Destin fishing report for the week of October 8, 2026. The Emerald Coast fishery is hitting stride as the water cools. East Pass is full of bait, the nearshore is full of kings, and the wrecks are holding fish. A new moon this weekend sets up strong tides.
What’s Hitting
King mackerel are the headliners nearshore, trolling along the 60-foot line. Bull redfish are in East Pass and along the beach, eating cut mullet and menhaden. Amberjack and snapper are on the wrecks and artificial reefs, Spanish mackerel and bluefish are hitting at the Okaloosa Island Pier, and pompano are showing along the surf.
Where to Find Them
Troll live baits or spoons along the nearshore reefs for kings. East Pass, Norriego Point and the jetties are prime for bull reds. The Destin Harbor and the Choctawhatchee Bay bridges hold flounder and sheepshead. Offshore, the wrecks in 100 feet of water are good for amberjack and snapper.
Tides & Conditions
The new moon this weekend brings stronger tides and strong current in East Pass. Be careful when running the pass, and watch for the opposing wind and tide. A passing front can generate a choppy sea, so check the marine forecast.
Tackle & Tactics
Troll live bluefish or cigar minnows on a stinger rig for kings. Cut mullet on a fish-finder rig is the standard for bull reds. For amberjack, a heavy jig or a live bait on the wrecks works. Bring a good net for the pass, and keep your drag set properly.
If East Pass looks too rough, shift your plans to Choctawhatchee Bay. The bridge pilings and the grass edges there hold trout, slot reds and flounder in protected water, and it is a good fallback when a northerly wind stacks up the seas outside.
Local Intel This Week
Public access includes the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, East Pass and Norriego Point, and the Destin Harbor, with several public ramps on Choctawhatchee Bay. Fish are concentrating around the pass and the wrecks. Check current FWC and federal regulations and seasons before keeping any fish, as amberjack and snapper have specific rules.
This Week’s Tip
Watch the bait. In East Pass, the birds will show where the mullet and the bait are, and the reds are usually right underneath.
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