The area around Fort Walton Beach is home to some of the most lively and entertaining fishing competitions along the Gulf Coast. Naturally, this means there are numerous fishing locations where locals and visitors love to fish. If you are planning on spending a great deal of your time in the area fishing, Fort Walton vacation rentals are an excellent option. Fort Walton rentals are a great value and centrally located. Additionally, having a kitchen at your disposal will make cooking any of those catches a cinch.
Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier
If you want to get started slowly, consider staying close to land for your first fishing expedition. The Okaloosa Island fishing Pier is located just east of Fort Walton Beach on Okaloosa Island. The pier extends ΒΌ of a mile into the Gulf of Mexico and is the perfect spot to hook some huge fish without having to charter a boat. Award winning fish have been caught off this pier, some weighing more than 100 pounds. A tackle shop is located at the entry to the pier, just in case you forget anything at home. If you begin to crave a fishing trip in the middle of the night, don't worry. The pier is lighted so those nighttime fishing urges won't have to be ignored.
Freshwater Fishing
If you're looking for freshwater fishing, you've come to the right place. Three of the most popular rivers in the area are the Shoal, Yellow and Blackwater. There you will find large bream, bass and catfish. Stocked ponds are also abundant in the area, a local favorite is the Hurricane Lake in Blackwater River State Park.
Charter Boats
The various harbors in Destin have a large variety of charter boats from which to choose. With almost 150 varieties, it's possible to find anything from small private charter boats to larger party boats for big groups. With these charter boats you can enjoy deep sea fishing as well as bottom and inshore fishing. Many have low half day fees and several offer free fish cleaning for any fish caught during the trip.
Destin Fishing Rodeo
If you're truly an avid fisherman, you may want to plan your stay around the Destin Fishing Rodeo. Created in 1948 for saltwater fisherman, the tournament is held during the month of October. You can fish from a boat or the pier, bridge and jetty. There are divisions for all ages and ability levels and awards for nearly every gamefish in the Gulf of Mexico. Several entry options are completely free and the fun lasts all month long.
Vacation rentals are a great choice if you want to enjoy fishing on a pier, in freshwater or even in the deepest parts of the gulf. Visit Vamoose to find a home away from home for your next fishing expedition. Sort through rentals based on location, price and the features you want for your next fishing vacation.