Destin Fishing Reports (April 2026)

Destin Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Destin

Alex Hare
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Reported: 3 days ago

The trolling bite has been amazing, plenty of Spanish mackerel to be caught. Bottom fishing has been a good variety like Vermillion, red snappers, black snappers, red groupers scamp groupers and Triggerfish!

Alex Hare Fort Walton Beach, Florida Reported: 3 days ago

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Zack Franks with Florida Outdoor Adventures, Fantasy Ocean Adventur
Crestview, Florida
Reported: 4 days ago

From 30 minutes ago. Sherwins hog.

Zack Franks with Florida Outdoor Adventures, Fantasy Ocean Adventur Crestview, Florida Reported: 4 days ago

From 30 minutes ago. Sherwins hog.

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Zach Burnette
Rosemary Beach, Florida
Reported: 4 days ago

Bull sharks, spinner sharks, black tips and sandbar sharks this spring Hammerheads and tiger sharks showing up soon

Zach Burnette Rosemary Beach, Florida Reported: 4 days ago

Bull sharks, spinner sharks, black tips and sandbar sharks this spring
Hammerheads and tiger sharks showing up soon

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Tim Baxter with T and T Enterprises of Destin
Destin, Florida
Reported: 5 days ago

All 4-6 hr trips

Tim Baxter with T and T Enterprises of Destin Destin, Florida Reported: 5 days ago

All 4-6 hr trips

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Jordan Nelson
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Reported: 5 days ago

Some spanish around redfish on the beach when its calm enough few trout biting Vermillion snapper bite good off shore

Jordan Nelson Fort Walton Beach, Florida Reported: 5 days ago

Some spanish around redfish on the beach when its calm enough few trout biting
Vermillion snapper bite good off shore

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Jon Polk
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Reported: 6 days ago

Jon Polk Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Reported: 6 days ago

Spring break fishing along the Emerald Coast has been nothing short of outstanding, and our recent trips out of Santa Rosa Beach and Destin, Florida, have delivered consistent action for anglers of all experience levels. The biggest headline has been the new Okaloosa nearshore FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices), which are already producing exceptional results. These shallow water fish attracting devices have been holding strong numbers of mahi mahi, giving us steady offshore-style action just a short run from the beach. Clients have been thrilled with the opportunity to target pelagic species without needing a full-day trip.

Closer to shore, the Spanish mackerel bite has been on fire inside Destin Harbor and along the Destin jetties. This has been a perfect option for families and spring breakers looking for fast-paced action, with multiple hook-ups and nonstop rod-bending activity. We've also been finding quality mahi mahi on weedlines within 5 miles of the beach, another great sign that our spring pelagic season is ramping up early this year. These fish have been eager to bite and provide excellent table fare for our crews. For anglers booking our 6-hour trips, the bottom fishing has been just as consistent. We've been putting together solid catches of red grouper, giving clients a great mix of offshore action and dependable bottom fishing. Looking Ahead: April Pelagic Season Heating Up. As we move deeper into April, everything is lining up for an incredible spring pelagic fishing season along the 30A and Destin coastline. Historically, this is when the fishing really takes off,” and we're already seeing early signs of what's to come. Over the past several seasons, we have consistently produced tuna and marlin catches around the FADs throughout April and May, and we expect this year to be no different. With warming water temperatures and increasing bait activity, the Gulf is coming alive. Whether you're targeting mahi mahi, tuna, or even a shot at a billfish, now is the time to get on the schedule.

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Jason Yates
Shalimar, Florida
Reported: 1 week ago

Bay trips... gulf trips have been too rough 😂

Jason Yates Shalimar, Florida Reported: 1 week ago

Bay trips... gulf trips have been too rough 😂

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Tyler Allen
Navarre, Florida
Reported: 1 week ago

8hr, 6hr, 4hr shark trip

Tyler Allen Navarre, Florida Reported: 1 week ago

8hr, 6hr, 4hr shark trip

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★★★★★
The trip was amazing! Captain put us on the fish immediately and was consistent through out! Four of us on the trip and we all caught more than 2 fish! Had a 100+ lb fish on but line snapped. Was a great experience and would fish with them again!
David P. | April 18, 2026

Trip: Niceville Gulf Fishing
★★★★★
Although deckhand Larry was new to fishing, he was very friendly, kind, and helpful! Just what you want on an unfamiliar excursion! He also hooked all bait for me, appreciated it!
Ashley R. | April 16, 2026

Trip: Destin Offshore Fishing
★★★★★
We were a family of six with kids from 6-15. All had a great time. Boat was a good size for us beginners. Jake and Tim worked hard to help us have a memorable experience. We had no prior fishing experience, but they helped us get comfortable with what to do and then found us the fish to catch. I would highly recommend and would look to adventure with them again.
Adam S. | April 14, 2026

Trip: 3 Hr Kids Fishing Trip
★★★★★
We had an amazing trip with the kids. A lot of action, everyone caught a handful of fish and had a blast. We brought home 30+ fish and had an amazing dinner. Couldn’t recommend more - we’d love to run it back on our next trip!
Jim P. | April 12, 2026

Trip: Destin Spring Special
★★★★★
10/10 great time. We took our 3 kids and their friend on 6 hr charter. Cliff and Austin are a great team. We kept Austin busy baiting our hooks and taking off the 48 fish we caught. Cliff took us down the shoreline and we stopped at all his favorite fishing holes. We caught numerous vermillion snapper and trigger fish. We caught a Bonita trolling through the inlet. Every fish we pulled up put up a great fight , our arms were tired bye the end of the day. I would definitely recommend taking Dramamine before you get on the boat and wear rubber sole shoes so you don’t slide around if boat is rocking. Bring snacks. We wore our sun shirts over our swimsuits and were comfortable. The early morning ride out of the harbor had us all in sweatshirts and pants. Lots of memories were made. Thank you
Erin Z. | April 12, 2026

Trip: Destin Deep Sea Adventure
★★★★★
David is great. Wonderful time.
Todd B. | April 10, 2026

Trip: Bay Fishing Trips
★★★★★
We had such a great trip! Captain Gavin had us on fish all day, and Cayden worked his tail off making sure we all were rigged up and had lines in the water at all times. The boat was very comfortable for our group of 8. We will fish with them again next time we are in Destin. Thanks again for a great trip!
Paul C. | April 10, 2026

Trip: Destin Spring Special
★★★★★
Our trip was great. Even though we couldn’t go into the Gulf because of very rough waters Captain Steve put us on some fish inshore while trolling. Myself and the kids had a blast. Captain Steve was very knowledgeable and personable as well. I would definitely recommend their operation to others.
Kevin K. | April 9, 2026

Trip: State Water Trolling/Bottom Fishing
★★★★★
Amazing day fishing with Jordan catching Spanish mackerel and trout!
Richard B. | April 8, 2026

Trip: Fishing The Florida Panhandle
★★★★★
I had two grandsons with me and the captain and crew were phenomenal. They took what should have been a bad day die to winds and turned it into a memory for the boys. I am glad we chose Jason and his team.
Jeffrey E. | April 7, 2026

Trip: State Water Trolling/Bottom Fishing

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