Last Updated on October 6, 2023
Looking for the best fishing spots in Destin? There’s hardly a better fishing destination in the U.S. than Destin, Florida.
If you think this is an overstatement, remember that this place has the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” moniker, and boy, is it justified.
You’ll find Destin right in the middle of the Florida Panhandle, on the stunning Emerald Coast, with easy access to the prolific Gulf of Mexico fisheries. It is a great place to charter boats with an experienced captain or to go pier fishing.
If you’re coming to Destin for the very first time and you’re interested in boat fishing, Destin fishing charters have years of experience and can help you get that trophy catch.
Whether you’re an inshore angler or a deep-sea fishing enthusiast, these waters will impress you with their year-round action. It’s a great experience any time of the year for all skill levels.
You’ll find a plethora of different species of fish from red grouper to Mahi Mahi. Destin is the perfect place for anglers of all ages.
Can’t Miss Destin Fishing Spots
If you prefer saltwater fishing from land, these are seven of the most productive fishing spots Destin has to offer.
Destin Bridge
With easy access to the bay and the Gulf waters, Destin Bridge is a local favorite. That only makes sense – the views are awesome, there’s plenty of room for fishing, and the variety of species is top-notch.
This bridge is not to be confused with the Mid-Bay Bridge, which goes straight across Choctawhatchee Bay.
What kinds of fish can you catch by Destin Bridge?
From Destin Bridge, you can target anything from Spadefish, Sheepshead, and Redfish to Tarpon, Snapper, Grouper, and Cobia.
A lot of fish congregate around bridge pylons and sandbars here, so the bite is always on.
Destin Bridge Address: Mid-Bay Bridge Rd, Destin, FL 32541
Norriego Point
If you prefer to be closer to the water when you’re casting a line, check out Norriego Point. This stunning sandy beach is within sight of Destin Bridge, with plenty of rocky jetties and underwater structures to attract fish.
What kinds of fish can you catch at Norriego Point?
Inshore anglers will love Norriego Point because from here, you can reel in Flounder, Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Ladyfish, and the list goes on.
When you’ve had your fill of fishing, you can go snorkeling, swim, or sit back and soak in the sun.
Norriego Point Address: 1 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541
West Jetties
Definitely one of the best fishing spots in Destin; the jetties have a lot to offer. While the East Pass Jetties are very popular and can get crowded, the West Jetties are a different story.
They’re on the southwest side of the Destin Bridge, and it’s a bit of a hike to reach them. However, the peace and quiet you get, plus the fishing action, are worth the effort.
What kinds of fish can you catch on the West Jetties?
Plenty of inshore species are available here all year, including Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, Bluefish, Redfish, and many more.
West Jetties Address: Jetty East, Destin, FL 32541
Hogtown Bayou
If you’d like to get away from the city bustle, fishing in Hogtown Bayou might be the thing for you. Both boat and shore fishing are productive in Hogtown Bayou, which is also a productive spot for kayak fishermen.
What kind of fish can you catch at Hogtown Bayou?
Flats fishermen love this part of the Choctawhatchee Bay because these grassy shallows have near-perfect conditions for Bull Redfish and Spotted Seatrout.
Hogtown Bayou Address: 43 Hogtown Bayou Ln, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
The Island Pier
The Island Pier (also known as the Okaloosa Island Pier) allows you to enjoy the fish-rich Gulf waters without ever leaving the shore. The pier is over 1,260 feet long, so you’ll have no problem finding your own fishing nook.
The daily pass for the pier is $8, and your fishing pass is included in the price. In the late afternoon, take a break, and admire the sunset that only the Island Pier can offer. No better place for it in the whole of Destin.
What kind of fish can you catch at The Island Pier?
Because the water here gets deep very quickly, a wide array of species is on the to-catch list.
Think Pompano, Sheepshead, Bonito, King Mackerel, Redfish, and even occasional Sailfish and Blackfin Tuna.
The Island Pier address: 1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Choctawhatchee Bay
We can only talk about the best fishing spots in Destin if we mention Choctawhatchee Bay. Its fishing potential is vast, as is its size.
The bay spans over 30 miles and has more fishing spots than you can count.
One of the reasons Choctawhatchee Bay is a local favorite is the abundance of underwater structures. The bottom of the bay is dotted with wrecks and reefs, which means only one thing – premier fishing action.
What kind of fish can you catch at Choctawhatchee Bay?
Freshwater and saltwater go in and out of the bay twice a day, so Striped Bass, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Mackerel, and Snapper are all on the menu.
Where is Choctawhatchee Bay?
Choctawhatchee Bay is located within Okaloosa and Walton counties in northwest Florida.
Eglin Air Force Base
Maybe you’d like a change of scenery, and you’ve got freshwater fishing on your mind. In that case, why not explore the sections of Eglin Air Force Base that are open to the public?
Before you go out on an adventure, be sure to have an Eglin Permit, along with a valid Florida freshwater fishing license. Be sure to adhere to the regulations and stick to the parts that are open to everyone.
What kind of fish can you catch at Englin Air Force Base?
Right across the bay from Destin, Eglin is known for its beautiful nature and over 20 ponds where you can test your fishing luck. Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, Bluegill, and Channel Catfish are the most common catches.
Englin Air Force Base: 1701 State Road 85 North, Eglin AFB, FL 32542.
These are the best fishing spots in Destin that you can easily explore, even if you don’t have a boat. With a charter guide, you can fish the depths of the Choctawhatchee Bay or head to offshore hotspots like the Edge or the 100 Fathom Curve.
There, you can get face-to-gills with big Grouper, Snapper, Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish, and even Marlin. There are plenty of fish in the sea, and the choices are endless.
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