Redfish are the signature inshore species of Destin and Fort Walton Beach. These copper-colored bruisers with the telltale black tail spot hunt the shallows of Choctawhatchee Bay — prowling oyster bars, docks, grass flats, and the sandy edges of East Pass. Hooking a bull red in knee-deep water is one of the most thrilling experiences in Gulf Coast fishing.
Our Destin redfish charters target them year-round, with fall bringing huge schools that crash baitfish along the beaches and marsh edges. We sight-fish tailing reds on the flats, pitch live shrimp and finger mullet around oyster bars, and work topwater plugs across grass edges in the early morning.
When to Fish
Available year-round, with peak fall run (September–November) when schools of bull reds push the beaches. Legal slot size: 18–27 inches.
What to Expect
Light tackle, live shrimp, topwater plugs, and sight-fishing the flats. Often produces speckled trout, flounder, and black drum on the same trip.
Fall
Year-Round
Falling Tides & Early Morning
Perfect for redfish, speckled trout, and more in the calm waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Rates Per Boat
Includes up to 4 passengers
Extra Passengers $50
Includes Gear + License
Questions about redfish fishing in Destin
Seasons, technique and what you can keep, plus which bay fishing trip to book.
When is the best time to catch redfish in Destin?
Redfish are here year round, and autumn is the peak. From September to November schools of bull reds push the beaches, which is when sight casting to them is at its best. Falling tides and early mornings are the windows to ask for.
Which trip do I book to target redfish?
A bay trip. Four hours is $800 and covers up to four people, fishing the grass flats, oyster bars and docks of Choctawhatchee Bay on light tackle with live shrimp, topwater plugs and soft plastics.
Can we keep redfish?
Inside the slot, yes, and anything you keep is cleaned at the dock. Slot sizes and bag limits are set by the state and do change, so the captain confirms what is legal on the day of your trip.