By Cali Hlavac, To Do In Destin Many people have never heard of a Lionfish, nor do they know why this species is so disliked, and what an impact these tiny little creatures make to the Gulf and its ecosystem. Their colorful design is noticed by predators and helps them...
By Cali Hlavac, To Do In Destin Nestled back on Stahlman Drive near our Destin Community Center lies a small house-like building showcasing the history of fishing in our beach town, known as the Destin History and Fishing Museum. January is a great time to visit and see first hand...

Winter Flounder Fishing

By Cali Hvalac As colder temps roll in, we are starting to notice different species of fish migrate into our Gulf waters – specifically Flounder and Sheepshead. The cooler weather means the fish will school up in one area, making them easier to catch once you track them down. “Flounder and...
A Veteran and a Passionate Fisherman By Cali Hvalac For Lionel James, fishing has always been a way life. Growing up in Anchorage, Alaska, fishing was an activity he shared with his Dad, a way to spend quality time together. If they weren’t fishing together, he could often be found down...
When you’ve caught your “catch," try this recipe for the most scrumptious meal! ​ Blackened Redfish 1 tablespoon paprika 2 ½ teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons onion powder 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, melted 6 freshly-caught Redfish Filets, 8 to 10 ounces and about ½-inch thick ​METHOD In a small bowl, combine the spices....

Rodeo Know How

What to Expect: Anglers fish aboard boats registered in the Destin Fishing Rodeo. And you can watch for FREE, by gathering around the scale on the historic Destin Harbor docks behind AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in Destin from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily during the entire month. You’ll get...
Hello! My name is Brooke O’Keefe, and I am honored to represent my hometown as Miss Destin 2019. Fulfilling this title has been a dream of mine since I was old enough to walk along these docks. My parents are Amy O’Keefe and the (late) Stephen O’Keefe. I have...
By Cali Hlavac October has arrived and that means one thing in our lucky little fishing village – The Destin Fishing Rodeo is underway! Anglers of all ages and charter boats alike are excited and geared up to compete for the first place prize. Since its inception in 1948, the Destin...
By Richard Olivarez, Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals & Real Estate Waves gently crashing, a pair of twin diesel engines roaring and a salty mist in the air – this is where I fell in love with deep sea fishing. Only a handful of miles from the sandy white shores of...
By Cali Hlavac, To Do In Destin The history of our lucky little fishing village was built on the blood, sweat, and tears of many local Charter Boat captains. These men fished the beautiful waters of Destin from sunrise to sunset to build a life for their family and are well...