Locals like to boast that Destin is 'the World's Luckiest Fishing Village.' And there is a compelling case to be made that Destin can indeed lay claim to that title.

Destin is unique among Gulf Coast communities in that deep water is within a relatively short distance of shore. Within a half-hour of leaving Destin Harbor, anglers are in waters as deep as 60 feet. In fact, 100-foot depths are easily within 10 miles of shore, and the 300-foot mark isn't a great deal further.

It's this access to deep water, and the fish that run there, that most accounts for Destin's popularity with anglers. Throughout most of the rest of the Gulf, it takes at least twice as long to reach these depths.

Destin is unique among Gulf Coast communities in that deep water is within a relatively short distance of shore.
Those who enjoy bottom-fishing will tend to the famous 18-fathom line, while offshore trollers head farther out to the 50-fathom curve. As a fathom is equal to 6 feet, those fishing in eighteen fathoms are in roughly 100-120 feet, and those fishing the fifty-fathom curve are in 300 feet of water.

The 'eighteen,' as it's known to locals, has along its bottom reefs, rocks, grasses and mud that shelter and attract fish. Not content with these, man-made artificial reefs have been created. These are formed from a variety of materials, most notably sunken ships, boats, and barges. Also used were steel cages containing concrete blocks, rocks and automobile bodies.

This accumulation of underwater debris, carefully drained of pollutants, together with the natural vegetation and structure, has resulted in a fecund habitat for a large variety of fish. This is turn leads to excellent fishing.

How excellent? Well, the world record Warsaw Grouper was taken in 1985 by an angler out of Destin. Its size? 485 pounds! That's a six-foot long, four-foot wide hunk of fighting fish!

Destin is home to over 140 charter fishing boats. This in itself is an indication of how productive and 'lucky' the waters off Destin are... that's enough deck space to carry just about the entire population of the little town.

Destin, Florida is widely known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” and you can join thousands of others in finding out for yourself just how true this is!

Deep Sea fishing is a wonderful adventure that has the added bonus of producing the night's dinner! Destin has a huge fleet of deep sea fishing vessels. You can either charter one privately for your very own deep sea adventure or join a pre-arranged fishing trip. It is your choice.

Deep sea fishing may be the most exciting way to catch a fish, but it certainly isn’t the only option. Pier and jetty fishing in the Gulf is perfect in April through October. You can look forward to catching such varieties as Pompano, Whiting, Channel Bass, Sheepshead, Blue Runner, Bluefish, Sail Cat, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Cobia, Bonito, Jack Crevalle.

There is also good fishing to be had in the Choctawhatchee Bay, where you will find Speckled Sea Trout, Sheepshead, White Trout, Channel Bass, Red fish, Sail Cat, Bluefish, and Flounder.

 Deep Sea Fishing Charters

The New Florida Girl is a party boat that is located in Destin, Florida. It is owned and operated by Capt. Jim & Suzie Westbrook with over 20 years fishing experience in Destin waters. She runs 10 hour trips (7-5) Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for $70 and 5 hour trips (8-1) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for $45. Often there is a second, 4 hour trip afterwards for $37.

Two 65 ft boats with a professionally trained and licensed crew, air condition cabin. Half, full day trip or private charters. Coast guard approved up to 49 passengers. Experience the world’s luckiest fishing village aboard the SWOOP while you fish for red snapper, grouper, amberjack, scamp and more! 850-337-8250  Swoop I & II  Coupon

Charter this 51' Sports Fisherman for up to 25 passengers. All types of fishing: trolling, bottom, saltwater, deep sea and sport. We're located at the HarborWalk Marina, at the foot of the Destin bridge, the heart of the Destin fishing community. Contact Captain Dennis Kendrick to book your next fishing adventure.| 888-789-5968 | 850-863-9430 |  Scamp

43' Sports fishing charter boat - fast, clean, air conditioned cabin. Enjoy the gulf while fishing for red snapper, grouper, amberjack, triggerfish, scamp and more. Professional and courteous crew. Group and private trips available. Contact Captain Wayne Dillon for your next fishing experience.| 850-837-3188 or 259-7876 |  Maverick Charter Fishing Boat

23' SeaCraft, fast and comfortable center console, licensed for 4 passengers. 4 to 8 hour trips available. Specializing in live bait trolling and bottom fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, and light tackle fishing in the Choctawhatchee Bay. Located behind the Marina Cafe 404 E HWY 98 Destin. Captain Brian Keith.| 850-543-7386  Jack M Up Charter Fishing | Guide Service

Harbor Walk Marina between AJ's and the Lucky Snapper -- The Charter Boat Phoenix caters to all levels and types of fishing from the beginner to the advanced fisherman. Captain Scott Robson has thirty years experience fishing in Destin and is ready to help you with your fishing adventure. Call 850 837 9734  Phoenix Sport Fishing -- Charter Boat

Located at the Harborwalk Marina 4-15 hour trips available for bottom fishing, trolling, or shark trips. Capt. Mike has been fishing Destin waters since 1989 and will make your trip an adventure to remember. Huntress is a 40" Infinity fiberglass sport fisherman, air conditioned, clean, & friendly crew. | Cell (850) 685-5593 | Home (850) 837-0140  Charter Boat Huntress

Experience deep sea fishing aboard one of Destin’s Finest Charter Boats at HarborWalk Charters. Our fleet of boats accommodates single, group and private charters for all types of fishing! Charter boats range in size from 36-65 ft, and trips can be booked from 4 hrs up to 12 hrs or overnight. Bait, license, tackle and ice included in the ticket price. Located in HarborWalk Village, on the Destin Harbor. 850.837.2343  HarborWalk Charters

My 21’ Cape Horn provides a comfortable and dry ride. Specializing in light tackle fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay. SHARK fishing is available too! Private or group charters, family entertainment for all ages! Bait, Tackle, and Licenses provided. Contact Captain Jason Dudley for your next fishing adventure.| 850-803-2808  Legendary Sport Fishing, LLC

34' Wellcraft Sport fisherman located at East Pass Marina (Destin Harbor). Approved for 6 passengers, we offer 4 to 12 hour trips Deep Sea Fishing in the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The MegaBite is a clean, fast and air-conditioned boat to take you to the Hot Spots! Bottom/Trolling /Sport /Light Tackle and in - shore Fishing. 850-897-9032 or 850-240-2724  MegaBite Charter Boat