Red Snapper is one of the most popular species of fish caught off of Florida’s Emerald Coast. They average over five pounds these days, but it’s not uncommon to snag one in the 20 to 30-pound range, either. The IGFA World Record Red Snapper, caught near Pensacola, tipped the scales at 50 pounds 4 oz. Red Snappers are so plentiful in the Gulf, you may even snag two at a time on the right day. They give a good fight and taste great (especially when cooked by one of the local restaurants). But beyond the excitement of catching your own dinner, deep-sea fishing in the Gulf (or fishing anywhere for that matter) is a great way to bond with friends or family and make memories that last a lifetime.
Types of Bait
Red Snapper bait includes a wide variety of offerings. As gape-limited predators, they can only eat what fits in their mouth (this basically proves the old saying – “big bait catches big fish”). Dead bait works well for pretty much all sized Red Snappers. Larger Red Snapper, Grouper, Tuna, and Snook find Sardines, Mullet, Eels, and Pilchards hard to resist. Pogies, squid, and cigar minnows are readily available and frequently used Red Snapper bait.
For larger fish in general, live Pinfish and Tomtate ( a.k.a. Ruby Red Lips) also work well. Many experienced Gulf Coast anglers swear that Bonita strips make the best bait for Red Snappers. When cut large enough, smaller fish cannot get the chunks of meat into their mouths. The bigger strips help eliminate the annoying peck, peck, peck of the little reef fish. Generally, if you are taking an area charter for the day, the boat will provide the best bait for snapper.
How To Rig Bait For Red Snapper
How you bait the hook makes a big difference in whether you spend the day feeding, or catching fish. With a live bait rig, pass the hook through its lips, nose and eye sockets for trolling, or through the tail’s base for drifting. For most frozen baits like Cigar Minnows or Sardines, pass the hook through the eyes and then the back. You might be surprised how quickly the bait thaws and becomes soft. Again, if you are on a charter, the crew will gladly show you how to rig your bait.
Types of Rigs
In shallow water, up to about 60-feet, you can get away with light ocean tackle, but heavy spinning and bait cast reels will also do the trick. In deeper drops with stronger currents where many Panhandle area charter boats fish, you will need heavier weight rods and strong – up to 80-pound test – fishing lines. Area fishermen also recommend using the lightest weight sinker that will still hold the bottom. In general, larger fish tend to stay a little off the bottom and above structures. A lighter weight will travel through the feeding zone much slower and give the big fish a chance to bite. As for the rigs themselves, most experienced anglers agree on three different setups for catching Red Snapper.
The Three-Way Swivel – The most commonly used bottom rig, the three-way swivel combination, works best when you fish wrecks or rocky bottoms. In this setup, the mainline and a sinker tied to three or four inches of a lightweight line (20-test, give or take), each gets connected to their own eye of the swivel. A longer (say 12 to 18 inch), and stronger (at least 50-pound test) leader with the hook goes on the swivel’s third eye. With this rig, if you catch the bottom, most likely, only your sinker will be lost.
The Knocker Rig – Popular for hooking smaller snappers, the knocker rig is a good choice for fishing near wrecks or directly over reefs. This rig uses a barrel swivel and egg sinker. Tie the main line to one eye of the barrel swivel and a five to 10-foot leader with the hook to the other eye. Add the egg sinker to the leader. When you cast out, the egg sinker will slide toward the hook and take up most of the slack in your line and prevent the fish from diving down into a structure after being hooked.
The In-Line Snapper Rig – The In-Line Snapper Rig comes in handy when the action is slow. Most commonly used with about 15-feet of leader, this configuration puts an egg sinker on the mainline above a two-way swivel. The long leader allows dead bait to float naturally along the bottom, or live bait to swim unrestricted. The long leader usually prevents your prey from detecting any abnormal resistance when it grabs the bait.
The hook you use also plays a big part in the day’s catch. Circle hooks work best for Red Snappers, as well as many other types of fish. Thanks to its shape with the hook’s point angled back toward the shank, Circle hooks set themselves naturally as you slowly reel up. Plus, if you put your rod down, or in a rod holder for a moment, and a fish makes a run at your bait, the stationary rod and movement of the fish will set the hook for you.
Red Snappers seem to get bigger and more plentiful every year in the Gulf waters along the Florida Panhandle. They taste great and are lots of fun to catch. Many record-sized fish have been caught by boats based in Destin. If you want to try something new on your next vacation, give Red Snapper fishing a try along Florida’s Emerald Coast.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and it is time to start brainstorming for the most epic way to say, “I love you!” Cards, flowers, chocolates, and overcrowded restaurants have all been done before, so it’s time to go big or go home with something new! Bring your special someone to Destin, Florida to celebrate love this Valentine’s Day, and create an unforgettable adventure on the Emerald Coast!
Destin sets the scene for creating lifelong memories with a backdrop of sugar-white sand, emerald water, and beautiful pink sunsets! With so many romantic things to do, each activity holds a unique, over-the-top experience that you can only find here in the heart of the Emerald Coast! For new couples, growing families, and sweetheart veterans, there is something in the water for everyone! Here’s a list of the top 10 Valentine’s Day experiences in Destin, Florida for 2020’s season of love!
1. Deep-Sea Fishing: A VALENTINE’S EXPERIENCE FOR ALL AGES
Deep-sea fishing for Valentine’s Day in Destin tops the list for many reasons! Whether you’re celebrating the season of love with family, your better half, or just getting to know that special someone, deep-sea fishing in Destin during your Valentine’s getaway is a must! For a creative way to tell your sweetheart “I love you,” take this opportunity to embark on an adventure into the Gulf of Mexico for a memory that will last forever, and reveal that hook, line, and sinker kind of love hold that they have on your heart! Besides, you can’t travel to the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and not fish with your own personal catch of the sea!
2. Beach Marriage Proposal: A VALENTINE’S DAY LOVE STORY
So you’ve hooked the ultimate catch, and you want to reel this romance in for the long run! Destin, Florida is the perfect venue for the paramount occasion of marriage proposal this Valentine’s Day! One of the most thoughtful and romantic ways to propose in paradise is to say it with sand! Leave your sticks on land, and let the pros at Beach Sand Sculptures set up this beautiful scene! Surprise your sweetheart with a day that she’ll never forget. What an amazing way to say, “I love you more than all the sand in the sea, give me this honor, and marry me!”
3. The Emerald Grande Spa: ROMANTIC COUPLES MASSAGE
Pamper your sweetheart, and yourself, with a couple’s massage at the Emerald Grande’s Spa! With views to set the mood and total body relaxation, all stresses will fade away for an experience that focuses on nothing more than the love that you have for one another. Choose from a variety of massage packages, and enjoy a romantic atmosphere designed to bring couples closer together with private treatment rooms in the most luxurious resort and spa on the Emerald Coast.
4. SunQuest Cruises’ Solaris: VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER CRUISE
Venture into the emerald waters of Destin with your sweetheart by your side, as you celebrate a romantic night aboard SunQuest Cruises’ Solaris. This 125-foot yacht is sure to provide the perfect venue for such a special occasion! Dinner is served with a chef-prepared, three-course meal, and live entertainment and scenery under the stars make this Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise one for the books! This year we have 2 options from which to choose: Friday, February 14, 2020, from 7 – 10 pm. as well as Saturday, February 15 from 5 – 8 pm
5. Southern Star Dolphin Cruises: VALENTINE’S SUNSET CRUISE
Cruise along the Destin Harbor, Choctawhatchee Bay, and Gulf of Mexico with your sweetheart on the Southern Star Dolphin and Sunset Cruise! During your tour, you’ll encounter marine life, feed the birds, and enjoy music as you learn the history of Destin. This voyage is perfect for couples and families of all ages who believe in miracles and love dolphins. Complimentary wine and cheese will be provided for adults to further enhance this romantic experience! The Southern Star offers several departure times throughout the day, but the special Valentine’s Sunset Cruise will depart on Friday, February 14th, from 4:00PM to 6:00PM.
For a more intimate experience on the waters of Destin, Florida, consider surprising your special someone with a private charter on a stunning schooner that is sure to make his or her day, or evening! Take a break from everything on land, and enjoy Destin’s breeze from the heart of the Emerald Coast waters! Sail away to another realm, where you and your sweetheart are the focus of this adventurous excursion! Just Sailing also offers a variety of departure times, so you’ll have a chance to fit this romantic experience into your Destin Valentine’s Getaway!
7. HarborWalk Village: A VALENTINE’S DAY SWEETSPOT
With so much to do in HarborWalk Village of Destin, Florida, your 2017 Valentine’s Day is sure to be a hit. Experience shopping at some of the Destin area’s most unique boutiques, dining with a view on the water at one of Florida’s many favorite harbor restaurants, or embark on one of the thrilling activities found around Destin’s Boardwalk! Stroll along the dock to experience the culture of paradise with plenty of scenery and live entertainment to set the mood! Experiencing HarborWalk Village is a must for visitors of all ages!
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the young, and the young at heart, at The Track Family Recreation Center. With mini-golf, go-karts, bumper rides, tot rides, and big thrills like bungee jumping and sky flying, you’ll have plenty of flutters and laughs as you draw closer together! Great for couples of all ages and children, visiting The Track in Destin, Florida is one of the best adventures for memory-making this Valentine’s Day! Skip the lines by ordering your tickets in advance, and share the excitement with your sweetheart!
After embarking on the best Valentine’s Day experiences in Destin, you’ll still have time to keep the romance afloat with a moonlit stroll along one of the many public beaches on the Emerald Coast. With white sand underfoot, take your sweetheart’s hand, and walk beside the crashing waves in paradise. No distractions will interrupt your one-on-one moment, as you take the time to appreciate one another upon the most beautiful scenery in Destin, Florida!
START PLANNING YOUR 2021 VALENTINE’S GETAWAY IN DESTIN, FL
Destin, Florida offers our visitors plenty of choices to experience breathtaking scenery, exciting adventures, and memory-making moments! Add a chapter to your love story this Valentine’s Day in Destin, and you’ll see why locals and visitors refer to the Emerald Coast as paradise! There is no better place to be for Valentine’s Day than Destin, Florida!
The term “bottom fishing” means pretty much what it sounds like. You attach a sinker to your fishing line and let it take your baited hook to the bottom. While the process sounds simple enough, what to fish for on any given day, what bait to use, the type of rig to use for specific fish, and so on, creates endless possibilities.
Do I Need a Boat to Bottom Fish?
No. Recreational fishermen reel in thousands of fish every day from the beach, a pier, or alongside a stream.
But…
Fishing from shore means you will need to bring your own equipment and bait. Surf fishing also requires some know-how, and most importantly, the right spot. If you are new to the sport or already love fishing and want to increase your odds at pulling in more and bigger fish, consider going out on a charter boat.
The Destin area boasts some of the world’s best deep sea bottom fishing. Record sized catches in many species have been caught off boats bottom fishing in Destin, Florida. Plus, your charter will supply everything needed – equipment, bait, and location – for a productive day on the water. The mates will even show you how to bait the hook, offer pointers on technique, and clean your fish.
What Type of Rig Do I Need to Bottom Fish?
Bottom fishing rigging consists of the hook, line, and sinker. The rig you use will play a significant role in what types of, and how many fish you catch on any trip. Here’s a rundown on each component of the bottom rig and some of the more popular configurations:
The Hook – Circle Hooks work best for bottom fishing, especially if you’re after the big game. The circle hook can withstand a fight because it lodges itself more firmly in a fish’s mouth than the traditional “J” hook. Also, Circle Hooks set themselves in the mouths of their prey, a big plus for beginners.
The Line – Modern fishing line comes in three types – mono, braided, and fluorocarbon. Each has its own pluses and minuses, and each one works better in certain situations than the other two. Mono cost the least, but mono’s buoyancy makes it a poor choice for bottom fishing, especially in deep waters.
The strongest line – braided – also provides superior feedback and works excellent for deep sea fishing. Braided line costs more than mono or fluorocarbon, however. Fluorocarbon gives good feedback, offers exceptional durability for fishing around reefs, and is less visible in clear water than the others. On the downside, tying knots with a Fluorocarbon line can be difficult.
The Sinker – The sinker gets your bait to the bottom. Sinkers come in a range of shapes and sizes, but most anglers use either an Egg, a Bank, or a Pyramid sinker when bottom fishing. The round-shaped Egg sinker has a hole in the middle where the line passes through. This setup lets a fish take your bait and swim away without feeling any resistance from the weight.
The Bank sinker looks like a bowling pin. Their smooth, rounded shape makes them perfect for fishing over rocky bottoms. Because their sharp tip holds the sand, surf casters prefer Pyramid sinkers. Water depth, currents, and even the diameter of your line all play a part in choosing the sinker’s weight. Overall, it’s best to use the lightest sinker that will keep your bait at the bottom.
What Kinds of Fish Will I Catch?
Gulf waters are teeming with a variety of bottom feeder fish. Some of the more abundant species include Red Snapper, Grouper, and Mackerel. But don’t be surprised to reel in an Amberjack, Cobia (Ling), or Tarpon, as well. Tuna, Blue Marlin, and several species of sharks also attract big-game fishermen from all over the world. The Recreational Fishing Season Calendar for this area lists over 30 species that populate the local waters.
Does Bottom Fishing Require Skill?
Some people just always seem to catch more fish than others. It may be your nine-year-old daughter, or your first-time-on-the-water best friend, who out catches you two to one. All things being equal, though – the bait, the equipment, the rig – a little know-how does go a long way towards increasing the size of your take.
Bottom fishing techniques that apply to most situations:
Be sure to feel the bottom. A sinker dragging along the bottom delivers consistent resistance.
If a fish hits, don’t yank the rod. Some fish hit three or four times before they take the hook. So, be patient and wait for a constant tug on the line.
If you get hit but don’t hook the fish, give it a minute or two. If nothing else happens, reel up and check your bait. You may be dragging a rig without bait along the bottom.
Working the line seems to work well for some anglers. Let the tip of the rod almost touch the water, then smoothly lift it five or six feet, then return the rod to your natural fishing position. Do this every twenty to thirty seconds. The bait creates small ripples and attracts fish when you gently work the line in this manner. But, have no fear if you are new to deep sea bottom fishing, or in particular, bottom fishing in Destin, Florida. The crew will be more than happy to share their years of experience as well as any specific tips or tricks for catching more fish.
Is Deep Sea Bottom Fishing Hard-Work, Fun, Exciting?
Yes, to all of the above. Imagine the warm Florida sun beating down, the smell of salt-air, and gentle waves lapping on the boat. Then, suddenly, a tremendous pull on your line. You immediately think, “how big and what type of fish could this be?” The task of getting your monster fish to the boat now begins.
Bottom fishing in Destin, Florida, often requires the best kind of hard work – reeling in a trophy fish. Few activities deliver as much fun, excitement, and lifelong memories as deep sea bottom fishing. Check out the “Catch of the Day” for a better idea of what bottom fishing in Destin, Florida is all about.
The holiday season is upon us. This means extra cooking, more entertaining opportunities, and parties where bringing a dish is common. But how many more basic cheese balls and fruit or veggie trays does one really want to see? This year, stand out from the crowd with a delightful seafood appetizer.
For those who have spent a day aboard the Finest Kind, chances are good that you have some great fish on hand for creating seafood appetizers that are delightful for both the taste buds and the eyes -after all, we eat first with our eyes! So, get out your calendar and start deciding which dish(es) to make for what party – you know you can’t wait. J
Seafood Appetizers to Tantalize the Taste Buds
From grouper and snapper to shrimp and crab there are many ways to incorporate seafood into a holiday event. Here are a few to get you started.
Crab Mushroom Caps
Shrimp & Cucumber Bites
Seafood Phyllo Cups
Bacon-Wrapped Snapper
Cajun Grouper
Cheesy Seafood Dip
Seafood Cream Cheese Ball
Seafood Salsa
Crab Mushroom Caps
Ingredients
2 lbs. mushroom caps (can be Portobello or Bellas)
1 lb. crab meat
1 Tbs. minced garlic
1/4 cup finely diced bell peppers (any color)
2 tsp. onion powder
1 Tbs. Italian seasoning
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 Tbs. Worcestershire
2 eggs
Salt & Pepper to taste
Directions
Pre-heat oven to 350* F
Gently clean mushroom caps using a damp paper towel. (Do not run them under the water!) Take off the stems and spoon out any gills. (opt. you can also cut off the end of the stems and dice them to go into the filling mixture).
Place the prepared mushrooms caps “bowl-side” up on a baking sheet.
Mix the remaining ingredients together thoroughly. If the mixture seems to wet, add a bit more Parmesan cheese or some bread crumbs.
Spoon filling into the mushrooms.
If desired, sprinkle some extra parmesan on top.
Place in oven and bake for 15 minutes.
*These are great for entertaining as the filling and prep work can be done ahead of time, then the dish can be put together just before the event starts.
Shrimp and Cucumber Bites
Although this calls for shrimp, it could easily be done with grouper, snapper or any other white fish that you have caught while fishing aboard the Finest Kind!
Ingredients
2 English cucumbers – sliced into ¼” rounds
1 lb. shrimp (26-30 count)
4 oz. cream cheese – softened
½ tsp. garlic
½ tsp. parsley
½ tsp. oregano
Package of Old Bay
(If you wish to save a step, use the herb infused Boursin cheese spread in place of the cream cheese and seasonings.)
Directions
Steam shrimp in Old Bay, drain well and let cool. When the shrimp is cool enough to handle, peel the shrimp, taking off the tail.
If not using Boursin, mix garlic, oregano, and parsley into cream cheese. Feel free to adjust seasoning levels based on preference.
Spread cheese mixture on to cucumber rounds, and top off with a piece of shrimp.
****If you choose to use a white fish in place of shrimp, follow the instructions for the Cajun Grouper recipe below.
Seafood Phyllo Cups
Ingredients
1 lb. seafood (ideally crab, shrimp or even scallops)
½ lb. bacon
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
16 oz sour cream
2 tbs. cream cheese softened
1 Tbs. Worcestershire (or to taste)
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 pkg. ranch salad dressing mix
5 – 2.1 oz. pkgs. frozen phyllo cups
¼ tsp. crushed red pepper (opt.)
Directions
If you opt to use shrimp or scallops, cook, cool then cut them into small pieces. If using crab, then no advanced prep is necessary.
Cook the bacon -be careful not to overcook as it will be baked again. Drain off the grease, let cool, then crumble.
Mix all ingredients-except phyllo cups- together. (This can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, to save time on party day.)
On party day, place the phyllo cups on an ungreased baking sheet, and put a spoonful of the filling in each cup.
Bake at 350* F for 15 minutes.
Best served warm, but are also good room temp.
***If you want to add a bit of color into the mixture, dice a red bell pepper into small pieces and add to the mixture.
Bacon-Wrapped Whitefish
Like many recipes, this one has a great deal of flexibility. whether your Finest Kind excursion resulted in amberjack, grouper, snapper, sea bass, etc. this is a great way to serve it- be it as part of holiday entertaining or a family dinner this is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
1 lb. fish fillets
1 lb. smoked bacon
Olive oil
Garlic Powder, Salt & Pepper – to taste
Directions
Pre-heat oven at 400*
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lay the raw bacon on the paper-lined sheet, so that each piece slightly overlaps the one before.
Lay the fillets down the center of the bacon strips. Drizzle with the olive oil, then sprinkle with seasonings.
Wrap the bacon around the fish, then carefully turn the bacon-wrapped fillets over so that the “seam” is on the paper. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil, and seasonings.
Place in oven and bake 20-30 minutes. Check periodically to be sure that fish isn’t getting dry.
When finished cooking, take out of the oven and allow to cool slightly. Then using a sharp knife cut into slices.
It can be served as is, or pairs great with a Ritz cracker.
Cajun Grouper
Ingredients
2 lb. grouper, cut into cubes
2 sticks butter
1 package Old Bay seasoning
1 Tbs. minced garlic
½ tsp. crushed red pepper
2 lemons, sliced into ¼ inch slices (don’t worry about the seeds!)
1 Tbs. Worcestershire
Directions
Heat oven to 350*F
Place sticks of butter on a large baking sheet, and place in the oven. Watch closely, and remove from oven when melted (typically 3-5 minutes).
Place the baking sheet on a hot pad, then add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Old Bay, and crushed red pepper to the butter, stir carefully to distribute around the pan.
Then lay down the lemon slices on the butter “sauce”.
Top with the grouper.
Place back in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until grouper is finished cooking.
Provide toothpicks for “skewers” to make eating easy.
Cheesy Seafood Dip
The great thing about this seafood appetizer is it is made in a single skillet – no need to have an abundance of dishes to wash!
Ingredients
1 lb. seafood (Diced shrimp or scallops, lump crab, or even finely ‘shredded’ white fish)
¼ cup celery
1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color will work)
½ cup finely diced onions
1 Tbs. minced jalapeno
½ cup chopped spinach
2 Tbs. butter
¼ tsp. parsley
½ tsp. paprika
½ tsp. garlic
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
4 oz. cream cheese softened
½ cup gruyere
Directions
Pre-heat oven to 350* F.
Prep seafood as needed, then chop up; ideally, seafood pieces and diced veggies need to be close in size.
In an oven-safe skillet (best choice would be a cast-iron one), sauté the veggies in the butter, EXCEPT the spinach.
When these veggies are tender, add in spinach. Sauté until spinach begins to wilt, then add in seafood and all of the dry seasonings. Only cook until seafood begins to turn opaque – about 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat, then stir in the cheese.
Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Serve with toasted baguette slices.
Seafood Cream Cheese ‘Ball’
Ingredients
1 block of cream cheese, softened
1 lb. diced, cooked seafood (Shrimp is perfect for this but any seafood could be used)
1 tsp. crushed garlic
1 Tbs. Cajun seasoning
1 tbs. liquid smoke
1 tp. Lemon juice
1 small red onion, diced
1 cup crushed pecans
2 Tbs. parsley
Directions
In a skillet, sauté onions until translucent.
Mix all ingredients, EXCEPT pecans and parsley, together until everything is evenly distributed.
Roll mixture into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until slightly firm.
In a bowl, mix the parsley and pecans.
Roll cheese ball in the mixture until the ball is covered then place back in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Can be served with crackers, and/or raw veggies such as bell peppers, pea pods or celery,
Seafood Salsa
Ingredients
1 lb. seafood, cooked (Shrimp, scallops, white fish, crab, etc.)
1 cup (packed) fresh cilantro
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp. cumin
2 jalapenos, finely diced
1 lime (juiced)
1 lb. tomatoes, diced small
1 white onion, diced
1 cup kernel corn
1 avocado, diced (opt.)
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
Cook seafood of choice, and dice into pieces approximately ½ inch in size. Set aside.
Finely chop the cilantro into a medium to a large bowl.
Add in crushed garlic, cumin, jalapenos, onion, tomatoes, and kernel corn. If using avocado, dice it, and douse well with lime juice (this minimizes the avocado turning brown), then add to bowl.
Add in seafood and stir gently.
Serve with lightly toasted tortillas, nacho chips or for a fun presentation, opt for the Scoops chips and let people make their own seafood salsa cups.
So What Seafood Appetizers Will You Make?
A deep-sea fishing excursion aboard the Finest kind is a great way to get some fantastic cuts of fish for your freezer, making it easy to have some of the key ingredients for several of these easy appetizers. Whether it’s the seafood cups or the cheeseball, these are just a few of great seafood appetizers available. They are easy to put together, making them the perfect additions to all your holiday parties (and beyond). If you have recipes for seafood appetizers of your own, we would love to hear about them. Feel free to share them below.
And, if you find your freezer lacking in the fish department, now is the time to book a saltwater fishing trip on the Finest Kind with Captain Jason and his crew. Give us a call today!
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to grab those fish fillets from this year’s catch out of the freezer, and channel your inner Martha Stewart for a feast that your guests will never forget. Bring the taste of coastal living into your home this Thanksgiving with our favorite recipes for Destin’s local harvest.
Thanksgiving is a time when we all come together to recognize the blessings that we’ve been given throughout the year. Dating back to November of 1621, when Wampanoag Indians and Pilgrims shared a feast at Plymouth, a celebration of harvest evolved into the Thanksgiving tradition that we continue still today.
Turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, and pumpkin pie are some of the ingredients that make the Thanksgiving holiday special for many families across America. But before you make that mad dash to the supermarket to pick up all of the must-haves to make your Thanksgiving feast fit the American tradition, let’s look back at the first harvest celebration.
The menu for that very first meal at Plymouth was a symbolic moment of being thankful for the fruits of the land, and sharing the gift of fellowship with neighbors who were willing to recognize the abundance of valuable resources nearby. In short, they were thankful for what was already available.
Turkey, geese, ducks, swans, deer, and fish are believed to be present at that very first Thanksgiving meal, as these meat sources were plentiful in the local area. Sides consisted of corn, cabbage, squash, onions, beans, carrots, spinach, and possibly peas, as the autumn season was a time of harvest for domestic crops. Instead of pumpkin pie, it is believed that the pumpkins were hollowed and filled with spices, milk, and honey, then roasted for a custard dish.
You can learn more about the first Thanksgiving meal here.
Destin Thanksgiving
Much like the Wampanoag Indians and Pilgrims who were thankful for the gifts of the land during that first Thanksgiving meal, Destin locals show an immense appreciation for the resources that built the city from a desolate land to the thriving city that it is today.
Destin is historically recognized as a blessed coastal community with an abundance of harvestable fish. This dates back to the seventeenth century when Leonard Destin settled in what we all know now as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Throughout the years, fishermen have come from all over the world to fish the waters just off the coast of Destin.
Though the once sleepy fishing village has now grown into one of America’s favorite tourist destinations with the largest fishing fleet in the state of Florida, locals continue to acknowledge what started it all. The blessings of bountiful catches are recognized as the most valuable resource to the area. Annual traditions like the Blessings of the Fleet and the Destin Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo are celebrated throughout the year to recognize the gifts of harvest given to the fishermen, the community, and visitors who partake in the tradition of deep sea fishing out of Destin’s famous harbor.
Around the tables of Destin’s fishing fleet captains and crew members, you’ll find more than turkey and dressing. Most of these families are giving thanks for a great year of fishing with goods harvested from the waters just off the Destin coast. If you pop in on a Destin fisherman’s Thanksgiving dinner, you’re likely to find snapper, amberjack, mackerel, tuna, shrimp, and oysters with all the trimmings that go perfectly with a coastal living Thanksgiving meal. After all, what all fishermen are most thankful for after their families is the abundant harvest of this year’s catch.
Our Favorite Saltwater Fish Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner
In the spirit of being thankful for what you have readily available this Thanksgiving, we encourage you to grab those fish fillets from this year’s catch out of the freezer, and celebrate the harvest feast with some local recipe favorites.
1. Let fish marinate in a bowl for 30 minutes before placing entire contents on pan in a single layer.
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until fish is flaky.
1. Mix together paprika, cayenne, salt, garlic salt, onion salt, thyme, oregano, and pepper. Sprinkle over each side of the red snapper.
2. Oil grill grate and preheat grill.
3. Bring lemon juice to a boil.
4. Remove from heat and add butter.
5. Mix well.
6. Grill red snapper until done. (About 4 minutes per side.)
7. Remove fish from grill. Add parsley to lemon butter.
8. Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter mixture over each piece of fish.
(Garnish with parsley)
1. Cut fillet into 4 equal pieces. Combine paprika and next 6 ingredients in a small bowl; stir well. Dredge fish in spice mixture; let stand 5 minutes.
2. Coat a large cast-iron skillet with cooking spray; place over high heat until very hot.
3. Add fish, and cook 3 minutes. Turn fish, and cook 3 to 4 additional minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Fish should look charred.
(You may prefer to do this procedure outside due to the small amount of smoke that is created.)
Grilled Triggerfish with Escarole and Roasted Peppers
1. Prepare the roasted peppers.
2. Preheat a grill surface. Brush the triggerfish with olive oil and season to taste with salt and black pepper.
3. Grill the triggerfish filets until thoroughly cooked.
4. Prepare the escarole and place on the base of four dinner plates. Place the grilled triggerfish filets on top of the sautéed escarole.
5. Top the triggerfish filets with the roasted peppers and drizzle balsamic vinegar over each triggerfish filet.
6. Garnish the triggerfish with chopped basil.
Florida King Mackerel Steaks with Herb Citrus Butter and Garlic Snap Beans
1 cup flour, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper
Olive oil for cooking
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Citrus Butter
1/2 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tsp. orange zest, chopped fine
1 tsp. lime zest, chopped fine
1 tbs. fresh parsley, chopped fine
Garlic Snap Beans
1/2 pound Florida snap beans, stems trimmed
2 tsp. olive oil
1 red or yellow bell pepper, seeded and julienne
1 sweet onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 lemon, juiced
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Preparation
1. Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Lightly dredge each fillet in the seasoned flour.
3. Add the olive oil to the preheated sauté pan.
4. Carefully add the coated fillets to the sauté pan.
5. Cook fillets for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until completely cooked throughout.
6. Remove cooked fillets from pan and serve with green beans and citrus butter.
Citrus Butter
1. Mix all ingredients into a small bowl and stir to combine.
Garlic Snap Beans
1. In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully add the bell pepper and onion; cook for about 1 minute.
3. Add the beans and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and continue cooking for another minute or until crisp and tender.
5. Add lemon juice and toss before serving.
Guava Glazed Mahi Mahi with Coconut Bamboo Rice, Tempura Baby Bok Choy & Coconut Curry Sauce
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeds removed then chopped
Coconut Bamboo Rice
2 cups of bamboo rice
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup water
Mahi Mahi and Tempura Bok Choi
4 (7 ounce) pieces fresh mahi mahi
1 quart plus 1 tbs. vegetable oil
4 pieces baby bok choi
2 cups tempura batter mix, homemade or store-bought
Ice water
Preparation
1. In a medium saucepot gently sauté the green onion, shallot, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass with the peanut oil over medium heat for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
2. Add in the curry paste and chili and continue to cook for a few minutes more, stirring to incorporate.
3. Put in the herbs, spices and brown sugar and cook for two more minutes. Deglaze with vermouth and continue to cook. When it has cooked completely dry, add in the chicken stock and simmer for 10 minutes, or until reduced by half.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and increase heat to high and bring it to a boil then remove sauce from the heat and let it cool at room temperature.
5. Puree the sauce in a blender and strain it through a fine sieve.
6. Reheat the sauce when needed and finish it with fresh cilantro, lemon juice, and salt.
1. Blend the soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, water, crushed red pepper and chopped chives. Let the sauce stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. (The sauce is available at Destin Ice Seafood Market already prepared.)
2. Press the black pepper into both sides of the tuna steak.
3. Heat the canola oil in a sauté pan until very hot.
4. Sear the tuna steaks for 10 seconds on each side and remove from pan.
5. Place the spinach in the sauté pan and toss until wilted.
6. Transfer the spinach to 4 large dinner plates.
7. Thinly slice the tuna across the grain.
8. Arrange the tuna slices over the spinach in a star shape. Garnish the tuna with diced red pepper, whole chives and finish with prepared sauce.
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
Preparation
1. Melt the margarine in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bell pepper, onion, celery crabmeat and shrimp; cook and stir for about 5 minutes. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the stuffing, bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
3. Mix in the vegetables and seafood from the skillet.
4. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and as much of the chicken broth as you like.
5. Spoon into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly toasted on top.
Baked Coconut Shrimp
Recipe contributed by Jan Slagell
1 pound uncooked large shrimp peeled and deveined
1 tbs. lime juice
¼ tsp. crush red pepper flakes
1/2 cup pineapple preserves
2 egg whites
2 tbs. cornstarch
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
Preparation
1. Combine lime juice, pepper flakes and pineapple preserves in a small bowl and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl beat egg whites with a hand mixer until soft peaks form.
4. Place cornstarch and coconut on two separate plates. Hold shrimp by the tail and dip and coat the shrimp with cornstarch.
5. Next, dip the shrimp in the egg whites and finally in the coconut coating well.
6. Place shrimp on the cookie sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes or until coconut is a golden brown. Make sure to turn it once halfway through (around 8 minutes into cooking time) to make sure both sides are brown.
7. Serve with pineapple dipping sauce.
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise (can use more or less depending on your preferred consistency)
1 tbs. black pepper
1 tbs. garlic powder
Hot sauce to taste
Preparation
1. Combine salt and water. Soak tuna steaks in a salt water brine for one hour before smoking.
2. Transfer to a smoker and smoke until cooked through (do not overcook).
3. Chop smoked tuna steaks to your desired consistency (rough chopped or finely chopped – Harbor Docks chops fine).
4. In a stainless steel mixing bowl, combine smoked tuna, mayonnaise, pepper and garlic powder and mix well.
1. Arrange oysters on rock salt in a baking dish.
2. Top each oyster with ½ teaspoon of the cheese crumbled bacon and chopped jalapeno to taste.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes or until edges of oysters begin to curl.
1. Heat the oven to 200 F.
2. Set a cooling rack in a large, rimmed baking sheet.
3. In a deep, heavy saucepan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 370 F. Or heat the oil in an electric deep fryer to 370 F.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir the chopped onion into the dry mixture, and then stir in the cream-style corn. (If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of milk.)
5. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop the batter into the hot vegetable oil.
6. Fry the hush puppies in small batches of 4 or 5 until golden brown, or about 2 minutes, turning to make sure all sides are evenly browned.
7. Remove the hush puppies to paper towels to drain for a minute or two and then move them to the rack in the prepared pan. Place the pan in the oven to keep fried hush puppies warm while you fry subsequent batches.
Tips and Variations
Use neutral-flavored oil for deep-frying, such as vegetable oil, canola, or peanut oil.
Add finely chopped green onion to the hush puppies in place of the onions.
Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of onion powder for extra onion flavor.
Add a few tablespoons of crumbled cooked bacon to the batter.
Add about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter
Fried Corn
Recipe contributed by Jessica Baggett
2 cans of white creamed corn
6-10 Slices of your preferred bacon
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
1. Fry bacon on medium high heat in a cast iron skillet, and then set bacon aside to cool.
2. Pour both cans of creamed corn into hot bacon grease.
3. Crumble bacon and add to the corn mixture.
4. Cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes.
5. Serve warm.
Preparation
1. In medium bowl, combine milk, lemon juice, and zest; blend in egg yolks. Pour into cooled crust.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
3. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks from. Gradually beat in the sugar until stiff.
4. Spread over filling; seal to edge of crust.
5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until meringue is golden brown.
1/2 cup key lime juice (from about 25 small key limes or 4 large regular limes)
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
For the Icing:
1/2 cup (1 stick butter), room temperature
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
1 (1 pound) box confectioners’ sugar
Preparation
For the Cake:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease and flour one 9-by-12-by-2-inch cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix the gelatin, granulated sugar, flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Stir to mix well. Add the oil, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Test for doneness by lightly touching the tops or inserting a toothpick.
4. Cool the cake in the pan for 5 minutes then turn out onto a cooling rack.
For the glaze:
1. While the cake is still hot, mix the lime juice and confectioners’ sugar together well.
2. Pierce the cake with a fork to allow the glaze to soak in better and pour it over the cake on the cooling rack.
3. Allow cake to cool completely as you prepare the icing.
For the icing:
1. Cream the butter and cream cheese.
2. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar until mixture is smooth and easy to spread.
3. Spread the icing on the top and sides of the cake.
Cook’s Note: you can also use three 9-inch round cake pans and make this into a layer cake.
Destin’s Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo has roots dating back to 1948 when a sense of community embraced the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village to promote compassion and well-being for fellow fishermen and families. What started as a three-day special event to extend the fishing season a little further has now blossomed into a month-long fishing tournament filled with festivities that cater to the whole family. Visitors from all over the world now travel to Destin every year during the month of October for one of the biggest annual deep-sea fishing tournaments. From championship fishing teams to toddlers and teens, there is something for everyone during Destin’s Annual Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo.
Blessings from the past continue to overwhelm the coast as an abundant harvest of the most desirable fish in the Gulf of Mexico are brought to shore by anglers aboard Destin’s finest charter boats. To describe this annual event as anything short of glorious is an understatement. The amazing encounters of unbelievable and record-breaking saltwater fish caught, during the month of October, entices locals, visitors, and retired fisherman to grace the dock for a glimpse of the daily catch and weigh-in boards.
Harvesting Harbor Blessings
Roy H. Martin displays the reason he holds 19 world fishing records at the Destin Rodeo in 1956. Image by Karl E. Holland via State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.
Destin was founded as a fishing village in 1835 when Leonard Destin, a fisherman from New London, Connecticut, discovered one of the best-kept secret saltwater hot spots that the world would ever come to know.
As quality marine saltwater species rely on deep waters to live, reproduce, and grow to colossal size, Destin’s prominent access to deep waters distinguishes its position as the most desirable sports, recreational, and commercial fishing location in the Gulf of Mexico.
With a mere 10 miles from the shoreline, anglers aboard Destin charter boats are already hitting some great spots, which means paying for less travel time and larger quantities of quality saltwater fish than anywhere else on the Gulf Coast. With over 175 years of family secrets passed through the bloodlines of the founding fishermen of Destin, experienced captains know exactly where to reel-in the finest fish in the Gulf of Mexico. The ability to deliver surpasses the expectations of customers and brings them back for more each year after their first taste of glory.
A Look Back at the 72nd Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo
Weigh Master Bruce Cheves with a day’s weigh-in during the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo
Destin is already recognized as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and the “Billfish Capital of the Gulf.” The annual rodeo is a celebration of the blessings given to these legendary fishermen with participation from over 30,000 saltwater anglers from all over, who come to compete for bragging rights, prizes, and cash. With Destin’s annual rodeo growing in reputation as the “Ultimate Saltwater Tournament,” the prizes and awards grow even more elaborate each year. Booking a charter with a registered captain automatically qualifies all anglers to enter the tournament with no additional charge, and you are still in the running for award-winning placement at the weigh-ins.
There are 29 divisions for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, consisting of over 33 species of fish, in seniors, ladies, juniors, and teen subdivisions, with rewards for the top daily, weekly, overall, and jackpot catches. The sense of community from 1948 is still maintained today, as registered charter boat captains volunteer their time and sponsor several of the rewards for top winners, totaling over $100,000.00 in cash and prizes. When you charter a vessel registered with Destin’s Fishing Rodeo, your chances are great for a prize catch.
Shark Saturdays
Shark Saturdays are one of the most exciting events in the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo. Anglers are allowed one entry for the day, and since the entry with the largest shark wins, the shark hunters are aiming for the big ones. Over the years, we’ve seen some massive sharks come in from the gulf.
This October, the Saturdays will give those hanging out for the weigh-ins a thrill to remember. The slogan for the 2020 Shark Saturdays tournament is Hang ‘Em High. The bigger the shark, the higher it hangs.
If observing the sharks coming in is not enough excitement to get your blood pumping, BOOK YOUR SHARK HUNT TODAY. Shark trips in October are very popular and must be booked well in advance. Remember, cash prizes are given to the angler who brings in the largest shark.
For the best chances of catching a winning bull shark or mako, we recommend an overnight charter leaving Friday nights in October to set up with plenty of time to catch some other entry fish while we’re out, and to get back to the weigh-ins at AJ’s on Saturday.
Fish the Days and Rock the Nights
What’s better than a Saturday of deep-sea fishing in Destin, Florida? Well, nothing really. But to make an even better experience, HarborWalk Village will be hosting a party every Saturday night in October, beginning October 1st from 7:00 PM through 9:30 PM. Fireworks will light up the Destin Harbor at 9:00 PM. The Fish the Days and Rock the Nights event is free to the public, so bring the family down, watch the rodeo weigh-ins behind AJ’s from 10 AM-7 PM, and then head to the village for live entertainment, music, and the freshest local seafood that you can find! The Fish the Days and Rock the Nights event is shared with a variety of fall activities along the Destin Harbor, so visitors of all ages are welcome to join in on the fun!
A Fishing Tournament for the Whole Family
Children with their winning catches at the Destin Fishing Rodeo. Image courtesy of Destin Fishing Rodeo
Deep-sea fishing tournaments are huge for avid fishermen of all backgrounds. What makes the Destin Fishing Rodeo stand apart from other tournaments is the emphasis placed on children during the event. The biggest investment that the fishing communities across America have is in our children. The Destin Fishing Rodeo is a time to involve children and families in the traditions of coastal living.
Every child that enters a fish weighing at least 1 pound into the tournament will win a rod and reel, and they’ll receive an official rodeo certificate. This is not one of those everyone gets a trophy for trying organizations. Instead, the deep sea fishing community of Destin, Florida aims to plant a seed of inspiration into the hearts of young children who have the opportunity to experience a true love for fishing.
A wise man once said, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” That’s exactly what we intend to do with these children participating in the fishing rodeo. Teaching a child to love the sport of fishing ensures that the respect and passion for our saltwater resources will continue to thrive long after today’s generation of fishermen retire. After all, we’ll need some of these youngsters to go out and catch us some snappers someday.
So, bring your children down to fish in the Destin Fishing Rodeo. Make it an annual tradition and consider an investment into both your child and the future of our fishing community. There are several events geared towards children of all ages, and lots of stories to hear from the famous Bruce Cheves who delights in sharing his stories of victorious catches with little ones.
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