Destin Inshore Fishing: May Prime Time
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing targeting Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Spanish MackerelCaptain cleans and fillets catch for guestsBait, tackle, and fishing licenses included with trip
May in Destin means the fish are moving, the weather's cooperative, and the inshore waters are absolutely loaded with hungry targets. From May 1st through the 21st, Last Cast Charters is running dedicated inshore trips that put you right where the action happens. We're talking about those productive grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths where Speckled Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, Redfish, and Black Drum are feeding heavy. This isn't some cattle boat operation – we keep it intimate with just 4 anglers max, so everyone gets quality rod time and personalized attention from your captain.
Your morning starts early, but that's when the magic happens. We'll be running to spots that have been producing consistently – shallow water areas where the baitfish are thick and the predators are actively hunting. The beauty of inshore fishing in Destin during May is the variety. One drift might have you hooked up to a hard-fighting Redfish in 3 feet of water, while the next spot could produce a cooler full of keeper Speckled Trout over grass beds. The captain knows these waters like his backyard and adjusts tactics based on tides, wind, and what the fish are telling us. Spring patterns are in full swing, meaning fish are aggressive and feeding to fuel up for the warmer months ahead. You'll experience that perfect combination of technical fishing and consistent action that keeps both beginners and seasoned anglers coming back.
Inshore fishing here is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials depending on conditions and target species. For Trout and Redfish, expect to work soft plastics under popping corks or free-lined live shrimp along grass edges and drop-offs. Spanish Mackerel calls for faster presentations – small spoons, jigs, or live bait on the move. When we're targeting Mangrove Snapper around structure, it's all about precise presentations with lighter tackle and natural baits. The boat's rigged with quality rods and reels that can handle anything from finesse fishing to the hard pulls these fish deliver. Your captain provides all terminal tackle, knows exactly which baits are working, and handles the technical stuff so you can focus on the fun part – fighting fish. The shallow water game requires stealth and skill, but that's what makes it so rewarding when everything comes together.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore scene, and May is prime time for these chrome rockets. They typically run 1-3 pounds but fight way above their weight class with blistering runs and aerial displays. Look for them around bait schools in 8-15 feet of water, especially during moving tides. What makes them special is their willingness to hit fast-moving lures and the way they absolutely smoke drag on light tackle. Plus, they're phenomenal on the grill with their rich, flaky meat.
Grey Snapper, commonly called Mangrove Snapper, are the thinking angler's target. These fish are smart, structure-oriented, and require finesse to fool consistently. During May, they're feeding heavily around oyster bars, dock pilings, and rock piles in 10-25 feet of water. A solid Mangrove Snapper runs 12-18 inches and provides excellent table fare with firm, white meat. They're notorious bait stealers, so catching them feels like outwitting a worthy opponent.
Black Drum are the bulldozers of the inshore world, often overlooked but absolutely fantastic fighters. May brings schools of these bronze bruisers to shallow oyster beds and grass flats where they root for crabs and worms. They range from puppy drum at 2-5 pounds to true giants exceeding 20 pounds. Their pull is steady and powerful – more like fighting a truck than a fish. They're bottom feeders by nature, so fresh cut bait or live crabs work best.
Sea Trout, specifically Speckled Trout, are the bread and butter of Destin inshore fishing. May is peak season when they're scattered across grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, feeding aggressively on shrimp and small baitfish. A good Trout runs 14-20 inches, with occasional gator Trout pushing 24+ inches. They're gorgeous fish with distinctive spots and provide some of the most consistent action you'll find. Their delicate mouths require a gentle touch, but their willingness to bite makes them perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and Destin's May waters hold some real quality fish. These copper-colored fighters love shallow water, often feeding in less than 3 feet around oyster bars and grass edges. Slot-size Reds (18-27 inches) are common, with bull Reds over 27 inches providing the fight of a lifetime. They're incredibly visual fish – you'll often see their backs or tails as they feed in skinny water. Their powerful runs and dogged determination make every hookup memorable, and their distinctive black spots make them instantly recognizable.
May 1st through 21st represents some of the best inshore fishing Destin offers all year. Water temperatures are perfect, baitfish are abundant, and predator species are feeding aggressively before summer heat sets in. Last Cast Charters handles all the details – bait, tackle, fishing licenses, and your captain will even clean and fillet your catch so you can take home a fresh dinner. Just bring snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and get ready for a morning on the water that delivers both quality fishing and lasting memories. With only
Jump aboard our 2018 24' Skeeter bay boat for some serious inshore action around Destin's productive waters. This rig comes packed with a 300HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fish fast, plus all the gear you need to make it happen – fish finder to locate the bite, GPS to hit those honey holes, and a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky reds and trout. The spacious deck gives up to 4 anglers plenty of room to work, whether you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows or dropping live bait on structure for mangrove snapper. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh until the captain cleans and fillets everything for you to take home. From May 1-21, we'll chase whatever's biting – speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, black drum, and more. Just bring sunscreen, snacks, and your appetite for some quality time on the water.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and they'll give you a serious arm workout. These bruisers typically weigh 5-30 pounds but can hit 90+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs, so you'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow structure. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when your best chances come. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare, but the big ones are tough and better released. They're called drums because they actually make drumming sounds you can hear underwater. My go-to bait is fresh blue crab - it stays on the hook better than shrimp and the drums can't resist it. Fish it right on the bottom.
Lutjanus GriseusMangrove Snapper, or Grey Snapper, are smart fish that'll test your patience and skills. These copper-red beauties typically range 10-14 inches inshore, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. They love hanging around docks, mangroves, reefs, and any structure that offers cover for their ambush-style feeding. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially during warmer water periods. What makes them special is the challenge - they're picky eaters with great eyesight and a tendency to steal bait. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Here's the key: use a 4J hook with live shrimp, hook it through the tail, and let it sit still on the bottom near structure. Too much movement spooks them, so patience wins the day.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of shallow water fishing and the reason many folks get hooked on inshore angling. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-32 inches with that famous black spot near their tail - nature's false target to confuse predators. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and marshy shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is the visual element - you can often see them cruising and cast right to them. They fight hard with powerful runs and the smaller slot fish make outstanding table fare. The secret is a gold spoon cast ahead of cruising fish and worked with steady retrieves - the flash drives them crazy.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, and they're perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. These spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with their silvery sides covered in distinctive black spots. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good current flow, usually in 2-8 feet of water. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they school up, though spring and fall offer great opportunities. They're scrappy fighters and make excellent table fare with tender, flaky white meat. The trick is fishing live shrimp under a popping cork near grass beds at dawn or dusk. Work it slow with gentle pops - speckled trout are attracted to the sound and movement, but they can be finicky if you're too aggressive.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, silver bullets that'll give you a real workout. These streamlined fish typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds, but they're some of the quickest swimmers in the Gulf. You'll find them schooling near the surface around structures, flats, and jetties in our warmer months - May through September is prime time. They hit hard and fight even harder, making long runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent eating with a mild flavor that's perfect on the grill. Pro tip: when you see diving birds, head that direction fast - Spanish Mackerel often feed in the same baitfish schools, and a silver spoon trolled at moderate speed through the action usually gets hammered.
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