Fishing

In Okaloosa County, an artificial reef is a fun and satisfying site for fishing, diving and snorkeling that is easily accessible for us all. Our area’s artificial reefs consist of anything from concrete piles to specifically designed modules and even large shipwrecks. Our area has one of the most active...

By Susan Benton, 30Aeats.com Lionfish is a sweet, light, white, flaky fish that has a firm texture and has a taste somewhere between grouper and mahi mahi. The fish itself has venomous spines, but the meat is not poisonous. I really enjoy it lightly fried; its incredible flavor is ideal...

In May, the Emerald Coast Open, the world’s largest lionfish tournament, saw 10,250 lionfish removed—a nearly 8,000 lionfish in the tournament’s two-day period and 2,505 lionfish removed during the pre-tournament competition. Locally-based scuba divers, as well as those throughout the country, descended on Destin for the tournament, which is...

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 Cali Hlavac, To Do in Destin If you have interest in any type of fishing as a passion or a hobby, then you’ve probably been exposed to fly fishing on some level over the years. Fly fishing has been around for decades, but has recently expanded to include more...

Out of all the exciting things to do in our area, fishing tops the list for many locals (and visitors.) Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach provides a prime location for all different types of fishing. Beaches, piers, bridges and our charter fishing industry nearby offer more than just one...

Nesting season arrives on our coasts for sea turtles and waterbirds Nesting season has started for both sea turtles and waterbirds in the Sunshine State. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds people they can help protect vulnerable nesting sea turtles and waterbirds this spring and summer while...

By Frank Berte 57—the number of days, at the time of this printing, until the Destin Fishing Rodeo begins! For us locals, it’s time to begin getting ready for this year’s Fishing Rodeo season—part of what Destin is known for! The Destin Fishing Rodeo 1948 – 2021 The Rodeo began in May...

By Cali Hvalac By this time in the season, most of us anglers have a severe case of cabin fever. Constantly checking the weather apps on our phones, seeing which days will be warm enough with low winds to try and get out on the water. Weather changes mean new...

By Cali Hlavac, To Do in Destin As one of Destin’s long-standing traditions, the Blessing of the Fleet brings out locals and tourists each year for a ceremony unlike any other on the Destin Harbor. It has become one that many locals and visitors look forward to attending this time...