Fishing adventures for less than 10 in Fort Walton Beach

Looking for some year-round, affordable family fun in Destin-Fort Walton Beach?

The Island Pier

With a wide variety of amenities available for both your fishing and sightseeing experience, The Island Pier is a top pick for your fishing adventure. Nothing brings you closer to the water. The Island Pier has been a Destin-Fort Walton Beach highlight since it’s first construction in the 1940s. Over the years, it’s become Okaloosa Island’s destination for affordable pier fishing with passes priced at less than $10! If you supply your own rod and tackle, $7 is all you’ll need to take a stroll down the pier, pick out a spot, and spend the whole day fishing. Traveling without your gear? Don’t worry, for an additional fee under $10, you may choose from a medium-large sized rod as a daily rental.

When you’re fishing from 30 feet above crystalline waters, you’re able to see not only forever, but a bird’s-eye-view of your intended target. This 1262-foot stretch of wood and concrete doesn’t just put the fish in front of you, it puts you in front of the fish. Many species of fish migrate through the surf where the The Island Pier pylons stretch out into the Gulf of Mexico.

Not enough room in the cooler for cut bait? Are you already stocked up for what the fish eat but forgot about feeding yourself? The Okaloosa Island Pier sells cut-bait, snacks, and drinks for you and your party fishing adventure.

Shore Fishing

The Island Pier brings you closer to the action, but what if you’re more of a solo fisherman looking for quality time with just your rod and reel? Fishing from the shores of the Gulf is more relaxed than the hustle and bustle of the pier. However, that doesn’t mean it’s any less enjoyable. March to November is prime surf fishing time in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Imagine opening a beach chair, setting up an umbrella, and casting out into the rolling surf for pompano and whiting. Other possible catches include  bonito, black drum, blue fish, blue runners, ladyfish, redfish, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead and shark. All that’s left to do is kick back, crack open a beverage, take off your shoes, and listen for the tranquil sounds of waves breaking on the beach. The only thing to offset the peace is the tell-tale screeching of a reel set off by a fish on the other end!

Part of shore fishing is also having the opportunity to learn how to catch your own bait. The fish you’re after love eating what’s already in their own backyard. If you’re up for the challenge, catching sand fleas is its own sport with each coming wave. Wading knee or ankle-deep and digging into the sand right after a wave yields some of the best possible bait you can find in the Gulf! Just remember to mind the beach flags and fishing license requirements before venturing into the water.

Show off your catch of the day! Tag your photos #DestinFWB for a chance to be featured on our social media pages.