ResortQuest by Wyndham
Whether it’s wiggling on the end of your line or lying on your dinner plate, the humble fish is a big part of any Florida vacation. What else would you expect from ‘The Fishing Capital of the World’?
Yes, fish is a serious business in Florida, whether you’re catching it or eating it. So when it comes to planning your next vacation in the Sunshine State, you’d be wise to check out the fishing seasons first.
Here are the top five reasons why you should let a fish influence your plans for your next Florida vacation...
1. Cool Customers
In late-winter and early spring, the waters around Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island start to warm up. That can only mean one thing: that the sport fish are ready to give anglers a run for their money. The short and much-awaited Cobia season starts in early to mid-March. When the water warms up, the fish leave the reefs – and the anglers follow with their lines. This is also a great time of year for picking up some accommodation at a rental villa for a fraction of the price you’d pay during the summer months.
2. Catch ‘Em While You Can
Florida offers some of the best recreational scalloping in the world. Part snorkel adventure, part underwater treasure hunt, scallop season along the Gulf coast runs from July to September. It is legal to gather scallops north of the Pasco-Hernando county line to the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County. Remember though that there is a daily bag limit of two gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell, or one pint of bay scallop meat per person.
3. Hook & Cook
What could be more satisfying than catching and cooking your own dinner? That’s why it’s a great idea to stay in vacation rentals while you’re in Florida. Just check out this video, where Ashley Castle tries out the catch-and-cook experience in Florida.
4. Fishing Tournaments
You’ll be spoilt for choice for fishing tournaments in Florida. Check out the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo in October, the Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin in June or one of the Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club tournaments, which take place throughout the year.
ResortQuest by Wyndham
5. Get Lucky
Have the fish been eluding you lately? Nothing biting? Then consider heading to Destin on the Emerald Coast. Destin is known as the ‘World's Luckiest Fishing Village’ because of its first class deep sea fishing, offshore sport fishing and our great inshore and bay fishing. Staples like grouper, amberjack and redfish are caught all year long, and the captains of the fleet in the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village are always ready to give chase.