Red snapper, grouper, mackerel, tuna, and billfish are abundant offshore all along the Panhandle. With over 140 fishing vessels, Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” . The luck can be attributed to a 100 ft drop in the continental shelf only 10 miles from shore. Trophy sized amberjack, tarpon, grouper, snapper, mackerel, cobia, sailfish, wahoo, tuna, and blue marlin can be found hiding here.
- Red Snapper: These pinkish/reddish fish are found offshore and plentiful in the panhandle. The Florida state record is 46 lbs!
- Grouper: Black Grouper, Gag, Goliath, Nassau Grouper, Red Grouper, Scamp, Yellowfin Grouper, Yellowmouth Grouper, Rock Sea Bass, Black Sea Bass, Bank Sea Bass.
- King Mackerel: Found both nearshore and offshore, the Florida record for this fish is 90 lbs! (Typically the mackerel will weigh around 20 lbs)
- Amberjack: Greater and Lesser Amberjack. Greater Amberjack is found offshore and usually weighs around 40 lbs. Florida’s state record for the Greater Amberjack is 142 lbs! The Lesser Amberjack typically weigh around 10 lbs and is found both nearshore and offshore.
- Cobia: The typical weight for a Cobia is 30 lbs. They can be found both inshore and nearshore occupying inlets, bays, and mangroves.
- Billfish
Blue Marlin: These are the largest of the Atlantic Marlins known to exceed over 2,000 lbs. 980 lbs is Florida’s state record.
White Marlin: Often reaching 8 feet, these offshore fish can get up to 161 lbs.
Longbill Spearfish: This species is the smallest of the billfish and rarely lives past 4 or 5 years. Florida’s record is 61 lbs.
Sailfish: This species can swim at speeds up to 50 knots! Florida’s record is 116 lbs.
Estimated Charter Costs:
Penscola Beach: Expect to pay between $350 to $750 for one to four passengers.
Destin and Fort Walton Beach: Rates may vary from $400 to $900 per boat.
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