Destin Florida

[Gatorjet]

We are planning a family trip to Destin Fl. for a week around the first of August. We were there a few years ago, and the only fishing we did was reef fishing off of one of the big party boats. Caught a lot of Mingos, and some small snappers, but we would like to do something a little better. At that time of the year, would it be better to go off shore with a charter boat, or do the flats and inland fishing for specks & redfish?

[snagged in outlet 3]

We have been going to Destin for years and the best fishing to be had is walking the beach at first light and catching lady fish. They are in the tarpon family and they cruise the beaches early chasing bait fish. You can cast silver spoons or fly fish for them. It's critical to go at first light. If you see bait showers just cast in the area. When hooked they are very acrobatic.

You can also bait fish early for redfish and small sharks (black tip and bonnet heads) in the surf, and I mean big redfish. Frozen cigar minnows work best. Sand fleas for pompano can get you a great meal on a light spinning rod. I'm sure at last light the bite is the same but we are at dinner or happy hour then. Bait fishing at night is also very good for reds and sharks.

Call this shop when you go down there and they will give you the current conditions and techniques.

http://www.halfhitch.com/destinRptdefault.asp

Snagged

[Gatorjet]

Thanks for the info Snagged. I don't have any kind of surf rods or the like, How big of equipment would you need along the beach. Could take some of my bass baitcaster stuff. Thought of taking the Gator along, but don't know about the salt water in the engine and turbine. I guess a day's running in the Meramec when I get home would clean it out.

[snagged in outlet 3]

I use bass fishing equipment. Med heavy 7 foot bait caster, med heavy 7 foot spinning rod and a light weight spinning outfit for pompano.

I throw a nine weight Loomis flyrod when I want to catch lady's in the surf. I've heard of guys wading the bay side for trout and reds but I've never tried it. Some areas have access near the road that looked good.

Actually you could put on a silver spoon on clear days or a gold one on cloudy days and catch fish in the surf with little else. With the caveat of being out there at first light.

I can't comment on the boat, but if you do well, maybe you could take me out fishing around here in that thing????

SIO3

[Gatorjet]

Sounds good. Maybe hook up some time this summer for some fishing on the Meramec, or a trip up to Mark Twain. Kind out of service for a while yet. Back surgery a few weeks ago.

You did get me thinking of something though. I've never met Bman, but know he has a jet, I'm sure others here to. I might post something elsewhere on the forum to see if we can get an Eastern Mo. Ozark Anglers get together and fishing trip organized.

[snagged in outlet 3]

That sounds fun to me. I don't have a boat but I have gas money.

Good luck with the back.

SIO3

[KCRIVERRAT]

Thanks for the info Snagged. I don't have any kind of surf rods or the like, How big of equipment would you need along the beach. Could take some of my bass baitcaster stuff. Thought of taking the Gator along, but don't know about the salt water in the engine and turbine. I guess a day's running in the Meramec when I get home would clean it out.

Not being negative Gator, just wondering cause I'm not sure, but would it (or could it) be possibly harmful to a freshwater stream like the Meramec to run a boat on it that's been in saltwater without flushing out whatever and washing down the exterior?

[Gatorjet]

Not being negative Gator, just wondering cause I'm not sure, but would it (or could it) be possibly harmful to a freshwater stream like the Meramec to run a boat on it that's been in saltwater without flushing out whatever and washing down the exterior?

kind of thinking that myself. I would think that what ever salt that would be left in the engine block would be very little, and would disperse without a problem. When I drain the block after winter fishing there is no water left in it.

It would be fun, but I don't think I will take it with me. It's not really a fishing vacation anyhow. My son and I just want to get some fishing in while we are there.

[Don Allenbaugh]

If you put your boat in at Destin you need to completely clean the engine and boat and trailer immediately after using it. If you wait you will have more problems than you ever dreamed of. I lived in Ft Walton Beach and had a 23 ft cabin cruiser that I trailered. It took 2-3 hours of cleaning every time I came in to prevent salt destruction. Keep your boat at home and hire someone to take you out. There are guides for the bay and for the gulf. You can troll for fish or anchor and fish. There is also the pier but that can get a little rough sometimes, kind of like a party boat that isn't moving. You can fly fish or spin fish or bottom fish. Contact half hitch tackle they are reputable and will not take advantage of you. They can line up any type of fishing you would like. As far as surf fishing good luck finding a place to do that, it is wall to wall people on the beaches.

[denjac]

Another fun family outing is go to Cape San Blas.Its not very far from Destin. There is a guy there that rents kayaks and has access from his place to the bay.He provides everything you need. Go out and pick up bay scallops by the buckets full. You wade and swim for the most part as water is only 2 - 4ft deep. The bay scallops arnt real big about dime size but sure are tasty. We just used the kayak to haul cooler and stuff. Lots of fun.