August 25, 2010
Destined To Fish
On the Emerald Coast of Florida’s panhandle, visitors will find the charming seaside paradise of Destin. The town has adopted the approved slogan, "The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village" and the declaration is supported with a quantity of of the richest fishing in the region. Approximately 3.5 million visitors come to Destin each year, nearly all of them hoping for the best fishing on the Gulf Coast. But along with the best fishing, Destin provides visitors the finest beaches in the region and some of the most beautiful shorelines on the Gulf of Mexico.
Fishing has been a part of life in Destin since it was established in the 1840s by Captain Leonard Destin. This New England master fisherman built a Cape Cod style house on Monroe Point and initiated a small commercial fishing operation. His family continued the enterprise for decades.
These days, visitors are lured to Destin for the terrific fishing, fishing related activities and a great beach rental. In October, the Destin Fishing Rodeo has drawn anglers from around the nation since 1948. Pompano season from April to October also draws a crowd. And while it is correct that Destin is home to the biggest fishing fleet in Florida, folks who want to stay close to shore can fish from the famous Destin dock or one of numerous jetties no matter what time of the year. When planning a trip and making reservations for vacation rentals, keep in mind the best times for fishing each of the varieties you prefer.
There are a lot of different varieties of fish common to the waters around Destin. Fishing from the jetty with live, frozen, or artificial bait will churn out whiting, channel bass, sheepshead, blue runner, bluefish, sail cat, spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, and bonito. For the trolling devotee, the season between March and November brings cobia season. Cobia in excess of 100 pounds are frequently caught.
The enormous charter fleet in Destin is accessible year round for folks or families. Half day, whole day, or overnight fishing excursions are offered, but booking ahead of time is highly recommended, specifically in peak fishing season.
Getting away from the pier and the seaside, the salt marshes of the Choctawhatchee Bay and the surrounding estuary supply several of the greatest fishing obtainable in Destin. Their are charming bed and breakfasts close by and the fishing in the bay is year round and brings in speckled sea trout, sheepshead, white trout, channel bass, red fish, sail cat, bluefish, and flounder. Crabs are also abundant along the coast of the bay, and may yield blue crabs throughout the year.
After a day of fishing or just relaxing on the white sand beach, Destin’s many fresh seafood bistros present tourists a variety of the best local fish available. There are more than 20 varieties of fish available to neighborhood chefs during any of the fishing seasons. Destin lays claim to one of the largest selections of seafood dining establishments on the Gulf of Mexico.
Filed under Fishing Rod Building by Mick
