By Tara Roberts
Saltwater fishing
Picture it – azure skies, emerald green gulf waters, sugar white beaches, a slight breeze, warm sun and a fishing pole. You’re in paradise!
When vacationing on the Emerald Coast part of that stay should be devoted to one of America’s favorite pastimes – fishing. One of the best reasons for fishing here is that there are so many options, and so many fish to catch.
You can fish from the beach, from a pier or jetty, and for the more adventurous, from a deep-sea charter boat. If you choose to fish from a pier or charter boat, you might not even need to get a license.
All anglers over age 16 must have a license unless fishing from a pier or charter boat holding a valid license. Beach fishing will require a permit and proof of age may be required.
Temporary non-resident licenses can be obtained at all county tax collectors offices, or from an official license agent, such as the sporting goods departments at Wal-Mart. A license is also available online at www.myfwc.com/license or by calling (888) 347-4356.
Costs for a temporary license:
- Three-day – $6.50
- Seven-day – $16.50
- One year – $31.50
There is an additional service charge for licenses not obtained directly from the county tax collector.
From the Beach
Fishing from public access beaches and state park beaches is permitted. Regulations regarding the use of proper fishing gear may vary according to each county’s rules. For more information, call the Northwest Florida Division of Law Enforcement in Panama City at (850) 265-3676.
There are also several jetties jutting out into the Gulf where visitors can fish.
- St. George Pass in Apalachicola Bay
- St. Andrew’s Pass near Panama City
- East Pass in Destin
Those unfamiliar with the term “jetty” – it is a man-made structure, typically concrete or stone, that extends from the shore into the water and serves as a break to protect the harbor from eroding.
Hook and line gear can be purchased at several discount stores, beach shops and at pier tackle shops throughout the area. When fishing from the beach, anglers must tend their gear at all times to ensure other people, and marine and shore life do not get entangled in the lines. It is also against state laws to improperly discard monofilament line or netting into state waters.
Net fishing is permitted but depending on what you’re fishing for, will determine the size of net allowed. If a non-resident uses a beach or haul net to fish for recreational purposes, a commercial saltwater products license is required. Hand-held nets can be no more than 96 inches in diameter.
For more information regarding beach fishing, visit www.myfwc.com/marine for the “Angler’s Guide to Florida Marine Resources.”
From the pier
For anglers visiting the area for a short vacation, pier fishing is a perfect a one-stop shop. No license is needed if the pier holds a valid commercial permit and these listed also have tackle shops where rods can be rented. Admission fees are good for the entire day, and during the summer season, piers are open 24 hours a day.
Okaloosa Pier – 1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach, (850) 244-1023
- Open 24 hours (lighted for night fishing) – tackle shop is open until about 6 p.m.
- Cost: $6.50 for adults, $3.50 for children under age 12, $5.50 for seniors 65 and older
- Pole rental: $6 for entire day
- Admission is good for the whole day. Wristbands are issued and anglers can come and go all day for a single price. The pier is about 0.25 miles long and is adjacent to the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island.
Dan Russell Municipal Pier – 16101 Front Beach Road, Panama City, (850) 233-5080
- Open 24 hours (lighted for night fishing) – tackle shop open until about 6 p.m.
- Cost: $5 for adults, $2 for children age 12 and under
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Hurricanes Dennis and Ivan wiped out Navarre Beach Pier and there are no immediate plans to restore the structure. There is still plenty of open sand where anglers can fish and the Navarre Beach Boat Dock has been restored and reopened with limited parking. In October 2005, the Florida State Park system released Navarre State Park to Santa Rosa County Commission. Plans are for the county to refurbish the park and reopen as a local facility.
Navarre Beach Pier - south of Navarre Bridge off Highway 98
- Mackerel
- Blue Fish
- Bonito
- Cobia
- Flounder
- Mahi Mahi
- Pompano
- Various types of trout
- Tarpon
- Whiting
It is not uncommon to sight dolphins (the cute ones), brown rays, sharks and crabs from the piers.
From the Gulf
Dubbed the “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin lives up to that moniker with a commercial fishing fleet that can rival some countries’ naval fleets. More than 90 charter boats fish in the Gulf of Mexico from one to 100 miles from shore. The Emerald Coast waters have produced record marlin, sailfish, tuna, Wahoo, swordfish and dolphin (no relation to Flipper).
Open water trips or bay excursions can last from a few hours to overnight. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must, and coolers with drinks and food are allowed. Flotation devices, and bait and tackle are provided.
Even the most seasoned angler can experience seasickness in open water. Prepare for the possibility with over-the-counter remedies, such as Dramamine, or anti-nausea wristbands that work on the principal of accu-pressure. Motion sickness patches are available that dispense medication over a 72-hour period. The home remedy of crackers and a carbonated soft drink can also help settle an upset stomach.
Depending on the size of your party, private trips are available, or anglers can join a walk-up group charter. Walk-ups are less expensive since all the participants share the cost, but in the off-season or spring, sometimes it is difficult to gather enough people to get a full boat. During the summer months, boats fill quickly so arrive on the dock early.
Charters typically set out twice a day, once early morning around 6 a.m. and again in the late morning before noon. Inclement weather can cause cancellations, so check weather forecasts before reserving a boat.
When making reservations, tell the charter company what sort of trip you want. Is sight seeing for dolphins or sharks more in line with your plans, or do you want to go after the big fish – marlins and sailfish? Ask about inshore trolling for cobia, mackerel and tuna, or bottom fishing for red snapper, grouper or amberjack
Check out the captain and make sure he or she is U.S. Coast Guard licensed and has proper insurance. If possible, ask for references, or ask at the front desk of your hotel or your concierge for recommendations.
Charter outfits are available all along the Emerald Coast from Pensacola to Port St. Joe and everywhere in-between. Check out the Yellow Pages at EmeraldCoast.com for a directory of charter boats for hire along the Panhandle.