Thread: San Destin Advice

I don't usually get to saltwater fish, but when I do it's when we vacation in the OB/GS area at the pier. I am totally unexposed to any other areas.

That being said, my wife has a business trip at the San Destin Resort the first week of October. I will be able to fish all I want while she is in meetings. I know the resort has a pier in the bay, but with only a couple of days without time to learn the area; what/ where would be the best possibilities of catching fish (any edible worth taking home). Would the pier at the resort be best, or (if any) nearby locations be better?

Any and all guidance welcome.

The West Jettie is fairly easily accessible. Stop in at Half Hitch Tackle shop. They will give you pretty good advise.

Simpleman - Is the resort pier in the bay lighted at night? If so, that might be a great place to catch speckled trout at night. If it's not lit, then maybe early morning speck/red fishing might be the way to go?

Okaloosa Island Pier back in Ft Walton Beach would be my choice. It's next to the Gulfarium. But keep an eye on your tackle, I've had a rod and reel stolen there.

Just five miles west of East Pass.

Originally Posted by eym_sirius

Simpleman - Is the resort pier in the bay lighted at night? If so, that might be a great place to catch speckled trout at night. If it's not lit, then maybe early morning speck/red fishing might be the way to go?

I don't believe the pier has lighting... based off of Google Earth images. In another recently replied to post (titled "Fort Morgan, late September, Bay side) advice was given about using a green light to attract fish.

What is recommended: color (I'm assuming green), submersible/ hang off the pier above the water, brand, etc. Also, I'd assume if there is no lighting, electrical hook-up wouldn't be an option... would a battery powered light be strong/bright enough to even try?

I've used a clip-on shop light with a high powered flood beam, but it needs to be plugged in. I have extension chords for that. Also, I have a couple of marine batteries with flood lights - good for near-water pier/dock fishing. They work great and attract fish, but it takes a little time for fish to come around. Green lights? I don't know about them, whether they work or not.

I'd think that they WOULD have an electrical plug in, but you may have to just check it out when you get there. If you already have a clip on shop light and a long extension chord, maybe you can take it, just in case.

Don't really like to give away secrets but, I use a Coleman Propane Lantern when fishing on Piers without lights, seems to work as well or maybe better than any electric light...IMHO

Originally Posted by Rebels32

The West Jettie is fairly easily accessible. Stop in at Half Hitch Tackle shop. They will give you pretty good advise.

I wouldn't trust the advise from Half Hitch Tackle. I've bought baits there several times (on two separate trips to Destin) and their report is worse than useless (gave you wrong information about type of fish biting and bait to use). Maybe the lady sold me the live shrimp didn't know better or just my bad luck.

I do agree with West Jettie though. Also try to get there early to get better action/bites, and if weekends/parking. Quite a walk still, so either carry light or bring a cart (then you won't be able to get on the rocks with that).