Bait & Tackle Shops in Destin, Florida

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GETTING BAIT FROM THE BAIT BOAT
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Destin Bait & Tackle Shops

Call ahead as live bait is not always available

View DESTIN AREA BAIT & TACKLE STORES in a larger map

If you are on the water . . . .Destin Bait Boats
There are several bait boats in Destin that operate in the summer months that supply live cigar minnows with some other bait mixed in,
depending on what is available. Their boat is normally anchored somewhere from the Destin bridge to just outside of the East Pass in the
morning (approx 6:00 AM to around 9:00 AM.) One boat operates on VHF Channel 80 or 82, the other on
Channel 68 or 69. Hail them on VHF to find their location and tell them what you want. Order in $10 - $20 increments, cash only.
$20 will get you 25-35 live cigar minnows. Actually, it is probably cheaper to buy their live bait than frozen bait.

Known as the "luckiest fishing village", Destin is the home to some of the best saltwater fishing in the United States. The 100 Fathom (600' depth) Curve of the Gulf of Mexico draws closer
to Destin than any other spot in Florida. This, along with Destin's close proximity to the East Pass and the Gulf of Mexico, allows quick access to the Gulf of Mexico's fishing bounty.
The purpose of this site is to acquaint a new fisherman to the Destin area - our local facilities, fish, waters and fishing methods. Tight lines and good fishing!

Bass Pro Shop                850-269-0636
4301 Legendary Dr, Destin, FL 32541     Web Site
Located in Destin Commons on Hwy 98, the national fishing chain
store. Good supply of saltwater tackle, some freshwater.

Frozen bait         Tackle

Walmart
15017 Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541 Web Site
Located across from Henderson Beach State Park, the national
chain box store. Open 24 hours. .

Frozen bait Tackle Bag Ice Snacks

Bait Man

Ch 80

Bait Man

Ch 69

As you pass the
Destin Bridge,
contact "Bait
Boat" on VHF
channel 80 or 69.
When they
answer, ask for
his location and
tell him how much
you want ($10
increments)

They should tell
you which side of
his boat he wants
you on (Usually
Port side)

Normally located
just outside of the
jetties.

They keep their bait
in large submerged
cages.

Come along side,
verify how much
you want and
they will hand you
a long handled
net full of live bait

Dump the bait in
your live well and
put your cash
back into the
empty net. Hand it
back to him and
you are done!
Thats all there is
to it.

Half Hitch Tackle               850-837-3121
621 E Hwy 98        Destin, FL 32541           WEBSITE
The oldest and probably the most well equiped bait and tackle store
in Destin.

Live bait        Frozen bait        Tackle        Rod & Reel Repair

Ship's Chandler                850-837-9306
646 E Hwy 98        Destin, FL 32541           WEBSITE
Located on the harbor.

Frozen bait        Tackle        Boat Sales & Repair

Fisherman's Coop             850-654-4999
210 Hwy 98        Destin, FL 32541
Where the charter boats get their frozen bait and tackle. Located on
the Destin Harbor underneath Fisherman's Wharf restaurant.Open
to the public. Bulk bait only
Frozen Boston Mackerel & Squid     Some Tackle

Harborwalk Marina            850-337-8250
66 E Hwy 98        Destin, FL 32541        Web Site
Located on the Destin Harbor, boat accessible, part of the Emerald
Grande complex. Good place to get bulk ice for your boat

Live bait         Frozen Bait        Tackle        Bulk Ice        Marine Gas

Destin Marina                    850-837-2470
104 Calhoun St, Destin, FL 32541     Facebook Page
On the water, boat accessible, across from Crab Island. Boat ramp
available.
Live Bait        Frozen bait        Tackle        Marine Gas        Snacks

The Bait Boss 850-637-8333
Delivery only, Order by Phone Web Site
Bulk frozen bait (>$50) delivery to anywhere from the Brooks Bridge
in Ft Walton to Baytowne Wharf in San Destin. Must order in
advance. Frozen boston mackerel, squid, spanish sardines, porgies,
ballyhoo, other in season

Destin Ice & Seafood 850-837-8333
663 Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541 Web Site
Fresh seafood store where you can get fresh shrimp, clams, oyters
to eat and use for bait. Even if you dont catch any fish, you can eat
your bait.
Fresh shrimp, oysters, clams

Sexton's Seafood 850-837-3040
601 E Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541 Web Site
Fresh seafood store where you can get fresh shrimp, clams, oysters
to eat and use for bait. Where I get mine. Even if you dont catch any
fish, you can eat your bait. Also good place to get inexpensive BULK
ice. Fresh shrimp, oysters, clams

West Marine - Destin         850-269-0636
862 Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541           Web Site
National Chain store with good selection of fishing and boating
equipment.

Frozen bait        Tackle and Equipment

If there are other
boats, just get in
line.

Bait & Tackle Shops
in Destin

Last updated:
Feb 2014

This web site is updated as I have time from other things going on. As there are a 1000 + different ways to do things, this is only
my way of fishing, nothing else, and it is not the last word in fishing the area. I am by no means an expert but if you would like my opinion on something related to fishing the area,
please email me at FishingDestinGuide@cox.net. It may take a few days before I get to it, so be patient. Thanks.....

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