Fishing Destin, FL in the Spring
| Month | Avg. Air Temps °F (Hi/Lo) |
|---|---|
| March | 68° / 52° |
| April | 74° / 58° |
| May | 81° / 66° |
Spring in Destin is the start of peak fishing season, with warming waters drawing inshore, nearshore, and offshore species into the area. Calm weather patterns open up more fishing days offshore.
What’s Hot / What’s Not:
Inshore: Redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, flounder, and black drum are active. Sheepshead bite peaks in March and fades by May.
Nearshore: Spanish mackerel, kingfish, cobia, and snapper fishing improves; grouper move closer to reefs.
Offshore: Amberjack, grouper, snapper, tuna, and wahoo are prime catches. Spring trolling can be excellent for pelagics.
Surf Fishing: Pompano, whiting, and bluefish are common along local beaches.
Fishing Destin, FL in the Summer
| Month | Avg. Air Temps °F (Hi/Lo) |
|---|---|
| June | 86° / 74° |
| July | 88° / 76° |
| August | 88° / 76° |
Summer is one of the busiest and most productive fishing seasons in Destin. The Gulf is full of bait, and many species are at peak activity. Early and late in the day are best to avoid heat and storms.
What’s Hot / What’s Not:
Inshore: Redfish, speckled trout, tarpon, and mangrove snapper are strong. Sheepshead are scarce in summer.
Nearshore: Kingfish, cobia, Spanish mackerel, and barracuda. Red snapper season is a highlight.
Offshore: Mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo, sailfish, grouper, and amberjack are prime targets.
Surf Fishing: Pompano, whiting, and snook along the beaches; tarpon possible in migration.
Fishing Destin, FL in the Fall
| Month | Avg. Air Temps °F (Hi/Lo) |
|---|---|
| September | 86° / 72° |
| October | 78° / 61° |
| November | 70° / 52° |
Fall is one of the best times to fish in Destin, with comfortable weather and heavy feeding activity ahead of winter. Migratory species return, and offshore action stays strong.
What’s Hot / What’s Not:
Inshore: Redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum remain active. Tarpon exit by early fall.
Nearshore: Kingfish, Spanish mackerel, and cobia runs peak; grouper fishing improves.
Offshore: Grouper, snapper, amberjack, tuna, and wahoo are strong. Fall trolling can be exceptional for pelagics.
Surf Fishing: Pompano, whiting, redfish, and bluefish move into the surf in greater numbers.
Fishing Destin, FL in the Winter
| Month | Avg. Air Temps °F (Hi/Lo) |
|---|---|
| December | 63° / 47° |
| January | 60° / 44° |
| February | 63° / 47° |
Winter is cooler in Destin but still offers good fishing opportunities. Cold fronts push fish into deeper water and around structure, but calm days can be very productive.
What’s Hot / What’s Not:
Inshore: Sheepshead, redfish, trout, and black drum are consistent in deeper channels and around structure.
Nearshore: Sheepshead, flounder, and black drum around reefs and jetties.
Offshore: Grouper, snapper, and amberjack are top winter catches during weather windows.
Surf Fishing: Whiting, redfish, and pompano on sunny, calm days.
