A Guide to Pier Fishing Along Florida’s Emerald Coast

There are few things more relaxing than spending a day out in the sun fishing. Florida’s Emerald Coast, famed for its clear waters and sandy beaches, is home to some of the Gulf Coast’s best pier fishing. With half a dozen prime locations to choose from between Pensacola and Panama City Beach, visitors can head to the beach to catch some sun and to fish year-round along the Emerald Coast.

Okaloosa Island Pier

This concrete pier is one of the top fishing destinations in Northwestern Florida. Located in Destin, also known as “the luckiest fishing village,” the Okaloosa Island Pier is famous for its large saltwater fish. Anglers can catch tarpon weighing over 100 pounds, tuna, king mackerel, cobia, redfish, and bonito, just to name a few species. Even rare sailfish have been known to swim off the pier. Typical catches include Spanish mackerel, whiting, and bluefish. Guests who don’t have the necessary fishing rods and other gear with them can rent one at the on-site tackle shop.

Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier

Located on the white sands of Pensacola Beach, Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier is home to beautiful views and spectacular fishing. Many anglers come to this pier to catch species such as King & Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Pompano, Mahi Mahi, Flounder, Whiting, Tarpon, and Bonito. Even in the winter, redfish and sheepshead are abundant in the waters. Guests can purchase a daily, weekly, and annual and fishing pass, as well as rent gear from the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, bait and tackle shop.

Navarre Pier

This pier is the longest in the Gulf of Mexico, jutting out an impressive 1545 feet into the water. The structure is relatively new, having been replaced in 2010 after old Navarre Pier was destroyed by Hurricanes Opal, Dennis, and Ivan. Located between Pensacola and Destin, the Navarre Pier is pier is a popular destination for both hobbyists and professional anglers. Guests who aren’t interested in fishing can come to enjoy beautiful sunsets across turquoise waters, or to watch local wildlife such as dolphins and sea turtles.

Russell-Fields Pier

Also known as City Pier, the Russell-Fields Pier opened in Panama City Beach on July 4, 2009, replacing the one destroyed by Hurricanes Opal and Ivan. The pier is open year-round, and anglers can buy both seasonal and annual passes. Tourists and other visitors can also buy inexpensive daily fishing licensed that will allow them to catch species such as cobia, mackerel, redfish, blue liners, pompano, flounder, and more.

MB Miller Pier

The MB Miller Pier, also called County Pier, is located just a few miles east of City Pier in Panama City. Like its sister, it was recently rebuilt to replace an old pier destroyed by Hurricane Dennis in 2005. The beautifully constructed walkway runs 1500 feet in length, allowing anglers to get far out enough to catch cobia, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, redfish, blues, pompano, flounder, hardtails, and more.

Plan Your Next Fishing Trip to the Emerald Coast

Are you ready to start planning your next fishing trip to the Emerald Coast?  For those that wish to stay in a central location, we invite you to explore Newman-Dailey Resort Properties' Destin vacation rentals onine, including Gulf-front condominiums at Jade East Towers in Destin.  Or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652 to help narrow your search. 

See you @ the beach! 

Content contributed by Freelance Writer Jackie Edwards