Fort Walton Beach

155 Fishing Charters

Top Fishing Charters in Fort Walton Beach

Fishing in Fort Walton Beach

Just 12 miles across the Choctawhatchee Bay from the “Luckiest Fishing Village in the World,” Fort Walton Beach could also stake a claim for that title. It’s no surprise, then, that Fort Walton Beach’s fishing charters have plenty to offer. From the inshore bays to the nearshore reefs, to the deep waters of the Gulf – there’s something here for everyone.

With access to the Choctawhatchee Bay and Santa Rosa Sound, there’s no shortage of inshore fishing opportunities. Get your fish on against Bull Redfish and Gator Spotted Seatrout, along with delicious Flounder and Sheepshead year-round. Add Tarpon to the mix in summer, and you’ve also got a fight on your hands.

Head to East Pass and you’ll come into contact with schools of Pompano, Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel. But the real gems come a few miles further out at the productive reefs. Red Snapper takes the crown of the most-coveted fish, but there are plenty of Gag Grouper, Cobia, Amberjack, and Kingfish to keep you on your toes.

If that hasn’t whetted your appetite to wet your line, then wait until you hear what’s in store offshore. The deepwater canyons of the Gulf of Mexico attract a number of big game fish. Get ready for the fight of your life, as you go up against Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish, Marlin, and even Swordfish!

Trips can last as little as a couple of hours up to a full day inshore. Meanwhile, nearshore trips tend to last 6–8 hours. Heading offshore will require a lot more, so settle in for anywhere between 10 hours and a few days on the water.

Rules & Regulations

Your license will be covered aboard a Fort Walton fishing charter. Not only that, but your professional guide will be clued up on all the latest bag and size limits, so you can sit back and enjoy the incredible angling opportunities.

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Fort Walton Beach Fishing Seasons

January

Kick off the new year with some awesome sight casting out on the grassy flats of the Choctawhatchee Bay. This is one of the most exciting types of fishing in Fort Walton Beach, with huge numbers of hungry Trout and Redfish.

February

With dry weather, cool temperatures, and low winds – February is the perfect time for great flats fishing. On the reefs, Snapper and Grouper are gobbling up baits, with plenty of Amberjack around for some extra fight.

March

Red and Black Drum, Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead – March is a great time for inshore fishing in Fort Walton. Offshore, big numbers of King Mackerel start showing up, making for awesome battles and some tasty eating.

April

The fishing just gets better and better as the year rolls on, especially out in the Gulf. The Cobia migration come barreling into town in April, and Triggerfish join the permanent residents on the reefs.

May

Jack Crevalle arrive in the shallows, joining the Redfish and Trout to make the bay a fly angler's dream. The offshore action is in full swing, too, with Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and even a few early Blue Marlin!

June

The shallows and the blue waters are both on fire in June, but the place to be is on the reefs. Red Snapper season here, and Gag Grouper are fair game, too. Book a specialty Snapper trip and you're guaranteed to fill the freezer!

July

Red Snapper season is still in full swing, so head out and bag your limit! Tarpon are in town, offering the ultimate shallow-water battle. Still not happy? Lucky for you it's peak Blue Marlin season!

August

August is one of the hottest, rainiest months of the year in Florida, there's no way to sugarcoat that. Brave the heat and the humidity and you're well rewarded, with Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Tuna and so much more.

September

The Annual Breakwater Outfitters' Battle on the Bayou is your chance to test your skills against huge Redfish and Trout (not to mention other experienced anglers). This is Fort Walton Beach's most important tournament.

October

Destin's Fishing Rodeo needs no introduction. This free tournament draws the largest crowds of any angling event in America, offering great fun and big prizes. A word of warning: book early if you want to find a room.

November

Forget the turkey, November is Grouper season. Red, Gag, and Scamp Grouper are all around this time of year. Throw in average temperatures of 60 degrees, and you've got the perfect Thanksgiving destination!

December

The deep sea action may have cooled off with the falling temperatures, but the inshore battles are still going strong. Redfish, Trout, and Flounder and always on hand for a fight. Happy holidays indeed!