Destin is a very good inshore fishing destination. There are plenty of fish that stay in the inshore waters throughout the year and plenty of migratory fish move through this system as well.
Choctawhatchee Bay
The Choctawhatchee Bay is the major bay for inshore fishing the Destin, Florida area. The bay is huge and the fishing is good for redfish, sea trout, flounder, sheepshead and many other fish.
Fish the Bridges
The bridges off so many good fishing opportunities in the Destin area year-round. You will find many boats fishing around the bridges on any given day. Anglers catch lots of sheepshead around the bridge pilings to go along with many other species of fish such as redfish, sea trout, black drum, flounder and more.
Choctawhatchee Bay Causeway
The Choctawhatchee Bay Causeway connects Destin to Highway 98, spanning across the bay and providing access to various fishing spots. The area features shallow waters, mangroves, grass flats, and various structures, making it ideal for numerous fish species such as redfish, sea trout, flounder, sheepshead and more.
Brooks Bridge
Brooks Bridge connects the mainland to Okaloosa Island, providing excellent access to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay. The area includes a mix of shallow waters, sandy bottoms and structures that appeal to a variety of fish species.
Mid-Bay Toll Bridge
The Mid-Bay Toll Bridge connects Destin to Niceville. It spans over the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay, providing access to both the bay’s waters and the Gulf of Mexico. The area features a mix of shallow flats, structures, and deeper waters, which appeal to a variety of fish species.
Destin Bridge
The Destin Bridge connects Destin to Okaloosa Island, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to do some fishing. The waters around the Destin Bridge feature various structures including pilings and edges that lead to deeper channels. You can also find some shallow flats and grass beds, making it attractive for various fish species.
Fish the Bayous
There are several bayous that provide anglers some good shallow water fishing opportunities with calmer waters. The bayous typically feature calm waters, mangroves, and estuaries that provide excellent habitats for fish. These areas tend to be better in the spring, fall and winter months.
Fish the Docks
The inshore waters are home to so many docks. At times, the dock fishing can be an excellent pattern to target a variety of different fish. Sheepshead love the docks, but you can also find trout, redfish, flounder and more.
Destin’s East Pass
The East Pass is the waterway that connects the Gulf of Mexico to Choctawhatchee Bay. It is known for its strong currents, rich marine life, and beautiful scenery. Destin is home to the largest private fishing charter fleet in North America and Destin’s East Pass is the key to the shortest route to deep water in the Gulf of Mexico.
Many anglers enjoy fishing the pass from shore or by boat. This area is home to some excellent fishing as many different species of fish will move through this pass as they move into the bay and back out into the Gulf of Mexico. Anglers catch redfish, trout, sheepshead, flounder, jacks and more in this area.
Santa Rosa Sound
The Santa Rosa Sound is an awesome inshore fishery that is close to Destin. The sound consists of no major rivers, streams or permanent passes, which helps to create a consistent calm water fishery. The sound provides diverse habitats, including grass flats, sandy bottoms and estuaries that are home to redfish, sea trout, flounder, sheepshead and more.
