Offshore big-game action marks Panhandle summers
In the dreams of every angler, there leaps a thousand-pound blue marlin.
For most of us, that will remain simply a dream. But for those fortunate enough to finance an offshore trip in Florida’s Panhandle waters anytime between May and October, it’s always a possibility.
We know because Captain Tom Browning and crew, fishing out of Destin, proved it few years back with a monster billfish that scaled 1046 pounds. And while that blue remains the biggest ever for Florida, several fish in the 700-pound range have been caught since.
The offshore fish are what biologists call “pelagics” or ocean roamers. They ride the Gulf Loop Current up out of the Caribbean in May, stay in the DeSoto Canyon and off the Mississippi Delta through the summer, and complete the loop in fall as water temperatures start to fall back into the 70’s offshore.
In addition to the blue marlin, there are white marlin, sailfish, wahoo, yellowfin tuna and dolphin in the mix, as well as swordfish—mostly caught at night by specialists—all marking Panhandle waters as some of the best big game fishing territory anywhere in the nation.
The fishing begins roughly 50 miles offshore most of the time, around the 100-fathom (600-foot) curve. Basically, skippers run south until they hit the clear blue of offshore water—and the edge where it meets the green inshore water is often a great spot to start trolling for weedline species like dolphin. (Let us stipulate here, for non-fishing readers, we are not talking about hooking Flipper; the dolphin is AKA the mahi-mahi, a peacock of a fish in neon blue, gold and green, not the friendly marine mammal in sedate gray.)
The fishing areas are well-known despite being so far from land; the Elbow, the Spur, the Nipple, the Steps and the Squiggles are all part of the lexicon of offshore skippers, named for unique bottom characteristics at each.
Needless to say, this is not small boat country; most experienced offshore anglers consider a 35-footer the minimum for safety; twin engines are a must, as is satellite communications gear and a life raft.
Since very few of us can afford boats of that size and equipage, charter boats are the way to go for most. Fortunately, Panhandle ports have plenty of options, with Destin one of the most active bluewater towns in the nation.
It is, unfortunately, not cheap to go blue water fishing; because of the staggering costs of fuel, charter fees are necessarily high, typically $1200 to $1500 per day, on top of which you are generally expected to tip the crew 10 to 15 percent.
Destin Florida Fishing - News
We know because Captain Tom Browning and crew, fishing out of Destin, proved it few years back with a monster billfish that scaled 1046 pounds. And while that blue remains the biggest ever for Florida, several fish in the 700-pound range have been
When my first restaurant, The Purple Parrot Café, opened in 1987 I had just moved home from a short stint in Destin, Fla. I knew that fresh Gulf fish was going to be the main focus of our menu, so one of the first items on my pre-opening checklist was
DESTIN, Fla, June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Ranked as one of the Top 10 "big money" tournaments in the world, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (ECBC) is the fastest growing billfishing tournament on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Capt. Jim Green and his group of 50 on the party boat New Florida Girl's American Spirit brought in a big haul of red snapper, mingo, triggerfish and rock salmon. Green said they were fishing about 12 miles out of Destin. “When the wind died out this
For the record, we were fishing out of Destin Harbor, the boat is “Bali Hi” captained by Dr. Perry Height – to the best of our ability to determine, we were in 110 ft of water, maybe 12 miles from land.
Thigns to do in Destin, Florida - Dolphin & Boat Cruises ...
There are plenty of fun things to do while staying at a Destin vacation rental. Besides hanging out at the beach, take a wonderful dolphin or boat cruise or perhaps catch a big fish on a fishing charter boat. Destin has one of Florida’s largest and best equipped fleet of deep sea fishing charter boats.
Southern Star Dolphin cruises offer dolphin cruises on their 80 foot glass bottom boat. The two hour cruise is a great experience for the entire family. The cruise has been featured on CNN and National Geographic. The climate controlled boat has restrooms, snacks, gifts and a sound system. Kids are allowed to steer the boat.
While staying at one of the excellent Destin vacation rentals have a great time dining, dancing and cruising aboard the SunQuest Cruises’ Solaris, the wonderful dinner dance yacht. Experience the beautiful Emerald Coast from the yacht’s three decks. Have a party with friends and family, or a celebration or a romantic dinner for two. Solaris can carry up to 150 passengers. Solaris is available for any type of special event.
The Destin charter boat Phoenix caters to all levels of anglers and types of fishing. Captain Scott Roson has over thirty years of experience fishing in Destin, Florida. He has a 48 foot custom built boat. The Phoenix has the speed required to get you to the big fish. The deck provides plenty of room for fishing. The boat includes A/C, heat, TV, DVD a bathroom, a shower, bunks and a microwave. Have great time fishing while staying at a Destin condo rental.
Destin Deep Sea Adventures provides great fishing aboard its Hatteras yacht boat. Serious anglers can fish from the fast AussieCat catamaran boat and have a fantastic full day of sport fishing.
Have a great time in Destin, Florida! To find great Destin vacation rentals , visit iTrip.net!
The Fantastic Fishing In Destin, Florida 
One of the funniest fishing shows has to be . Episode of Peter and his crew in Destin is awesome. Destin Florida Fishing - Bookshelf
Saltwater Fishing Made Easy
APPENDIX C FISHING FOR THE RECORD Every saltwater angler dreams of ... gag Mycteroperca microlepis 80,6 Destin, FL Oct. 14, 1996 Bill Smith Grouper, ...Off the beaten path
DESTIN, FLORIDA. Whether you want to sample some stupendous fishing or just get away from it all in a mild winter climate, you can do so at soothing prices ...Adventure Guide to Northern Florida and the Panhandle
ScubaTech of Northwest Florida, ¤ 904-837-1933, 5371Highway 98 East, Destin, FL 32541. SALTWATER & FRESHWATER FISHING Fishing records? ...Frommer's Florida 2011
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Destin, Florida Destin is a small town on the northwest coast of Florida, but it's one of the largest fishing centers in the country, with over 150 boats ...Information Today Directory
FishDestin.com
Guide to fishing resources along Florida's Emerald Coast.
Destin Florida Fishing | Destin Fishing Boats | Charter Boats
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Destin Charter Fishing - Deep Sea Fishing in Destin, Florida
Plan your Destin Charter Fishing here -- current info on boat captains, types of fishing, hours, contact info and more for all Deep Sea Fishing in Destin, Florida.