This guide covers king mackerel fishing out of Destin for anglers running their own boat: when the fish are here, how far the run is from Destin Pass, and the reefs and wrecks that hold them. Every distance and bearing below is measured from Destin Pass. Load the numbers as waypoints and use the season windows to plan your trips. Ramps, the inlet and forecasts are in our Destin port guide.
When king mackerel are off Destin
Two sources give two windows for kings off Destin. Why the fish move is covered in our king mackerel species guide. Here is what each source lists:
| Source | Window |
|---|---|
| charterfishingdestin.com | Spring run, March to May. Fall run, September to November. |
| FishingBooker | May through September rated great. March and October rated fair. |
Spring and fall runs
The charterfishingdestin.com king mackerel page lists a spring run from March to May and a fall run from September to November.
The May through September window
FishingBooker’s Destin kingfish guide marks May through September great, and March and October fair. Both sources include May and September. The wider picture is in our Gulf king mackerel guide (see also the wider Gulf of Mexico guide).
How far boats run from Destin Pass
Boats run to the offshore trolling water off Destin. The named sites sit about 15 to 25 miles out, on headings of 151 to 160 degrees. The run starts at Destin Pass (East Pass) and points south-southeast.
Most site distances are statute miles (sm), while Conch Reef is listed in nautical miles (nm). Figures are given as listed, with no conversion, and most bearings are degrees magnetic.
- Distance spread: about 15 to 25 miles
- Heading spread: 151 to 160 degrees
- Units: statute miles, except Conch Reef in nautical miles
No NDBC buoy at Destin Pass was confirmed. The nearest reference is NOAA tide station 8729511 at Destin, East Pass.
Reefs and wrecks that hold kings off Destin
Eight named sites sit between 60 ft and 138 ft. Load these as waypoints; chart layers are not for navigation.
| Site | Depth | Distance from Destin Pass | Bearing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miss Louise | 60 ft | not listed | not listed |
| Conch Reef complex | 110 ft | about 15.2 nm | 151 deg from Destin Pass |
| Army Tanks 10-14 | 115 ft | about 16.6-18.0 sm | 154-158 deg magnetic |
| Monica Lee Tugboat | 117 ft | about 17.2 sm | 152 deg magnetic |
| The Boatyard | 119 ft | not listed | not listed |
| Baskins Barge | 135 ft | about 21.8 sm | 156 deg magnetic |
| Prewitt Tugboat | 135 ft | about 24.6 sm | 152 deg magnetic |
| Culvert Reef A-F | 138 ft | about 20.3-25.1 sm | 152-160 deg magnetic |
Miss Louise
A tugboat, Okaloosa County site OK-100, in 60 ft of water. It is 95 ft long with a 23 ft beam.
Conch Reef complex
The depth is 110 ft. It sits about 15.2 nm at 151 deg from Destin Pass, the only figure given in nautical miles.
Army Tanks 10-14
The depth is 115 ft. It sits about 16.6 to 18.0 sm at 154 to 158 degrees magnetic.
Monica Lee Tugboat
The depth is 117 ft. It sits about 17.2 sm at 152 degrees magnetic.
The Boatyard
The M/V Miss JoAnn, placed beside the M/V Dylan and M/V Brannon. The depth is 119 ft and the relief is 40 ft.
Baskins Barge
The depth is 135 ft. It sits about 21.8 sm at 156 degrees magnetic.
Prewitt Tugboat
The depth is 135 ft. It sits about 24.6 sm at 152 degrees magnetic.
Culvert Reef A-F
The depth is 138 ft. It sits about 20.3 to 25.1 sm at 152 to 160 degrees magnetic.
How kings are fished out of Destin
Locally, kings are fished by trolling or sight fishing in spring, summer and fall, per charterfishingdestin.com.
Trolling
Trolling is one of the two local methods. Tackle and technique are in our coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
Sight fishing
Sight fishing is the other local method.
Charters that target kings
Charter Boat Into the Blue lists king mackerel. It is a 46 ft boat run by Captain Nino Bright, and a possible choice if you want a Destin kingfish charter before running your own boat.
FAQ: king mackerel fishing out of Destin
When are king mackerel off Destin?
charterfishingdestin.com lists March to May and September to November. FishingBooker rates May through September great, and March and October fair.
How far do boats run from Destin Pass for kings?
The named sites sit about 15 to 25 miles out, on headings of 151 to 160 degrees. Most distances are statute miles. Conch Reef is in nautical miles.
What depth are the reefs and wrecks off Destin?
Depths run from 60 ft at Miss Louise to 138 ft at Culvert Reef A-F. Most sites are 110 to 138 ft.
How are kings fished out of Destin?
Trolling or sight fishing, in spring, summer and fall, per charterfishingdestin.com.
What is the nearest NOAA station to Destin Pass?
NOAA tide station 8729511, at Destin, East Pass. No NDBC buoy at Destin Pass was confirmed.
Where are the king mackerel rules for Destin?
Check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rules before fishing. The sites run 15 to 25 miles out, so confirm whether state or federal rules apply.
