What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Fort Walton Beach, Florida for the first time?

The same fish can be caught with cut bait from one of the local piers. However, if you want the boat ride, to see the gorgeous waters, and potentially hook a shark to fight then you'll need a boat or charter.

I would recommend going further out if you want to catch more fish, it’s still a blast to stay in closer but just pay for more time if you are there to primarily catch bigger fish, it will be worth it.

Be prepared for a cool start if leaving in the morning. We hardly touched our food and drink because we were pretty busy the whole time! Sunscreen and a hat. Maybe anti nausea meds if that's an issue for you but take them before the trip.

Had a great time even got to check a fish off my son's bucket list of fish to catch. Very knowledgeable and friendly. If things didn't work out he always have a backup plan and allowed us to be part of the decisions of what type of fishing we wanted to do. Would definitely recommend and use him again. No complaints for a first time charter experience. Great crew and fun times.

If you're going in March don't expect a lot of them to be in season. Expect to catch your bait and have fun doing it. These Captains know where to find fish and put you on them. What kind you catch is a wonderful mystery. Have fun.

Many options. Know the difference between state and federally permitted charters. State can only go up to nine Miles out. Federally permitted charters can go out deeper so your options increase but so generally does the cost.

Definitely talk to charters and locals they have the knowledge to make fishing successful your first time. Didn’t meet anyone that wouldn’t be willing to throw in some advice or answer a question that I might have had

Honestly it depends on the person and their commitment to fishing. We could have easily done the 1/2 day tour, we knew our son wouldn’t make it that long so we booked the 3hr…. Which is closer to shore.

Hard to say what to recommend to folks who actually know what they're doing when it comes to deep sea fishing. None of us had ever gone before, and it was an absolute treat catching whatever was biting, and things were biting as the bait hit the bottom!

It's a great place for the family to vacation. It's laid back, yet tons of stuff to do. Great water parks, Para Sailing, Jet skiing, bright white sand beaches, snorkeling, tour boats and rides, boat rentals and shopping for those who choose not to go on the fishing trip. Sea food places and night life abounds. Don't just fish, experience the Destin !

Many of the fish that you could eat were not in season. Was a very fun trip, but if you want to come away with fish you can take home then go a different time of the year.

Go in with an open mind. If you’re use to fishing only fresh water like I have, you need to adjust your techniques and listen to your guides and trust them in their experience.

They told us ahead of time this time of year the fish are a little slower biting. Early spring is best time to go

Be prepared to learn a new style of fishing and ALWAYS listen to what the captain instructs if you want your fish in the boat.

Be prepared for a fight when you hook and monster this not bass or strip fishing or even big river cats

Be aware of traffic delays if you're heading out in the afternoon or evening. No worries with early morning travel.

From my experience and the fishing that I am use to in eastern NC I was not impressed at all with my first Fort Walton Beach fishing trip.

End of season and kind of chilly but still a great day on the water - even if we had choppy conditions.

It’s just hot! We got lucky and most of our trip was overcast but as soon as that sun came out the kids were getting hot very quickly, especially with having to wear life vests.

Check on the type of fish you want to fish for and make sure they are in season to keep if you want to keep them.

The night time bow-fishing was one of the coolest experiences ever, it was me & my sons first time doing this, and we can’t wait to do it again!

Nothing is needed to bring other than lunch and beverage. Bait and rods provided. Crew cleans and bags fish

We would certainly try bottom fishing if we had more time, but trolling got us on a handful of Bonito which are fun to catch.

It was a little chilly & the fish were not biting but I know when they are biting the fishing is great

There are many fish you can't keep in Dec, but those we were able to keep provided plenty of meat and we had to figure how to get them home.

There were ALOT of jellyfish, hundreds. Not sure if they were migrating through of if this is a common thing.

Book with Captain Tim O’Malley - Knotical Adventures Two aboard The Wild Child!!!

Great environment for anyone wanting to get out on the water and fight some saltwater fish.

You will have to catch your own bait fish until June, that part was fun too tho.

Bring sunscreen and beverages. Wear a hat or something to give you some shade. Sunglasses a must.