With beautiful weather year round and miles of stunning shoreline, there are many reasons to visit 30A, but fishing isn’t far down the list. Whether fishing from the ocean or the coastal dune lakes, you’ll be sure to find some exciting catches as well long lasting memories. Fishing enthusiasts will need little more for incentive than a Florida fishing license (keep in mind that there’s a different license for freshwater and saltwater fishing) and knowing where the best spots to fish might be. Here are some of our favorite locations:
Choctawhatchee Bay
Off the coast of Destin, you’ll find Choctawhatchee Bay, one of the most popular fishing spots along 30A. You can find speckled trout, striped bass, redfish, flounder, and Spanish mackerel just to name a few species. This is especially true during the summer, and doubly during the full moon. You can find plenty of catches near the artificial reefs developed by neglected shipwrecks in the bay. Some are marked, while others may need the advice of a local to find, but they’re sure to make your fishing trip more exciting.
Northern Gulf
The Gulf of Mexico is already one of the biggest draws to the 30A area, for both beach lovers and fishers alike. If you’re looking for flat fishing, try the Northern Gulf. Here you’ll be able to find grouper, redfish, snapper, trout, and yellowfin tuna (the last most often found in cooler months). It’s not all ocean fishing in this area, either. You can find freshwater swamps, salt marshes, and coastal ecosystems made with seagrass meadows (thus making it ideal for flat fishing).
Coastal Dune Lakes
The coastal dune lakes of South Walton are a rare natural treat, uniquely shaped freshwater dune lakes located in close proximity to the saltwater sea. You can find an exciting range of flora and fauna here, as well as a great opportunity for fishing. There are fifteen different coastal dune lakes in 30A, each offering different experiences. Catch bass, redfish, flounder, mullet, and you may even see alligators or stingrays. There are fishing shops nearby where you can stock up on bait and equipment. Make sure you bring a camera as well to catch more than just the fish you reel in.
Grayton Beach
If you’re looking for a more formal fishing excursion, you can board a fishing charter to take you a few miles off the shore of some of the popular beaches. One beach you might consider as a starting point is Grayton Beach. While fishing in Grayton Beach, you can find blue marlin, flounder, kingfish, king mackerel, and the locally specific Florida pompano, and many more species. A fishing charter may even help you to make like-minded friends and learn a few tips to take with you in your own fishing trips later.
The shores along Highway 30A are perfect for a fishing vacation. Interested in taking a vacation soon to see for yourself, or even moving full-time? Looking for other attractions in 30A? Check back to our blog for more information.
