Surf Fishing Destin’s Beaches
Due to all the beach access along Destin’s beautiful beaches, this area is very popular among anglers who enjoy surf fishing. Throughout the year, anglers catch a variety of different species from the surf.
Popular Fish Species
Flounger, Grouper, Ladyfish, Mangrove Snapper, Redfish, Sheepshead
These fish are fairly common among anglers who fish the jetties throughout the year.
Bluefish
Bluefish are often caught during the summer months and at times, they can provide some exciting action from the surf.
Flounder
Flounder are often caught from the surf. Live minnows will usually catch a lot more flounder than dead baits or artificial lures.
Pompano
Highly sought after for their excellent taste, pompano are often found in the surf as they migrate through this area during the spring and fall.
Redfish
They can be found in the surf and along the sandy bottoms, especially around sandbars and structure.
Sharks
Various species of sharks, including blacktip and bonnethead sharks, can be encountered in the surf, especially during warmer months.
Sheepshead
These fish are often caught around structures but can also be targeted in the surf. They’re known for their distinctive stripes and tasty flesh.
Spanish Mackerel
Known for their spirited fight and delicious meat, Spanish mackerel are plentiful in warmer months and can often be caught from the surf. They are very hit or miss. One day, you may see dozens of them moving through the area and the next day, they are gone. If you hit it right though, these fish can be a lot of fun to catch while surf fishing.
Tarpon
Tarpon are less common, but some anglers do target them and catch them from the beaches as they migrate through this area. The summer and early fall are the better months to find these fish migrating through Destin.
Whiting
Whiting are abundant and can be caught using shrimp or sand fleas. They are one of the most common fish caught from the beach.
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.
