Welcome, Spring and the start of the 2023 fishing season!
We look forward to booking your fishing trip. Feel free to explore the rest of our website and call Captain Reid at 850-797-7678 if you have any questions.
2023 Recreational Fishing Season
(Last updated May 2023)
Red Snapper: June 1-August24
Amberjack: August 1-October 31
Gag Grouper: September 1-November 10
Gray Triggerfish: March 1-May 31; August 1-December 31
Cobia, Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, a variety of Grouper species, and others have no closed fishing season.
Harbor Updates
We have updated our FAQ section of the website, but wanted to include it in the newsletter as well. Parking is still available behind Brotula's, however the fee is now $10 for the first 4-hours, then an additional $1 per hour. There is public parking available across the street for a fee as well.
Local Events
There are always events throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall (prime fishing season) along the Destin Harbor. From live music, to fireworks, to activities with children. Simply enjoy the sunset strolling the Harbor or walking along one of the public beaches too. Go to the City of Destin website, Emerald Grande website, or the Destin Fishing Rodeo website (if you're planning a trip during October) for more detailed event information.
What to do with your catch?
The deckhand will clean your catch at the end of the trip for no additional fee (although 20% gratuity is expected). Remember to bring your cooler and purchase ice to transport your catch back to the hotel or straight to one of our favorite restaurants along the Harbor. If you're planning on cooking your own catch, we recommend grilling, baking, or frying-you cannot do it wrong! Check out a few of our favorite recipes from over the years:
Spring Recipe:
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Amberjack
Ingredients
Fresh Caught Amberjack filets (3/4 inch thick palm-size filets)
4-6 ounces of Marinade: 1/4 cup Dales, 1/3 cup olive oil, 2+ finely chopped garlic gloves, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1 tablespoon Tony Cacherie Seasoning, and black pepper to taste
1 Tsp Brown sugar/Filet
1 can Coca Cola
Instructions
Mix marinade in casserole or gallon ziploc, add fish, cover completely
Marinate 30 minutes in fridge
Remove filets from marinade, wrap each with a slice of uncooked bacon, and secure with toothpick or skewer
Grill about 5 minutes per side
Add a heaping teaspoon of brown sugar to each fillet, dribble with regular Coke
Once bubbly, remove from grill
Enjoy with a chilled Pinot Grigio and a tossed salad
Summer Recipe:
Blackened Red Snapper with Mango Salsa
Ingredients
About 12 ounces of Red Snapper Filets
1 Cup cubed mango
1/2 Cup chopped cilantro
1 Minced jalapeño pepper
2 Tablespoons lime juice
1 Tablespoon melted butter
Blackened Seasoning (Purchase or combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, basil, and oregano)
Directions
Combine mango, cilantro, pepper, and lime juice
Cover and chill until ready to serve
Brush the snapper filets with butter, then coat both sides with the seasoning
Cook the fish 2 minutes per side in a large skillet
Serve with the salsa and enjoy this light and refreshing Summer meal!
Fall Recipe:
Baked Yellow Edge Grouper
Ingredients:
Yellow Edge Grouper filets
Cooking Oil
Seasoning (Like Old Bay)
Instructions:
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees
Coat the baking pan with oil
Season both sides of the filets to taste
Bake for ten minutes per inch of thickness. Fish should be flakey when finished.
Enjoy!
We hope you have enjoyed our 2023 newsletter. Feel free to look through the previous newsletters, peruse the rest of the website, scroll our Facebook and Instagram, and call Captain Reid when you're ready.
Happy fishing!
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