Destin sits right at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, where inshore flats, nearshore reefs, and deep-sea waters converge to create one of the most productive fishing destinations in the Southeast. If you’re wondering what fish are in season in Destin, the short answer is: something is always biting. But the species change dramatically from month to month, and knowing what’s running makes the difference between a cooler full of fish and a long, quiet boat ride.
Red snapper, cobia, mahi-mahi, king mackerel, amberjack, flounder, Destin’s waters cycle through dozens of species across the year. Some are governed by strict state and federal seasons, while others are available year-round. This guide breaks down exactly which fish you can target during each month of 2026 so you can plan your trip with confidence.
At Original Crab Island, we run fishing charters out of Destin that put you on the water with experienced captains who know these seasonal patterns inside and out. Whether you’re booking a deep-sea trip for your first offshore slam or want to target a specific species during its peak run, we’ll match you with the right charter. Below, you’ll find a month-by-month breakdown of what’s in season, what’s biting, and when to book.
1. Plan your trip with Original Crab Island
Booking through Original Crab Island gives you access to captains who already know these waters across every season of the year. Each charter is built around a specific type of water and a target set of species, so the right first step is choosing a trip that matches what you want to catch and how far offshore you’re comfortable traveling.
Trips you can book and what each one targets
Original Crab Island runs inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing charters out of Destin. Each trip type targets a different set of species depending on how far from shore you go.
- Inshore: Flounder, redfish, and speckled trout in the bay, estuaries, and grass flats
- Nearshore (10-60 feet): King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia along coastal structure
- Offshore (100+ feet): Red snapper, amberjack, grouper, and mahi-mahi over deep reefs
Half-day and full-day options are available. Your captain will walk you through which trip fits your target species before you leave the dock.
When to choose inshore, nearshore, or offshore
Your choice of water depends on two key factors: the species you want and the time of year. Inshore fishing stays accessible and calm year-round, making it a strong option for families and beginners. Nearshore action peaks from spring through fall when mackerel and cobia push along the coast. Offshore trips are best from May through October when Gulf conditions are most stable and the bigger species like snapper and grouper are fully in season.
Telling your captain which species you’re targeting is the fastest way to land on the right trip type.
What to pack for a Destin fishing day
Bring SPF 50 or higher sunscreen and plan to reapply every two hours on open water. A wide-brim hat, polarized sunglasses, and a light long-sleeve shirt cut down sun exposure better than sunscreen alone. Pack enough water for the full duration of your trip, and carry a soft cooler if you plan to keep your catch. For offshore runs, take seasickness medication the evening before departure.
Safety and comfort tips for families and groups
Wear a life jacket during boarding and docking, and follow the captain’s instructions whenever conditions shift on the water. Children should stay away from the gunwale while the boat is moving. For groups with young kids, designate one adult to stay at the stern and watch the children so the captain can run the trip safely and focus on putting you on fish.
Questions to ask a captain before you book
Before you confirm, ask your captain what fish are realistic targets on your specific date, since knowing what fish are in season in Destin changes what the captain will plan around. Confirm what gear and bait are included, the exact departure time and trip length, and what the rescheduling policy is if weather forces a change. A captain who answers these questions clearly is one worth booking.
2. January
January is one of the quieter months on the Destin fishing calendar, but that does not mean it’s slow. Knowing what fish are in season in Destin during winter helps you target the right species instead of chasing fish that have moved on.
What’s biting in January
Sheepshead are one of the best bets in January, moving into docks, bridges, and pilings to feed. Speckled trout also remain active in the bay and estuary areas during warmer stretches of the month.
Best places to fish in January
Focus your effort on Choctawhatchee Bay for trout and sheepshead, particularly around bridge pilings and submerged structure. Nearshore reefs in 15 to 40 feet of water hold gag grouper and some red snapper for those willing to make the run on calm days.
January rewards anglers who fish structure hard rather than covering open water.
Best techniques and bait for January
Sheepshead respond best to fiddler crabs or fresh shrimp fished tight against pilings with minimal weight. For trout, slow your presentation down and use suspending lures or live shrimp under a popping cork, since cold water makes fish less aggressive toward fast-moving baits.
What the weather changes for your trip
Water temperatures drop into the low 60s and occasionally dip into the upper 50s in January. Expect stronger cold fronts to push through every week or two, which can keep boats at the dock for a day or two at a time. Build flexibility into your schedule.
Regulations to check before you fish
Red snapper remains closed in January under federal Gulf rules. Check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for current gag grouper and trout limits before your trip, as these can shift between seasons.
3. February
February is still winter on the Gulf, but Destin rarely locks up completely. Understanding what fish are in season in Destin during February sets your expectations correctly and helps you book the trip that actually delivers results.
What’s biting in February
Sheepshead continue to dominate the inshore bite in February, often in larger numbers than January as they move closer to their spring spawn. Speckled trout remain active on warmer days, and pompano start showing up along sandy beaches and nearshore structure as water temperatures creep higher by the end of the month.
Best places to fish in February
The Destin Harbor jetties and bridge pilings are your best starting points for sheepshead. Nearshore reefs in 20 to 50 feet of water hold gag grouper for anglers who wait for a calm weather window to make the run safely.
A calm winter day offshore in February can be surprisingly productive for grouper if you’re willing to wait for the right forecast.
Best techniques and bait for February
Use fiddler crabs or sand fleas to target sheepshead and pompano, keeping your bait tight to the bottom. For nearshore grouper, vertical jigging or live pinfish over ledges and hard bottom produces consistent results throughout the month.
What the weather changes for your trip
February brings unpredictable cold fronts that push water temperatures back down after a warm stretch, slowing the bite significantly. Plan around a multi-day forecast rather than a single-day snapshot, since back-to-back calm days in February are worth rearranging your schedule to catch.
Regulations to check before you fish
Red snapper remains closed through February. Confirm current gag grouper and pompano limits at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you head out.
4. March
March marks the start of the spring transition in Destin, and the fishing shifts noticeably from the slow winter pace. Understanding what fish are in season in Destin during March helps you capitalize on the species that arrive early and stay active through summer.
What’s biting in March
Cobia begin their spring migration along the Gulf Coast in March, making them one of the most exciting inshore and nearshore targets of the month. Pompano continue to run strong along beaches and nearshore structure, while sheepshead remain active in the bay before dispersing after their spawn. Key species to target this month:
- Cobia (migration picks up mid-month near the surface)
- Pompano (sandy beaches and nearshore bars)
- Sheepshead (bay pilings and bridge structure)
Best places to fish in March
Nearshore reefs and Gulf-facing structure in 20 to 60 feet of water are your best spots for intercepting migrating cobia. For pompano, sandy beaches and nearshore bars on the east side of Destin produce consistent action throughout March.
Cobia in March often swim near the surface, so keep your eyes open and have a jig ready to pitch.
Best techniques and bait for March
Live eels or large jigs worked near the surface produce best for cobia when you can spot them moving. For pompano, small jigs tipped with sand fleas fished tight to the bottom cover the most water efficiently.
What the weather changes for your trip
March weather in Destin is inconsistent but improving. Cold fronts still push through early in the month, but windows of calm, warm days grow more frequent by late March. Water temperatures climb into the mid-60s by month’s end, triggering more species to become active and feeding.
Regulations to check before you fish
Red snapper remains closed through most of March under federal Gulf regulations. Confirm current cobia size and bag limits with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before your trip, as these rules apply statewide.
5. April
April is the month when Destin fishing genuinely shifts into high gear. If you’ve been wondering what fish are in season in Destin as spring picks up, April gives you one of the most diverse target lists of the year, with multiple species running simultaneously across inshore, nearshore, and offshore waters.
What’s biting in April
Cobia continue their spring migration strongly through April, making them one of the top nearshore targets of the month. Spanish mackerel arrive in larger numbers along the coast, and pompano remain active on sandy nearshore structure. Key species to target this month:
- Cobia (nearshore surface migration, most active mid-April)
- Spanish mackerel (coastal reefs and nearshore structure)
- Pompano (sandy beaches and nearshore bars)
- Gag grouper (offshore reefs before summer pressure builds)
Best places to fish in April
Focus nearshore effort on Gulf-facing reefs and coastal structure in 20 to 80 feet of water for cobia and mackerel. Offshore reefs in 100 to 200 feet start producing consistent grouper action, and the Destin jetties remain reliable for inshore pompano throughout the month.
April gives you legitimate options across all three water types, so match your charter to your target species rather than choosing arbitrarily.
Best techniques and bait for April
Live bait like pinfish or eels worked near the surface covers cobia effectively. Spanish mackerel respond well to fast-trolled spoons or small jigs in the 1/4 to 1/2 oz range worked through baitfish schools.
What the weather changes for your trip
April water temperatures climb into the low-to-mid 70s, which activates feeding across most species. Cold fronts still push through occasionally but move faster, leaving longer windows of calm, fishable weather compared to March.
Regulations to check before you fish
Red snapper remains federally closed through April ahead of the summer season opener. Verify current cobia and gag grouper size and bag limits with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before your trip.
6. May
May is the month many Destin anglers circle on the calendar. Water temperatures climb into the upper 70s, species diversity peaks, and the fishing calendar opens up in ways that no other month can match. If you’re researching what fish are in season in Destin before a spring or early summer trip, May gives you more target options than virtually any other time of year.
What’s biting in May
Red snapper season typically opens in late May under federal Gulf regulations, which immediately makes offshore trips a top priority. Alongside snapper, cobia continue running strong, mahi-mahi start showing up in offshore blue water, and king mackerel move aggressively through nearshore and coastal zones.
- Red snapper (offshore reefs, federal season opener)
- Mahi-mahi (blue water offshore, weed lines)
- King mackerel (nearshore reefs and coastal structure)
- Cobia (surface migration continuing through mid-May)
Best places to fish in May
Offshore reefs in 60 to 200 feet of water are your primary target for snapper and amberjack. For mahi, look for floating weed lines and debris in deep blue water beyond 100 feet, where these fish concentrate and feed actively.
May is the one month where booking an offshore trip early in the morning gives you a realistic shot at multiple species in a single outing.
Best techniques and bait for May
Live bait or cut cigar minnows fished on a knocker rig produce consistent red snapper action. For mahi, trolling ballyhoo through weed lines and pitching live bait to fish you can see on the surface both produce results.
What the weather changes for your trip
Gulf conditions in May are generally the most stable of the year, with calm mornings and manageable afternoon winds. Afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly, so plan to be heading back to the inlet by early afternoon on days when storms are in the forecast.
Regulations to check before you fish
Confirm the exact federal red snapper season opener date for 2026 through NOAA Fisheries before booking, since the opener can shift year to year. Check current king mackerel and cobia bag limits with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at myfwc.com before you leave the dock.
7. June
June is peak fishing season in Destin. If you’ve been researching what fish are in season in Destin during the height of summer, June delivers the most productive offshore conditions of the year, with red snapper fully open and blue water species pushing into range across the Gulf.
What’s biting in June
Red snapper draw offshore anglers to reefs throughout June, making them the headline species of the month. The summer heat activates multiple species simultaneously, giving you realistic options across both offshore and nearshore water.
- Red snapper (offshore reefs, federal season fully open)
- Amberjack (deep structure and reefs in 80 to 150 feet)
- Mahi-mahi (blue water weed lines beyond 100 feet)
- King mackerel (nearshore reefs and coastal zones)
Best places to fish in June
Target offshore reefs in 60 to 150 feet of water for snapper and amberjack. For mahi-mahi, run to blue water beyond 100 feet and look for floating weed lines where these fish concentrate heavily during the peak summer push.
June weed lines stack mahi-mahi in numbers you won’t find at any other point in the year.
Best techniques and bait for June
Use live bait or cut cigar minnows on a knocker rig for red snapper over hard bottom. For amberjack, heavy jigs or large live pinfish worked vertically over structure produce aggressive strikes consistently throughout the month.
What the weather changes for your trip
June mornings are typically calm with flat seas, making longer offshore runs manageable. Afternoon thunderstorms build quickly in the Gulf heat, so plan to be heading back before early afternoon on days when storm activity is forecast.
Regulations to check before you fish
Confirm your federal red snapper season dates and bag limits through NOAA Fisheries for 2026. Check amberjack and king mackerel limits with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at myfwc.com before you leave the dock.
8. July
July sits at the absolute peak of Destin’s fishing season. If you want to know what fish are in season in Destin during the height of summer, July gives you red snapper, mahi-mahi, amberjack, and king mackerel all running hard at the same time across multiple water depths.
What’s biting in July
Red snapper remain the headline offshore target throughout July, drawing the largest crowds of the year to Gulf reefs. Mahi-mahi continue pushing through blue water weed lines, and amberjack hold aggressively over deep structure from 80 to 150 feet.
- Red snapper (offshore reefs, federal season open)
- Mahi-mahi (blue water beyond 100 feet)
- Amberjack (deep structure, 80 to 150 feet)
- King mackerel (nearshore coastal zones and reefs)
Best places to fish in July
Offshore reefs in 60 to 150 feet of water are your primary target for snapper and amberjack. For mahi, run into deep blue water past 100 feet and search for floating weed lines and debris where these fish congregate.
Early morning offshore runs in July put you over fish before afternoon heat and storms build up.
Best techniques and bait for July
Use live bait or cut cigar minnows on a knocker rig for red snapper over hard bottom structure. Heavy jigs or large live pinfish worked vertically produce consistent amberjack strikes throughout the month.
What the weather changes for your trip
July mornings are typically calm, but afternoon thunderstorms develop fast over the Gulf. Plan your departure early and aim to reach the inlet by early afternoon on storm-forecast days.
Regulations to check before you fish
Confirm federal red snapper bag limits and season dates for 2026 through NOAA Fisheries. Check current amberjack size and bag limits with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at myfwc.com before you leave the dock.
9. August
August keeps the summer fishing pace running strong in Destin, though the calendar is starting to shift in ways worth knowing before you book. If you want to understand what fish are in season in Destin heading into late summer, August delivers solid offshore action while some inshore species begin their early fall transition.
What’s biting in August
Red snapper season may be winding toward its close in August depending on the federal season length set for 2026, so confirm your dates before booking an offshore trip. Mahi-mahi continue running through blue water weed lines, amberjack hold firm over deep structure, and flounder begin showing up in stronger numbers in the bay and nearshore zones as late summer approaches.
- Red snapper (offshore reefs, season may close mid-to-late August)
- Mahi-mahi (blue water weed lines beyond 100 feet)
- Amberjack (deep structure, 80 to 150 feet)
- Flounder (bay grass flats and nearshore sandy bottom)
Best places to fish in August
Target offshore reefs in 60 to 150 feet for snapper and amberjack while the season remains open. For flounder, focus effort on grass flats and sandy transitions inside Choctawhatchee Bay, where they stage actively in late summer.
Book your offshore snapper trip early in August rather than waiting, since the federal season can close with little advance notice.
Best techniques and bait for August
Use live or cut bait on a knocker rig for red snapper over hard bottom. Flounder respond consistently to slow-dragged live mud minnows or paddle tail soft plastics worked tight to the bottom.
What the weather changes for your trip
August heat is at its peak, with Gulf water temperatures reaching the low-to-mid 80s. Afternoon thunderstorms remain a daily threat, so plan early morning departures and target returning to the dock by early afternoon.
Regulations to check before you fish
Confirm your exact federal red snapper season closing date for 2026 through NOAA Fisheries. Verify current amberjack and flounder size and bag limits with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at myfwc.com before you leave the dock.
10. September
September marks the start of the fall transition in Destin, and the fishing calendar shifts in ways that catch a lot of anglers off guard. Knowing what fish are in season in Destin during this month keeps you pointed at the right species rather than chasing summer targets that are starting to thin out.
What’s biting in September
Flounder move aggressively through the bay and nearshore zones in September, making them the standout inshore target of the month. King mackerel continue running strong along coastal structure, and amberjack hold firmly over deep offshore reefs through the month.
- Flounder (bay grass flats, nearshore sandy bottom)
- King mackerel (nearshore reefs and coastal zones)
- Amberjack (deep structure, 80 to 150 feet)
- Spanish mackerel (nearshore reefs and coastal areas)
Best places to fish in September
Focus inshore effort on grass flats and sandy transitions inside Choctawhatchee Bay, where flounder stage actively ahead of their fall run. Nearshore reefs in 20 to 60 feet produce consistent king and Spanish mackerel action throughout the month.
September flounder numbers build steadily through the month, so the later you go, the stronger the inshore bite gets.
Best techniques and bait for September
Live mud minnows or paddle tail soft plastics dragged slowly along the bottom produce flounder consistently. For king mackerel, fast-trolled spoons or live bait worked through baitfish schools along coastal reefs generates aggressive strikes.
What the weather changes for your trip
September water temperatures begin dropping from the August peak into the upper 70s by month’s end. Afternoon storms become less frequent than in summer, giving you more reliable afternoon fishing windows compared to July and August.
Regulations to check before you fish
Red snapper season is typically closed by September under federal Gulf rules. Confirm current flounder and amberjack size and bag limits with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at myfwc.com before your trip.
11. October
October delivers one of the best inshore fishing months of the entire Destin calendar. If you want to know what fish are in season in Destin heading into fall, October rewards anglers who shift their focus from offshore targets to the species actively running through the bay and nearshore zones.
What’s biting in October
Flounder hit their peak run in October, staging along grass flat edges and sandy bottom transitions as water temperatures cool. Redfish also move into strong feeding patterns throughout the bay, and Spanish mackerel stay active along nearshore structure through most of the month.
- Flounder (bay grass flats and sandy nearshore bottom)
- Redfish (bay grass flats, marsh edges, and nearshore structure)
- Spanish mackerel (nearshore reefs and coastal zones)
- Amberjack (deep structure, 80 to 150 feet)
Best places to fish in October
Focus your inshore effort on grass flat edges and sandy transitions inside Choctawhatchee Bay, where flounder and redfish concentrate heavily during the fall run. Nearshore reefs in 20 to 60 feet keep producing Spanish mackerel action throughout the month.
October is the strongest month of the year for flounder in Destin, so prioritize inshore bay trips if that species is your goal.
Best techniques and bait for October
Use live mud minnows or slow-rolled paddle tail soft plastics dragged tight to the bottom for flounder and redfish. Spanish mackerel continue responding to fast-trolled spoons worked through baitfish schools along coastal reefs.
What the weather changes for your trip
Water temperatures drop into the mid-to-upper 70s through October, improving fish activity significantly compared to the summer heat. Cold fronts begin moving through more frequently, but fishing windows between fronts are typically calm and highly productive.
Regulations to check before you fish
Red snapper remains closed under federal Gulf rules in October. Confirm current flounder and redfish size and bag limits with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at myfwc.com before heading out.
12. November
November moves Destin’s fishing firmly into fall mode, and understanding what fish are in season in Destin during this month means shifting your focus away from offshore targets. Cooler water temperatures pull redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead into active feeding patterns across the bay and nearshore zones.
What’s biting in November
Redfish and speckled trout are the headline species of the month, feeding actively on grass flats and in bay channels as water temperatures cool into the mid-60s. Sheepshead also begin staging around pilings and bridge structure in growing numbers as November progresses.
- Redfish (bay grass flats and nearshore structure)
- Speckled trout (bay grass flats and deeper bay channels)
- Sheepshead (dock pilings and bridge structure throughout Destin Harbor)
Best places to fish in November
Choctawhatchee Bay is your most productive location for redfish and speckled trout throughout the month. Bridge pilings and dock structure throughout the Destin Harbor area hold sheepshead in increasing numbers as November advances toward winter.
November delivers solid inshore fishing with lighter crowds and multiple species feeding actively across the bay at the same time.
Best techniques and bait for November
Live shrimp under a popping cork produces consistent speckled trout action over grass flats in 3 to 6 feet of water. For redfish, slow-rolled soft plastics or cut mullet worked near structure and sandy bottom transitions covers the most water efficiently.
What the weather changes for your trip
Water temperatures drop into the mid-to-low 60s through November, and cold fronts push through on a more regular schedule than in October. Fishing the days immediately after a front passes typically delivers the strongest bite, since trout and redfish feed hard once conditions stabilize.
Regulations to check before you fish
Flounder season may close during November under Florida state rules, so confirm exact dates with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before targeting them. Check current redfish and speckled trout size and bag limits through the same source before your trip.
13. December
December closes out the fishing calendar in Destin on a quieter but productive note. If you want to know what fish are in season in Destin heading into the final month of the year, the answer centers almost entirely on inshore and nearshore structure fishing where sheepshead, speckled trout, and redfish feed actively through the cold.
What’s biting in December
Sheepshead are the standout inshore target in December, staging in large numbers around dock pilings, jetties, and bridge structure throughout the Destin area. Speckled trout also remain active in the bay on warmer stretches, particularly during the days immediately following a cold front when conditions stabilize.
Best places to fish in December
Focus your effort on dock pilings and jetties inside Destin Harbor and throughout Choctawhatchee Bay for sheepshead. Deeper bay channels in 6 to 10 feet of water hold speckled trout through December, especially on overcast days when fish move off the flats and seek thermal refuge in deeper water.
December sheepshead numbers peak around the Destin jetties, making them one of the most reliable inshore targets of the entire winter season.
Best techniques and bait for December
Use fiddler crabs or fresh shrimp presented tight to pilings with minimal weight for sheepshead. For speckled trout, a slow-sinking lure or live shrimp under a popping cork worked in deeper bay channels consistently outperforms fast-moving presentations in cold water.
What the weather changes for your trip
December water temperatures drop into the low-to-mid 60s and can dip into the upper 50s during the strongest cold fronts of the month. Plan your trip around multi-day calm windows rather than single-day forecasts, since fronts move through frequently and shift the bite quickly.
Regulations to check before you fish
Confirm current speckled trout and redfish size and bag limits with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before your trip. Red snapper remains federally closed, and flounder regulations may still apply depending on the state season calendar for 2026.
Next steps
You now have a clear picture of what fish are in season in Destin across every month of the year. The species change, the water conditions shift, and the regulations move with the calendar, but Destin consistently delivers productive fishing for anglers who plan around the right targets at the right time. Knowing your month and your target species before you book puts you miles ahead of anglers who show up hoping for the best.
Booking the right charter makes all the difference between a great trip and a frustrating one. Experienced captains who know these seasonal patterns will put you on fish faster and give you a realistic plan before you ever leave the dock. If you’re ready to get out on the water, book a fishing charter with Original Crab Island and let a local captain handle the rest. Your fish is out there.
