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.
Inshore fishing in Destin, Florida is a great way to spend a day.
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!