What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Destin, Florida for the first time?

Yes fishing with my 8 year old grandson who pulled in the largest Snapper was a life long memory maker. His father brought a 6 foot shark up the the boat which was an added bonus!

What I would recommend is find somebody that has lived in Destin for quite some time and knows the waters and where the hotspots are

Beautiful Waters, fishing tournaments and events going on all month! Great fishing, great atmosphere!

Definitely hit up Dawn Patrol, they won’t disappoint. Bay fishing is a great start for first timers for sure.

Destin is considered the best fishing village on the planet. Look it up. Just make sure your targeted fish is in season while you visit.

Plan on heavier traffic and more time to get to the dock than you think. Also later in the day it gets cooler on the water than you’d think.

Charter a fishing boat with a captain who is very knowledgeable Of the waters in the area you will have a great time

Been coming down from TN to Destin for over 12 yrs good and friendly southern hospitality with clean Beaches white sand crystal clear water great food all around 5 star place

We caught vermillion snappers and a number of other off species. We had a blast and would do it again. Having said that earlier in the spring and summer would be more ideal.

If you are trying to decide how long of a trip go with the longer. Time flies when you are having fun and catching fish.

Lift some weights and be in shape. Reeling in these fish from the bottom is not for sissies; but great fun fir teenagers to senior citizens.

Expect to spend quite a bit of time looking for a location where the fish are biting. So book longer charters if you want more time with the pool in the water.

Wouldn’t expect lots of Red snappers late in July season is half way over an the snappers are harder to find or get to bite they’ve been fished hard

I have done several trips to Destin but February is the month to go.The Amberjack fishing is a blast.

Great experience for experienced and first time fisherman and youger kids just enjoyed being on boat.

Yes. Our experience was great. The captain and deckhand were well experienced and knew how to handle the the fishermen and get on fish.

It was a great experience. It was my first time fishing in the ocean and I loved it. Can't wait to get back here again

Bring lots of water to drink. Stay hydrated. Snacks / sandwiched are allowed. Drinks in cans or plastic, not glass.

Don’t eat a big breakfast, motion will get you, expect 1, 1.5hrs riding out/in to fishing locations.

Dramamine 2 days before trip, then 1 day before and then one hour before so it really gets in your system and hopefully prevents seasickness.

If you are used to fresh water fishing style, ask your captain about the difference and the right way to set hooks here.

Used Emerald Coast fishing charters with captain Brandy to show you how to do it and take you to where the fish are.

Be ready for weather change and just enjoy your time on the water no matter what the conditions are

Go on a guide boat. Captain Zachary on the Malia Ann is a local who knows the waters well. We caught lots of BIG fish

If you're fishing for the first time there is a lot to learn I would recommend that you bring your patience with you.

Probably best time to fish is June or august. But I’d do it again, just for the experience with captain James!

Not just Destin but anywhere, going through the inlet can be a little rough and kids who aren’t used to being on a boat can be a little scared.

Make sure you pick the appropriate season for the fish you want to catch. Not everything is in season.

Communicate with your Captain prior to the trip and he will let you know what you need. This is their territory and they are the subject matter experts.

Check on cancellation policy and be prepared to be surprised by cancellation even after boat has left the dock.