Winter Fishing in Florida

There are some parts of the country are where you have to store your fishing gear away when the summer ends – But Destin, Florida certainly isn’t one of them. 

Here, the winter is mild and you will get plenty of chances to score a few catches during the colder months. The fish school up to keep warm and feed off the bottom, making them an easy target if you can find them. Winter fishing in Destin, Florida will be a different experience than summer; but it can be just as rewarding. 

What weather can you expect?

Destin, Florida doesn’t usually have harsh winters, and the temperatures usually range between 40-60F. The conditions are cool and you’ll definitely want to bundle up. The temperature will be lower when out on the water, with the breeze and water temp combining to make it feel a lot cooler than it reads.

So where to fish & what fish are biting?

Both fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Choctawhatchee Bay will be good this time of year. Fishing at the jetty or pier is open too, or bust out your paddle board, waders or kayak and fish the shallow waters. 

The type of fish you’ll catch will depend on where you’re fishing. A lot of our fish population lays their eggs in the Bay before migrating into the Gulf, during various times of the year.  They also school up to stay warm, making it easier to find them. Some examples of what you can catch in the winter:

● Redfish

Redfish is one fish we have year round in Destin, and they can be found both in the Bay or along the Beaches in the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re walking the beaches, you’ll sight fish for them in schools right off the sand. If you’re in the Bay, you can find them holed up in grass flats, feeding off the ground. 

● Sheepshead

Sheepshead actually become more active in the colder water and are usually found hanging near structures like jetties or bridges where oysters and barnacles grow.  It’s open season year round for Sheepshead as they are plentiful, as well as being fun to catch. 

● Flounder

Flounder are another species that becomes prevalent in the winter time. You can find them burrowing along the bottom, waiting for their prey. Flounder love to come back for the bait if you miss them the first time, making them an easier fish to catch.

● Vermillion Snapper

Vermilion snapper is another common fish you can find in this region in large schools right over the substrates of gravel, rock, and sand. These red-colored fish can be found in waters around 40 meters to 300 meters in depth and are open season year-round. They are small but mighty, and taste just like the Red Snapper we all love.

Advantages of Winter Fishing in Destin, Florida

Because low temperatures make these fish school up for feeding, winter fishing can be fun here in Destin. It's not the peak season for fishing, but winter fishing in Destin, Florida has its perks. For some fishing in a non-peak season is a benefit in itself, with the calmer waters and peaceful shorelines.

Final Word

Just because summer is gone, doesn’t mean the fishing is gone. At least that is not the case here at Destin, Florida. When it comes to inshore fishing; Destin Florida has a lot to offer. You can do flounder fishing, sheepshead fishing; catch redfish, trout, and more. These shores have so much to offer during the winters. You need to plan your visit and hire the services of a quality fishing charter to get you on these waters.