Crestview Fishing Reports (May 2026)

Crestview Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Crestview

Joey Sauvageau
Destin, Florida
Reported: 1 year ago

Joey Sauvageau Destin, Florida Reported: 1 year ago

What’s Biting in Destin: Early Spring: At this time of the year, inshore fishing in Destin, Florida can yield a variety of fish species. Some common catches during this time of year may include: 1 Speckled Trout: Speckled trout are abundant in the inshore waters of Destin during the early spring months. They can be found in shallow waters around grass flats, oyster bars, and sandy bottoms. 2 Redfish: Redfish, also known as red drum, are another popular target for inshore anglers in Destin. They are often found near marshy areas, mangroves, and oyster beds, particularly during the spring months. 3 Flounder: Flounder are commonly caught in the inshore waters of Destin, especially around sandy bottoms and near structures like docks and bridges. They are known for their unique flat body shape and can be targeted using bottom fishing techniques. 4 Sheepshead: Sheepshead are a favorite among inshore anglers in Destin, particularly around structures such as docks, jetties, and bridges. They are known for their sharp teeth and strong fighting ability. 5 Black Drum: Black drum can also be found in the inshore waters of Destin during the spring. They are often found near oyster beds, docks, and other structures, and can be targeted using a variety of baits and techniques. What’s Biting in Destin: Early Spring—- Overall, this time of the year offers excellent opportunities for inshore fishing in Destin, with a variety of species available to target. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, there’s plenty of action to be had in the beautiful waters of Destin, Florida.

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Robbie Broestler
Niceville, Florida
Reported: 1 year ago

Robbie Broestler Niceville, Florida Reported: 1 year ago

February 2025 The offshore bite around Key West is absolutely red hot right now, with blackfin tuna and cobia stealing the show! Blackfin Tuna Frenzy The blackfin tuna action has been nothing short of spectacular. Schools of these torpedoes are stacking up along the edge of the reef and in deeper blue water, particularly around the humps and wrecks. Anglers live baiting with pilchards, threadfin herring, and small blue runners on light tackle are experiencing non-stop action. The key has been to chum heavy with live baits, creating a slick that pulls them right up to the boat. Once they’re fired up, it’s game on! Fish in the 15–25 lb range are common, with some larger bruisers mixed in. Light fluorocarbon leaders (20-30 lb) and small circle hooks are doing the trick, providing an epic fight that tests every inch of your gear. Cobia Crash the Party While targeting tuna, surprise visits from cobia have added to the excitement. These fish are cruising the same wrecks and structure, often trailing behind rays, sharks, and even alongside the tuna schools. They’re aggressive right now, smashing live baits like pinfish and pilchards without hesitation. Anglers are reporting cobia in the 20–40 lb class, with some true Key West giants pushing beyond that. Keep a pitch rod ready with a live bait hooked up because these fish often appear out of nowhere, especially when you’re chumming heavily. Tips for Success: • Chum Heavy: Live chumming with pilchards keeps both tuna and cobia around the boat.

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Adam Schroeder
Niceville, Florida
Reported: 1 year ago

Sheephead bite is strong

Adam Schroeder Niceville, Florida Reported: 1 year ago

Sheephead bite is strong

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Robbie Broestler
Niceville, Florida
Reported: 1 year ago

The spot tailed pinfish I caught was world record beating the world record from South Carolina by quite a few ounces. It was taken off the record books 4.5 months prior to me catching it:(

Robbie Broestler Niceville, Florida Reported: 1 year ago

The spot tailed pinfish I caught was world record beating the world record from South Carolina by quite a few ounces. It was taken off the record books 4.5 months prior to me catching it:(

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Nick Tate
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Reported: 1 year ago

We are already booking for the 25 season. So if you wanna catch some state water studs get with us now. Something along those lines

Nick Tate Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Reported: 1 year ago

We are already booking for the 25 season. So if you wanna catch some state water studs get with us now. Something along those lines

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Robbie Broestler
Niceville, Florida
Reported: 1 year ago

Robbie Broestler Niceville, Florida Reported: 1 year ago

Fishing the bay for giant sheep head is now on! Fast action white trout especially for the kids is doing very well this winter too. Some pompano and Spanish mackerel are being caught fishing for white trout. Gulf fishing for flounder and fast fun light tackle reef fish like speckled rock hind, scamp grouper, and vermillion snapper on calm seas days is "the easy button". Red grouper is now open and there's good ones to be kept especially on a five or six hour trip getting down the beach on some good natural rock bottom reefs.

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Alex Hare
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Reported: 1 year ago

Snapper bite was phenomenal for last week of December. Now it's mingo snappers, red groupers, scamp groupers, and flounders. Fishing has been great!

Alex Hare Fort Walton Beach, Florida Reported: 1 year ago

Snapper bite was phenomenal for last week of December. Now it's mingo snappers, red groupers, scamp groupers, and flounders. Fishing has been great!

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Adam Schroeder
Niceville, Florida
Reported: 1 year ago

Flounder bite has been strong and sheephead bite is excellent, With a bonus bonefish

Adam Schroeder Niceville, Florida Reported: 1 year ago

Flounder bite has been strong and sheephead bite is excellent, With a bonus bonefish

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What's Biting in Crestview

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★★★★★
Kyle was a very skilled captain. Found many fish for us
Susan E. | April 30, 2026

Trip: Destin Trolling & Bottom Fishing
★★★★★
It doesn’t get any better than this trip with Colin! He put us on the fish! Check out the photos!
Virginia M. | April 29, 2026

Trip: 2-8 Hours Inshore Trip
★★★★★
Kyle and first mate Dan were awesome. They got us onto some great fishing. Caught limit on vermillion.
Don C. | April 24, 2026

Trip: Destin Fishing Trip
★★★★★
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

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