Destin Florida Inshore and Kayak Fishing - How & Where

[@FLman2024]

Off of Meigs Park in Shalimar, the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park on Okaloosa Island, and along the north end of the Mid-Bay bridge always produce. I arrive about two hours before sunrise and fish lighted docks with a Zara Spook Jr for trout while pulling a 4-5" minnow jig behind my kayak using a Shimano bait runner for trout and redfish. After sunrise I sight cast to schools of redfish, bluefish, jack cravelle, and spanish mackerel. Around 8 am I cast top water along the channel and catch trout (20-26"), bluefish, small tarpon, larger spanish mackerel, and sail catfish. On top water I use an Abu Garcia baitcast reel spooled with 30lb braid and a 50lb flourocarbon leader, when I purchase my plugs I always upgrade my treble hooks and split rings.

[@parkergibbons1473]

Great fishing there my gran lives on meigs and we walk there from her house. Best spot imo

[@myadventureoutdoors]

I grew up in Ft. Walton in the 60's. I used to ride my bike from Ft. Walton to Destin and fish from the bridge. Destin was a very small fishing village. Beyond Destin there was nothing but beach, no buildings at all. My Dad took me fishing all the time in the Choctawhatchee Bay. I wish I still lived there.

[@Hydrayak]

I bet that was an awesome place and time period to live! Wish I could have seen it. My family has a timeshare in Destin. We've had it since 1982 and have gone nearly every year. I remember all of the little beach shacks on prime real estate... now it's all high rise hotels. The fishing is still great though!

[@chrisz5920]

Im a destin local and enjoyed your video. Wanted to let you in on some of my honey holes. Fish the docks behind destin yacht club in the harbor for monster flounder, legal black, vermillion, and white snapper. Often catch small groupers Spanish mackerel and every once and a while a keeper red snapper. Use heavy rigs they go straight for the pilings. Big baits dead or live and get them to the bottom quick to keep away from pinfish and other undesirables. Also in the afternoon when the party boats roll in and start to clean their fish behind Aj's restaraunt fish near where they are dumping scraps. The snappers are already chummed up there in numbers and hang in that area for a free meal.

[@LivInProgressOfficial]

Chris Z we're bringing my dad for a father's day fishing weekend. Haven't fished saltwater with him since I was 6 or 7. Thanks so much for this local tidbit. hopefully this will be a trip to remember for all of us. :)

[@thes.spinfish1072]

Garcia Family Music Page ehhhh lol youre in for a surprise, aint no fishing on those docks until it gets alot less crowded, im a local and those docks are swarming with people right now, and its raining outside. try the jetties theres more room, but then again its still crowded there too. idk this time of year sucks for the shore fisherman

[@LivInProgressOfficial]

The S.S Pinfish thank you. It's pretty much like that every day where we are and yeah it does suck. We'll make the best of it though rain or shine lol any tips for good places to put in a kayak?

[@thes.spinfish1072]

Garcia Family Music Page on the island side of the destin bridge, you need a permit to psrk there now its a free online thing you get. as long as its early or late, and not the weekend the boats wont be really bad and ive been catching quite a few sheepshead around the pillars, and the random trout or redfish here and there. ive been doing alot of bass fishing everywhere, since its been getting hard to find somewhere to fish in the day time, without having to deal with 20 people, but the fish are swimming hard right now, caught a 32 inch red surf fishing by the medium jetties two nights ago, but i have heard alot.of good things about okaloosa peir, i just havnt really tried it out, but good luck when you get here, and watch out for all the crazies driving around.

[@LivInProgressOfficial]

The S.S Pinfish that's awesome! I've been dying to catch some sheepshead! Thanks for the tip about the parking permit too. Last time I was there you didn't need one so that's very good to know. We've been trying for at least one trip down a summer. We like the Okaloosa pier but same goes for the crowds out there so we generally only go out there in the evenings and stay late.

[@UniKid14]

I lived on Eglin for about a year for training, and I fished nearly every single day I had off. I didn't spend much time on the big water, but had a hobie to kick me around some of the inshore waters looking for trout and reds. My go to bait for trout were little 3 inch swimbaits in a copper flake color and white with chartreuse tails. The specks would also wreck a Heddon super spook junior in almost any color right before sunrise and right after sunset on the flats around cover. My biggest red came on one of the 3" swimbaits on 8# flouro. Right around 25 lbs. I'll probably be moving back after my tour in europe.

[@JimCantu]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. I moved to the area this February and am just getting started doing some fishing. Great tips on locations and baits!

[@johnbracewell3700]

hows it been?

[@nhighers1000]

vudu shrimp and mullet 3.5 works great with that clacker float and by them selves specks and reds

[@jonathanl7829]

Use live shrimp for the bay. Fish the bayous near docks and you may catch redfish. For rod &reel i use peen battle 2 2500 and a light/medium rod for the bay it works great.

[@FrankBlair3]

Great video Hydra. You are spot on (pardon the pun) on the lures and your best fishing spots. I typically get to Destin once a year and have fished all the spots on your video. The West Jetty is NOT for the faint of heart and yes, it is a very long walk. The East Jetty is much more accessible so it draws more anglers. For those who have never fished from Okaloosa Island Pier here is a suggestion. Spend the $1.00 (not fishing) and go out there before dawn, watch the locals (pier rats as some call them) and you will learn a lot. Next day come back armed with your fishing tackle and give it a try. I have (many years ago) caught a tuna off the pier but they don't seem to run the pier like they once did. King Mackerel, and in more abundant numbers Spanish Mackerel are often caught. An occasional shark, porpoise (hooked up by accident) and Sea Gull are snagged also. Fish until 10:00am and then pack it up, go home and then come back right before dusk when the fish tend to feed again. A must for the Pier is a Sabiki rig to catch bait fish and free line them. Good luck and thanks again for the video, great job!

[@castawaysyt2491]

If your ever back in town you can launch at live oak landing in Freeport fl and fish the river heads with soft plastics and jig heads big trout also eat finger mullet is there favorite they eat in the morning or evening when there's a ongoing tide and when you get into one the school is there they travel in schools choctawhatchee river head the intercostal that area is the best for trout fishing

[@stringsbytoby]

I use the Popping cork with shrimp, pinfish, or croakers down by Gulf Breeze/Navarre area just west of the 399 Bridge on the mainland side. I caught seatrout all day with my biggest being 27". A lot of fun.

[@troboboulware8518]

I'll be in this area mid July. Santa rosa sound near navarre. Will pop cork shrimp work?

[@ALPHAxMarksman]

A good place for trout and redfish is grass lake on the north side of Choctawhatchee bay near the mid bay bridge you may also catch the occasional flounder also

[@landonkelty3632]

With what bait

[@Johnfor3]

I will be down there for a week in June 10th thru the 15th plan on trying to wear my arms off casting!

[@cameronjordan1516]

So this is an old video and I dont know who will see this but i live in fwb (fort walton beach) and one insane way of catching fish is to go to cinco bayou ramp at night and fish the green lights off of the docks, if you go into the back of the bayou there is one particular dock where there are almost always three lights on and you can fish it for hours bite after bite.

[@outboundfrieght]

Thx for the info. Fish on. Going this weekend to try my Luck.

[@cameronjordan1516]

@@outboundfrieght so am I. Night worker so it just makes sense

[@normandmel]

I just watched your video. I live in Okaloosa County (Destin area) and fish here all the time. If you wanna catch some Speckled Trout, use a Mirror Lure (suspended or top water) white with a red head. Those work awesome in the flats, on the west jettie, and in the bay. Good luck!

[@Hydrayak]

Heard of them, never used them. Thanks for the tip!

[@flandsurfer99]

There is a sunken barge in the bay. I live in this area and I love it

[@Hydrayak]

flandsurfer99 I didn't get out in the Bay on this trip. Was hoping to pick up a sail or a black fin a mile or two off the beach. Only caught mackerel, aj and shark.

[@Da_Schmidt]

Not sure if you're going again but I have a small piece of information. I go to Destin once a year in June and I surf fish. One thing I have found is that the redfish off the beach in Destin love gold spoon lures. I prefer a one ounce but I'm sure any size will work.

[@Hydrayak]

I go at least a few times a year! Thanks I think I have just the lure. I've seen the reds cruising the surf but never been able to get them to bite. I usually fish for reds around the Destin Bridge.

[@Da_Schmidt]

No problem. And thank you. I got a few tips from this video.

[@VRJR-zk8bf]

Bullreds off the beach love fiddler crabs

[@scotttaylor3141]

This is a great video. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@jimmyprima3432]

i use a miradine lure for speckled trout. they love it.

[@RobbyD2012]

West size of the Destin bridge has a nice flat sand bed where red and trout gather misting early morning and sunset .

[@MrStoshb]

Learned a lot watching this. Going to spend some time there this summer and trying to learn more before I go. Just for grins, try Joe's Bayou, (go North on Beach from 98) to get a good place to launch and lots of good shallows to hunt for reds and trout.

[@Hydrayak]

How'd your Destin trip go... any luck? I go back soon.

[@MrStoshb]

Hooked Up Outdoors Went out from Santa Rosa beach and caught nice sized cubera snapper, small king, small jack, several remora, and a bonita. All in all, a nice day. 12yo grandson is having a ball learning to fish the bay off our RV park. Started off going for crab. Now he catches his own bait and then wades out for flounder.

[@joshhart2624]

@1:53 at the word 'Beach' in "Santa Rosa Beach" is Hog town Bayou, good spot for reds and trout, nice place to launch off of 393.

[@tjsalka]

split it up... its choctawhatchee (chock- taw-hatch-ee) bay...

[@sutherngirrl7590]

For trout, you'll be better off fishing the north side of the bay. That's where we've had the best luck. Especially if you fish from a kayak.

[@mobinnaqawe2696]

great video, thanks for all the info man, appreciate it

[@Hydrayak]

Np! Thanks for watching!

[@johnsorey8395]

There is a park behind mcguires restaurant you can put in there and also when u cross the bridge in to fortwalton on the left there is a public beach about speckled trout run flukes on grass flats or freeline small baitfish on grass flats

[@fordnstuff3228]

I'll be in Destin for new years. Never saltwater fished solo...what's my best bet just to hook-up??? I'm a freshwater guide in Kansas and Missouri, well versed, just inexperienced.

[@CatchMOFish]

This was super helpful, thanks!

[@bryanmartinez1373]

Going to try these locations next month. I have a trip to Destin but a quick question could you help or inform me on where I could launch my boat. Never fished out of my state so I’m not sure how to find public boat launches. Thanks !

[@Hydrayak]

Check out the Florida Kayak Fishing Facebook group. Lots of helpful folks there. Public beach access are typically good launch locations. There are also several bay side boat ramps. Bridges and parks often have water access locations.

[@fishaholicz9545]

I live in destin half of the time i offshore fish mostly like marlin yellowfin wahoo ect... But right off the jetties I have seen and caught an 80 lb cobia

[@Hydrayak]

Thanks! I kayak fished a ton off of the beaches this year. I got a small but legal cobia in Pensacola, hammered the macks in destin. Learned to catch live bait from the yak and it has been a game changer. How far out do you go for a wahoo and yf? I was in the 2-3 mile offshore range (60-70ft) a lot this summer.

[@trudertrue457]

Fishaholicz i caught a 60 pound cobia yesterday off the big jetties on the island, it was fun carrying that back across the half mile long trail of slippery rocks. i mean it's only a death defying trip

[@michaelldavenport]

The bays grass flats on the south side are great for Reds.

[@Hydrayak]

Michael Davenport Thanks!

[@kalebcampbell8443]

there is a good spot in the bay by 331 bridge I live colse to it

[@BigCxGaming]

Great video! You should make another one in the area if longboat key

[@jennakim1503]

Thanks for the video. Going to Destin this Thanksgiving but can't decide if I should fish at the Okaloosa pier or not for flounder. Should I try around the bridge and harbour instead?

[@hilsix8327]

Getting a new yak so I will be posting vids soon!

[@Hydrayak]

Any vids yet? I'm going back soon.

[@colinberg5017]

Hey I'm going to Destin this summer and I was wondering what kind of rod you use for this kind of stuff. Thanks. Great video.

[@Hydrayak]

+Colin Berg Hey Colin! I use the White Ugly Stick Striper Rods, they're a bit light for some fish out there. But perform great for mackerel. I also use a Shimano Trevala for jigging/casting. For heavier trolling rigs (or reef fishing) I have a Penn Defiance and a Ugly Stick Tiger. For sabiki fishing i just use an old bass rod.

[@surrendermusicministries3956]

Nice vid great info

[@fishingtv1876]

for the choctawhatchee bay just kayak through out it and use cut bait and live shrimp

[@hillsmith4796]

Went 3 miles out, 20lb flora carbon line, leader:60lbs medium size circle hooks dead/alive cigar minnows 3 miles of the beach, catches:king,tuna,cobia,pompano,reds,jacks just 3miles off of the beach

[@Hydrayak]

Awesome! Got any vids from that trip? I'd love to see'um!

[@Hydrayak]

Went a little more than 2 miles out in Pensacola. Caught a cobia. The sabiki rig came through nearly every drop.

[@tyflannery6605]

Hair jigs or flys are good for trout in the bay

[@Hydrayak]

Thank you very much! I'll give'em a try! Do you use a weight?

[@Tencentsboys]

Hit me up next time you're in town. My son and I kayak fish here.

[@TeamDuckMeat]

A Nicks hey man. I am heading to Destin this weekend, for a week. looking for some people to fish with. hit me up If you are interested.

[@jonathansanders6282]

Awesome video. I am interested in kayak fishing. I went deep sea fishing in Destin last weekend. Caught more trigger fish than anything, and of course they are out of season so I had to toss back. What type of kayak would you suggest?

[@Hydrayak]

Depends on the water you will mostly fish and your budget. Big water you'll want a stable sit on top kayak. The Hobie Pro Anglers are nice... and high end. MirageDrive really helps cover distance. I recently picked up a Jackson Big Tuna.

[@brianhaines8795]

Great video.... We are going down to Destin soon and I was wondering what type of tackle and how heavy of line did you use. We are going to be fishing with kayaks, so any input would be great. Thx

[@javiercruz4930]

Hey I am going to Destin in July on my kayak and I was wondering is there anything I need to watch out for when I am fishing in Destin. Thanks for the great vid and the lures.

[@Hydrayak]

There's plenty to watch out for. Most of what you need to worry about though are weather and boats. Don't paddle on the big water when the wind is 20+mph. If the surf conditions are sketchy, wait it out. Parasail Boats fly around just offshore and have cruised pretty close to my kayak while fishing. Some fishing boats do the same. You just have to deal with it and keep a close eye on whats going on around you. Sharks are just fish. They aren't looking to eat you. When I catch sharks and can't easily get the hook out, I cut the line. Some guys handle them but I try not too if I can.

[@michaeledlin9995]

I miss fishing there..

[@sharpebtw]

Any good fresh water spots you know of? Maybe for some peacock bass or gar?

[@MolarAttorney50]

don't know much about Destin but Pensacola is a different story I go to the fort Pickens jetties same I catch lady fish all the time so I get a kingfish rig and hook the live but be sure to use medium at LEAST you will get shark, kings, big Spanish, and some times a snapper

[@Hydrayak]

I've never fished that area. Thanks! I use med heavy rods with a spool reel, level wind.

[@manuelpalacio5671]

where can I find that Yozuri S I have gone to Bass Pro shop but couldn't find them?

[@mettall1981]

Should go to Navarre near the pier to fish

[@chrisforester9345]

whats the name of the spoon looking lure that you bounce off the bottom for flounder? im heading to destin in a week and found your video very helpful!

[@Hydrayak]

Mepps i think. Silver with the blue mackerel pattern and blood tag. I'm not throwing it much these days... troll big live bait off the yak!

[@sweetcharliboxer7996]

Gold spoon works just as well for the flounder

[@mnguyenmt1]

What kind of rod/reel/line/hook do you use?

[@bobbydfulton5393]

Me and my family are here for my wedding and was going to do some fishing with my son and need some advice for bank fishing thanks 🙂

[@Hydrayak]

Hi Bobby! So I think Pompano are running on the beach. They are fun to sure fish and taste great! Got to Half Hitch Tackle in Destin. As them to set you up with some Pompano Rigs and bait.

[@bobbydfulton5393]

@@Hydrayak thanks everyone

[@mettall1981]

It is Choctawhatche like hatchet but with an long e sound Choc taw hatch e

[@RobbyD2012]

I ment the mid bay bridge.

[@matthewbrost5560]

Choct-tah-hatch-ee. is how its properly pronounced.

[@johngarceau541]

Ty

[@fishingtv1876]

I catch a blackfin tuna off Okaloosa island Pier

[@wrduckclub]

Awesome video! Did you have any success?

[@redsunn21]

Do u have any vids with you fishing in the gulf? can you please upload them?

[@Hydrayak]

Will be fishing this area over the next week... so I'll have some fresh content up soon. I do have some gulf fishing video up.

[@redsunn21]

Hooked Up Outdoors cool...theres still a lots of june grass in the waters,just a heads up.

[@Hydrayak]

Here's a new one! Destin Kayak Fishing - King Mackerel

[@bobbydfulton5393]

Thanks

[@iJaboHD]

Chawc - Ta - Hatchee is the pronunciation. Great explanation and video though.

[@Hydrayak]

Lol thanks!

[@eatadique5614]

Glad I disliked this video before you even passed a minute.

[@Hydrayak]

Glad you took the time to comment