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 Fishing - Fishermen call
Destin the "Luckiest Fishing Village in the World"
- and it's no wonder it harbors the largest charter fishing fleet
in Florida with over 200 boats.
An
offshore shelf dips straight from Destin's East Pass to 100-foot
depths within ten miles, making it internationally recognized
as the quickest deep water access on the Gulf of Mexico. Over
20 species of edible game fish are always in seasonal runs, one
being the famous billfish. More billfish are caught each year
here than at all other Gulf ports combined.
The
Choctawhatchee Bay and it's surrounding bayous are favorite sites
among the locals with catches including specks, red drum, Spanish
mackerel, white trout and sheepshead.
Landlubbers
like the new 1,200-foot Okaloosa Pier that is lighted for night
fishing and known to shelter 100-pound tarpons.
Don't
forget the entire month of October is Destin Fishing Rodeo Month
- anyone can compete for the win.
Record
Catches!
| Yellowedge
grouper |
41
lb, 1 oz |
5/24/95 |
Christopher
D. Allen |
| Blue
marlin |
980
lb, 8 oz |
6/14/85 |
Warren
Culbertson |
| Warsaw
grouper |
436
lb, 12 oz |
12/22/85 |
Steve
Haeusler |
| Cobia |
130
lb, 1 oz |
3/21/97 |
Peter
McCollester |
| Red
snapper |
46
lb, 8 oz |
10/1/85 |
Lane
Nichols III |
| Gag
grouper |
80
lb, 6 oz |
10/14/93 |
Bill
Smith |
Fishing
Licenses
A Florida fishing license is required of all residents between
16 and 64 years of age. Persons 65 and over must carry a Senior
Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate, which can be obtained
free from the county tax collector. Those persons totally and
permanently disabled are also eligible for a free license.
Out
of State Residents
| Freshwater |
|
Saltwater |
|
| $16.50 |
7-day
license |
$6.50 |
3-day
license |
| $31.50 |
annual
license |
$16.50 |
7-day
license |
| |
|
$31.50 |
annual
license |
Florida
Residents
(Active
military and their families stationed in FL are considered residents)
| Freshwater |
|
Saltwater |
|
| $126.50-$301.50 |
lifetime
license
(based on current age) |
$126.50-$301.50 |
lifetime
license
(based on current age) |
| $61.50 |
5-year
license |
$61.50 |
5-year
license |
| $13.50 |
annual
license |
$13.50 |
annual
license |
Please
consult with a local licensing agent for more details about license
fees and regulations for Florida residents and visitors. Call
850-488-3641 for more information, or visit the following state
fishing web sites:
Here
is a partial list of some of the fishing charters available in
the area - consult the local phone book for more options:
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Backcountry
Outfitters
East Pass Marina Slips 11 & 13
850-654-5566
Shallow water flats fishing. Specializing in speckled trout,
redfish and tarpon. 4, 6 or 8 hour long trips available day or
night. Family charters and corporate groups welcomed.
Brooks
Bridge Bait & Tackle
850-243-5721
Deep sea fishing charters by Joe & Bar Patrelle - Owners
|
 |
Destin Princess
1/2
mile E of Destin Bridge
850-837-5088
Year round deep sea fishing aboard the 65' catamaran. Bring your
own cooler, food & drink. Boat provides bait, ice, tackle
& fishing licenses. Experienced mates offer personal assistance.
Catamaran style reduces motion sickness. Fish cleaning service
offered for tips.
www.destinpartyboatfishing.com
www.destinprincess-fishing.com |
Harbor
Cove Charters
1-850-837-2222
Trolling, bottom, cobia, shark, light tackle, big game &Y
overnight. Most boars have AC. Bait, tackle & ice are furnished.
Lunch with 1 day notice. They group on charters. |
Harbor
Boatyard Charter Service
850-873-8511
Cobia, shark, light tackle, trolling, bottom overnight &
big game. Bait, tackle & ice are furnished. Lunch with prior
notice. They group on charters. |
Olin
Marler Fishing Charters
850-837-7095
Group & private charter fishing trips - bottom fishing &
trolling - 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 hour trips. Equipment included
- air conditioned. Owned by Olin Marler with a lifetime of experience. |
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