Lots of rain and wind here in Destin over the last week. This doesn’t make for easy fishing. I think I can safely speak for the majority of the Destin charter fleet when I say we are ready for some sunshine and a normal spring weather pattern. Seems folks all over the country are getting pounded with late cold blasts, and although we are thankful not to have SNOW on the ground, we are definitely ready for the warmer temperatures, calm seas, and clear skies that are normal for this time of year!
The good thing about fishing this time of year is that there are a lot of types of fish biting. When the seas are calm and the boats are able to run, there has been no shortage of fish being hauled into the docks, with a pretty good variety!
The Cobia run is still going strong. Check out this 52 pounder that Capt. Robbie brought in last weekend:
The Harbor Docks Cobia Tournament is in full swing, with a 92-pounder on the leaderboard, caught by Capt Curt Gwyn. Seeing more 60-70-lb range fish in the last week or so too, so if you’ve been waiting on the right time to get out there, the time is NOW!
Other than Cobia, we are still seeing plenty of vermillion snapper and spanish mackerel, as well as some pompano, triggerfish, bonita, sharks, and a few king mackerel as well. Of course, if you’re bottom fishing, you can catch red snapper all day long. Just can’t keep ’em yet. Here are a couple of pictures from some of our customers this past week:
Bonita caught from our center console rental boat
10 yr old Ian with 20 fish he reeled in himself (with just a little help from Dad)!
The inshore captains are reporting that the redfish are really biting in the shallows, in about 2-3 ft of water, on live shrimp.
Forecast:
As far as weather goes, it looks like we are finally going to get a break and see clear skies over the majority of the coming week. Let’s hope the wind and seas calm down and the water starts warming up little more as well! Expect to see the king mackerel pick up in numbers over the coming weeks as things start to warm up. We’re starting to see them now, but not in really good numbers just yet. Cobia season may wind up extending further into the year than usual as well. If you’re anxious to get your hands on some red snapper, red snapper season has been set to start June 1st and run for 44 days in state waters, and we are certainly looking forward to that!
As always, if you’d like to get in on the action, be sure to book a charter with one of our captains or, for the more experienced fishermen, try a fishing boat rental for the day. We also offer fishing pole and tackle rentals, and have bait and tackle for sale in our ship’s store. Contact us for more information!
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