Snapper fishing Destin FL.

General Fishing Discussion
1

Well, I have planned for about 8 months to go back to Destin to catch (KEEP) some Red Snapper. It has been about 10 years since we were there last. We are gonna be there in june but just found out that the gov. has cut the Gulf Snapper season from 45 days to 9. That will put me there during the season for 2 days. Fortunately Florida has opened their state waters for 45 days, so I guess we will have to try to find them in shallow. All fishing we done there last was beyond the state waters. Anyone out there ever fish destin and have any success within the 9 nm state waters?
Sorry but just needed to vent a little.

2

Hey reel excitement, I’m from that area. People catch snapper and grouper all the time well within sight of land. Heck, the kayak guys will launch from the beach and catch em up and also have a good chance t catching blackfin tuna, mahi, sailfish, and amberjack along with most any other offshore species. Some are just more common than others. But yes, definitely doable within 9nm and if you can find some structure you can do it witin 4. Also don’t forget abount the bay.

3

Thanks Countryboy. Sent youa PM.

28 WA Hydra Sport
Twin 225 4 stoke Yammies
“Fin Loco”

4

I just got back from there. Limited out on red snapper on a public reef within 3 miles of shore. I couldn’t believe how easy it was. I could never get deep enough to catch snapper here in my 19 ft bay boat. Caught a couple nice triggers too.

5
quote:
Originally posted by OccamsRaiser

I just got back from there. Limited out on red snapper on a public reef within 3 miles of shore. I couldn’t believe how easy it was. I could never get deep enough to catch snapper here in my 19 ft bay boat. Caught a couple nice triggers too.

Thanks,
Have been reading some reports from down there and seems like alot of people had success last weekend with them. Where did ou find the public #s from,(any offshore map down there got them on it?)

28 WA Hydra Sport
Twin 225 4 stoke Yammies
“Fin Loco”

6

search “Okaloosa County fishing reefs” or “destin fishing reefs”. Something like that, it’s free info. There are a ton of nearshore artificial reefs there. Sure wish SC would let us do like FL does and invest the dollars in more artificial reefs. I can tell you we invested quite a bit in the FL economy over a 5 day period! We caught them on squid, frozen cigar minnows, and live menhaden that we caught on Sabiki rigs just outside the pass. Don’t know if you have run the Destin pass, but it is downright hairy - especially later in the day. Good luck.

7

listed by county. Native north floridian here
http://myfwc.com/media/131585/reefs.pdf

1986 Shamrock 20 Cuddy Cabin
2002 PCM 351

8
quote:
Originally posted by OccamsRaiser

I can tell you we invested quite a bit in the FL economy over a 5 day period!

I agree. Between the 4 couples going down there we will drop around $8000 down there.

quote:
Originally posted by OccamsRaiser

Don’t know if you have run the Destin pass, but it is downright hairy - especially later in the day. Good luck.

Yes I have been through the pass before and you are 100% correct. Probably the worst sea conditions I have ever been in was coming back in through the pass one afternoon.

Thanks for the info.

28 WA Hydra Sport
Twin 225 4 stoke Yammies
“Fin Loco”

9

Fished out of Pensacola for years. Absolutely no problem catching limits in State waters. Destin is alittle different and deeper water is slightly further out than Pcola but still not an issue. If you charter a good captain, I would suspect limits on snapper, few kings, possible some reef donkies, and triggers. Have fun.