Fishing in destin

[brando]

So for all you regulars please educate us newbies to what species to target for Funament week, rod setups, license requirements, anything that may be useful

Where to launch boat

[Triplecrownnc]

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Originally posted by brando


So for all you regulars please educate us newbies to what species to target for Funament week, rod setups, license requirements, anything that may be useful

Where to launch boat

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Brandon, there is a nice boat ramp inside sand piper cove property. You will need a temp fishing licence that is pretty cheap, you can go down the street to the local tackle shop or get it online.

Kings and spanish mackeral are easy to catch just outside of the inlet. The red snapper is the prize, if you know where you are going you can catch them. The problem is, where exactly is that?

[brando]

quote:

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Originally posted by triplecrownnc

quote:

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Originally posted by brando


So for all you regulars please educate us newbies to what species to target for Funament week, rod setups, license requirements, anything that may be useful

Where to launch boat

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Brandon, there is a nice boat ramp inside sand piper cove property. You will need a temp fishing licence that is pretty cheap, you can go down the street to the local tackle shop or get it online.

Kings and spanish mackeral are easy to catch just outside of the inlet. The red snapper is the prize, if you know where you are going you can catch them. The problem is, where exactly is that?

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Any known artificial reef sites or wrecks

[Sailor]

Trolling inshore there are lots of kings and bonito. On the wrecks you'll find bottom fish, red snapper, trigger fish, grouper, etc. The link below has lots of good info, but it used to be laid out better. Running to the ledge and beyond (20 miles) the trolling picks up for pelagics.

http://www.halfhitch.com/fishing-information/monthly-fishing-forecasts

Plenty of good public numbers here:

http://www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/dept_pw_resources_reefs_loran.html

I'd be happy to answer any questions.

[Triplecrownnc]

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Originally posted by brando

quote:

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Originally posted by triplecrownnc

quote:

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Originally posted by brando


So for all you regulars please educate us newbies to what species to target for Funament week, rod setups, license requirements, anything that may be useful

Where to launch boat

---

Brandon, there is a nice boat ramp inside sand piper cove property. You will need a temp fishing licence that is pretty cheap, you can go down the street to the local tackle shop or get it online.

Kings and spanish mackeral are easy to catch just outside of the inlet. The red snapper is the prize, if you know where you are going you can catch them. The problem is, where exactly is that?

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Any known artificial reef sites or wrecks

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I ran from one to another public reefs/numbers. Nothing but shorts.

[Sailor]

Here's a map with a big overview of the major areas and good descriptions of each. By the time the Funament roles around you have to travel more to find quality fish.

http://www.thedestinlog.com/outdoors/the-hole-story-every-name-is-a-fish-tale-when-it-comes-to-captain-s-favorite-spots-1.84767/fishing-map-1.84807

[snappergapper]

I was able to snag 6 sets of numbers out to 23 miles last year from an old time capt that used to fish the area. Due to the sea conditions I never made it out last year so I am itching to get me some of those endagered ARS.....

[RudeAttitude]

When the weather permits, we typically don't chase the reef fish simply because we have that pretty much covered in AL, MS, and LA. I like to get out and explore the deep for grass lines and such. The water is so pretty so close in it's a different experience for us.

[brando]

What for rod set ups should I bring?

Class?

Action?

Length?

I probably have the inventory just rather not bring it all if I don't have to.

[snappergapper]

I will packing several king fish rods 7' with TLD 15's, Several 6' with Torium 20's for bottom fishing and a few trolling rods with TLD's if I can make a run to blue water. some where around 15-20 rods[]

[brando]

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Originally posted by snappergapper


I will packing several king fish rods 7' with TLD 15's, Several 6' with Torium 20's for bottom fishing and a few trolling rods with TLD's if I can make a run to blue water. some where around 15-20 rods[]

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I see i am not the only rodaholic. I have penns on all my rods with one shimano.

[Triplecrownnc]

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Originally posted by RudeAttitude


When the weather permits, we typically don't chase the reef fish simply because we have that pretty much covered in AL, MS, and LA. I like to get out and explore the deep for grass lines and such. The water is so pretty so close in it's a different experience for us.

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Translation, Art cant find the big ARS's in Destin either.[]

[ssfishx]

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Originally posted by brando

I see i am not the only rodaholic. I have penns on all my rods with one shimano.

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at what point do you officially become a rod-aholic? []

[Sailor]

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Originally posted by triplecrownnc



Translation, Art cant find the big ARS's in Destin either.[]

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You know you have to actually leave Noreiga Point to catch fish! []

Here is some good info. Half Hitch changed their web site so it is a pain to use, but if you check the last couple weeks of June for the last couple of years, you will KNOW where and how to fish Destin. [8D] Depending on water quality, weather and location of any weed lines, my usual plan is to run to the edge or 100 fatham line and troll for Dolphin, Tuna, Wahoo and maybe a white or small blue. Dropping on a couple of spots is mandatory to round out the mix and fill the box. [] So bring all those rods, you will need them....if you can be strong and pass the Sirens on Noreiga Point and Crab Island. []

http://www.halfhitch.com/fishing-information/weekly-fishing-report/archives?start=30

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Weekly Fishing Report 06/29/2012

Friday, 29 June 2012 14:50

PANAMA CITY BEACH PIERS (Dan Russell & M. B. Miller)

With the water clearing up from the recent storms the fishing action picked up greatly at the piers in Panama City Beach this week. There were early morning and late afternoon King mackeral bites with those using live or dead cigar minnows fished on a #4 treble hook with 40lb wire leader doing the best.

The Spanish also showed up and were hitting the neon orange tube with bubble attached.

Bluefish were caught using cut cigar minnows and squid fished on the bottom with a few big bull redfish caught as well. Those fishing this way were also catching a bunch of Remora. No good to eat, but still alot of fun to pull your line.

Later in the week saw quite a few Tarpon hooked by those fishing for King mackeral live baiting off the very end of the piers. The water has cleared back up and the fish are biting. Come on out and wet a line off the pier.

Remember, we have a Weekly Fishing Photo Contest going on every week. Fish must be taken to the M.B.Miller(Bay county) pier to be photographed at our pier store. Size does not matter, and the weekly winner is picked every Monday at noon and awarded a $50 Half Hitch gift card.

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DESTIN

Well weather and all fishing was pretty good this week even though Sunday, Monday and Tuesday were a wash.

Over the weekend fishing through the weather the Emerald Coast Classic was a big success on Friday and Saturday.

Blue Marlin

Done Deal 783.60 tournament record

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Dolphin

Done Deal 42.30

Hooker 39.20

Sea Wolff 38.40

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Tuna

Testing The Water 190.10

Mjoliner 125.70

Done Deal 68.20

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Wahoo

Summertime II 91.10

Lucky 2 88.50

Reel Worthless 79.10

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As for other fishing the red snapper bite turned on after the storm on Tuesday and Wednesday. There were some nice catches of cobia and kings also.

The pier and the surf were pretty slow this week due to weather.

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NAVARRE

PIER

Cobia- I would say it is safe to say the season is over. But if you do get an opportunity, most anglers are throwing 3oz Cobia jigs. Some are tipping with squid strips. Other live baits that work well are Pinfish, Hard Head Catfish and live Eels.

King Mackerel- The Kings have moved back in a little. There have been a few fish caught this week. Blue runners, live threadfins and live cigar minnows rigged on stinger rigs are always very effective. Although frozen cigar minnows will work. Diving plugs like Yozuris and Rapalas along with large silver spoons will work as well.

Spanish Mackerel- The Spanish have been chewing the pier down. Gotcha plugs have been the most popular. Bubble rigs and spoons will take their share. Small live baits as well as live shrimp have been working well lately. Theres a lot of natural bait around the pier right now.

Whiting- The Whiting bite has slowed over the last week. Fresh peeled shrimp fished on the bottom will produce fish. A standard two hook bottom rig will produce fish. A better rig is a fish finder rig with a fluorocarbon leader and a #6 hook.

Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Live sand fleas, live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a double hook rig will produce. Pompano jigs will also take them.

Bonito- There have been quite a few of these being caught this week. Live cigar minnows, threadfin and Spanish sardines all work well. Jigfish jigs, Diamond jigs, Buck tailed jigs and silver spoons will take these fish. Try a topwater popper, you may be surprised.

Blackfin Tuna- No reports of these being caught this week fish being hooked, not sure of they were landed. The same baits that work for Bonito will work for the Blackfin.

Redfish- A few Reds have been caught this week. All have been oversized. Anglers are using live shrimp, live finger mullet, live cigar minnows, threadfins, or any cut bait. You can catch them with a fish finder rig and a circle hook. Good artificial include a oz Johnson gold spoon and a 1oz jig with a 4 Berkeley Gulp shrimp.

Black Drum- I have had no reports of fish being caught this week. These fish arent particular on what they eat. Best baits are shrimp, live or fresh dead, and a half of blue crab for the big fish.

Dolphin I have had no reports of a few being caught this week. I have not heard of any sizes of the fish. They are not too particular in what they eat; a live cigar minnow or hardtail will produce. Also, a myriad of artificials like jigs, plugs and spoons will catch them.

Skipjack (Ladyfish) There have been several caught this week. These fish are not particular, they will take live shrimp, live minnows and frozen bait. The will also hit Bubble Rigs, Gotcha plugs, diving plugs and small spoons.

Sailfish- I have a couple reports of fish being seen, but nothing caught or hooked.

SURF

Pompano- There has been some nice fish caught this week. Best baits are live shrimp and sand fleas. Although fresh dead shrimp will work well. Most anglers are using a two hook bottom rig fished in a cut in the sand bars or just over the sand bar.

Redfish- Anglers are catching some big bull reds, and a few slot reds, while fishing for Pompano. The will hit the same baits, but dont be afraid to try some cut mullet or LYs.

Sharks- There is several species to catch and area anglers have been catching Black Tip, Spinners, Mako and Bull sharks. Most shark fisherman are fishing high capacity reels with 80# test line on a 50# to 100# rod. They are using fresh Bonito or Skipjack for bait and using a 6 leader of at least 400# test with large circle hooks and J hooks. They are placing the bait usually behind the first sand bar. There are smaller sharks available in the trough right off the beach.

Skipjack (Ladyfish) There have been several fish caught this week. These fish are no particular on what they hit. Anything from live shrimp and minnows to frozen baits. They will also hit diving plugs, jigs and small spoons.

Whiting- The Whiting bite remains steady. These are being caught using a two hook bottom rig with live shrimp or peeled fresh dead shrimp.

Spanish Mackerel- There has been some fish caught this week. Most have been caught with small spoons and gotcha plugs fished in the trough and just on the other side of the bar.

INSHORE (bays and sounds)

Speckled Sea Trout- Fishing for trout has been very good all this week. Live shrimp is a great bait fished under a popping cork. A live Croaker, Finger Mullet or Pinfish can be fished on a cork or on the bottom. Good artificial baits include silver spoons, DOA Shrimp, Yozuri Crystal minnows, Yozuri 3-D Crustal shrimp, MirroLure Mirrodine lures and Berkeley Gulp soft plastics. I have had reports of these fish being caught on the grass flats in 2 to 5 of water this week. Dont overlook top water baits early in the morning.

Redfish- These have been caught on the grass flats with the same baits used for Trout. Although dont leave home without a 1/4oz Johnson Silver Minnow in gold, DOA shrimp and Berkley Gulp on a jig head. Deep water docks, dock pilings and bridge pilings are all good places to find Redfish, they like being around structure. There can be some good top water action early in the morning casting Skitter Walks and Top Dogs on the flats. Live shrimp fishing next to docks on a fish finder rig works well.

Flounder- There has been a few reports of fish being caught. I use as light of weight as possible when fishing with live bait for these fish. Dont over look the jig and grub combination or jig and Berkley Gulp combination. Flounder should be showing up in the bay in more frequent numbers this month. Flounder love structure, find some pilings, rock piles and oyster bars a little later this month and you should catch fish. Old wooden dock pilings are great structures that hold fish.

Sheepshead- I have heard of some fish being caught this week. Also, these fish will school on the grass flats this time of year. Try fishing around structure like dock pilings, bridge pilings and rock piles too. Best baits are fiddler crabs and small live shrimp.

Black Drum- There has been some nice fish caught around the bridge pilings and any other structure in the sound. Best baits are live or fresh dead shrimp, half of a blue crab and cut mullet. Use a standard fish finder rig and a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fish it on the bottom around structure.

White Trout The bite has slowed for these fish this week. These fish like structure in deep water, bridge pilings or submerged structure. Jig and grubs and jigs with fresh dead shrimp work well fished slowly on the bottom. Live shrimp and fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom with a fish finder rig works well too. They will also hit cut bait fished on the same rig on the bottom. As the water warms the bite will slow down.

NEAR SHORE GULF

King Mackerel- I have had some good reports of some nice kings being caught right off the beach on live cigar minnows and hardtails rigged on a stinger rig. Duster rigs with live and dead cigar minnows and silver spoons have been popular too. A lot of reports have come from Kayak fishermen. A stinger rig is made with either seven strand or single strand wire, 31# to 60# works well. A 1/0 front nose hook and a size #6 through #2 stinger treble hook completes the rig.

Spanish Mackerel- Good reports all week. If you are casting, Gotcha plugs, silver spoons and bubble rigs will take their share. If you are trolling, Mackerel trees, silver spoons, live cigar minnows and live hardtails get the nod. Most reports have been from Kayak fisherman fishing right off the beach.

OFFSHORE GULF

Trigger Fish- Have had good reports of these fish being caught in 80 to 100 this week. Dont forget the season in federal water closed on June 11. State waters remain open.

Red Snapper- These fish are everywhere, from 2miles out of the pass to the edge. I have had some reports of fish being caught in the 30# range. Live cigar minnows, threadfins, hard tails, scaled sardines, pinfish and grunts all work well. Frozen squid, cigar minnows and Bonito chunks will work as well. Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs will catch their share. Look for them on the artificial reefs and natural bottom.

Scamp- These have been caught this week. You can use a lot of the same baits as with snapper, although live pinfish with the top fin cut off and the tail trimmed work for me. Look for them on any natural bottom or artificial reef.

Grouper- The Grouper bite has remained good this week. These fish will inhabit the natural bottom and artificial reefs just like the Red Snappers. Live Grunts, Pinfish and Cigar Minnows will produce fish, but so will the Butterfly, Bomber and Williamson jigs. Try butterflying a natural bait and fish it just off the bottom. Fish are being caught this week in 85 to 120. Dont forget that Gag Grouper is still closed.

Amberjack- Some nice fish have been caught this last week in 200 plus feet of water. Jigs have been the hot baits, but any live bait should produce well. Bring some stout gear to turn these bruisers. Dont forget that the Amberjack season remains closed.

King Mackerel- I have had some reports of some fish being caught on the beach. Live bait can be caught in Pensacola pass and on the Massachusetts. The Mass is also a good place to troll live bait around for the kings. Also, I have had some reports of fish being caught on the edge fly lining live blue runners (hardtails). Trolling with lipped diving plugs like the Stretch 30 and Rapala X-Rap 30 have been producing well.

Wahoo- Some nice fish were caught around the Spur trolling Soft Head baits and Islander/ballyhoo combinations around the weed mats. The new Yozuri Bonita in black has also been doing well.

Dolphin- Some nice fish were caught off some scattered Sargasso weeds this last week in 180 to 200 this week The anglers were trolling Rapala X-Rap 30 diver and the Yozuri 3-D Sashimi lures. Some nice fish were also caught around the Spur around floating weed mats trolling naked ballyhoo and the same style of hard baits.

Black Fin Tuna- Some nice fish have been caught at the edge this week. Bonito were mixed in with them. Anglers were using the Bomber, Shimano and Williamson jigs.

Category: The Weekly Fishing Report

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[snappergapper]

Well I must admit I need theropy!!! I have 32 rods and reels for slawater that are in use. I have another 12 that are on standby for when there are kids or rookies with me. I have another 2 that are specialty rods for say Dry Turtuga fishing which is a diawa 6/0 on a custom 8' uglystick with 80 lb mono. Then I have 12 Fresh water rods for bass fishing and too finish the list 2 fly rods for when I am bored. Now these are not all the gold penns by any means. Most are TLD 15 or 25's Penn 4/0, couple Toriums and some Diawa 50h classics. The sad thing is I purchases most of my stuff when I lived in CO. I was a little homesick and needed to get by some how.