On the Emerald Coast of Florida?s panhandle, visitors will find the quaint seaside paradise of Destin. The town has adopted the official slogan, “The World?s Luckiest Fishing Village” and the claim is supported with some of the richest fishing in the region. Approximately 3.5 million visitors come to Destin each year, most of them looking for the best fishing on the Gulf Coast. But along with the best fishing, Destin offers visitors the finest beaches in the area and some of the most scenic shorelines on the Gulf of Mexico.
Fishing has been a part of life in Destin ever since it was established in the 1840s by Captain Leonard Destin. This New England master fisherman constructed a Cape Cod style bungalow on Monroe Point and began a small commercial fishing outfit. His relatives continued the enterprise for decades.
Today, visitors are drawn to Destin for the fantastic fishing, fishing related events and great beach rentals. In October, the Destin Fishing Rodeo has drawn anglers from around the country since 1948. Pompano season from April to October also draws a crowd. And while it is true that Destin is home to the largest fishing fleet in Florida, those who want to stay close to shore can fish from the famed Destin pier or one of several jetties no matter what time of the year. When planning a trip and making reservations for vacation rentals, keep in mind the best times for fishing each of the varieties you prefer.
There are many other varieties of fish common to the waters around Destin. Fishing from the pier with live, frozen, or artificial bait will produce whiting, channel bass, sheepshead, blue runner, bluefish, sail cat, spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, and bonito. For the trolling enthusiast, the time between March and November brings cobia season. Cobia in excess of 100 pounds are often caught.
The massive charter fleet in Destin is available year round for folks or families. Half day, whole day, or overnight fishing excursions are to be had, but reserving ahead of time is recommended, specifically in peak fishing season.
Getting away from the pier and the seaside, the salt marshes of the Choctawhatchee Bay and the surrounding estuary offer a number of the finest fishing obtainable in Destin. Their are charming bed and breakfasts close at hand and the fishing in the bay is year round and brings in speckled sea trout, sheepshead, white trout, channel bass, red fish, sail cat, bluefish, and flounder. Crabs are also bountiful along the coast of the bay, and can yield blue crabs throughout the year.
After a day of fishing or just relaxing on the white sand beach, Destin?s many fresh seafood restaurants offer visitors a variety of the finest local fish available. There are more than 20 varieties of fish available to local chefs during any of the fishing seasons. Destin lays claim to one of the largest selections of seafood restaurants on the Gulf of Mexico.
Wesley Mathews is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on bed breakfasts and things to do.