A Fishing-and-Eating Guide

There’s Magic in These Waters 5

The Rise of Our Gulf-to-Table Culture 6

The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village 9

Fresh from the Water to the Platter: the Gulf-to-Table Experience 10

Fish Trax™ 11

Gulf Fish Flavor Profiles 13-15

You Catch It, We’ll Clean It 16

The Lure of Fishing on the Emerald Coast 18-19

Deep Sea Fishing 22-23

Bay Fishing 24

Angling from the Destin Jetties 26

The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier 27

Fly Fishing 28

Surf Fishing 28

Crabbing 28

Shrimping 29

Scalloping 29

Fishing with Kids: Catching Big Ones with Your Little Ones 30

Hooking Up with a Fishing Charter 31

BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) 32

Fishing License Info 33

Know Your Fish 34-43

Fish, Food and Fun: Annual Events and Festivals 44

FAQs 45-47

Table of Contents

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There’s magic in these watersThe emerald-green water along the Heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast is not only beautiful, it’s full of adventure. These legendary waters lure those who love to fish, those who love fresh seafood and those who can’t get enough of either. Whether you plan on picking up a rod and reel – or just a fork – you can’t help but catch the excitement.

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If you’re like me, you’ll find it impossible to visit this beautiful and productive fishery without returning again and again and again. Bill Dance, host of Bill Dance Outdoors

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The rise of our Gulf-to-Table cultureFor decades, the Emerald Coast has been home to Florida’s largest fishing fleet. At any given time, there are more than 20 kinds of edible fish to be caught in these waters. The charter fleet, comprised of more than 140 vessels, brings in thousands of pounds of fish daily. Their catch has inspired the chefs behind the area’s unique Gulf-to-Table cuisine – and it inspires thousands of visitors to the Emerald Coast every year.

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The World’s luckiest Fishing Village

Destin has been known for decades as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” because its position on the Gulf of Mexico places it closest to the 100-Fathom Curve. Here, the sea shelf drops abruptly to depths as low as 600 feet, where you can find deep-sea species like red snapper, grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, sailfish and blue marlin. And more billfish are caught on this stretch of coastline than in all other Gulf ports combined.

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Fresh From the Water to the Platter: the Gulf-to-Table Experience

Fried, grilled, blackened or bronzed – nothing beats the taste of fresh fish caught off the Emerald Coast. Here, there isn’t just one catch of the day – there are several. On any given day, you can have your choice of fleet-fresh sea trout, grouper, swordfish, red snapper, flounder, wahoo, scamp, triggerfish and cobia. And, of course, shrimp, oysters, crab and scallops are always readily available. Don’t even try to save room for dessert.

Fish Trax™

Many restaurants on the Emerald Coast participate in the Fish TraxTM program. When you order fish for your entrée, it comes with a QR code you can scan to discover who caught your fish, where it was caught and what time it was caught. For an up-to-date listing of participating Fish TraxTM restaurants on the Emerald Coast, visit EmeraldCoasting.com/gulf-to-table/.

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Amberjack A light and flaky fish with an extremely delicate, light-salmon flavor.

Black Drum This fish has a mild, sweet flavor and nice, firm meat. There’s nothing like a large, moist flake of black drum on the end of your fork.

Bonito A delicate yet rich-flavored fish. You don’t need to get too fancy with bonito. It tastes great with light seasonings.

Cobia Sweet and rich in flavor, cobia has firm, white, steak-like flesh, perfectly suited to sashimi.

Flounder A lean, flaky fish with a mild, sweet flavor and delicate texture.

Fish, to taste right, must swim three times – in water, in butter, and in wine. Proverb

Gulf Fish Flavor Profiles

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Grouper White and lean with a very mild yet unique flavor; some say grouper tastes like a cross between bass and halibut.

Pompano The pearly white meat of the pompano is firm but finely flaked, with a sweet, mild flavor.

Scamp The sweetest of the grouper family, scamp produces white, flaky fillets and has a light to medium taste.

Sheepshead This juicy fish’s diet consists mostly of shellfish, so it tends to have a sweet, surprisingly light, shellfish flavor.

Red Snapper This lean, moist fish has a firm texture and a distinctive sweet, nutty flavor. Don’t leave the Emerald Coast without ordering the red snapper.

Spanish Mackerel Rich, sweet and intense, these fish have dark meat and are one of the tastiest of the mackerel family.

Swordfish Known as “the steak of the sea,” swordfish is rich and juicy with a slightly sweet taste.

Triggerfish While several species from this family are notoriously ill-tempered, the grey triggerfish’s white flesh and vaguely sweet flavor leaves diners in a great mood.

Tuna This beautiful fish is prized around the world for its full flavor and firm, lean meat. What’s more, it’s rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Wahoo This mild, sweet-flavored fish has a firm texture and large, circular flakes when cooked. Grilled wahoo has been compared to chicken and veal.

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What could be more thrilling than having a big fish on the end of your line? Having that same fish on the end of your fork! Many restaurants along the Emerald Coast will take your cleaned fish, prepare it for you any way you like it, and serve it up with your favorite sides. You can drop your catch off at the restaurant earlier in the day or have it taken to the kitchen while you make your way to your table. For a listing of restaurants that will cook your catch, visit EmeraldCoasting.com/gulf-to-table/.

You Catch It, We’ll Cook It.

Fresh fish pops. There’s nothing like the nice, vibrant flavor of something that just came out of the water. Chef Kevin Wynn

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From the depths of the breathtaking Gulf of Mexico to the sleepy bayous, beautiful lakes and pristine waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay, there is an abundance of fish to be caught here year-round.

Vacationers don’t just come to the Emerald Coast for the sugar-white sand and the emerald-green waters. They come to catch red snapper, white trout and blue marlin.

The Lure of Fishing on the Emerald Coast

Growing up in Destin, you either fished, deck-handed or worked in a seafood restaurant. The Gulf was in our blood.David Krebs, Aerial Seafoods

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Deep Sea Fishing

At just ten miles from 100-foot depths, East Pass in Destin offers the speediest access to the Gulf of Mexico. That means less time wishing and more time fishing. Anglers here can choose from Inshore Gulf Fishing in state waters and Offshore Gulf Fishing in federal waters.

Near Shore Gulf Fishing in waters between 50 and 100 feet deep is very popular, because you can be a part of the beach scene while you fish. With light tackle, you can pull in red, white and black snapper; king mackerel; grouper; triggerfish; shark; and bonito.

Offshore Gulf Fishing starts nine miles offshore. Here, in depths between 100 and 300 feet, you can fill your ice chest with amberjack, grouper, snapper, scamp, king mackerel, triggerfish, bonito, shark, wahoo, mahi-mahi, sailfish, marlin and tuna.

Destin offers four times more types of fish per season than any other Florida destination, with the exception of Key West, an exhausting 14 hours away.

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Bay Fishing

This estuary teems with fresh and saltwater species. Here you’ll find an abundance of redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, flounder, ladyfish, bluefish, black snapper and pompano. The Choctawhatchee Bay system offers seemingly endless bayous, creeks and rivers to explore. By the way, around these parts, bay fishing is any fishing done in the Choctawhatchee Bay, Destin Harbor, East Pass, and inlets and bayous.

If we’re going to serve fish, it’s going to be fresh, wild-caught, Gulf of Mexico fish, or we’re going to serve cheeseburgers.Captain Gary Jarvis, Back Down 2

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Angling from the Destin Jetties

Amazing fishing can be had from the twin jetties that guard the East Pass channel from the Gulf of Mexico. To get to the end of the jetties, you need to step from one car-sized boulder to the next, with no smooth walkway to navigate. Most anglers will tell you it’s worth it. With the daily tidal changes, the jetties are the perfect spot for catching bluefish, flounder, grouper, king and Spanish mackerel, redfish, sheepshead, trout and many kinds of bait fish. Visit FishingDestinGuide.com for more information.

The Okaloosa Island Fishing PierYou don’t need to go on a charter to catch the big ones. Tarpon as large as 100 pounds have been reeled in from the 1,262-foot-long Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, which juts almost a quarter mile out into the Gulf. Rental tackle, bait and snacks can be purchased here, and even if you don’t fish, you’ll find the pier is a great place to watch the action and get a better feel for the area’s vibrant Gulf-to-Table culture. Another great place to fish without a boat is from the catwalk of the 3,000-foot Destin Bridge over East Pass. You can pick up gear, bait and fishing licenses at Destin Harbor.

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Fly Fishing Dreaming about some time alone with just your rod, your flies and your thoughts? The secluded grass flats and coastal dune lakes of the Emerald Coast have called to fly fishermen for decades. Whether you go with a guide or head out on your own, you’ll have the time of your life here.

Surf Fishing The shallow sandy beaches and clear water along the Emerald Coast lend themselves to surf fishing. And down here, the sweet-tasting pompano is the fish of choice. Most adults run between 12 and 18 inches long and weigh about three pounds. But watch out: They can pull as hard as fish twice their size.

Crabbing Crab adventures are also available on the Emerald Coast. Charters will take you to the crabbing grounds, teach you how to pull up the traps, dump

your catch, sort the size limits and check for egg-bearing females to throw back. Then, you’ll learn how to rebait the traps for the next lucky crabbers.

Shrimping There is nothing in this world sweeter than fresh shrimp from the Emerald Coast. Recreational shrimpers can catch up to five gallons, heads on, per day. For information on seasons, nets, trap guidelines and other regulations, visit MyFWC.com.

Scalloping On the Emerald Coast, you’ll find some of the best recreational scalloping in the world. For a dinner of sweet-tasting bay scallops, all you need is a mask & snorkel and a fishing license. Scalloping is a great way to stay cool on a hot day, and scalloping from a kayak is quite popular with a landing (or dip) net. Open harvest season for bay scallops runs from July through September.

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Fishing with Kids: Catching Big Ones with Your Little Ones

Catch some memories with your kids this year on the water. Many charter captains will take the time to explain the gear and different kinds of fish to your kids. And instead of a minimum of four hours, these charters allow for shorter trips in the calm waters of Destin Harbor or Choctawhatchee Bay. Before you head out, make sure yours is a kid-friendly charter.

Whether you’re an avid angler or still have questions about how to bait a hook, our experienced guides are here to ensure a stress-free, memorable experience. Your charter will supply the rod and reel, cold storage for the fish and your fishing license. You’ll need to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a towel. Another great plus is they’ll clean your catch for you right on the dock. From there, you can take it back to your condo or to a local restaurant for preparation, or you can have it packaged, frozen and sent home. For a complete list of charters, visit DestinLog.com or HookedOnDestin.com.

Hooking Up with a Fishing Charter

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BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat)

Boating magazine named the Emerald Coast one of the “10 Best Places to Live & Boat.” Even if you don’t live here year-round, you’ll find it’s a great place to bring your own boat when you visit. There are several marinas and ramps in the area – most offer supply and bait shops where you can purchase your fishing license. For complete listings, visit EmeraldCoasting.com/gulf-to-table/.

Fishing License InfoFlorida Fishing Licenses Florida fishing licenses are required for all residents between 16 and 64 years of age. Please consult with a local licensing agent for more details on license fees and regulations for Florida residents and visitors.

Freshwater and saltwater fishing information: 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA or MyFWC.com/fishing

Instant licenses (online): MyFWC.com/fishing

Up to 8.25 feet

Common to 11 feet and can

exceed 2,000 pounds

Up to 3.25 feet and 42 pounds

Blacktip Shark

Blue Marlin

Blackfin Tuna

Principally pelagic, but often

comes inshore

Offshore

Nearshore and offshore

Common at 35 inches but

sometimes reach 63 inches and

132 pounds

Between 5-30 pounds but can be as large as

90 pounds

Almaco Jack

Black Drum

Offshore

Bay fish mostly caught either on

the bottom or within a couple

feet of the bottom

SIZEWHAT’S BITING

WHAT’S BITING

HABITAT

SIZE HABITAT

Common at 40 pounds but

can exceed 100 pounds

Black Grouper

Mostly offshore but young black grouper may be found inshore in

shallow water

Common less than 1 pound and 11 inches

Blue RunnerYoung found

offshore, adults mostly nearshore

Below are the stars of some of the Emerald Coast’s most famous fish stories. More detailed descriptions and tips for catching Emerald Coast fish can be found at MyFWC.com.

Know Your

Fish

WHAT’S BITING SIZE HABITATSIZEWHAT’S

BITING HABITAT

Offshore

Usually less than 3

pounds

Common at 3 to 4 feet

Common at 3 to 5 pounds

Common at 30 pounds

Common at 30 pounds

Common at 1 to 3 pounds

Florida Pompano

Bonnethead Shark

Crevalle Jack

Gag GrouperCobia

DolphinBluefish

Inshore and nearshore

Inshore in bays and estuaries

Inshore and in open sea

Adults found offshore over

rocks and reefs, juveniles found inshore in sea

grass beds

Inshore and nearshore

Inshore in spring and summer,

offshore in fall and winter

Common at 17 inches and less than 5 pounds

Grey Triggerfish

Up to 25 pounds

Hardbottom, reefs, ledges

WHAT’S BITING SIZE HABITATSIZEWHAT’S

BITING HABITAT

Common at 2 pounds

Common at 20 pounds

Common at 40 pounds

Gulf Flounder

King Mackerel

Greater Amberjack

Bottom dwelling bay

fish, sometimes caught on rocky reefs nearshore

Nearshore and offshore

Offshore and nearshore

Up to 3.25 feet and 26 pounds

but usually much smaller

Usually under 1 pound

Up to 15 inches

Usually under 10 pounds

Little Tunny

(Bonito)

Lane Snapper

Pigfish

Lesser Amberjack

Common offshore, but also found in

bays and over reefs

Bays and banks

Nearshore and offshore

Nearshore and offshore

Usually less than 8 inchesPinfish

Sea grass beds, bridges, piers,

marker pilings, and around natural and

artificial reefs

WHAT’S BITING SIZE HABITATSIZEWHAT’S

BITING HABITAT

Up to 3 feet

Common at 20-35 pounds

or more

Common at 15 pounds

Red Porgy

Red Snapper

Red Grouper

Deeper part of continental shelf, young can be found in shallower

water

Offshore

Common at 1 foot

Common to 7 feet

Common at 1-2 pounds (inshore)

and 8 pounds (offshore)

Common to 1 foot

Scamp

Sailfish

Sheepshead

Sand Seatrout

Offshore

Inshore and offshore

Bays, coastal grassy areas and shallow

banks

Sport fish found offshore

Nearshore and offshore

Common at 6-8 feet and

200-300 pounds

Shortfin Mako Shark

Offshore sport fish often seen near the surface

WHAT’S BITING SIZE HABITATSIZEWHAT’S

BITING HABITAT

Adults reach 19-25 inches and

3-17 pounds

Common at 48 pounds

but can reach over

200 pounds

Common less than 2 pounds and 20 inches

Spotted Seatrout

Swordfish

Spanish Mackerel

Inshore and nearshore

Sport fish found

offshore

Offshore from spring

through summer

Up to 6 feet and 580 pounds

Common at less than 2 pounds but can reach 6 pounds and 24 inches

Common to 8 feet

Common at 83 inches and 183 pounds

Warsaw Grouper

Vermilion Snapper

White Marlin

Wahoo

Deep rocky ledges and sea mounts, young

sometimes caught inshore

Bluewater sport fish

caught offshore

Offshore Gulf Stream/

bluewater

Offshore over rocky

reefs

Up to 82 inches and 367 pounds

Yellowfin Tuna

Offshore mostly

bluewater, in or near the

Gulf Stream

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Fish, Food and Fun: Annual Events and Festivals

Every year, the Emerald Coast hosts events for people who love seafood and/or fishing. Check out this list and find out more at EmeraldCoasting.com/gulf-to-table/.

• Emerald Coast Boat Show, January • The Ships Chandler Sheepshead Shootout,

February• Cobia World Championships, March-May• Bluewater Bay Marina Cobia Tournament,

April• Hog’s Breath Café Cobia Shootout, April• The Crab Cruncher Classic, April• Pin Fish Classic, May• Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, June• Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, June• AJ’s Annual King Mackerel Classic, September• Kids King Mackerel Fishing Day, September• Destin Fishing Rodeo, All of October • Destin Seafood Festival, October

FAQsQ : What’s the best time of year to fish

on the Emerald Coast?

A: You can fish year-round on the Emerald Coast. For specific information about what’s biting and when, visit GulfCouncil.org.

Q : Is there spearfishing on the Emerald Coast?

A: Absolutely. The five most common fish for spearfishermen are snapper, grouper, cobia, amberjack and flounder. Pompano and red snapper are off-limits to spearfishermen.

Q : Is there a way to have my catch frozen and shipped home?

A: Yes. Local companies use a vacuum-seal machine to package your fillets in serving sizes appropriate for your family. Then they’ll label the packages with the fish type and freeze them. When they’re certain the packages are frozen rock solid, they transport them to the local UPS store.

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Q : Will any restaurant cook my catch?

A: Many restaurants on the Emerald Coast will be happy to provide this service for you. For a list of “you catch it, we’ll cook it” restaurants, visit EmeraldCoasting.com/gulf-to-table/.

Q : Is it true that you don’t need a Florida fishing license if you hire a charter?

A: With most charter services, your fishing license is part of the charter fee, and your captain will have already taken care of it.

Q : If I hire a charter, can I bring my own equipment?

A: Yes, but your equipment must be approved by the captain.

Q : Do people have bachelor parties on charter boats?

A: Many find a day at sea is a perfect way to say good-bye to bachelorhood.

You’ve caught the perfect woman, now catch the perfect fish.

Q : What about girlfriend getaways?

A: Women love to fish, so don’t rule this out. Or you might want to go down to Destin Harbor and rent a party boat for a girl’s night out at sea.

How we fish today influences the quality of fishing we will experience tomorrow. Find out more about Florida’s conservation efforts at MyFWC.com.