Luxury Charter Fishing

In the Know about Inshore Fishing in Destin, Florida

Inshore fishing is when one is fishing along the bottom of a waterway that is often no more than 10 or 12 feet deep. It can be done in fresh or saltwater and provides a great deal of pleasure for many anglers -not to mention, a wide variety of fish to be caught. You may choose to fish along the banks and ledges where there is a natural or man-made cover or from a boat. In the past few years, there has been resurgence in inshore fishing in Destin.

Kid with mackerel.Thanks to the Choctawhatchee Bay’s many inlets and estuaries there are many shallow inshore fishing locations in the Destin area. These waterways are abundant in water grass flats bordered by reed grass and tree lined shores making them the perfect habitat for not just the fish that reside there, but also prime habitats for shrimp, oysters and crabs – all favorite foods for the myriad of fun to catch, taste bud tantalizing saltwater fish caught when inshore fishing in Destin.

In the Destin, Florida area, inshore fishing means saltwater anglers often catch such species as eel, mackerel, barracuda, redfish, sheepshead, black drum, sharks, flounder and spotted sea trout to name just a few, though there are dozens more that could be mentioned! Of course, these can be very strong and feisty fish, so catching them requires using stronger equipment than one would use for standard freshwater fishing.

Your rod and reel need to be strong enough or it will break – especially should you hook one of the larger species of fish. In addition to sturdiness, it also needs to be rated for saltwater as the water itself can cause significant damage to your gear. Consider using reels that are stainless steel, titanium or fiber with at least a 10-pound monofilament line. For larger fish such as redfish and mackerel, you will need slightly stronger lines and gear. Other key elements when going inshore saltwater fishing include:

  • Circle hooks in 2/0, 3/0 and 4/0 sizes
  • A 7-foot, medium action spinning rod
  • A 30-pound test fluorocarbon leader material to refract light when under the water thus making it nearly invisible to the fish
  • A torpedo-shaped top water plug
  • A 1/8 to ¼ ounce jighead paired with a live or artificial shrimp.

While anyone can get in a canoe or small fishing boat, load up their gear and bait and enjoy inshore saltwater fishing, to truly enjoy the sport, boarding a charter is the way to go. A charter boat will be able to go a few miles offshore and will provide all the equipment and bait you will need. Then after your successful day on the water, your fish will be cleaned for you so that all you have left to do is tell the stories and enjoy a meal or three featuring the fish you wrangled to the boat.

So, the next time you are looking for a new fishing adventure, why not cast line towards some Destin inshore fishing action? You are certain to have a wonderful time.

Inshore Fishing from the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village: Destin, Florida

Inshore Fishing from the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village: Destin, Florida

In Destin, Florida, inshore fishing is a family-friendly activity that’s not only fun, but can result in some rather tasty future meals, too! Inshore fishing generally refers to fishing off a pier or in the shallow salt flats along shore.

Have You Tried Inshore Fishing Yet?

Photo Strip of People with Catches from Destin, Florida

Because of its shallow depth, inshore fishing is the perfect way to catch lots of delicious fish like:

  • Redfish
  • Bonefish
  • Tarpon
  • Spotted Sea Trout
  • King Mackerel
  • Cobia
  • Grouper

Like any sport, inshore fishing in Destin, known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” has its own set of unwritten rules. That’s why working with a local is so important! A local pro can take you to the piers and shorelines where you can catch your limit, and knows where to find the bait you need, and even more importantly, guide you on the right rods and reels to use. Or even better, schedule a fishing trip directly with us and we’ll provide all the fishing gear you need!

If you do decide on an inshore fishing trip in Destin without a pro, here are a few things to keep in mind.

  1. Be patient and understand the hierarchy. Anglers will fish for sharks and big game fish such as Cobia, King Mackerel, Redfish and Tarpon off the end of the pier. Towards the middle of the pier, you’ll find anglers fishing for Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish. On the shallow end of the pier, people will be fishing for Panfish and Pompano.
  2. When fishing for Cobia, the first person to spot them gets to cast first. If they don’t get a bit then the fish is then fair game for everyone else.
  3. Boats must, by Florida law, stay at 300 feet away from of a surf pier. Failure to follow this rule may result in a ticket – and sometimes pier anglers take matters into their own hands! Follow this rule to avoid a flurry of high-flying lead weights in your direction.
  4. Transport all your fishing gear using something with wheels. This, of course, isn’t a rule but it will make your inshore fishing adventure easier to enjoy.  If you don’t have a wheeled item for transporting fishing gear, a 5-gallon bucket is great, plus is does double duty as a seat.
  5. Ask around about the best kinds of tackle. When it comes to bait, talk to the locals and find out what is working best for the fish you want to catch.

Inshore fishing in Destin, Florida is a great way to spend a day.

So, grab your rod and reels, get some bait, and come visit the piers to see the most skilled anglers practice their craft in The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village. With so many types of fish to catch, you’ll wonder why you ever considered fishing anywhere else!

 

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