Destin

161 Fishing Charters

Weather Protection

Canceled due to bad weather? We'll help reschedule or refund.

Best Price Guarantee

Found the same trip for less? We'll refund the difference!

Service You Can Trust

7 day customer support for a hassle-free fishing experience.

Trusted Payments

Book via our secure platform and enjoy flexible payment options.

100% Weather Protection

Canceled due to bad weather?
We'll help reschedule or refund.

Instant Confirmation

No more back and forth.
Secure your booking in just one step.

Best Price Guarantee

Found the same trip for less?
We'll refund the difference!

Top Fishing Charters in Destin

Fishing in Destin

Destin, Florida, is visited by thousands of anglers every year - and with good reason. What was originally nothing more than a small fishing village has ballooned into one of the top Gulf Coast fishing spots. Now, every year, Destin fishing charters take hundreds of people out to catch their fish of a lifetime - time, and again. But what is it that “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” has that other Gulf Coast fishing destinations are missing?

Known For

There is a lot more to Destin than just beautiful sandy beaches and emerald blue waters. The town is actually in reach of some of the best fishing grounds in the whole of the Gulf of Mexico. Located right next to the East Pass, within minutes of the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay, both inshore and deep sea fishing are right there on the town’s doorstep.

But that’s not all. Choose a deep sea fishing trip out of Destin and you will be closer to the Gulf of Mexico’s 100 Fathom Curve (where the sea bed is 600 ft deep) than anywhere else in Florida. On top of that, you only need to travel 23 miles offshore to reach the edge of the continental shelf, aka “The Edge.” This is home to huge Grouper, Red Snapper, and Amberjack, as well as pelagic fish like Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and even Billfish.

This is all waiting for you on a full day trip offshore, but that is not to say you can’t catch fish closer to home. The seas around Destin are filled with exactly what a thriving fish population needs. Shipwrecks and artificial reefs are dotted across the sandy seabed, creating the perfect habitat for a healthy fish population. And with fishing for popular species such as Red Snapper being strictly regulated, when these fish are in season you will barely be able to stop pulling them into the boat.

Not sure if your sea legs are up for an offshore challenge? As always, Destin has the answer. Head into the Choctawhatchee Bay and you can try your hand at catching your very own “Grand Slam” of Redfish, Spotted Sea Trout, and Flounder, which live in these protected waters all year round.

Insiders' tip: Visit The World's Luckiest Fishing Village in October for the true Destin fishing experience. The notorious Destin Fishing Rodeo lures over 30 000 die-hard anglers each year, some joining in for the staggering cash prizes, others doing it for the pure thrill of some of the best fishing Florida has to offer.

Rules & Regulations

No fishing permit is needed for anglers fishing aboard a guided boat or a for-hire charter, if the vessel has a valid charter captain or charter boat permit.

Types of Fishing

Destin is home to more charter boats than anywhere else in Florida. Whether you are hoping to join a larger group and go deep sea fishing on a famous Destin party boat or to charter a boat for yourself and your friends, there are dozens of options waiting for you. Fish with light tackle for Redfish, Trout, Sheepshead, and Spanish Mackerel, sight fish in the spring for Cobia, bottom fish for huge Snappers, Groupers, and Amberjack, or troll offshore for Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo. Whichever option you go for, you will be in for a trip you will never forget.

Destin
4.57

Based on 14687 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Destin Fishing Seasons

January

The weather may be cold, but fishing can be hot. Bottom fishing for Snappers and more is good 20+ miles offshore or you can catch Redfish, Trout and more in the bay.

February

February is still too cold for most pelagics. So your best options are bottom fishing for reef fish, fishing in the bay, or warming up with an arm-wrenching Amberjack battle.

March

Temperatures reach the high sixties and Destin's world famous fishery starts to come out of hibernation. Reef fish come closer to shore (5-12 miles) and Cobia start to make an appearance.

April

April in Destin is unforgettable. The weather is good and the fishing is great. Cobia fishing is excellent - try your hand at catching a trophy in the month-long Harbor Docks Tournament.

May

The Cobia frenzy may be dying down, but May sees offshore fishing in Destin heat up for real. Offshore trolling and overnight adventures get trophy catches while Groupers are still on the menu.

June

June is the start of Destin's busiest season. School's out, the beach is hot, and the fishing is on fire. Book early - most Destin charter boats fill up quickly.

July

July is usually Destin’s hottest month, with average temperatures peaking at about 90°F. Demand for boats is high, Red Snappers are biting, and Tarpon are in town. What are you waiting for?

August

Destin’s high season continues in August, with offshore fishing for pelagics still being great and a number of Groupers and Snappers still in season. Inshore fishing is just as good.

September

Destin comes into its own: the weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller. Trolling and surface fishing peaks, with Blackfin Tuna and Sailfish caught just a few miles from shore.

October

October in Destin is all about the Destin Fishing Rodeo. Join the 30 000 other anglers who participate every year and try your hand at getting a cash prize!

November

Fishing in Destin has to cool down at some point. But not in November. It is still possible to troll for most pelagics, while bay and bottom fishing are on fire.

December

Temperatures are usually in the fifties in Destin in December, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out on the water. Grab a festive fish feast in the bay or by bottom fishing offshore.