Destin, Florida offers wonderful fishing in July. The main focus during this month is bottom fishing for red snapper, but there are many other fish to catch as well. Most fishing trips typically start with a quick stop near the pass to catch some live bait. When catching bait, it’s a good idea to try to find some bigger live baits such as hard tails or rubies. Bottom fishing in July is very good, the main focus being to catch the limit of red snapper (two per angler). These fish offer a good fight, and very good table fare. While targeting red snapper, you can send one of the larger live baits down and if a red snapper doesn’t find it, hopefully a grouper will! Something to keep in mind is gag grouper usually opens in July. Scamp grouper, vermilion snapper, and almaco jacks can also be caught while bottom fishing this time of year. They can either be caught on smaller live baits (cigar minnows, or herring), or cut squid on two hook rigs. Trolling the waters of Destin, Florida can also produce some very fun and exciting fishing in July. Slow trolling live bait around the pass can often produce a good mix of king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, bonito, and the occasional mahi mahi. Trolling live bait over structure can also produce these species! Trolling lures will also produce fish, best done over structure, or around the pass. With the warmer waters in July, it’s important to keep an eye out while moving from spot to spot for floating objects. Most floating objects whether they are a log, grass, a bucket, or even a Styrofoam cooler lid can hold mahi mahi in July. Its best to toss live bait to them or chum them to the boat and present a baited hook in the chum. Getting into a mess of mahi(dolphinfish) always adds a fun bonus to the fish box!