Scenery photos taken aboard the Finest Kind September 2015.
The coastal waters of Destin, Florida are known for their beauty and the abundance of saltwater game fish that provide for a luxurious seafood cuisine. There is no doubt that Destin is a dreamland for vacationers. Planning a deep sea fishing trip is a must, for those who seek to make memories that will last a lifetime. Now that you have your deep sea fishing adventure scheduled, let’s talk safety, comfort, and functionality while your packing your saltwater ensemble.
When planning your wardrobe for deep sea fishing, consideration should be given to the elements of your environment, your safety, and the time of year in which you have scheduled your adventure.
You wouldn’t run the 5K in a pair of thick Wrangler jeans and slick cowboy boots, just like you wouldn’t swim across the bay in a jogging suit and sneakers. Deep sea fishing is a sport, and like any other sport, dressing appropriately will enhance your performance, as well as your experience.
What to Consider Before Choosing Your Deep Sea Fishing Attire
The Sunshine State!
Florida’a nickname is “The Sunshine State” for good reason. Destin is a miraculous location with white, sandy beaches, emerald water, and year-round sunshine. With these beautiful geographical features, there is no wonder why Destin often tops the charts as one of the best vacation spots in America. The beautiful scenery will have you wanting to spend most of your vacation outdoors, so be prepared to protect your skin from sunburn. The sun is much stronger in Florida than in northern states, and the ultraviolet (UV) rays can pierce straight through the clouds. The sun also reflects off of white sand and water, which poses a higher risk of sunburn for those who are not properly prepared. In addition to sunscreen, a good rule of thumb is to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays with hats, sunglasses, and UV shielding attire. Those who prepare for the sun’s intensity before deep sea fishing tend to enjoy the experience more, and eliminate the chances of discomfort from sunburn during or after their day in the Gulf of Mexico.
Is Water Wet?
During your deep sea fishing excursion, your environment will be atop a body of water known as the Gulf of Mexico. With Destin’s frequent rain showers, splashes of saltwater propelled aboard your vessel by the breeze, and wild game fish splashing about the deck, the chances of getting wet are great. Though charter boats are generally outfitted with a cabin, rain showers should never have you running indoors to keep from getting wet. Likewise, a splash of water from the side of the boat is not a reason to change clothes. Dress appropriately for this experience, and embrace the saltwater as you explore the sea with Destin’s finest. Worrying about how to keep dry may even dampen your mood. The best way to avoid focusing on the discomfort imposed from a wet pair of jeans is to choose quick-dry materials that are made to flow with the demands of the fisherman’s atmosphere.
The wet atmosphere of the harbor, dock, and gulf should also be considered as you are deciding which shoes to wear. Even if the deck is coated with non-slip grip, the moisture, fish slime, and bait could cause a fall of epic proportions if you are not prepared with anti-slip technology on your soles. When reeling in your catch, the last thing that you want to be worried about is whether or not your shoes will cause you to lose your rod and reel overboard from a slipping accident. As long as you have a good rubber sole, you should be great. However, keep in mind that slip on sandals can easily be slipped off, so avoid anything that is not secure around your feet. In addition to maintaining your footing, your feet should be offered the same consideration, if not more, in remaining dry.
Whether the Weather!
For warmer months, a swimsuit and t-shirt should be fine, if you don’t mind remaining wet throughout your trip. However, quick-dry materials offer anglers an opportunity to experience saltwater fishing without the discomfort that water imposes on garments sticking to the skin while you are actively moving around the boat to reel in your big catch.
During colder months, remember that the temperature drops a few degrees away from the shore. Layers of quick-dry material will enhance your fishing experience by offering the comfort deserved for such an occasion. In addition to your layers of quick-dry material, plan for a drizzle, or two. They never last long, but pop-up rain showers are common in the Destin area. Bring a poncho or rain jacket to prepare for the possibility of encountering an outdoor shower while deep sea fishing.
Fish Hug’n, Scale Love’n, Good Times!
That’s right folks! You are very likely to hug some fish when you go deep sea fishing during your Destin, Florida vacation. How else can you get those traditional “Hero Shot” photos? Leave the Gucci and Prada packed up, because getting a little messy is part of the fun in deep sea fishing! Though the mates will help with most of the dirty work, you’ll get the itching to bait your own hook, grab a fish, or pose in an up-close and personal style with your catch! Aside from their exquisite appearances and delicious flavors saltwater fish can be slimy, scaly, all together messy at times. Prepare for the mess by wearing clothes and shoes that are either stain resistant, or pieces that you may consider “play clothes.” Grown-ups have them, too!
Sixteen Top Picks for What to Wear Deep Sea Fishing
[frame bgcolor=”#89dbd1″ version=”light”]1. A wide-brimmed hat is suggested to battle the sun’s reflection on the water top. In addition to a wide-brim, go for something that is breathable, has a chin strap to keep it in place amidst the breeze, and is made of a quick-dry material to avoid sweat drenching during heated moments of reeling in the big one. Try something like this Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat.
2. Polarized sunglasses are great for protecting your eyes from UV rays, as well as the sun’s reflection on the water. If you are new to deep sea fishing, save your Costas for the dock, and pick up some cheap polarized sunglasses. Try these Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses.[/frame]
[frame bgcolor=”#89dbd1″ version=”light”] 3. Whether it is mid-summer or mid-winter, you’re going to want to choose a shirt with a quick-dry material. Check out this Sailfish Water Wicking Shirt from Shore Thing.
5. Yes, they even make special undergarments to ensure comfort is achieved while on your deep-sea fishing trip. Go for a pair that are, again, quick to dry with water wicking technology. Try these odor-resistant, quick-drying, and moisture eliminating ExOfficio® Men’s Give–N–Go™ Boxer Briefs from Orvis.
7. How about this Under Armour Women’s HeatGear Armour Sports Bra from Gander Mountain?
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[frame bgcolor=”#89dbd1″ version=”light”]8. When choosing the right shoes for your charter fishing trip, you must consider the elements of protection that your feet will need. Look at these PFG Men’s Boatdrainer II Shoes by ColumbiaThese innovative deck shoes are equipped with Omni-Shield Blood ‘n Guts Advanced water and stain repellent, a cushioning midsole, and an Omni-Grip Advanced Traction feature adds to the ability for these shoes to drain themselves of excess water and dry quickly, offering functionality and comfort that should be sought after for the best deep-sea fishing shoes.
9. Likewise, socks should be chosen for their ability to dry quickly during your adventures at sea to ensure the quality time spent on your charter is focused on fishing, rather than discomfort. Even this factor has been planned for by designers who develop professional fishing gear, with Quadtex moisture wicking yarn, Omni-Wick EVAP, Real Dry Sole quick water evaporation channel technology that draws moisture away from your feet, mesh ventilation, and even inside silicone patches to prevent slippage. Yes! I think I’ll take three pairs! Check out these PFG Real Dry Sole – Striped Liner Socks by Columbia.[/frame]
[frame bgcolor=”#89dbd1″ version=”light”]10.Sports-fishing pants and shorts created with the intention of keeping the saltwater angler dry.Taking the need for UV protection and quick-dry material to the next level, Columbia’s best seller, the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pantshas the best qualities for deep-sea fishing in Florida weather with the ability to easily convert your pants to shorts with the zip-off design.
11. For those colder months in Destin, go with an option that offers a thick, quick-dry material and sun protection, like these Original Pullover Fishing PantsbyAFTCO, which can be added to other dry-fit layered clothing. [/frame]
[frame bgcolor=”#89dbd1″ version=”light”]
12. The best way to prepare for a shower in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico is to be prepared with a rain jacket and water-proof pants. Fishing is still great during pop-up showers, but preparation for the showers can help you to focus more on fishing and less
on discomfort. Take a look at this waterproof jacket and pants combo designed for working men like commercial fishermen and charter mates: Grundens Jackets: Men’s Black WWJ BLK Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket and
15. It is a good idea to have your photo ID, prescriptions, and other important information with you at all times. As a great solution to keeping your important personal items dry, you may want to use an affordable product like Coghlan’s 9″ x 12″ Dry Pouch.
16. Though your mate will help with most of the work that goes into charter fishing, gloves are still a great idea for an extra element of protection. For a pair of gloves made particularly for deep-sea fishing, try the affordable Lindy Fish Handling Gloves from Melton International Tackle.
Perhaps one of the most commonly caught fish aboard the Finest Kind this time of year is the sailfish. Long and sleek, with a tall dorsal fin that often stretches along their entire back and an elongated bill that resembles that of a swordfish, the sailfish is commonly found in waters ranging from 90 to 200 feet deep. These impressive fish are quite strong and move quickly, making them a delightful challenge to reel in. In fact, it was a sailfish that earned Captain Lance Moss of Surfari Charters International, the title of Winner in the SUP Division of the 2012 Destin Fishing Rodeo when he reeled in a 65.8-pound sailfish.
Ah, but reeling them in is only half the fun, first you need to hook them, as Captain Moss did. Thankfully, when you fish aboard the Finest Kind, our crew knows what bait is needed to make that awesome sailfish photo op a reality. However, should you be interested in trying your hand (and casting arm, too) at catching a sailfish, then there are a few things you will need to keep in mind.
1. Bait through Nose/Lips
When baiting your hook with live bait, be sure to bait through the nose or lips so that it can swim out a bit and let out the line. This will also attract the attention of the sailfish.
2. Use Strong Fishing Line
These fish are fast and heavy (they can weigh as much as 100 pounds) so be sure you use a 40 to 60 pound monofilament.
3. Know How Sailfish Hunt
Keep in mind that sailfish like hunting into the current, so be sure to align yourself accordingly. On a charter boat fishing trip, the captain will take care of this for you.
4. Use Effective Circle Hook Techniques
If you use a circle hook, let the fish run a few seconds before engaging the reel. When you go to set the hook, let the circle hook do its job and set in the corner of the fish’s mouth.
5. Sailfish as a Team
Remember, angling for sailfish is not a solo sport, but a team activity. You need to know which person will be responsible for what aspect of the catch. Managing the boat, fighting the fish to get into the boat and then releasing the fish take strength and sometime a bit of patience, too. Once you get the fish in the boat, be certain to wear gloves to protect both yourself and the fish.
When catching sailfish, be prepared for a wildly, exciting time as these fish can get crazy. They will make screeching sounds and high jumps. Of course, these same aspects are what make sailfish fishing so much fun. When you catch a sailfish aboard a charter boat such as the Finest Kind, then you will have the support you need to reel in one of the powerful fish.
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.
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…
The coastal waters of Destin, Florida are known for their beauty and the abundance of saltwater game fish that provide for a luxurious seafood cuisine. There is no doubt that Destin is a dreamland for vacationers. Planning a deep sea fishing trip is a must, for those who seek to make memories that will last a lifetime. Now that you have your deep sea fishing adventure scheduled, let’s talk safety, comfort, and functionality while your packing your saltwater ensemble.
3. Whether
Perhaps one of the most commonly caught fish aboard the Finest Kind this time of year is the sailfish. Long and sleek, with a tall dorsal fin that often stretches along their entire back and an elongated bill that resembles that of a swordfish, the sailfish is commonly found in waters ranging from 90 to 200 feet deep. These impressive fish are quite strong and move quickly, making them a delightful challenge to reel in. In fact, it was a sailfish that earned
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.
