By Cali Hlavac, Silver Shade Studios
Each year at this time, we offer options for fishing in this season that don’t necessarily require a boat. In our lucky little fishing village, it may seem that a boat is necessary to catch certain kinds of fish, or a multitude of fish. However, without access to a boat, there are still some great ways that anglers can take advantage of our local fishery (even some who will rent rods if you don’t have your own!) Grab your gear as we head out to explore some active spots to fish in the area.
Probably the most popular and first thought of a fishing spot without a boat is our white sand beaches. With miles stretching across the Emerald Coast, there is no shortage of spots to fish, but a few key factors could help you be more successful. When searching for a spot, look for a more secluded area where there are fewer swimmers. Also, check the water for color changes and wave breaks, as that will signify better feeding spots for the fish. Try to find a spot where two sandbars meet and post up in the middle of them. Popular fish caught off the beach include pompano, redfish, bluefish, ladyfish and jack crevalle.
Pier fishing is another hot spot in our local area, and we have two within driving distance – the Okaloosa Island Pier and the Navarre Beach Pier. Both piers stretch almost a quarter mile into the Gulf of Mexico and anglers of all skill levels can try their luck. Most frequent catches from the pier include Spanish mackerel, whiting, sheepshead, ladyfish and bluefish, but some noteworthy fish have been caught there as well. Cobia, king mackerel, tuna, even tarpon weighing more than 100 pounds and a few sailfish have been pulled up from the water. Redfish and pompano are also frequent catches in this area. Both piers have a tackle shop on site that will also rent rods and reels, so even the novice angler can spend a day trying his luck.
Our county is also working to provide adequate parks for public use, including Thomas Pilcher Park, located under the 331 Bridge. There is plenty of parking, bathrooms, and a variety of spots to cast a line. There is a bait shop down the road before the bridge where you can pick up tackle, bait and anything else you’ll need to get started. This is also a good spot to launch a paddleboard or kayak if you want to try fishing the shallow water along the shoreline, around the docks and grass flats.
In any of these locations, the best time of year to fish is from March-November, but fish will bite all year long if we have a warm winter. The bite is also always best when the tide is rising or falling and it’s common to see fish start to school up along the beaches.
If you are looking for a little more guidance while fishing, there are a variety of private charters or party boat options available to book in our area. Private charters are a flat rate small group fishing, whereas a party boat is more affordable and priced per person. There are so many affordable ways to enjoy fishing in our lucky fishing village!
