You don’t need to go to distant shores to fulfill your fishing fantasies.
That’s because Destin, Florida, the ultimate fishing destination, is close to many major population hubs, but once you’re on our friendly shores, you can leave all of your cares behind and focus on the water.
Indeed, Florida’s Emerald Coast provides the ultimate deep sea fishing experience. You don’t need to be an expert, although plenty of experts come here to live out their dreams. All you need is the right attitude, a little bit of initial research to find the right boat, the right captain and the right time to visit (Hint: there are no wrong times). Whether you want food for the table, a replica for the wall, something to brag about, or all of the above, there’s a charter experience for you that can set you on your way.
Big, tasty red snapper? Check.
Giant billfish? Check.
Inshore species galore? How many do you want to catch?
Indeed, you can experience several of them in the same trip, or even on the same day.
The great thing about the Destin fishing experience is that you don’t need to have any fishing experience at all. Indeed, with a world-class and varied charter fleet helmed by captains with decades of experience on the water pleasing clients, angling success sometimes comes down to doing your research and showing up. Of course, there are no guarantees in fishing – the weather, the season and a sprinkling of good or bad luck are major contributing factors – but by choosing the right Destin deep sea fishing experience you can stack the odds in your favor.
Reasons People Visit Destin
Destin Skyline
There’s nothing wrong with planning a dedicated fishing trip to Destin. That gives you the maximum chances for success, as whether, tides and other variables can greatly affect the bite. Indeed, if you come for several days on the water, you can chase that trophy or experience varied types of fishing – from bottom fishing to casting to trolling, for everything from snapper to cobia to tuna to marlin.
But let’s say that you’ll be on the Emerald Coast for a family get-together, a wedding or a corporate event: that’s a prime opportunity to get out on the water and release whatever stress you have in your life. Indeed, the Destin charter fleet hosts many bachelor and bachelorette parties, guys’ or girls’ weekends, and reunions of all sorts where fishing can serve as a centerpiece for bonding. Indeed, chartering a quality boat or boats take away a lot of the hassles of planning, and end up being a ton of fun without anyone getting into trouble.
Things to Consider Before Taking a Deep Sea Fishing Trip
Safety and comfort are essential parts of a good deep sea fishing trip. After all, the goal is to have a good time, right? Fortunately, the waters around the Emerald Coast are remarkably calm most of the time, but some people even get seasick in a bathtub. There are over the counter and prescription remedies that will prevent this. If you’re not sure, be prepared.
You’ll also need to consider the weather. Remember, the elements can be more extreme at sea. Does the boat have cover? Does it have a restroom? What clothing will you need to be comfortable and effective? Ask your captain ahead of time and be sure to go with someone with a good reputation and quality equipment.
The price also matters. Sometimes a half day trip will be enough, but other times a full day is necessary to get the full fishing experience. The cheapest option is not always your best choice, nor is the most expensive choice. Find the one that fits your needs.
Different Types of Fishing
Catches from the Finest Kind
While some fisheries are superior for one type of angling, or particular species of fish, one of the great things about a deep sea fishing trip out of Destin is the variety. Something is always biting!
One very popular year-round option is bottom fishing. As you’d guess, this is for a variety of species like snapper and grouper that hug the bottom. While anyone can do it with the proper gear in the “secret spots,” it takes a steady hand sometimes to feel the bites. One of the side benefits of this type of fishing is that many of the species are really great table fare. Just make sure that they are in season.
There are also shipwrecks galore in the Gulf of Mexico that make natural habitats for everything from sharks to jacks to mackerel. Indeed, the Gulf is a dynamic ecosystem all its own, with reefs and canyons and pelagic fish that chase schools of baitfish their whole lives. There are giant fish, too – tuna over 800 pounds, sharks over 900. Red snapper, which don’t weigh nearly that much, are perhaps the most popular in-season target because they fight like a boxer and taste tremendous. For those same reasons, summertime King Mackerel fishing is extremely popular.
There are even overnight charters of 24, 48- or 72- hours that allow you to make long runs for particular species, maximizing your fishing time and chances of effectiveness. While many first-timers have a blast on these trips, it probably pays to take a shorter charter first to ensure that you’ll love it.
The Gulf is remarkably popular for big game year-round – wahoo, mahi, tuna and various billfish – because it is so fertile. There are both resident and transient fish. Be sure to eat your Wheaties ahead of time and have a taxidermist on speed dial to order your replica for your home or office.
Different Types of Experiences
Most casual fishing trips have fairly amorphous goals. Indeed, the primary function of the fishing trip is to spend time together outside and perhaps take home something for the table. Depending on how seriously you take it however, consider embracing one of the following goals:
- Catch a trophy fish
- Catch multiple species of fish
- Catch enough for a group dinner
- Corporate team-building
- Giving children a taste of the outdoors
- Rewards for a job well done or a major milestone
- Learning a new fishing technique
- Preparing for future fishing trips by learning how to run the boat or rig your gear.
Any or all of these can be combined into the trip of a lifetime. Just be sure to ask your captain, or the experts at the on-the-water bait shop or marina, which ones are feasible and attainable – and get after it!
Whether you want to go inshore or offshore, prefer luxury or a budget option, Destin may be the best choice for a fishing trip in the United States. It might be a one-off, or a bucket list destination, but we’re betting that you’ll come back and hit the water again and again and again.
Book your deep sea fishing experience with Finest Kind Charters!