taste of the region, nothing beats visiting The Local Market. With a healthy menu that shows off the local fare, you will find yourself indulging in cheeses, freshly made soups, salads rich in local ingredients, homemade breads, and many other delicious offerings. But keep in mind that they are only open for breakfast and through the afternoon (closes at 3), so be sure to get there early! ($$, 950 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL) .
image from localmarketdestin.com
Burrito del Sol – In the mood for food from south of the border? Then this is the place to go! For the budget-conscious vacationer, this is a great place to find fantastic food at a price that won’t break the bank. Especially known for the quesadillas, guacamole and seafood offerings, this is a place that should certainly be on your “Must Visit” list. (517 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL)
Capriccio Café – When you want a breakfast or lunch that is more than just bacon, eggs or a sandwich, then this is the place to go! In fact, it is the perfect place to eat breakfast, or perhaps pick up a lunch to before a deep-sea fishing excursion! From croissants to crepes, and seafood salads to prosciutto di parma on focaccia, a wide selection of coffees, frappes, smoothies and more there is sure to be something that tantalizes your taste buds! ($$, Open 6 am – 4 pm, weekends 7-4; 810 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL)
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House – While the name may be unique (it’s coined from a merger of the names of the founder’s labs), Boshamps is a culmination of many years’ experiences. The restaurant has found the perfect balance between fine dining and casual dinners and offers phenomenal dishes certain to please any palate. Their menu offers a seafood dishes such as fried calamari, smoked yellowtail tuna, a long list of cooked and raw oyster (can they even claim to be an oyster house without these delicacies?) dishes, salads, chowders, and a myriad of Southern-inspired dishes like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes with lump crab, and many others. And to complement any meal, be sure to check out their extensive drink menu! And just in case you want more than fine food, they also have live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. ($$ – $$$, 414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 32541).
O’ Quigley’s Seafood Steamer & Oyster Bar – Voted Best Sports Bar on the Emerald Coast for the past 9 years, this is the place for all things seafood! Whether you are craving oysters on the half-shell, blacken grouper, a perfectly cooked ribeye, crab and any other delicacy, O’ Quigley’s is sure to have it. Pair it with your favorite beverage, then kick back and relax. ($$, 34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy Ste #101, Destin, FL)
image from oquigleysseafoodsteamer.com
Bijoux – For a fine dining experience sure to impress, Bijoux is the place to go. Featuring a contemporary menu with offerings such as Lebanese beef meatballs with a goat cheese spread, red snapper ceviche, and muffuletta bruschetta to an assortment of decadent desserts, and an extensive and refined drink menu, this is the place to go to wine and dine that client or add some extra elegance to a special occasion. ($$$, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy Suite 22 Miramar Beach, FL 32550)
Captain Dave’s on the Gulf – Since 1968, Captain Dave’s has been delighting its guest with its tasty seafood offerings. Whether you are looking for seafood platters of your own design or opt to go with one of the many choices on the menu, you won’t be disappointed. And, for those who don’t love seafood, no worries! Captain Dave’s also has steaks, chicken, burgers, soups and salads and a menu just for kids. And while you’re there be sure to check out the drink menu and lounge area which features top-shelf margaritas, martinis and an elaborate selection of spirits. Opens daily, except Tuesdays at 4 pm. ($$$, 3796 Old Highway 98, Destin 32541)
Some of these Destin eateries might be obvious and on the “restaurant row” or they might be slightly off the beaten path. Regardless of the location, don’t be afraid to try something new. Who knows? You might just like it.
In Destin, you’ll find everything from simple options like burgers and fries to fine dining where artisan breads and desserts are served. You can find everything from surf and turf to the exotic. Or quiet tables on the water to exciting family-friendly locations. Here dining out doesn’t have to be “just another meal.”
For those new to fishing in the near Destin, Florida, then you might be curious as to what species of fish can be caught. Here is just a small list, to pique your interest:
Fish Common to Deep Sea Fishing in the Waters of Destin
*******Please keep in mind that these fish can only be caught and kept in season and have bag limits. Finest Kind Charters will not allow our anglers to keep fish that are caught off-season!
Mackerel – There are several different species of mackerel found in the Destin salt waters. Some of which include the Spanish mackerel, the king mackerel and the cero mackerel. The mackerel specie can range in size from 2 to 20 pounds, during the warmer season when temperatures are over 70 degrees.
Snapper – There are many species of snapper in our Emerald Coast waters! Some of the snapper species include blackfin, cubera, dog snapper, gray snapper, queen snapper, lane snappers, the schoolmaster and the red snapper. Perhaps one of the most recognizable (even by non-anglers) is the red snapper species which is typically a pinkish red color. They can weigh as much as 35 pounds and are most commonly caught by deep sea anglers in water that is 60 to 440 feet deep. The vermillion snapper can be caught year-round and can weigh between 2 and 6 pounds.
Amberjack & Red Snapper
Grouper – Black, Goliath, Nassau, gag, red Warsaw, yellowfin and yellowmouth comprise the commonly caught grouper species when angling in the waters of Emerald Coast. The grouper is typically a bottom fish, but should you plan a Finest Kind deep sea fishing trip during the cooler months, groupers can often be caught when trolling using artificial lures. The black grouper can easily exceed 40 pounds, the gag grouper 25 pounds, the red grouper 15 pounds and the Warsaw can exceed 500 pounds! Definitely, a fish you want to catch!
Spotted Seatrout – This is one of Florida’s most popular sportfish. It is most often caught between March and November and weigh 4 pounds or more – depending on time of year and whether one is fishing on the east or west coasts of Florida.
Sailfish – This is the official saltwater fish of Florida, and is well known for performing high beautiful jumps, its blue-brown coloring and its spear-like snout. These fish are especially common in the panhandle area and can grow up to 5 feet in a single year.
Sailfish caught aboard the Finest Kind.
Amberjack -While this particular species of fish is not caught nearly as often as most anglers would like, they can be found when offshore fishing along the Emerald Cast. Depending on the variety (common ones include greater amberjacks, horse-eye jacks, leatherjackets, palometa, and lookdown) of amberjack they can reach anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds.
Swordfish – Unlike many fish common to Destin waters, the swordfish can be caught all around the globe- so long as the waters are tropical temps (although it seems that the females of the species prefer cooler waters). These amazing fish will put up quite the fight when hooked adding to the excitement of the catch and they can weigh as little as 50 lbs. to a full-grown female which can weigh significantly more than 200 pounds!
Dolphin
Shortfin Mako – Deep blue and black with a white underside, the shortfin mako is often found near the water’s surface and is known for putting up an impressive fight when hooked. They range in length from 6 to 8 feet and can weigh as much as 300 pounds.
Dolphin – This is not your average Flipper! The dolphins sometimes found to in Destin waters, are bright green-blue, with yellow, lime green and even purple on its sides They are usually caught in warm water areas and can weigh as much as 80 pounds but is more commonly found to weigh in at the 30-pound mark. Due to its ability to reach as much as 50 knots, it is a fun fish to catch.
Cobia – This long, sleek fish can be found inshore and nearshore, especially around pillings, wrecks and buoys. They can be as much as 6 feet long and weigh 10 to 50 pounds – though some have reached as much 80 pounds. It should be noted that the state record is 130 pounds 1 ounce and was caught near Destin!
Shark -No list of Destin area fish would be complete without including the various species of sharks residing in our water. In fact, the offshore waters of Florida include nearly 2 dozen varieties of sharks! Some of the more common species include the bonnethead shark, bull sharks, Atlantic sharpnose sharks, tiger sharks, and finetooth sharks. They can range in size from 3.5 to 12.5 feet long (variety depending).
Tuna – There are 6 common species of tuna in the Florida waters: Atlantic bonito, blackfin, bluefin, little tunny, skipjack, and yellowfin. The two most common to the Destin region waters are the yellowfin and the little tunny. The yellowfin can weigh as much as 360 pounds, while the little tunny’s average weight is 26 pounds. The tuna is a popular sportfish, as well as a great for eating, and favorite to reel in aboard the Finest Kind.
This is but a brief list of the many different fish you might reel in when fishing aboard the Finest Kind. Whether you are just looking for some time outside of the of the office, chasing the one that got away, or eager to embark on your first ever deep sea fishing adventure, time spent on the waters of Destin’s Emerald Coast is never wasted and always exciting.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of Destin Florida’s many exciting summer activities. From beach bumming, to action-packed deep sea fishing adventures, Destin is the perfect venue to soak up the sun, and get outdoors with family and friends. But before we embark on one of the biggest vacation seasons of the year, let’s take some time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom to enjoy all the fun and beauty that the emerald coast has to offer.
American Heroes
As Francis Scott Key proclaimed in what we now know as the Star-Spangled Banner, America is the land of the free, and the home of the brave. Here, in America, lifestyles are optional, and opportunity is given freely to each citizen. In Destin, we are thankful for the freedom to harvest the great fish of the Gulf of Mexico, to experience the beautiful public beaches of white sand and emerald waters, to cruise along the Emerald Coast in recreational vessels, and to trade in the coastal markets where luxury meets style and comfort. Businesses in Destin were built on the backs of hardworking Americans who were given the freedom of opportunity by the brave soldiers that fought to protect the peoples’ rights. Only one word can describe these soldiers, and what they have done to protect America as a free nation.
I’m Proud to be an American. Image Source: Active Rain
Heroes.
Destin’s Close Ties to Military Families
Though many view Destin as a vacation destination with the best deep sea fishing port in the world, the city is a neighbor to a number of military communities, and the loss of soldiers has hit close to home on many occasions. Local fishermen know that aside from wearing the hat of an American hero, these soldiers are also called father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, family, and friend.
Too often, tears have touched the waters of Destin to mourn the loss of those who were dedicated to preserving freedom for the ones that they held near, and for future generations to come. As for local fishermen, we know that memories of the fallen will continue to live on each day as we venture into the Gulf of Mexico to freely maintain and harvest these waters. We owe our way of life to the brave who have served our country, and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
A Tribute to Fallen Soldiers from a Destin Fisherman
For the men and women who served in the United States military, and were lost in training exercises, battles, and illnesses while protecting this great nation, we extend our highest respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made as a contribution to our freedom. For their families and friends, thank you for the support and love that you shared to build the character of our American heroes. Know that they will never be forgotten. Blessed are we to have known such bravery and humility that one might give their life to protect ours’.
Memorial Day in Destin is reserved for the recognition of the fallen that fought and died during their service to our country. We invite family and friends to experience Destin this Memorial Day as tribute to one of the many freedoms that your loved ones protected during their service.
As we join together to show our respect for these soldiers, and their families, know that without their courageous acts, our recreational summer activities would not exist. The fishing community of Destin, Florida is thankful for the opportunity to show our gratitude for those who paid the price of freedom with their lives this Memorial Day.
Top 10 Things to do in Destin for Memorial Day Weekend
SunQuest Cruises Memorial Day Weekend Destin Fireworks, Dancing & Dinner Cruise
Sunday, May 29, 2016
6:30 – 9:30 PM: For Reservations call 850-650-2519, or visit com to learn more about the special Memorial Day Weekend Cruise aboard the Solaris.
Red, White, and Blue Hero Celebration @ HarborWalk Village
Thursday, June 02, 2016 (Continues every Thursday June-August in 2016)
7:00 – 9:00 PM: Join the celebration at the Destin Harbor to honor our American Heroes. With an official presentation of the colors by the Eglin Air Force Honor Guard, a WWII vintage North American T-6 Texan stunt team air show over HarborWalk Village, entertainment by the Village Trios, FIREWORKS, and a fire dancing show. Admission is free. For more information, visit the Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village.
If you’re in the process of hunting deep sea fishing charter rates, you’ve probably noticed the wide range in hourly pricing across the board. So, why not take the charter with the lowest cost? After all, each charter boat offers the same basic experience, right? Unfortunately, not all fishing charters were created equally. Here, we will discuss major considerations that reflect both the cost and the type of experience you can expect to encounter for the price that you pay to go deep sea fishing.
What is a Deep Sea Fishing Charter?
First, let’s define a deep sea fishing charter in its most basic form. Of course, there’s a great deal of saltwater fishing that goes on during a charter, but let’s face it. If it’s just about the fish, why charter a boat when you could fish off of a pier? A deep sea fishing charter is so much more than catching fish.
The ingredients that make up a deep sea fishing charter include a charter boat, a captain, and a first mate, or deckhand. The quality of these three ingredients determines both the price that you pay, and the experience that you’ll likely have during your deep sea fishing trip. Asking the right questions about the boat, the captain, and the deckhand can help you to determine which charter offers the best possible experience for your family or group.
Have you ever booked a room at what you thought was a fancy resort, only to find out that you booked your nonrefundable reservation at an overpriced motel? Not a fun time. Well, the same precaution should be considered when reserving a charter. The great thing about charter boats is that you can usually find a number of pictures and videos on the internet showing the interior and exterior features of any well-known charter.
The quality of a charter boat can be evaluated by its initial appearance. Though a charter boat that lacks proper housekeeping skills may be significantly cheaper per hour than their competitors, the cleaning habits of a charter boat’s crew can reveal an array of problems with the boat’s mechanics. If the first thing that you see on the back deck is dried fish blood, filled trash cans, and salt water residue on the windows and chrome, chances are that you’ll find a cluttered and messy cabin, along with a dirty head, or toilet room. These are some of the factors that contribute to sea sickness, so you want to make sure that you aren’t reserving a charter with these types of reviews.
A charter boat that invests the time and money in keeping a clean appearance is more likely to invest the same effort in keeping all mechanical parts working promptly. We’ve heard stories of customers going out on charters that advertised an air conditioned cabin, only to find out that the air conditioner was broken during the fishing trip. When we’re talking about a $20 per hour difference in deep sea fishing rates, a working air conditioner is worth the expense.
A charter boat that leaves much to be desired upon initial appearance is also more likely to have mechanical issues in the engine room. Now keep in mind that even the best charters will eventually have some mechanical issue that need to be addressed. The difference is whether the problem is corrected promptly, or whether the issues are prolonged to keep the charter boat running, despite the comfort of charter fishing customers.
In this respect, a charter boat that costs more per hour is more likely to invest the time and money needed to ensure top quality maintenance and upkeep. The charter boats that raise the bar on maintaining a clean exterior and interior tend to take the time for routine engine and mechanical maintenance, all of which makes a better charter experience for deep sea fishing customers.
New vs Experienced Charter Boats
Forget everything that you know about the American way for just a moment. In perhaps one of the only situations of our consumer market, newer is not always better when selecting a charter fishing boat. Just as you would want a seasoned captain who knows the waters you are fishing, you want your charter boat that has plenty of running time to and from the deep blue.
As captains make choices for improvements and enhancements of their charter boats, they gage their needs based on customer experiences while onboard. A brand new charter boat’s best feature is newness, where a seasoned charter boat’s owner will invest in top of the line fishing equipment and more comfortable accommodations for the customer.
Do you remember the first day that you purchased a smart phone? Even with all of the excitement that came with having the technology of a cell phone and a computer all in one little device that could fit in your pocket, it still took some time to learn how to navigate between calling a friend and searching the internet. Over the years, social media, shopping, and business apps have been added to our smart phones. With each upgrade, we all spend some time getting familiar with the new abilities of our smart phones. Well, captains require the same learning period with new deep sea fishing technology. New equipment is always great, but only if your captain is versed in using the new equipment. As you can imagine, a captain with more frequent trips will be better at navigating his new fishing equipment, and therefore the top of the line equipment aboard a seasoned captain’s boat is more likely to be reflected in the hourly rate.
In the same way that captains require experience with new fishing equipment, plenty of experience with a variety of customers will enhance the captain’s ability to better provide the customer comforts that fit an array of personality types. Depending on the kind of charter you’ve booked, whether a family trip, corporate charter, overnight, etc., you’ll want a captain who knows what your group needs to remain comfortable on the charter before you do. A captain who allows customizable charters for each group is more likely to have accommodations onboard that will keep your group content during your deep sea fishing trip. This wisdom can only come from a captain with a great deal of experience running a variety of customized charters on his boat. As upgrades are added to a charter boat that will enhance the level of customer comforts, you can expect the hourly rate to reflect those accommodations.
The Captain
Ah, yes! The man driving the boat will play one of the biggest roles in both the cost of the charter, as well as the kind of experience that you’ll encounter during your deep sea fishing trip. Depending on his investment in the charter boat, you can expect a captain with a long-standing reputation within the area to have a higher rate per hour than his competitors.
Does the captain wear two hats?
One question that you should always ask is whether or not the captain is the owner of the charter boat. The answer could make a huge difference in your overall saltwater fishing experience. See, a captain who owns the charter will be more invested in all the working parts of your charter experience. He is there from the start of your adventure, to the end, and witnesses your personal satisfaction with the boat’s amenities, the deckhand’s willingness to go above and beyond your expectations, and your experience. In short, a captain who owns the charter boat works diligently to ensure that his customers are satisfied with the best deep sea fishing experience possible. After all, his livelihood depends on repeat customers who are impressed with his ability to run a top of the line charter boat, and hire the best crew.
In contrast, a charter boat captain who is working as a private contractor for a boat owner tends to be less invested in the charter customer’s relationship with the boat. He may be on one boat this year, and then another next year. That is not to say that you’ll always encounter an unprofessional captain when he doesn’t share the title of boat owner. There are some great captains who run boats without owning them. However, a private contractor captain has less final say about your trip than the captain who owns the boat.
We’ve heard stories about charter trips that involve the owner’s input of adding more people to a private charter or overbooking due to a lack of communication between the owner and the captain. It’s best to have one boss running the boat. When the captain and the owner are one in the same, the blame for something going wrong isn’t shared, and there tends to be a smoother running operation than when multiple people share the responsibility of setting up custom charters.
Is the captain seasoned in these waters?
When you make your agreement with the captain of a charter boat, you are paying for a guided fishing excursion into a body of water that the captain knows how to navigate through his firsthand experience. The more experience the captain has on the local waters, the more likely he is to know where the best fishing spots are. As with any other professional occupation, you can expect a captain who is more experienced to have a slightly higher hourly rate in comparison to other novice captains who are struggling to find those honey hole fishing locations in the gulf.
Remember to ask about experience with the specific area that you will be fishing. A captain with 30 years of experience fishing off the coast of California would still be considered a novice in the Gulf of Mexico. You see, each captain has their own secret spots in addition to public reefs. It takes many years to learn the waters well enough to know where the fish will be under a variety of conditions like the time of year, temperature, weather, fishing season, etc. These conditions change daily, and only a captain who has fished the area for years will know what to expect on any given day of fishing. Though the seasoned captain is more likely to charge a little more for his services, you can rest assured that his experience in the deep waters is worth every penny.
The Deckhand
In addition to the captain, you are also paying for the services of the first mate, or deckhand. The deckhand plays an important role in your deep sea fishing experience. He is there to teach you the basic skills and techniques of saltwater fishing, all while keeping your group entertained during your charter. Since the deckhand works for tips, you should see a great deal of customer service in his role as he attempts to keep guests comfortable and engaged during the trip.
How to Determine the Quality of a Deckhand
As we’ve already mentioned, the captain who owns the boat is more likely to have an excellent deckhand working alongside him. As the captain witnesses the deckhand’s interactions with deep sea fishing guests, the captain can determine whether or not the deckhand is a good fit for the reputation of the charter boat. A boat that has gone through several deckhands does not necessarily mean that there is a problem with the operation. This just shows that the captain will not tolerate a deckhand who is not committed to working well with deep sea fishing parties. It can take several years to find the right deckhand. They seem to always be auditioning for the part. A captain who is not afraid to let go of a deckhand who has become too comfortable in his job is more likely to never settle until he finds the best of the best.
Fortunately, pictures found on the internet of fishing experiences from past trips on a given charter boat can often tell the story of how the deckhand interacts with charter customers. In addition, you can get the feel of what the owner/captain expects out of his deckhand. For example, if action shots taken on the boat during the charter show the deckhand working to help customers with their fishing experience, including support during reeling, gaffing, cutting bait, and helping families get a photo of children who may be scared to touch the fish, etc., then you know that the captain expects a top of the line service out of the deckhand for his clients. Check out this video to see what to expect out of a great deckhand during your charter.
In contrast, if you often see the deckhand jumping in the group photo at the end of the trip with a beer in his hand, then you may want to reconsider your options. Unfortunately, there are some captains who have hired on friends to work as their deckhands. This is not to say that friends can’t work well together. What we are saying is that there tends to be a level of comfort in the deckhand where he will eventually do the bare minimum during a charter without the fear of being fired.
Not too long ago, we heard a story about a deckhand who forgot about his upcoming trip, stayed out all night partying the night before, slept on the boat, and was too hung over during the trip to work. When he wasn’t sleeping during the charter, he was complaining about how hung over he was. Because the captain and deckhand were friends, the captain allowed this behavior in front of his clients. Needless to say, the trip turned into a bad experience for this group, and charters are nonrefundable. Take our advice. A little time investigating pictures from prior fishing trips is always a great way to determine the quality of a deckhand, which is also often reflected in the price of the charter.
The Take Away
So, are we saying that the charter boat with the highest rate per hour is always the best? No. Are we saying that the charter boat with the lowest rate per hour is always the worst? Again, no. What we are saying is that given the experience of past private charter fishing customers, the cost of a deep sea fishing charter is often reflected in the quality of the three major working parts of any give charter. A little internet research goes a long way in determining which charter is the best option for your group. Depending on the fishing rate per hour on a private charter, you can expect a higher or lower reputation in the quality of the charter boat, the captain, and the deckhand.
The hourly rate for private charters in Destin, Florida can range anywhere from $195 to $240 per hour. Our recommendation is to first research the quality of the charter boat, the captain, and the deckhand before choosing the charter company that works best for you. Though the cost of a private charter may fluctuate throughout the years and fishing seasons, these are pretty standard as of the year 2017. Finding a great charter company is essential in securing the best charter fishing experience possible. Once you’ve considered the hourly rates and compared a few options, we feel that you will come to the conclusion that a top quality fishing charter in Destin will run you about $225 per hour for the first six people, plus 10 percent off of the total per person after the first six. See the breakdown of hourly rates for deep sea fishing charters HERE.
Now that you know what to look for during your comparison of fishing charter rates in association with the three major working parts, including the charter boat, captain, and deckhand, it’s time to start planning the greatest deep sea fishing charter of your life.
If you’d like our recommendation on the perfect charter, we’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Finest Kind.
