5 Top Shore Fishing Spots in Destin, Florida

Destin - Florida - Fishing
Destin - Florida - Fishing

You don’t need to go out to sea in order to catch fish in Destin, Florida. In fact, you don’t even need to leave the shore. You can wade into the waves and fish with your feet wet and sand between your toes. 

The Gulf of Mexico is loaded with fish. You need to go no further than the beach, in many places, to catch enough fish.

Let’s reel in the 5 Top Shore Fishing Spots near Destin, Florida. 

#1 Destin Bridge 

Located on Mid-Bay Bridge Road in Destin, Florida, the Destin Bridge offers access to the waters of both the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay. And, with its incredible views, this is a popular fishing spot for locals and visitors alike.  

Spadefish, Sheepshead, Redfish, Tarpon, Snapper, Grouper, and Cobia are all accessed from the Destin Bridge. It’s a great spot for some easy fishing schools of fish that tend to congregate around bridge pylons and sandbars.  

#2 John Beasley Park  

Located on Miracle on Strip Pkwy SE in Fort Walton Beach,  John Beasley Park has a view of the fishing pier on Okaloosa Island in the distance. However, the park is on a wide-open stretch of beach away from crowds and buildings. 

The park has public access restrooms, dune walkovers, and ample parking. For a heads up, if catching fish is your goal, get here as the sun peeks over the horizon as that’s the ideal time to shore fish in Fort Walton Beach or Okaloosa Island. 

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Destin - Florida - Fishing

#3 Eglin Air Force Base 

If you’re looking for a change of scenery, the sections of Eglin Air Force Base that are open to the public are great places to shore fish. However, before you cast your line, be sure to get an Eglin Permit and a valid Florida freshwater fishing license. You don’t want your fishing trip ruined. 

Located on State Road 85 North, right across the bay from Destin, Florida, this area is known for its relatively untouched beauty. There are also over 20 freshwater ponds from which to test your luck. In them, you can catch Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, Bluegill, and Channel Catfish. 

#4 Hogtown Bay 

Located at 43 Hogtown Bayou Lane in Santa Rosa Beach, this spot offers good fishing from either shore or boat. Locals love the spot because the grassy shallows provide the ideal conditions for snagging Bull Redfish and Spotted Seatrout.

#5 Choctawhatchee Bay 

You can’t mention great shore fishing in Destin, Florida without talking about Choctawhatchee Bay. Located within Okaloosa and Walton counties in northwest Florida, it has such great potential for fishing owing to its vast size. The abundance of underwater structures in the bay makes it a go-to fishing spot for Destin locals.  

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