Book
a
Trip

ICX News

Spring Fishing in Destin, Florida

Posted by Capt LW

Fishing in Destin, Florida during the spring time signals the beginning of the migration of many of the native bait species who have come out of their offshore breeding areas. Bait species such as Cigar Minnows and various Herrings start showing up in large schools as the water temperatures heat up. With these large bait school migrations, follow the predatory species who forage on them all spring through early fall before they migrate far offshore. While these species are abundant within miles off the beach, Destin Fishing Charters take full advantage of these early springtime opportunities to load up on these bait offerings in an effort to land some of Destin, Florida’s most sporting game fish. We will detail the species which offer the best spring time opportunities for fishing charters in Destin, Florida.

Fishing for Spanish Mackerel in Destin, Florida
Fishing for Spanish Mackerel in Destin, Florida

Fishing for Spanish Mackerel in Destin, Florida

Spanish Mackerel are some of the first predatory species to consistently frequent the Destin, Florida area. These species arrive in large schools and not only inhabit the gulf waters, but also venture into the Inshore Bay waters of Destin, Florida. Spanish Mackerel lend themselves to a few methods of targeting, with one of the most effective ways of locating these predators is by trolling artificial baits. By trolling for Spanish Mackerel, Destin Fishing Charters are able to cover a wide area quickly and efficiently locate the school. Once the school is located, fishing for them can then be accomplished by casting artificial or live baits to them, which can ultimately lead to some non-stop fun fishing in Destin, Florida.

Snapper fishing in Destin Florida
Fishing for Snapper in Destin, Florida

Fishing for Snapper in Destin, Florida

Fishing for Snapper by most fishing charters in Destin, Florida is considered to be a year round opportunity. This is absolutely true, but with warmer water temperatures and the arrival of bait schools, the snapper fishery becomes an even better opportunity for effective fishing in Destin, Florida. Most Gulf wrecks and reefs in Destin, Florida will hold numerous species of Snapper during the springtime. There are numerous Snapper species to be caught, however for this writing we’ll narrow it down to a few. Vermillion, aka Mingo Snapper, is probably one of the most commonly caught and harvested year-round species targeted by most Destin Fishing Charters. The second Snapper species with the same opportunities would be the Mangrove Snapper. And to round it all out would be the Lane Snapper. All these Snappers are quite tasty and can offer potentially non-stop action at pretty much anytime of the year.

Fishing for Cobia in Destin, Florida
Fishing for Cobia in Destin, Florida

Fishing for Cobia in Destin, Florida

Fishing for Cobia in Destin, Florida during the spring time presents most folks with an opportunity to sight fish for one of the largest species of fish they may ever catch in a lifetime. Cobia migrate anywhere from 100 yards to a mile off the beaches in Destin, Florida. Their migration begins in early spring and ends in late spring. The Cobia in Destin, Florida range in size between 25 – 100 pounds. Fishing for migrating Cobia in Destin, Florida typically requires a boat with an elevated platform and a keen sense of vision. These fish visually migrate from the east to the west along the beaches in Destin, Florida, allowing most fishing charters in Destin, Florida to take advantage of these sporty and very tasty species. It has been said one 50 pound medium sized Cobia can provide enough meat for a Church Fish Fry!

Pompano Fishing in Destin Florida
Fishing for Pompano in Destin, Florida

Fishing for Pompano in Destin, Florida

The Pompano fishing in Destin, Florida brings out recreational, Destin, Florida Fishing Charters along with commercial fisherman during the spring. Prized for their pure white delicious flesh and their willingness to attack live or artificial baits, the Pompano are definitely a crowd-favorite for those who fish from the beach or the numerous Destin Fishing Charters who target them for their clients. A year-round species, the Pompano really kick it into high gear during the spring time in Destin, Florida.

There are many more species targeted for fishing in the Destin, Florida area during the spring time, but these are just some of the more common and highlighted predators Destin Fishing Charters have come to expect. Spring Break in Destin, Florida brings visitors from far and wide not only from northern states but also our fishing opportunities from far offshore to reside through the late Fall. Spring time fishing in Destin, Florida signals the official start of the best fishing in the continental United States.

Our next writing will detail the Destin, Florida summer time fishery, which is highly regarded as the best time to catch the most diverse and numerous amounts of predatory species.

Until then, Tight Lines and Let’s Go Catch’em Up!

Capt LW

The ICX Summertime Destin Inshore Bay and Gulf Fishing Report

Posted by Capt LW
Red Snapper season in Destin FL

Red Snapper season is now in the books for even the Best Destin Fishing Charters. We’ve entered the halfway point in our Destin Fishing Charter summertime fishery. During these times most anglers flock to the further offshore areas of the Destin Gulf. It’s also a common practice to abandon the Destin Inshore Bay for the relative ease of catching fish in the deeper waters of the Destin Gulf. But not to fear, the same Redfish and Speckled Trout are still as active as ever in the Destin Inshore Bay. The Destin Inshore Gulf also has plenty to offer within a stone’s throw of Destin’s White Sand Beaches. Red Snapper fishing can quickly transform into targeting other legal year round species of the Snapper Family and other legal species such as Mahi Mahi, Cobia, King Mackerel, Grouper and Amberjack. However, for this fishing report, we’ll focus on the other popular snapper species, Vermillion and Mangrove Snapper.

Vermillion Snapper season in Destin FL

The Destin Inshore Gulf Fishery entering the midsummer has prompted us to place our focus on those legal species which can be harvested. Vermillion Snapper commonly top the list of our client’s most desired species for consistent action as well as excellent table fare. We’re typically finding our Vermillion Snapper on both natural bottom reefs and artificial reefs. When targeting Vermillion Snapper, our bait selections have varied from Boston Mackerel to live white baits as well as live shrimp. Having a variety of baits typically ensures a bite from the most finicky Vermillion Snapper. Another member of the Snapper Family we commonly target in summer is the Mangrove Snapper. Mangrove Snapper will frequent the same habitats as Vermillion Snapper. However once you’ve found Mangrove Snapper you’ll typically catch them one after the other.

Mangrove Snapper season in Destin FL

The type of tackle we prefer to use when targeting both the Vermillion and Mangrove Snapper is a 24 – 36 inch length of fluorocarbon leader attached to a very small swivel and light wire hook. In addition, we prefer to use just enough weight to get your bait down to the bottom. We’ve noticed Mangrove Snapper prefer the bait to rest on the bottom, versus the Vermillion Snapper preferring the bait to be suspended 10 – 15 feet off the bottom. Once you’ve found either Snapper species, you can expect some consistent action as long as you continue to send baits down to the bottom.

Speckled Trout catch in Destin FL

The Florida Wildlife Commission, myfwc.com sets the legal guidelines for Vermillion Snapper at 10 per person with a minimum 10 inch length. The legal guidelines for Mangrove Snapper are 5 per person with a minimum 10 inch length. The Florida State Record for Mangrove Snapper was set on June 14, 1992 with a 17 pound trophy.

The summertime Inshore Bay fishery for Redfish and Speckled Trout presents more of a challenge for most, but those who are disciplined in their approach to follow fishing patterns are often rewarded to some exclusive fishing action. Summertime Destin Inshore Redfish and Speckled Trout quite often feed early in the morning. At first light we often find both species in the shallow water grass flats of the Destin Inshore Bay. It is our preference to target Redfish and Speckled in grass flats starting in 5 feet of water and progressively working toward water depths as shallow as 2 feet. We definitely like to match the hatch during summertime bait selections. Baits such as menhaden, pilchards and croakers top the list. Menhaden and Pilchards are our preferred summertime baits especially when fishing the shallow water grass flats. Keeping your terminal tackle as simple as possible will also ensure success. Free lining live baits is a favorite tactic when it comes to targeting summertime Redfish and Speckled Trout. Other methods used to target summertime Redfish, is the short Carolina Rig. Rigging with a half ounce slip lead and the same above-mentioned baits is also a great way to target Redfish and Speckled Trout that have taken refuge in deeper waters.

Redfish season in Destin FL

The Florida Wildlife Commission, myfwc.com sets the legal guidelines for Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout) at 5 per person with a minimum 15 inch length to include only one over 20 inch total length. The legal guidelines for Redfish are 1 per person with a minimum 18 – 27 inch sloth length. The Florida State Record for Speckled Trout was set on May 5, 1995 with a 17.7 ounce Behemoth. The Florida State Record for Redfish was set on February 24, 1996 with a 52 pound 5 ounce trophy. The summertime Inshore Bay fishery for Redfish and Speckled Trout presents more of a challenge for most, but those who are disciplined in their approach to follow fishing patterns are often rewarded to some exclusive fishing action.

Summer is in full swing and it won’t be long until fall is here. The fish are biting on the Destin Inshore Gulf and Bay. As the water temperatures remain high, different strategies will be required to successfully target the various Destin Inshore Gulf and Bay species. IntraCoastal Experience is recognized as one of the Best Destin Fishing Charters who successfully target both the Destin Inshore Gulf and Bay. With a superior knowledge of fishing patterns along with a new fleet of well equipped and comfortable Hybrid Gulf/Bay Boats, IntraCoastal Experience is ready to provide your Family and Friends the Best Destin Fishing Charter Experience.

Until Next Time Let’s Go Catch’em Up!!!

Capt LW

Destin Inshore Fishing for Redfish

Posted by Capt LW
Over-Slot-Bull-Redfish-Destin-Inshore-Bay-Fishing

Destin Inshore Fishing for Redfish conjures up the thoughts of hard fighting, bronze colored, spotted tail beauties. Well known up and down the southern gulf coast and the target of both recreational and tournament anglers, Destin’s Inshore Redfish is hands down the #1 most sought after inshore species of visitors to the Destin, Florida area. The Redfish is typically divided into two categories; slot sized and over slot sized which are often referred to as Bull Redfish. Both categories of Redfish follow a similar eating pattern yet differ in their desired respective inshore geographical locations.

The Redfish, commonly found in the Destin Inshore, are known as veracious inshore predators. They are defined by a broad-shouldered light silvery to bronze colored body with a very distinctive black dot located on both sides of its tail. It is said this black dot mimics a false eye to any apex predator such as a Shark or Dolphin while a Redfish is actively nose down feeding. The apex predator takes a bite at the Redfish’s tail as opposed to its head allowing the Redfish to swim away and live to feed another day. Redfish range in size from 12 inch up to 50 inches in length. Destin Slot Sized Redfish are 18 through 27 inches, while Over Slot Sized or Bull Redfish are any size over the Slot. Bull Redfish are considered breeder Redfish and are protected throughout the State of Florida from harvest. Destin Inshore Redfish can be caught year-round however their locations tend to vary by both times of year and by their respective size.

Over-Slot-Bull-Redfish-Destin-Inshore-Bay-Fishing

Where to Fish for Slot Sized and Over Slot Sized Redfish

Destin Inshore Fishing for Redfish within the slot size limit requires getting down and dirty in the areas they want to feed. Slot sized Redfish prefer the comfort of oyster beds, bridge pilings and docks. These structures all serve to provide the necessary cover Redfish come to love due to the fact they all provide an ambush area to the prey Redfish desire. All of these structures typically hold numerous amounts of oysters and barnacles which ultimately attract the prey Redfish covet. Finding these structures in water depths in excess of five feet is premium especially when there is an adjacent shallow water area nearby. Shallow water near a deep drop off around structure allows a feeding Redfish to eat its prey and quickly return to the comfortable depths of the deeper structure.

As Destin Redfish progress into the over slot size (Bull Redfish) category, they tend to change their desired habitats. Bull Redfish are also attracted to deep water structures, however they are more commonly found around bridges or in large schools in deeper areas of the Destin Inshore Bay. However they can also be found in large schools congregating within yards of the shoreline in the Inshore Gulf. The Bull Redfish found in the Inshore Gulf can be easily located by standing on the bow of a boat or from the second tower helm of most customized sight fishing boats. They will be readily visible between the first and second sand bars of most Destin, Florida beaches. The Bull Redfish in the Destin Inshore Bay make themselves easily detectable as they move in large schools herding schools of minnows to the surface. When the Bull Redfish herd these minnows to the surface seabirds are often attracted to this feeding and quickly identify the location of Bull Redfish.

Over-Slot-Bull-Redfish-Destin-Inshore-Bay-Fishing

Bait for Slot Sized & Bull Redfish

Once slot sized and Bull Redfish are found, all that’s left is present the appropriate baits to make both want to eat. Typically slot sized and Bull Redfish will eat the same baits. If you’re fishing around structures, Redfish are looking for crustaceans, such as shrimp and crabs. Most commonly, live shrimp or even fresh dead shrimp from a local fish market will get the job done. If you prefer to target Redfish with artificial bait, you can’t go wrong with any of the scented shrimp imitations. In the case of schooling Bull Redfish, a live bait offering such as a pinfish, finger mullet, menhaden or croaker will definitely close the deal. Artificial lures such as paddle tail swim baits, curly tail grubs or even deep diving trolling lures will also get you a hookup with a large Bull Redfish.

Slot-Size-Redfish-Destin-Inshore-Bay-Fishing

Destin Inshore Fishing is now in its mid season pattern and the Redfish are biting quite well. Being armed with the appropriate bait and tackle for any possible scenario is a must. Booking a Destin Inshore Fishing trip with one of our experienced fishing guides is one way to ensure your success in hooking your dream Redfish. However if you’re a local and/or a do it yourself visitor to our area, your next move should be to hit your favorite local bait shop for some live shrimp and/or artificial lures. In my case you can’t go wrong with the great folks over at The SALTY BASS BAIT & TACKLE SHOP. They are the “Hands Down Choice” for the liveliest shrimp and best artificial bait and tackle selection which have consistently caught me and my clients some of the best quality Redfish. Not to mention the owner/operator, Roy Ledbetter, can provide you with over 50 years of the best firsthand knowledge of what’s biting and how to catch your trophy!

Until Next Time Let’s Go Catch’em Up!!!

Capt LW
IntraCoastal Experience Guided Fishing Charters
(850)585-7173

The Best Destin Fishing Charters: Inshore Gulf vs Offshore Gulf

Posted by Capt LW
best-destin-fishing-charters-big-cobia

Destin, Florida has a vast array of options when it comes to great fishing. There’s the Destin Inshore Gulf and Destin Offshore Gulf. Both offer quality fishing. The decision to choose one over the other is a challenge that faces many visitors to Destin when deciding to hire a Destin Fishing Charter Service. A lot of folks would love to select a Destin Fishing Charter which will allow them to venture a short distance into the Gulf. By choosing Destin inshore fishing, you’ll experience shorter travel times and a minimal sacrifice to quality fishing. IntraCoastal Experience Guided Fishing Charters provides just this service. Our clients and their families are able to choose a short distance Destin Inshore Gulf Charter and still target and consistently catch some of the best quality fish that inhabit Destin’s Gulf of Mexico. Destin Inshore Gulf Fishing Charters are not deep sea fishing trips. However, fishing inshore should not be thought of as a compromise on the quality or quantity of fish caught.

best-destin-fishing-charters-big-red-snapper

The Destin Inshore Gulf refers to waters within the State of Florida’s regulated boundaries which extend up to nine miles from the shoreline. There are a host of natural and artificial reef sites located within theses nine miles of Destin’s Emerald Coast. The natural and artificial reefs host a great bounty of Destin inshore gulf species and can often be reached in minutes by the best Destin fishing charters. Fishing inshore allows a lot more time fishing and less time running out into the further offshore reaches of the Gulf of Mexico. IntraCoastal Experience Guided Fishing Charters prides itself on getting more fishing accomplished within a shorter amount of travel distance and time, while providing clients the same catch opportunities as other Destin Offshore Fishing Charters.

best-destin-fishing-charters-big-red-snapper

Destin inshore gulf fishing charters provide access to a number of gulf species. Predatory species such as King and Spanish Mackerel, Cobia and Tarpon can be landed literally within yards of the Destin Inshore Gulf beaches. Other popular species such as Amberjack, Mahi-Mahi, Blackfin Tuna and Bonita are all common targets of the Best Destin Fishing Charters who fish the Destin Inshore Gulf. If you’re looking for year-round Destin Inshore Gulf species, then a full range of snapper species can be targeted and caught within a couple miles of the Destin’s Emerald Coast line. Vermillion, Black, Lane and White Snappers all offer some of the best catch opportunities within the Destin Inshore Gulf and allow the Best Destin Fishing Charters a year-round harvest option. One of the most popular Destin Inshore Gulf snapper species is the much sought after Red Snapper. Red Snapper ranging in sizes from three through thirty pounds can be caught readily on many Inshore Gulf Reefs within a mile from the shoreline.

best-destin-fishing-charters-big-red-snapper

One other popular species commonly targeted and caught by the Best Destin Fishing Charters is the vast array of Sharks which call the Destin Inshore Gulf home. These shark species include Black Tips, Spinners, Hammer Heads, Bulls and Mako. All of these top of the line Alpha Predators can be targeted and caught in numerous locations. Most sharks are commonly found on the assorted Destin Inshore Gulf natural and artificial reefs. On most of IntraCoastal Experience’s Destin Inshore Gulf Charters many shark species are located while clients are bottom fishing. Many catches are literally chopped in half by sharks while being reeled up by an unsuspecting client. The Best Destin Fishing Charters will then employ a shark rig and immediately send down bait to target the culprit. In most instances the unsuspecting client now has the upper hand, So Hold On Tight! The methods used by the best Destin Fishing Charters to target both Destin Inshore Gulf and Offshore Gulf species is typically the same. Most reef dwelling species are targeted with bottom fishing equipment, while most pelagic species (non-bottom dwellers) are targeted by trolling either live or artificial baits.

As with most fisheries, both Destin Inshore and Offshore Gulf fishing is highly regulated. The types of species you can actually harvest is the only limiting factor. However, all Destin Gulf species can be caught and released anytime of the year.

One final factor most people find attractive while fishing the Destin Inshore Gulf is the ability to visually see land the entire trip. Many of our clients have stated how seeing land has kept them from feeling motion sickness while fishing on the Destin Inshore Gulf. As a precaution, it is always advised to take a motion sickness pill the morning before your trip if you’re susceptible to motion sickness. Another effective way of minimizing the effects of motion sickness while fishing in the Destin Inshore Gulf is to minimize the intake of dairy products and alcohol the evening before and the morning of your trip. In the absolute worst case scenario when a client does get sick, the boat ride back to shore is often less than 15 minutes away.

Springtime is here and summer is just weeks away. The fish are biting on the Destin Inshore Gulf and as the water temperatures continue to heat up so will the appetites of even more Destin Inshore Gulf species. IntraCoastal Experience is recognized as one of the Best Destin Fishing Charters who target the Destin Inshore Gulf. With a new fleet of well equipped and comfortable Hybrid Gulf/Bay Boats, IntraCoastal Experience is ready to provide your Family and Friends the Best Destin Fishing Charter Experience.

Until Next Time Let’s Go Catch’em Up!!!

Capt LW

Destin Inshore Fishing: Springtime Speckled Trout

Posted by Capt LW

Posted on 15 April 2019

Nothing brings on more excitement and anticipation than the advent of the first catches of the Springtime Speckled Trout in the Greater Destin Inshore Bay Fishing areas. The Speckled Trout is known for its aggressive bite and ability to challenge the most seasoned anglers. The challenge lies with attempting not only to get it to accept a bait but also land this Destin Inshore sport fish. But where are these elusive Destin Inshore Fish in Springtime? Just what does it typically take to catch even the smaller ones versus the much sought after Gator-Sized Speckled Trout? To answer these questions, you must understand not only the Speckled Trout itself but also understand how the water temperature and geography of land affects its movements, what prompts these Destin Inshore Sport fish to come out of their Destin Bay hideouts, and finally, what they really want to eat once they are active in their Destin Inshore Fishing areas.

The Speckled Trout is known for its aggressive nature which appeals to anglers all around the world. It has a very muscular build and is similar in size and shape to many of its freshwater cousins such as the Brown and Rainbow Trout. Destin Inshore Speckled Trout range in size from 10 to 32 inches in length. Speckled Trout have a distinct coloring pattern with a dark black back and shoulder area accompanied by a dominant silver body and purple hue along with their signature black dots arranged all over their bodies. They are known to return to the same shallow water grass flats within the Destin Inshore Bay in which they were spawned.

Seventy degrees water temperature prompts Speckled Trout to feed

The movement of Destin Inshore Speckled Trout typically coincides with water temperatures. Many tried and true Speckled Trout Anglers will tell you the magic number which signals the movement of Speckled Trout within the Destin Florida Inshore Bay area is seventy degrees. At seventy degrees a number of things happen which prompts the Speckled Trout to feed. The first factor is the deep water holes Speckled Trout favor over a cold winter are no longer able to provide the same warmth as the shallow Destin Inshore Bay Flats, which now hold heat much better and stimulate more aggression within the Speckled Trout. Water temperature is such a big factor with Speckled Trout, that it is said for every one degree of water temperature change on a Speckled Trout is like eight degrees of water temperature change on a human body. With the water temperature at its desired level, Spring time Speckled Trout will look for the areas which will consistently hold these desired water temperatures.

The most common areas Speckled Trout seek for consistent desirable water temperatures are dark muddy bottom bayous which can capture and hold the warmth of the sun better than most of the other Destin Inshore locations. Speckled Trout loiter along the bottom of these muddy bottom bayous in anticipation of a quick ambushed meal and then quickly return to the warmth of the muddy bayou bottom. Another desirable Springtime Destin Inshore area which holds the warmth necessary for a Destin Speckled Trout to thrive is the shallow sandy grass flats which also heat up quite quickly as the day progresses. Finding and catching Speckled Trout in these areas lends itself to some great Speckled Trout fishing even later in the day when the sun is at its highest point.

Look for Destin Inshore Fishing areas with small minnows, crabs or shrimp

Now determining what prompts Destin Inshore Springtime Speckled Trout to eat is a challenging but yet predictable proposition if you just pay a little attention to what inhabits the areas you’re likely to find Springtime Speckled Trout. One of the best ways to determine what Springtime Speckled Trout are eating is to take a look at these areas, and observe whether there are small minnows, crabs or shrimp in any sizable number in the area. In my experience some of the first baits foraged by Destin Inshore Speckled Trout are Live Shrimp. A live shrimp will inhabit Destin Inshore Bay areas all year long and is a quick and easy target for a Speckled Trout. Another great Springtime bait for Destin Inshore Speckled Trout are the small menhaden (Pogies) that typically inhabit the back bayous by the thousands and make a quick and easy meal for Destin Inshore Springtime Speckled Trout. Knowing what Destin Inshore Speckled Trout are eating at any given time also allows you to mimic the live bait option with an artificial lure which represents these same live baits with great success.

Springtime has now hit the Destin Florida Inshore Fishing area and water temperatures are within a few degrees of hitting the seventy degree magic number in which Speckled Trout flourish. Your next move should be to hit your favorite local bait shop for some live shrimp. In my case you can’t go wrong with the great folks over at The SALTY BASS BAIT & TACKLE SHOP. It is the “Hands Down Choice” for the liveliest and best maintained shrimp. These shrimp have consistently caught me and my clients some of the best quality Speckled Trout.

Until Next Time Let’s Go Catch’em Up!!!

Capt LW

Winter Destin Inshore Fishing 2018-19 Has Arrived!!!

Posted by Capt LW

Winter Destin Inshore Fishing Action: Flounder, Sheepshead & Redfish

Winter has arrived and as the seasons change, so have the fish we target and how we target them. Flounder and Sheepshead are targeted now along with some Redfish action. Nice catches of all three species have been accomplished by our Clients.

Winter-Destin-Inshore-Fishing-for-Flounder

With the cooler Destin Inshore water temperatures comes the signal to the Flounder to move out of the Destin Inshore Bays and out to the Destin Inshore Gulf areas. Flounder can be targeted within 200 yards and up to 3 miles off the beach. Flounder migrate in response to cooler water temperatures and also spawn during this time. On our Destin Inshore Fishing Charters, we have an average catch of 20 Flounder. Catching Flounder is not only fun but can be quickly learned by even the most novice beginners of all ages. In my opinion, Flounder is one of the best tasting fish on the Destin Inshore. Flounder are great both fried or baked and can really stimulate your senses when stuffed and baked with a seafood dressing, Yummy!

Winter-Destin-Inshore-Fishing-for-Sheepshead

Another wintertime fish we target is the Sheepshead. During the colder months on the Destin Inshore, Sheepshead become more active and start eating a lot more. Sheepshead forage around bridges, pylons and jetties looking for various Destin Inshore crustaceans such as crabs, shrimp and barnacles. On our Destin Inshore Charters, we typically like to use live shrimp to target the Sheepshead. The Sheepshead is a clever fish at stealing your bait, which in turn requires your full attention to detect their very subtle bite. However, once you feel the bite of the Sheepshead and actually hook one, hang on because they are as feisty as they come!

Winter-Destin-Inshore-Fishing-for-Redfish

Last but not least is the Redfish. During the winter months, the Redfish inhabits the Destin Inshore Bay around docks, bridges and jetties. The Bull Redfish can be found cruising the Destin Inshore Gulf Beaches in larger schools of 200 or more. We typically target the Destin Inshore Bay Redfish with live shrimp in the wintertime and target the Destin Inshore Gulf Bull Reds by sight fishing them with artificial bait.

Our wintertime Destin Inshore Fishing typically starts in November and runs through March. We are truly blessed we have great Inshore Fishing Opportunities year-round. Please don’t hesitate to pickup the phone and call, text or email me personally regarding the latest fishing report or if you’d like to book me or one of our highly experienced Destin Inshore Fishing Guides.

Let’s Go Catch’em Up!

Capt LW

The Destin Inshore Bay Shallow Flats are Primed with Speckled Trout and Redfish

Posted by Capt LW

The Destin Inshore Bay and Flats fishing has arrived in a big way. The Redfish bite has turned on really nice on the Destin Inshore Bay and Flats. The reds are around the deeper water docks in excess of 5 feet but are also on the Destin Inshore Bay and Flats. Also if you’re seeing mullet in this same environment, it’s a sure bet that the redfish are lying underneath them. Live baits of choice for these redfish have been live shrimp, pinfish and finger mullet. On the artificial side of things, Jerk Baits have been slaying the reds in the greater Destin Inshore Fishing area.

Speckled Trout have fully turned on around the Destin Inshore Bay Flats. During early spring, I prefer to throw artificial bait imitations of the surrounding fingerlings that these trout are gorging themselves on. Mirrodine’s in your favorite color seem to elicit quick strikes from these hungry trout. I’ve also caught several nice trout with Topwater lures, which happens to be my personal favorite way to catch fish on the Destin Inshore Bay and Flats. Destin Inshore fishing with topwater lures is an early morning or late evening affair. Also if you like live bait, you can’t go wrong with live shrimp, either free-lined or as my clients seem to favor, under a popping cork. Either method will get you positive results.

Until Next Month,
C’Mon, Let’s Go Catch’em Up!
Capt LW

Loading up those coolers full of fish continues to be the NORM!

Posted by Capt LW

The Destin Inshore Bay Winter Fishing Is On Fire!

Jan2014FlounderFlounder: The Flounder bite continues to be exceptional with the cooler water temps. As a Destin Inshore Charter Fishing Guide, the cold fronts I look for have pushed through the Destin Inshore Bay Fishing areas, allowing my clients to target these fine eating flat fish. The cold fronts have sent the signal to the flounder and they have responded by moving out of the Destin Inshore Bay in massive numbers. This is absolutely the best time of the year, to get your limit of 10 Flounder per angler. On nearly all of my trips, we have easily caught our limits of flounder and then some. The flounder will ultimately settle in their breeding areas, where they will pose the easiest opportunity to Destin Inshore Bay fisherman to catch them throughout the winter months. Baits of choice include live finger mullet and bull minnows. My preference for rigging these live baits is either Carolina Rig with a short 8 – 10 inch leader, or a half ounce jig head directly hooked to the live offering. With the Carolina Rig, make sure to allow the flounder enough time to grab your bait and turn it around in his gullet before setting the hook.
Jan2014SheepsheadSheepshead: The Sheepshead bite is on, and as with Destin Inshore Fishing during this time of year, and with all the cold fronts, these striped bait stealers have made their presence known at both the Mid-Bay Bridge and Destin Pass area. Baits of choice for these convict fish are live shrimp, fiddler crabs, and raw oyster. A Carolina or Texas rig will serve to help you claim your limit of 15 Sheepshead per angler.
Jan2014RedfishRedfish: The Reds have maintained their bite consistency throughout the Destin Inshore Bay and Pass. The Bull Red action just can’t be beat in and around Crab Island, Destin Bridge and Destin Pass on an outgoing tide. Destin Inshore Fishing for Bull Reds this time of year means you must be prepared to take on Bull Redfish in the 10 – 40 pound range. The Redfish are eating the same live baits such as cigar minnows, pinfish and finger mullet. As a Destin Inshore Bay Charter Fishing Guide, I prefer to sight fish these large Bull Reds with artificial baits such as a half ounce jig head with a grub body or any of the topwater lures, which will utimately entice these Bull Reds to come out of the water to enhale your lure. On my Destin Inshore Bay and Flats Charter Fishing trips my clients have knocked down some respectable redfish on Topwater lures. What a Thrill! I just can’t get use to watching this action!

Capt LW’s Destin Inshore Charter Fishing
Guide Tip of the Month

While sight-fishing with my clients for Big Bull Reds, the first question I’m asked most frequently, is, “How do I spot the Big Bull Reds?” Great question, because there is a lot of area to cover on the water. But first I look for birds diving. Sometimes, birds will start diving in response to the Bull Redfish chasing and subsequently feeding on bait fish, which have been driven to the surface. The birds such as Pelicans, dive right into the water above the Redfish, snatching an easy meal, and typically identifying the location of the school of Bull Redfish. The other method which I employ to locate Bull Redfish, is to simply drive my boat from its upper helm and simply spot the Bull Redfish school, which will appear as a faint reddish colored blob, which will move rather than being stationary like a bed of seagrass or the like. These are my two main methods for sighting schools of Bull Redfish.

Until Next Month,
C’Mon, Let’s Go Catch’em Up!
Capt LW

Warmer temps sure to make this a Great Sight Fishing Opportunity!

Posted by Capt LW

The Destin Inshore Bay Shallow Flats are welcoming back the Speckled Trout and Redfish and the Annual Cobia Migration is just weeks away!

MikesRed
Redfish: The shallow water flats of the Destin Inshore are welcoming back our spotted tailed friends. I Have spotted and caught several slot sized reds while scouting the flats for life. The reds are following the new hatches of bait who will reside in the grass flats throughout the summer. The redfish bite has also been very good with the destin pass being a great place to target these redfish. Look for tide movements because this will typically help congregate these redfish and prompt them to bite. Baits of choice are live croakers, pinfish and large finger mullet. As a Destin Inshore Charter Fishing Guide, clients on my recent trips caught anywhere from 6 thru 20 of these hard fighting redfish.
Speckled Trout: Speckled Trout have also started to chew pretty aggressively around the Destin Inshore Bay Flats. Prime Speckled Trout areas seem to be where a freshwater source enters the Destin Inshore Bay and Flats. During early spring, I prefer to throw artificial bait imitations of the surrounding fingerlings that these trout are gorging themselves on. Mirrodine’s in your favorite color seem to elicit quick strikes from these hungry trout.
CharlesCobia
Cobia:The annual Destin Cobia Run is quickly approaching. Every year with the Cobia Run has been different when it comes to which bait is the go-to bait. But one thing is for sure, the ICX Destin Charter Fishing Boat, will have every possible bait you can throw in anticipation of the finickiest Cobia. Live Eels, Full-Sized Mullet, Catfish, Croaker, Pinfish, Cobia jigs and even a very large dead squid. No kidding, during the 2012 Cobia run an 86 pounder would not eat any of the usual baits until a Destin Charter Fishing Boat crew hooked up and sight cast a dead squid, and the fight was on! I just rigged up two more Cobia rods and we’re looking forward to entering the boat for the 2014 Harbor Docks Cobia World Championships. I’ve already booked a handful of Cobia Trips for the months of April and May, and we’re looking forward to taking our customers to the weigh scales to hopefully weigh in the winning Cobia! Please feel free to contact Capt LW if you’re interested in booking a Destin Nearshore Gulf Charter Fishing trip to experience this world class sight fishing opportunity. Destin Inshore Bay Flats Charter Fishing trips can be combined with Destin Nearshore Gulf Fishing Charter trips to provide the ultimate Destin Inshore Bay and Destin Nearshore Gulf Guided Charter Fishing eXperience.Until Next Month,
C’Mon, Let’s Go Catch’em Up!
Capt LW

2013 Destin Fishing Rodeo Final Results

Posted by Capt LW

Capt LW Burroughs Awarded the 65th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo, 2013 Destin Inshore Charter Fishing Captain of the Year and First Place Captain’s King Mackerel Jackpot!

I would like to thank all my ICX Client/Friends for a great 2013 Destin Fishing Season. I would also like to recognize the following ICX Client/Friends for their efforts during this time honored fishing tournament:

JT Woodham– First Place King Mackerel – First Place Flounder

Tim Tarpley – First Place Black Snapper

Brandi White – First Place Sheepshead – Second Place Flounder

IntraCoastal eXperience