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.

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.

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.