Fish Calendar

Locally nicknamed the Rock Salmon or Roxanne, this is another species closely related to the Amberjack. These fish can be found on various reefs and occasionally around floating objects. The Almaco Jack is also perfect for grilling.

Amberjacks are sometimes referred to as “Reef Donkeys”. They are pound for pound one of the strongest fish you can have on the other end of the line when fishing in the Gulf. They make excellent table fare, especially grilled. Grilled amberjack sandwiches have been a staple of many local restaurants for decades.

Blackfin Tuna in our area usually weigh from 20-30 pounds. While you can potentially catch this species anytime throughout the year, they are far more prevalent during the fall season here in Destin. They are especially fun to catch on light tackle They can be enjoyed grilled or seared, and it is considered sushi grade tuna.

Bonita at times can offer wild, fast paced action and are an absolute blast on light tackle. These are often caught while trolling and targeting other species.

These fish move around a lot, but the action can be fast and furious if you are lucky enough to come across a school. The Banded Rudderfish are related to and closely resemble its larger cousin, the Amberjack. Sometimes, these are also called Amberines. This species is perfect for the grill.

While the occasional fish can be caught throughout the year, Cobia historically migrate through our area of the Gulf of Mexico from late March through April. This is another fish with many names, such as Ling, Lemonfish, Flathead, or Crab Cruncher. If you are lucky enough to catch one of these, ask Captain Kyle for his favorite recipe. Cobia is a versatile fish to cook.

Gag Grouper is possibly the most common grouper in our area and it is one of Captain Kyle’s absolute favorite to target. They vary in size but can reach a whopping sixty or more pounds. Out of all the types of Grouper, Gag Grouper is one of the tastiest. Consider grilling with lemon pepper or pepper and actual lemon slices resting on tops as it cooks, or try baking with a parmesan crust.

King Mackerel are a true speed demon of the Gulf of Mexico. Often when they are in a feeding frenzy they can amaze with their ability to launch into the air while attacking your bait. They also offer the beautiful sound of the line stripping from your reel. This fish is really fun to catch. The King Mackerel is a winner on the plate as well, excellent as a mackerel dip for a football party served with crackers or chips..

The Lane Snapper is a Red Snapper with yellow racing stripes. Locally, these fish are nicknamed “Bread and Butter”. While more common in the Caribbean, we have seen an increase in our area of these fish over the last few years. They are among the slowest-growing fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.

A fish so nice they named it twice. Mahi Mahi has even more names, such as Dorado, Dolphin, or Dolphinfish. They are definitely the most beautiful fish in the Gulf of Mexico. When these fish bless us with their presence, they can surely put on a show like no other. They are especially fun to try to catch on light tackle.

The fish of many nicknames, often called Slop Bucket, Garbage Gut, or even Fire Truck. They are notorious for having the most unusual items in their stomach. The Red Grouper is the most common species of Grouper, it what you would most likely be eating in restaurant across America if the menu read “Grouper”. Woo-hoo, woo-hoo, honk, honk! (That is the sound of the Fire Truck!).

Sailfish is a prize catch anywhere in the world. This fish is an acrobat and will be the fight of your life. At up to eleven feet and over two hundred pounds, you won't get many opportunities to experience this. This fish will not be on your table though because this is a catch and release sport fish.

While occasionally found in shallow waters, Scamp Grouper tend to be more of a mid-range to deep-water species. Their distinct tails separate them from the looks of other Groupers. The Scamp Grouper is considered by many to be the filet mignon of Grouper. Flakey-white delicious filets would be a treat on any dinner table.

The Spanish Mackerel is a more tasty cousin of the King Mackerel. These fish can often be caught 3 or 4 per fishing rig. In our area of the Gulf of Mexico, these can be fun to catch, especially for young ones on a shorter fishing trip. Sometimes they can even be caught inside the Jetties or in the Bay, if the sea are rough offshore.

Snowy Grouper is a deep water species, so it does take time to reach these fishing grounds. We offer the options for fishing for these deep water Groupers. If you like, you can manually fish for them but we also we offer electric reels when we are targeting these fish. If you use the electric reels you can sit and relax as your bounty makes its way to the surface. While targeting Snowy Grouper you will often bring up other exotic deep water species, many of which you have probably never seen before.

Without a doubt Triggerfish are one of Capt. Kyle’s absolute favorite fish to eat. Don’t be fooled by these guys, they are an aggressive species for sure. Keep your fingers clear of that mouth!

Vermillion Snapper are the pinnacle of fish when it comes to frying or fish tacos. High limits make this a great option for a “Hook and Cook” at your favorite restaurant or putting together a friends and family fish fry.

Wahoo are one of the fastest fish in the Gulf and their blistering speed allows this fish to sometimes be caught while high speed trolling. Be sure to have Capt. Kyle show you some interesting facts about this fish if you are lucky and catch one. Wahoo is very nice served blackened with Mango-Peach Salsa on top of a bed of rice.

Warsaw Grouper are fairly rare but an amazing creature to capture. Check out the 349 pound one caught aboard the Special K during the Destin Fishing Rodeo.

Description Yellow Edge Grouper is the filet mignon of white fish in the Gulf. This is Capt. Kyle’s favorite fish to target when they are inhabiting our waters.