04/29/25 The waters around Destin and Choctawhatchee Bay are often associated with deep water fishing, but many species can be caught in the inshore water. This area is famous for flat sandy bottoms and crystal clear water which enables you to often see the fish you are going after. Currently Destin is experiencing a very warm late spring season with water temperatures in the 55 to 60 degree range. The winds are currently variable inshore, but can cause some problems in deep water. Inshore fishing is highly recommended here at this time.
Many species are available including Grouper(GAG), Grouper(Red), Redfish, Snapper, Snook, Pompano, Mackerel, Flounder, Shark, Bluefish, Bonito, and many others.
Tides: Tides Chart
Weather: Weather.com
Winter
Sea Bass, Redfish, Sea Trout, Red Snapper
Spring
Bonito, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, Wahoo, Red Snapper, Sea Trout
Summer
King and Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, Barracuda, Blue Marlin, Redfish, Tarpon, Tuna, Wahoo, Bluefish, Dorado, Bonito, Black Drum, Cobia, Red Snapper, Sea Trout
Fall
Striped Bass, Red Snapper, Sea Trout, Bluefish, Redfish, Bonita, Cobia
Tips and Techniques: Locating schools of small baitfish will help you find the larger species of game fish such as tarpon. The waters are loaded with baitfish and tarpon from twelve to sixty pounds are there feeding on them.
Recommended Gear: Fly Rod: Perfect Fly SS Series
Fly Line: Perfect Fly “DC” Fly Line
Leaders: Perfect Fly Hand-Tied Tapered Leaders
Tippet: Perfect Fly Perfect-Flex Nylon Tippet, size 0X-2X
Recommended Flies:
Redfish: Flats Crab: size 2, Brown Crab: size 4, Yellow Shrimp: size 2, White Shrimp: size 4, Olive and White Clouser Minnow, size 2,
Tarpon: Brown Crab: size 4, Green Tarpon Baitfish
Snook: Olive and White Clouser Minnow, size 2,
Recommended Gear: Rod: Perfect Fly SS Series, 9ft seven weight
Fly Line: Perfect Fly “DC” Fly Line
Leaders: Perfect Fly Hand-Tied Tapered Leaders for Redfish
Tippet: Perfect Fly Perfect-Flex Nylon Tippet, size 0X