The jetties are located at the entrance of Destin Harbor where it meets the Gulf of Mexico. They are very popular among boaters, anglers and divers. Getting to the jetties 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 which jetty you plan to visit.
The jetties consist of a series of large rocks, which help create ideal habitats for a variety of saltwater fish. There are excellent fishing opportunities here due to the structure and habitat combined with the constant flow of water from the tidal changes. Some of the common species of fish that are caught here are listed below.
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).
Popular Fish Species
Flounger, Grouper, Ladyfish, Mangrove Snapper, Redfish, Sheepshead
These fish are fairly common among anglers who fish the jetties throughout the year.
Flounder
Flounder are often caught in sandy areas near the jetty, especially during the summer months.
Grouper
While grouper are usually found farther away from shore, it is not uncommon for anglers to catch some grouper around the jetties, especially gag grouper.
Mangrove Snapper
These fish are common in the area and can be found near the structures of the jetty.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are commonly caught around the jetty pilings and rocks, especially from winter through the early spring months.
Migratory Fish
Bluefish, Cobia, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon
There are some of the common migratory fish that you will find in the Destin area as they migrate through in the spring through fall months.
Pompano
These fish can be found along the sandy areas adjacent to the jetties and they are known for being excellent table fare. These fish run through this area in good numbers during the spring and fall months.
Spanish Mackerel
They are common during the warmer months and are usually willing to hit a lure, so they can be fun to catch.
Tarpon
Migratory tarpon can sometimes be found near the jetty, especially from late spring through summer and into the early fall months as they migrate through the area.
