What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Destin, Florida for the first time?

Mid to late July may not be the best time to fish, but everything else around Destin is fantastic. Take a longer charter if you can as 4 hours is just barely enough time to get going. Destin area is crowded and expensive - but that's just how it is.

Bring sunscreen and water/drinks/snacks. If you plan to take Dramamine for motion sickness, take it the night before the trip. You’ll sleep well, you won’t me drowsy on the boat and it remains in your system to help with motion sickness. (I’m not a physician, but this was recommended to me on a previous charter.)

Do your research on what is currently in season to catch, small boats rock hard in 3-4 ft waves, find charters that provide the bait and you dont have to catch it yourself. Talk to the Captian before you book a charter for fishing species for time of year or weather conditions, recommendation and expectations what can and may not happen.

Don’t hesitate to book the trip! This was perfect for our family which included some experienced fishermen as well as our 10 year old who had never been fishing other than in the pond! The captain will take good care of you!

You have a good chance of catching fish in Destin. Our trip was successful as we brought home plenty of fish but we weren’t able to catch any palegics as I had hoped. But we had a great time anyway!

First off, if you’re not used to being in the water, take some kind of sea sick medicine. Second, definitely go red snapper fishing with a good charter captain. If they know their stuff, they’ll put you on more than just red snapper. Third, just enjoy yourself, even if the fish aren’t biting to well, a day on the water is better than a day at work!

Lots of red Snapper. Did take about an hour to get out but poor water conditions the day we went likely contributed to this. Weather rest of the week pretty good. Ken was able to get us on the water and fish safely and as comfortably as could be.

Make sure to bring sunscreen, sun glasses, hat, beverages and snacks. Talk to the Captain about what you would like and any suggestions they may have about the locale. This is their home and their livelihood, they know what they're talking about. You will have a great time and a wonderful experience!

Don’t forget that what you catch can be your dinner. Several restaurants near the harbor, such as Dewey Destin’s, can prepare your fish any way you like with all the sides. DELICIOUS! I recommend bronzed or blackened. Thanks for the memories.

Great for spring bottom fishing. Just B cause fishing with captain ken was really great. If first time fishing it’s a really great start specially for younger kids giving the the thrill but still being able to pull the fish in by themselves.

I am not an experienced salt water fisherman, in fact it had been 14 years since the last time. Being from Michigan my fishing is all fresh water. If you are in a similar position, I would recommend a 4 hour trip. That way you get a taste, and some education, and will know better what you want to do next.

Some grouper and snapper were closed but still very fun to catch and release, same with the sharks. Fight quality fish till your arms fall off then hit a spot for some smaller but very tasty fish to fill the cooler

The fishing here was excellent. Calm water and endless bites. Great for family or those that enjoy reeling in the fish. We didn’t troll today, our preference was for everyone to catch many fish. We caught our limit!

This year in September it was over 90 degrees everyday so far. So dress and protect accordingly. You have to learn how to fish this area if you don't know gulf fishing/salt water fishing. I look forward to next trip to Destin and trying my luck again.

The first thing is to learn is that you have to learn Destin. You may not kill it the first time. You need seasonal clothing and food/refreshments. Warm months require covering and hydration. Right tackle, etc.

Listen and learn, every trip out is an adventure. The fish may not always cooperate, but the scenery is spectacular and and the Captains I've fished with over the years have always made the trips fun and memorable...

Our Captain took us out approximately 20 miles to provide the best spots for great red snapper. It was great. Our group caught some beautiful reds. We did have some issue with sharks taking our catch but we still managed a nice catch. The weather was challenging but the Captain kept watch and kept us moving. It was a great trip!

Come Prepared, Take Motion medicine if you need it even if you think it is calm. Don't chance it and ruin the amazing experience you will have. Make sure to take lots a pictures, it is an experience you will want to remember.

Obviously watch the weather. Finding a guide that matches your personality is the difference on a good vs bad trip. Fishing is spotty in early March but that’s why they call it fishing and not catching. We reeled in over 40 fish and lost a couple of nice ones for sure. We also saw dolphins everywhere. Destin is beautiful and being out, even in some rough water is fantastic.

Really nice harbor, clean beaches and really clear water...Grew up in Texas and had nothing but dirty experiences in the Texas gulf...Quite the opposite in Destin with Far Far exceeded my expectations...

Be prepared for the weather - wind on boat is 20-30 degrees colder… nice in summer but tough when in 40’s and 50’s! And winds can make water choppy which makes for a rough ride. Use motion sickness patch even if never seasick before… better to be prepared…

Understand the fish in season and listen to the Captain. If he is recommending a longer charter, it’s not because he is looking to bill more but trying to put you on the fish and sometimes they are further out.

Expect it to be really hot and not to be peak season for anything. I would not come here on a primarily fishing driven trip in August but I’d fish a day if here. We just wanted to catch some fish and we did and our captain was great but it’s a slow time of year.

Drink a lot of water. Start with a smaller trip before you do a full-day unless you've fished before. Have a plan for what you are going to do with the fish you catch (give them away or take them to a restaurant to have them cooked).

get to your boat on time and bring food. you need a lot of time to catch the fish because sometimes there are dolphins around and they end up getting the fish before you do so the captain usually has to move his boat to different spots.

I would not recommend a long or out on the sea trip if this is your first time fishing. My wife and another guy got seasick as this was their first time. Either try some offshore fishing or reef fishing. Don’t try a 2 hour boat ride to fish and then 2 hours back on your first go.

Book early. Explore the boats you're planning to book. Beginners should pick larger boats with 4-6 hr expeditions. Smaller speedboats can be quite a rough ride to get farther offshore, although the bigger catches often require longer, farther offshore excursions.

Book the Wahoo. Captain Steve is the boat owner so he really care about his customers being happy. His crew has been with him for years and they do a great job of making the fishing fun and productive. We have been on many fishing boats, this is our favorite.

Make sure you know what fish are in season and the size of the fish required to keep. Caught a lot of triggers and 3 sizeable amber jacks, but all were too small to keep. Do admire the captain for carefully returning fish that did not qualify.

It was a very clean boat and the captain and crew were very friendly and it was an enjoyable trip. The first mate was exceptional and worked very hard to make sure that we had a very enjoyable trip. I would recommend this charter to anyone wishing to fish in the Gulf when they are here visiting Destin.