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DESTIN, FLORIDA WINTER FISHING SEASON 2020

1/3/2020

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Destin, Florida is known as the worlds luckiest fishing village.  However what most people don't realize is that Destin, Florida has a great year around fishery, both in the gulf and in the bay.  The biggest factor we face fishing through the winter is the weather.  Every year is different with our weather, but this year we have been fortunate enough to have great weather.  We have been blessed to have several great days a week to fish between the fronts pushing through.  The key to getting out fishing when visiting Destin in the winter is having a few flexible days to allow us to pick the best day possible with the weather forecast. 

If you ever do get a chance to fish Destin, Florida in the winter you will be able to see the true beauty of our waterways.  Most days we see very few other boaters on the water unlike the spring and summer chaos with pontoon rentals, jet skits, and dolphin cruise boats.  This make it a great time to fish with less boat traffic and less fishing pressure.  While bay fishing there is a variety of species we target including Redfish, Sheepshead, White trout, Speckled trout, Black Drum, and Flounder.  With water temperature being lower the fish move around a lot slower so we do have to be more patient and wait a little longer for bites.  Our main focus is usually redfish and sheepshead in deeper water around structure.  Sheepshead are hard fighting fish on light tackle and are very tasty.  When conditions are right, redfish can be targeted on the shallow flats of the choctawhatchee bay.  When targeting redfish on the flats in the winter we switch over to the sight fishing technique.   We prowl the shallow flats searching for redfish in the shallows, sometimes they are singled out and other times you can see schools of 30-40 fish.  

When venturing out in the gulf in the winter months, there is always plenty to catch but a several species are closed season for harvesting.  Right now red snappers, triggerfish, and amberjacks are all closed.  Even though snappers are out of season, with cooler water temps near shore makes ideal conditions for snappers to move back in from the deep.  Its the perfect time to target quality sized snappers on light tackle for some great catch and release action with some awesome photos.  Our main target in the gulf in the winter months is flounder.  In the late fall flounders migrate from the deep and also out our bay to near shore wrecks in the gulf.  Flounders on near shore wrecks are targeted species from late October to early March.  Flounders are hands down one of the best eating saltwater species, making some awesome dinners after a day of fishing.  

Here at Destin Inshore Guides we are always ready to fish year around.  We fish throughout the entire off season on our off time as well to keep up with fish patterns.  If you plan on visiting Destin, Florida this winter give us a call and we would love to get your group out on the water. 


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Destin, Florida 2019 Destin Fishing Rodeo Results

11/21/2019

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The 2019 Destin Fishing Rodeo was another great chapter in the history books.  This years Destin Fishing Rodeo has probably been one of my favorite ones.  Destin Inshore Guides started it off with a bang, pulling into the scales with the first fish to be weighed in 2019 and starting the Destin Fishing Rodeo weigh ins.  From there our clients fished hard for the next 31 days.

October is our favorite month of the our season.  The weather turns cooler and the sun starts setting earlier and earlier every day.  There is this sense of Destin fishing rodeo time in the air.  As you walk down the docks you can see people getting ready for the month long rodeo and prepping all their gear for their anticipated customers.  The rodeo barge make its yearly appearance at its home at Aj's for the month and the workers begin prepping Between the Destin Fishing Rodeo, awesome return clients coming back to fish the rodeo with us, and new clients getting to experience this tradition of Destin it never fails to make lasting memories.  This year we were even blessed to have great weather for the most part of the month making it even more enjoyable.  No matter what weather conditions are thrown at us we still fish hard and make every day count that we can. 

At the end of this years rodeo through all the fish that were caught and weighed in for Destin Inshore Guides, we took home first fish in the rodeo, 4 1st place spots the on monthly board, 5 second place spots, and 67 daily prizes throughout the month.  The following is the break down of the monthly winners; 1st and 2nd place redfish, 1st place sheepshead, 2nd place flounder, 1st and 2nd place black snapper, 2nd place barracuda, 1st place grouper and 2nd place king mackerel. 

The award ceremony was a great time with awesome food and surrounded with some of the best fishermen in Destin.  The awards kept coming and at the end Destin Inshore Guides brought home one last award for the 2019 Destin Fishing Rodeo.  Captain Josh was awarded the Captain of the year award for our division for the 3rd year in a row.  Captain Josh's favorite memory of this year Rodeo was catching the two biggest Redfish he has ever caught for a tournament, 8.4lbs and 8.0lbs gutted.

Thank you to all our customers that fished with us this year in the rodeo.
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Destin, Florida 2019 Summer Fishing Report

7/18/2019

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Summer Break 2019 is in full swing here in Destin, Florida.  The weather has been great so far this summer and we have had unusual cooler weather so far this July. We had a great Redsnapper season this year that ended July 12th.  Fishing has been great so far this summer so if you plan on traveling to Destin, Florida this summer make sure to book your water activities including fishing with us at Destin Inshore Guides as far out as possible as most places book out.    

Fishing in the back bay of the Destin, Florida has been a little tougher this summer following the red tide we had last fall.  We are still catching lots of fish and to the average person would not know any different.  The tough fishing has just made it tougher on our guides making them work a lot harder to make fish bite some days.  The bait in the bay has been real plentiful this summer and we have not had any issue finding bait each day.  We have been seeing good numbers of redfish while fishing back in the bayous around docks and grass flats.  The mangrove snappers have showed up and have been a pretty consistent bite most days.  We have also been fishing around the schools of bait on drop offs and grass flats catching lots of bluefish, skipjacks, blue runners, and some spanish mixed in as well.  We are offering late afternoon trips this year so if you miss out on the morning trip remember to ask about a late afternoon trip to get the sunset golden hour bite. 

On our near shore  gulf fishing charters the bite has been great both trolling and bottom fishing.  While bottom fishing there is a wide variety of species we are catching including mangrove snappers, white snappers, redsnappers, triggerfish, some groupers, and amberjack.  Remember amberjacks do open back up on August 1st.  As for Redsnappers we had a great season for them this year and it has officially closed on July 12th.  There is tons of baitfish along our beaches and we have been catching king mackerel, spanish mackerel, bonitas, and occasional mahi mahi while trolling.  We have had little rain so far this year and have had some real pretty water pushed near shore from offshore so the  bite should stay pretty consistent.  The shark fishing has been great with tons of blacktip nearshore as they are spawning.  These are the perfect sized sharks for families to catch both adults and kids, as well as being great to eat.  On the reefs we are catching larger sharks including bull sharks, tiger sharks, dusky sharks, and nurse sharks.  Shark fishing is an awesome experience for the ones wanting to catch something really really big.

If you are planing a trip to Destin, Florida this Summer be sure to call Destin Inshore Guides to book your next inshore bay or near shore gulf charter.  This is our busiest part of the year and we do book up fast.  We do still have some availability for late summer.  We advise booking as early as possible if you plan on fishing while visiting Destin, Florida.  Give us a call and let us take you out to catch your next memory of a lifetime. Till next time Tight Lines.
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Destin, Florida May Fishing Report

5/13/2019

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With memorial day weekend Summer 2019 in Destin, Florida kicks off.  The weather has been great all month with hardly any rain, light wind most days, and great fishing.  If you plan on traveling to Destin, Florida this summer make sure to book your water activities including fishing with us at Destin Inshore Guides as far out as possible as most places book out.    

Fishing in the back bay of the Destin, Florida has started firing off.  We are still waiting for the greenies to show up and this will take fishing to the next level in our bay on the grass flats.   On the grass flats we have been finding speckled trout and redfish with some skipjacks and blue runners mixed in.  Once more bait start showing up on the flats you will see more and more surface fish in the mix including spanish mackerel and bluefish.  The mangroves have showed up but not in any huge numbers yet and they are pretty spread out.  While fishing back in the bayous around docks we are finding redfish, speckled trout, blackdrum, and mangrove snappers.  We are offering late afternoon trips this year so if you miss out on the morning trip remember to ask about a late afternoon trip to get the sunset bite. 

On our near shore  gulf fishing charters the bite has been great both trolling and bottom fishing.  While bottom fishing there is a wide variety of species we are catching including mangrove snappers, white snappers, redsnappers, triggerfish, some groupers, and amberjack.  Remember amberjacks and trigger fish are closed in state water.  As for Redsnappers we are getting closer and closer to the state water season opening June 11th.  While trolling the bite has been good most days.  There is tons of baitfish along our beaches and we have been catching lots of king mackerel, bonitas, and some mahi mahi.  We have had little rain so far this year and have had some real pretty water pushed near shore from offshore.  We have been finding smaller mahi mahi along grass lines and tide lines, hopefully this continues over the next month. 

If you are planing a trip to Destin, Florida this Summer be sure to call Destin Inshore Guides to book your next inshore bay or near shore gulf charter.  This is our busiest part of the year and we do book up fast.  We advise booking as early as possible if you plan on fishing while visiting Destin, Florida.  Give us a call and let us take you out to catch your next memory of a lifetime. Till next time Tight Lines.
Destin florida fishing charters inshore bay fishing
Destin florida fishing charters
Destin florida fishing charters
Destin florida fishing charters
Destin florida fishing charters inshore bay fishing
Destin florida fishing charters
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Destin, Florida Early Triggerfish and Amberjack Closure by FWC

5/2/2019

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Two common species known to be caught Gulf fishing out of Destin, Florida are the Gray Triggerfish and Amberjacks.  Trigger fish season for 2019 was set for March 1st til May 31st and reopen August 1st and open till December 31st.  Amberjack season opened up on May 1st and was supposed to stay open through the entire month of May.   However the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation threw a monkey wrench into those plans.  Below is the article found at myfwc.com following their May meeting. 

At its May meeting near Tallahassee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved early season closures for recreationally-caught greater amberjack and gray triggerfish in Gulf state waters.
The greater amberjack and gray triggerfish recreational closures are consistent with recent federal actions.
Greater amberjack will close May 3 to recreational harvest in Gulf state waters and will remain closed in both Gulf state and federal waters through July 31, reopening for the fall Aug. 1 through Oct. 31 season. 
Gray triggerfish will close to recreational harvest May 11 in Gulf state and federal waters and will remain closed until the federal season reopens.

We look forward to targeting amberjacks in August and will continue feeding the triggerfish for them to grow for the 2020 season. 

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Destin, Florida Fishing Report for Inshore Fishing in April

4/25/2019

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Spring Break 2019 in Destin, Florida is wrapping up.  We have had great weather here in Destin, Florida all spring.   The water temps are getting right and more and more bait fish are showing up.  The inshore bay fishing fishery in Destin, Florida is a little behind schedule put is picking up.

In the back bay of the Destin Florida the Sheepshead are nearing the end of their migration.  We should still expect the sheepshead to be a main target only for another week.  With more and more bait fish hatching and showing up the Spanish mackerel can still be targeted on the flats or around the bridges.  The spanish mackerel can be caught multiple ways by either trolling, live baiting, or with casting jigs.  Around these schools of bait we are also seeing bluefish, skips jacks, and hardtails.  As for further in the bay in the bayoues lately we have been catching blackdrum, redfish, bluefish, and speckled trout.  The mangrove snappers have also started showing up and should become more plentiful through the month of May.  As the bait fish move over the grass flats, the fishing on the grass will turn up. 

As for gulf fishing the primary type of fishing going on is bottom fishing.  The vast majority of species are closed  still including amberjacks, redsnappers, and groupers but there are still a variety of snappers to target.  Amberjacks will open up May 1st. While bottom fishing the main targets have been triggerfish, mingo snappers, mangrove snappers, white snappers, and a variety of porgies which are all great eating.  There is plenty of action to be had with the variety of fish being caught.   We are starting to see lots of baitfish in the gulf and the surface bite has begin to fire off.  Some surface fish we have been seeing caught trolling are spanish mackerel, king mackerel, bonitas, and even a couple blackfin tunas. 

If you are planing a trip to Destin, Florida this Summer be sure to call Destin Inshore Guides ahead of time.  This is our busiest part of the year and we do book up fast.  We advise booking as early as possible if you plan on fishing while visiting Destin, Florida.  Give us a call and let us take you out to catch your next memory of a lifetime. Till next time Tight Lines.
Destin Florida Inshore bay fishing charters
Destin Florida Inshore bay fishing charters
Destin Florida Inshore bay fishing charters
Destin Florida Inshore bay fishing charters
Destin Florida Inshore bay fishing charters
Destin Florida Inshore bay fishing charters
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Destin, Florida March Fishing Report for Inshore Bay Fishing Charters and Gulf Fishing Charters

3/16/2019

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It's Spring Break 2019 in Destin, Florida.  Weather is good, it's vacation time, and the fish are biting.  Keep in mind in the spring the mornings are still chilly, so layer up so as the sun comes up you can take layers off.  The water temps are getting right and the bait fish are starting to show up.  The inshore bay fishing fishery in Destin, Florida is gearing up to full swing.

In the back bay of the Destin Florida the Sheepshead are in their migration pattern and are biting great most mornings.  These fish will continue to be a main target throughout the month of march around the bridges and jetties.  With the fish fry hatching and the water temps rising the spanish mackerel have showed up in full swing.  Spanish mackerel can be found around schools of baitfish on the flats or around the bridges and can be caught by trolling, live bait, or with casting jigs.  Back in the bay lately we have also been catching blackdrum, redfish, bluefish, and speckled trout.  As the month goes on and the baits start moving to the flats you will see more and more fish being caught on the grass flats including spanish mackerel, speckled trout, redfish, and skipjacks. 

As for gulf fishing the primary type of fishing going on is bottom fishing.  The vast majority of species are closed  still including amberjacks, redsnappers, and groupers but there are still a variety of snappers to target.   While bottom fishing we have been targeting triggerfish, mingo snappers, mangrove snappers, white snappers, and a variety of porgies which are all great eating.  There is plenty of action to be had with the variety of fish being caught.  As the bait fish start moving to the beach from the deep with the water temps rising later in the month we will see more surface fish being caught trolling for spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and bonitas. 

If you are planing a trip to Destin, Florida this Spring be sure to call Destin Inshore Guides ahead of time.  This is one of our peak seasons of the year and we do book up fast.  Give us a call and let us take you out to catch your next memory of a lifetime. Till next time Tight Lines.


Inshore bay fishing charters in destin florida with destin inshore guides
Inshore bay fishing charters in destin florida with destin inshore guides
Inshore bay fishing charters in destin florida with destin inshore guides
Inshore bay fishing charters in destin florida with destin inshore guides
Inshore bay fishing charters in destin florida with destin inshore guides
Inshore bay fishing charters in destin florida with destin inshore guides
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Sheephead Fishing In Destin, Florida

3/10/2019

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Sheepsheads are known for their vertical black strips against their white or grayish background, and mouth full of human like teeth.  Sheepsheads in the Destin, Florida area average around 4-5lbs range and can be caught as big as 11-12lbs during peak migration.  The Sheepshead is a species that can be found in Destin, Florida year around, but are mainly targeted from late October to early April.  

Like other species in the Choctawhatchee bay surrounding Destin, Florida the sheepsheads move from the bays to the gulf to spawn.  From late February to late March is the prime time of sheepsheads' migration pattern and is the peak time anglers target them in the Destin, Florida surrounding areas.  As they prepare to move out to the gulf to spawn, they feed a lot causing them to be easy targets, unlike the rest of the year.  

Sheepsheads are one of the trickiest fish to hook, as they have a light bite are very smart.  When targeting sheepshead you want to use as light of gear as possible.  The most common way to rig up is using a carolina rig with a light  fluorocarbon leader, small hook, and the lightest weight you can use depending on how strong the current is.  Sheepshead feed on a variety of crustaceans and shellfish making live shrimp, live fiddler crabs, and oysters common bait choices.  

As for fishing tactics for sheepshead fishing, it is fairly basic.  You want to have your weight on the bottom close to the structure you are fishing and wait patiently for the bite.  When waiting for the bite hold your pole as still as possible and watch for the slightest bump of the rod tip.  Sheepshead have one of the softest bites and the slightest bump can possibly one of the biggest sheepsheads you have ever caught.  Always remember if you have a bait down for awhile be sure to reel up and check your bait as many times they will rob you without leaving any evidence of being there.   

When targeting sheepsheads, they can typically be located around bridge pilings, jetties, oyster beds, and docks pilings throughout the choctawhatchee bay.  As they make their move to the gulf as they spawn they can also be caught along the beaches while surf fishing.

Although sheepsheads are known as one of the toughest fish to clean with their large rib bones and tough scales and are often overlooked when it comes to table fare, they are actually one of the best tasting fish caught in the bay.  They have a great taste to their meat due to the primary diet being crustaceans.  Being a white flaky fish there is no wrong way of cooking it, blackened, grilled, or fried are all great choices.   

 If visiting the Destin, Florida area during the winter months or early spring sheepsheads are often one of the main targeted species on Destin Inshore Bay charters with Destin Inshore Guides.  If you are visiting Destin on vacation and don't have any experience or gear, hiring a guide for the day is the best route.  On all of our charters everything is provided except for food and drinks, making it an easy fishing adventure with an experienced captain, giving you the best chance of catching fish while of vacation.  Email or call us today to reserve your next family fishing adventure in Destin, Florida.
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Meet Destin Inshore Guides' Fly Fishing Captain

3/2/2019

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Destin Inshore Guides is proud to announce and introduce our captain for our Destin fly fishing charters, Captain Royce Dahnke. 

Captain Royce is a True native, being born and raised right here in Destin, Florida.  Coming from a fishing heritage he is a 3rd Generation Fishing Captain in the Emerald Coast Area.  Growing up Captain Royce fished the back bay waters of Destin, Fl with his father for fun.  Throughout middle and high school he worked for his father as a deckhand doing offshore bottom fishing and trolling charters.  After graduating from high school captain Royce decided to continue pursuing his career in fishing and earned his captains license. Now a days he focuses primarily on fishing the super shallow waters of the panhandle from Navarre to Panama City sightfishing for redfish on fly or light spin tackle.  Captain Royce's biggest passion is fly fishing for redfish and tarpon, saying "he gets a big rush and great sense of pride watching a client hook up to a nice fish on fly." 

Captain Royce has been apart of the Destin Inshore Guides team since 2017, guiding Destin inshore bay charters and Destin near shore gulf charters.  Destin Inshore guides is  excited to be offering fly fishing charters for the 2019 Destin fishing season. Although captain Royce will be our designated fly captain on the skiff, he will continue to guide Inshore and near shore charters as well.  We look forward to seeing everyone for the 2019 fishing season.  Don't forget Spring Break and Summer Break are peak seasons in Destin, Florida.  If you plan on visiting during these months we do advise booking as early as possible, as we do book up solid during these months.  Email or call today to book your next Destin Fishing Adventure.

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Destin, Florida Fishing Regulations 2019

2/19/2019

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The 2019 Destin, Florida fishing season is here, ARE YOU READY?

With the new year comes the new seasons and regulations for this years fishing season in Destin, Florida. Every year the time frames also known as seasons and regulations for the different species of fish caught out of Destin, Florida change.  These regulations are managed and governed by the FWC (Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission).  These regulations are more important now then ever before, with more and more anglers taking the water each year.  These regulations are put in place to help conserve the different species of fish to make sure they don’t get over fished and help replenish the species that have been over fished over the years, so we as well  as our children can continue enjoying catching them in the years to come.  Below will be a list of the species along with their size regulation and open season for this year.  These regulations listed are all reef fish caught in the Gulf of Mexico in State Regulated waters out of Destin, Florida.  The different species of fish caught in the bays of Destin, Florida are open season year around.  



Amberjacks 
Gulf State Waters
Minimum Size Limit: 34” Fork Length
Daily Bag Limit: 1 per person
Season: Open May 1-31 and Aug. 1-Oct. 31


Triggerfish
Minimum size limit: 15” fork length
Daily bag limit: 1 per person
Season: open March 1st-may31st & august 1st- December 31st


Redsnapper
Minimum size limit: 16” total length
daily bag limit: 2 per person
Season: Proposed 2019 season: June 11 - July 12


Gag grouper 
Minimum size limit: 24” total length
Daily bag limit: 2 per person
Season: June 1st - December 31st

Remember if you are venturing out for a fun day of fishing in Destin, Florida check out the FWC website for all the up to date regulations, that way you don't ruin  your fun day of fishing. 
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    Destin
    Fishing Talk

    Captain Josh Calhoon

    Captain Josh

    Great news! The rental ban has been lifted and summer is here.  Fishing has been great over the past couple weeks and we are booking up fast.  Make sure to call asap to get on the books. Check out below what we have been catching.

    Here lately on our inshore bay fishing charters we have been catching a variety of species.  The redfish continue to be a target as these fish are a year around fishery for the Destin, Florida area.  We are catching there around structure as well as on grass flats.  The Spanish mackerel and bluefish bite has been red hot trolling artificial lures, casting jigs, and using live baits when we are able to find good sized ones.  With the fin baits starting to show up on the grass flats, the grass flats fishing is starting to happen with speckled trout, redfish, spanish mackerel, and bluefish mixed. 

    On our inshore gulf fishing charters the bite has been good as well.  While trolling we have been targeting king mackerel, spanish mackerel, and amberjacks.   Amberjacks are still in season untile June 1st.  While bottom fishing we are targeting a mix bag of  snappers including white snapper, mingo snapper, and mangrove snappers along with triggerfish and redsnappers. 

    Red snappers and trigger fish are out of season but still make for great time to perform "CPR" (Catch, Photograph, and Release)

    Summer break 2020 is here and we are happy to be fishing every day again.  Give us a call to get out fishing while visiting  Destin, Fl. this year.

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Destin Inshore Guides specializes in kids fishing and inshore gulf and bay charters at affordable rates.  Small groups and families will enjoy our professional guide service on our 2-3hr kids trips as well as our 4 or 6hr charters. Our full-service fishing trips range from light tackle to shark fishing.
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