Destin Fishing Report September 2023*
Welcome back Gulf Coast Sportsmen to another fishing report for September 2023 in Destin, FL. Welcome back Gulf Coast Sportsmen for another fishing report for September 2023 in Destin, FL. The time has come, and Amberjack is now open along the gulf coast! The season is now open from September 1 – October 31. There are some new rules and things could change over the course of the next two months as catches are reported. Anglers should be sure to keep up with FWC’s Informational page to keep up to date throughout the season for bag limits and other resources. As we move closer to October, the Destin Fishing Rodeo is rapidly approaching!
Inshore
Inshore fishing has been relatively slow but will improve when the weather stabilizes in the Destin area. Black Snapper have been active around the Brooks and Destin Bridge also extending along the jetties. Live swim and cut mullet are good bets. Chum around the structure and jetties to get them active. Additionally, Spanish mackerel have been caught trolling around the pass using Mackerel Trees. Grass flats have had plenty of trout and redfish in the early morning and late evening. Live shrimp on a popping cork presented just above the grass is a good choice. A variety of swim baits and soft plastics can be effective as well. There are a lot of flats around the rim of the bay in the Destin area so there are plenty of spots for anglers to get a bite.
Nearshore and Offshore
Offshore conditions off the Destin area have varied wildly recently due to the inconsistent weather. Bottom fishing has produced mostly vermillion snapper and triggerfish on two hook drop rigs with cut squid or cut cigar minnows. Trolling offshore has seen some wahoo and mahi, however, anglers have had to go much farther out to find good water. As mentioned above Amberjack is back open in Destin! Be sure to book an offshore charter to get out there and get on these big guys.
Beaches and Piers
In the Destin area, surf fishing has improved as more and more of the grass is clearing out. Pompano have been surprisingly good in the area on pompano rigs on the bottom with sand fleas, cut shrimp, or fishbites. Sharks have been active as usual after dark. The Okaloosa Island pier has seen some king mackerel off the end of the pier. More common have been Spanish mackerel, hardtails, and lady fish on the tried and true Got cha lures. Fish up and down the pier to find a good spot and be prepared to work the whole pier for more opportunity.
