It’s been one heck of a rainy July (the second wettest one in 73 years!), but when the weather’s good, it’s REALLY good, and the fishing is even better!
Red snapper season is officially over (for now) in both state and federal waters, but gag grouper season runs through December, and we’re seeing plenty of them! The kings are also running, so most trips are bringing in grouper and kingfish right now, with a smattering of other fish such as tripletail, mahi, vermillion snapper, and even the occasional sailfish or tuna!
What’s great about fishing here in the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village is that you don’t have to go too far to catch fish. Destin boasts the closest deepwater access in the northern gulf, so, unlike others areas where you have to go out 20-30 miles to catch fish, a 4-hour trip can net you (pun intended) a good amount of fish!
The inshore bite is going strong. Some of the inshore captains are saying they’ve never seen fishing this good. Plenty of speckled trout and redfish to be had in the bay!
The recreational harvest of triggerfish and amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico will reopen August 1st, and, though, it’s a few months off yet, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council has also recently voted to re-open red snapper season on October 1st, which is HUGE news for us here in Destin because the dates coincide with both the Destin Seafood Festival and the Destin Fishing Rodeo. If you’re planning a trip in October, you’re in for a special treat, as we’ll be able to catch (and KEEP!) grouper, red snapper, triggerfish, AND amberjack. We’re a proud supporter of the 26’ and under class this year and will be sponsoring three fish in the Rodeo as well as participating ourselves, with the only rental boat ever to be entered into the Rodeo in its 65 year history! Book your trip now, because it’s going to be good!