Anglers have a lot of options to fish the Destin area from shore whether that be from the surf, jetties or the fishing piers. Surf anglers have miles of beaches to fish in the Destin, Florida area. This is a popular tourist destination, so it may be difficult to fish on some of the public beaches during the middle of the day in the peak season, but you should be able to find plenty of places to fish in the mornings and evenings. From the surf, anglers usually target whiting, pompano and redfish, but depending on the season, you may also be able to catch Spanish mackerel, black drum, flounder, sheepshead, sharks and other species of fish.
Pier & Jetty Fishing
The Island Pier
The Island Pier, formerly known as the Okaloosa Island Pier, is a large concrete pier that stretches more than 1,200 feet out into the Gulf of Mexico. Located in Okaloosa Island, Florida, this pier offer stunning views with the white sand beaches and beautiful green waters of the Emerald Coast. You may see a variety of wildlife here such as dolphins, pelicans, sea turtles, a variety of birds and more. Anglers fish for a variety of fish off the pier.
Official Website: https://www.theislandpier.com/
Destin Jetties
The jetties are very popular among boaters, anglers and divers. Getting to them is not easy from shore, so most people experience the jetties by boat. However, you can walk to them if you’re up for a 20 to 45 minute walk depending on what jetty you plan to visit. The jetties provide very good fishing for a variety of species throughout the year.
Destin East Jetty
The east jetty is the easiest to get to and the shortest walk (20 to 30 minutes).
Destin West Jetty
The west jetty is the longest jetty and takes the most time to get to the end (45 minutes to an hour walk).
Baytowne Wharf Fishing Pier
Fishing is available for resort guests and visitors to the Village of Baytowne Wharf at the Pier. The pier is located at the end of Hammerhead’s Bar and Grille.
https://www.baytownewharf.com/
Navarre Beach Fishing Pier
The Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is over 1,500 feet long and 30 feet above the water. This pier is a popular spot for people to visit whether they choose to fish or just take in the sights. Anglers catch a variety of fish from the pier all year long.
https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/248/Navarre-Beach-Pier
Clement Taylor Park
This park covers a little more than 3.5 acres. There is a small pier here as well as other amentities such as a waterfront gazebo, pavilion, beach swim area, playground and picnic area.
https://www.cityofdestin.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/5
Surf Fishing Destin’s Beaches
James Lee Beach
James Lee Park Beach is a public beach that is located on the border of Miramar and Destin. This beach is known for its white sand and clear waters.
June White Decker Park
June White Decker Park is a beach park in Destin, Florida. The park is a small trail that is located on land above the beach. This park provides beach access with public restrooms and bike racks. There is a paid parking lot here, but it fills fast during the busy season.
Henderson Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State Park is a Florida state park located near Destin, Florida. The park features a mile long beach, nature trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, camping and more.
Snorkle Beach / Norriego Point
Norriego Point is a popular snorkeling spot in Destin, Florida. This is a 9 acre park that is located at the end of Holiday Isle. There are shallow tide pools and beach areas that are ideal for people of all ages.
Princess Beach
Princess Beach is a large, white sand beach located on Santa Rosa Island in Destin, Florida. It is a nice beach that usually is less crowded than the other beaches in the area.
Eglin Beach Park
Eglin Beach Park is a private beach in Destin, Florida that’s open to all Department of Defense (DoD) personnel and their guests. The park is located on Okaloosa Island, just west of the Destin Bridge.
Eglin AFB Beach Park – North Side
Eglin AFB Beach Park – North Side is located in Destin, Florida. It’s a private beach that’s reserved for military and Department of Defense visitors, veterans, and federal employees. The park has four large pavilions, a central deck area, and two sets of restrooms with showers.
O’Steen Public Beach Access
O’Steen Public Beach in Destin, Florida is located on Gulf Shore Drive, just before Norriego Point. The beach is accessed through a sandy walkway. It is a long walk, but worth it if you are capable of doing long walks.
John Beasley Park
John C. Beasley Park is a public beach area on Okaloosa Island in Florida. The park is next to the Emerald Coast Visitor Center and is nestled between Destin and Fort Walton Beach.
Wayside Park, Okaloosa Island
Wayside Park is a 40-acre beach park on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. This park features 3 miles of white sand beaches, a 1,200 foot plus fishing pier and a large boardwalk.
Okaloosa Island Beach Access Four, Jerry Melvin Beachwalk
This beach is known for its white sand and clear blue waters. You will find parking, bathrooms, showers, covered pavilions and more.
