Destin, Okaloosa County, FL
Sunny
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76°F
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Feels 79°
Naples Premier Offshore Fishing Charter
Local Fishing Resource
The World's Luckiest Fishing Village — Destin Harbor, East Pass, and the Emerald Coast
What's Inside
Paralichthys albigutta
Flatfish common in coastal bays and flats. Excellent eating and popular sport fish.
Local Notes: Bury in the sandy and muddy bottom throughout East Pass. Slow-drifted live shrimp or finger mullet near bottom, or a 1/4-oz white jig.
Lutjanus griseus
Versatile species found from mangroves to offshore reefs. Excellent eating.
Local Notes: Hold in the deeper channel water at East Pass. Light fluorocarbon and live shrimp or pilchards.
Scomberomorus maculatus
Fast-swimming pelagic fish with gold spots. Common in spring and fall.
Local Notes: Blitz through East Pass on incoming tides chasing bait schools. Trolling spoons or casting Gotcha plugs.
Megalops atlanticus
Large powerful fish known for spectacular jumps. Migrates along Florida coast.
Local Notes: World-class tarpon fishing at East Pass during the spring migration (April–July). Live blue crabs and large mullet.
Rachycentron canadum
Large pelagic fish often found near buoys and wrecks. Excellent table quality.
Local Notes: Follow cownose rays and sharks through East Pass during the spring migration. Live pinfish or eel on a 8/0 hook.
Scomberomorus cavalla
Large mackerel species prized by anglers. Strong fighter found offshore.
Local Notes: Cruise the mouth of East Pass in fall and winter. Live blue runners or Boston mackerel.
Sciaenops ocellatus
Popular game fish with distinctive black spot near tail. Found in shallow coastal waters.
Local Notes: Patrol the channel edges and nearby flats at East Pass, especially on falling tides.
Archosargus probatocephalus
Bottom feeder with strong teeth. Found around structures and pilings.
Local Notes: Work the jetty rocks and any barnacle-covered structure at East Pass. Fiddler crabs are the go-to.
Cynoscion nebulosus
Popular inshore species with distinctive spots. Found over grass flats and sandy bottoms.
Local Notes: Fish the back-bay side of East Pass over grass flats near the mouth on slower tide stages.