I Met My Destiny In Florida

On the Emerald Coast of Florida’s panhandle, tourists will find the charming seaside paradise of Destin. The town has adopted the approved slogan, "The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village" and the claim is supported with some of the richest fishing in the region. Approximately 3.5 million guests come to Destin each year, a good number of them hoping for the best fishing on the Gulf Coast. But combined with the best fishing, Destin presents guests the best beaches in the area and some of the most picturesque shorelines on the Gulf of Mexico.

Fishing has been a part of life in Destin ever since it was established in the 1840s by Captain Leonard Destin. This New England master fisherman built a Cape Cod style home on Monroe Point and began a small commercial fishing operation. His family continued the company for decades.

These days, guests are drawn to Destin for the great fishing, fishing related interests and great beach vacation rentals. In October, the Destin Fishing Rodeo has drawn anglers from around the nation since 1948. Pompano season from April to October also attracts a crowd. And while it is factual that Destin is home to the largest fishing fleet in Florida, those who want to stay close to shore can fish from the famed Destin wharf or one of several jetties no matter what time of the year. When arranging a vacation and making reservations for vacation rentals, keep in mind the best times for fishing each of the varieties you desire.

There are lots of other varieties of fish frequent to the waters around Destin. Fishing from the jetty with live, frozen, or artificial bait will produce whiting, channel bass, sheepshead, blue runner, bluefish, sail cat, spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, and bonito. For the trolling devotee, the time between March and November brings cobia season. Cobia in excess of 100 pounds are frequently caught.

The gigantic charter fleet in Destin is available year round for folks or families. Half day, whole day, or overnight fishing tours are offered, but booking ahead of time is highly recommended, particularly in peak fishing season.

Getting away from the pier and the seaside, the salt marshes of the Choctawhatchee Bay and the surrounding estuary supply some of the greatest fishing to be had in Destin. Their are charming romantic getaways close at hand 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 might yield blue crabs throughout the year.

Following a day of fishing or just relaxing on the white sand beach, Destin’s many fresh seafood bistros present tourists a variety of the finest local fish available. There are more than 20 kinds of fish available to local chefs during any of the fishing seasons. Destin lays claim to one of the largest selections of seafood eateries on the Gulf of Mexico.