Destin Jetties

[BladeRunner]

Does anyone have any experience freediving or spearfishing either the east or west Jetties in Destin Florida. I'm also interested in the temperture range you would usually find during the winter in this area?

BladeRunner OUT

[cdavis]

Hi Bladerunner,

Destin jetties used to be my favorite place, but that was a long time ago. A very scenic spot. I really don't know what it is like now. The east jetty, just inside the tip used to be the best. It should be a great place for a kayak or similar. Temp in the winter: I thought it was damn cold, probably low 50's at worst, needed a 5 mil suit and a hood to be comfy if it was realy cold. If the weather is warm, it can be much warmer, but I don't have any numbers. We shot a lot of grouper and monster mullet off those jetties. The grouper was in winter.

Don't want to burst your bubble, but I think it is now illegal to spear on the jetties. Check with the Florida Marine Patrol. Just plain freediving should be fine, but the Patrol is pretty sticky about having a dive flag. The vis is usually good on an incoming tide if the wind has not been strong or it hasn't been raining a lot. 15 to 30 ft (or better if you are lucky) should be about normal. Tide is important, so get a tidal current table or find out how long after high tide the current changes. Be careful of the current, the direction probably won't be straight in or out. A strong incoming tide may try to take you into the middle of the cut if you are right at the tip of the jetties.

Good luck

Connor