Fishing The Emerald Coast

Inshore Trolling  The inshore trolling season begins in March and lasts through November. Cobia begins the season in the Spring. The most popular method of catching Cobia on the Emererald Coast is to use a technique called sight casting. The Cobia are first spotted, then the bait is thrown to the fish. This is one of the most exciting types of fishing Inshore trolling is also used to catch of Bonito, King and Spanish Mackerel, and Schooled Dolphin. If you don't have your own boat, trips are available from local charter boats for an all day or half day trip.

Deep Sea Bottom Fishing

			Most fishing captains on the Emerald Coast specialize in deep sea bottom fishing. This type of fishing is good year round. Private Charter trips are available for full or half day. You can even schedule an overnight trip. These boats normally carry six people, plus the captain and first mate. You can catch Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, Amber Jack, and Scamp bottom fishing.

	The Emerald Coast has many party boats which can accommodate up to 100 people. These boats are also available for full and half day trips. People interested in one of these trips simply by a ticket.

Offshore Trolling

Offshore trolling is done about 27 miles South of Destin in about 300 feet of water. Fisherman trolling in this area have caugth White and Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Dolphin and Wahoo. This area is known as the billfish capital of the Gulf because of the large number of fish caught in this areas. The best time to catch billfish is August through October.

Jetty or Beach Fishing Fishing on the Emerald Coast does not require a boat. Many types of sport fish can be caught in the Emerald Coast waters off of the beach  or on the jettys. This type of fishing is usually best between April, when the first Pompano arrive, and October. Use live, frozen, or artificial bait for this type of fishing and you can catch Bonito, Sheepshead, Pompano, Bluefish, Cobia, Whiting, Channel Bass, Blue Runner, Sail Cat, and Spanish or King Mackerel. Choctawhatchee Bay fishing is good year-round. You can expect to catch Sheepshead, Speckled Sea Trout, Red fish, White Trout, Channel Bass, Bluefish, Sail Cat, and Flounder. Numerous Blue Crabs can also be found along the shore.

Florida Fishing License Information    Florida residents, nonresidents and recreational divers must have a saltwater fishing license unless covered by one of the following exemptions: Any individual under the age of 16 Any Florida Resident fishing in saltwater from land or from a structure affixed to the land. Any individual fishing from a vessel issued a Vessel Saltwater Fishing License, such as a charter boat. Any person 65 years of age or older who holds a valid Florida Drivers License or valid Florida Voter Registration Card. Any Florida resident who is a member of the Armed Forces while home on leave for less than 30 days, with valid orders in his or her possession. Any individual who has been accepted by the Florida Department of Health and Services for developmental services. A Florida resident who has been declared totally and permanently disabled shall be entitled to receive, without charge from the county tax collector, a permanent saltwater fishing license. Licenses may be purchased from county tax collectors or their subagents, who are generally located at tackle shops, fish camps, hardware stores and sporting goods stores. Anglers may purchase licenses via a toll-free telephone number (1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (888)347-4356 and a credit card. This service costs an additional $3.95 per transaction. On line license is now available from http://www.eangler.com with a credit card. Please review the State web site http://www.state.fl.us/fwc/fishing/license.htmlfor exemptions, specialty license information and prices. License fees are set by the Florida Legislature and are subject to change.