Rent a Boat, Find a Fish

While fish may be everywhere, you want to be sure and go to the best spots to get a haul. Whether you drop you line near one of the bridges, a shipwreck that serves as an artificial reef or farther out in the Gulf of Mexico, you’re sure to score.

The closest place to Fort Walton Beach is Marler Bridge, which is at the east end of Okaloosa Island. Farther out in Choctawhatchee Bay, you’ll find the Mid-Bay Bridge that crosses the Bay from Niceville to Destin. Scores of fish call the bridge supports home at both bridges.

Bay waters are home to Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sea Trout and Sheepshead year-round. If you’re proficient with a cast net, the waters hold schools of mullet also. During the summer months, you might get lucky and catch a Tarpon, a game fish that will put up a good fight. Jack Crevalle is also a fun game fish that has been caught near Mid-Bay Bridge.

As you head out of the Bay into the East Pass on your way to the Gulf, you may encounter Pompano, Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel. You may also find Grouper, Cobia, Amberjack and Kingfish on your line. The fish everyone wants, though, is Red Snapper.

Of course, the largest game fish are farther out in the Gulf of Mexico. If you want to venture out, you’ll encounter large game fish that will give you a fishing workout. You may catch Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, or Tuna. You may be lucky enough to score a Sailfish, Marlin or Swordfish. Imagine the fish stories you could tell your friends.

Rent a boat from Boat Up now and start your Destin fishing adventure.