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Destin, Florida History
The Destin Florida modern history is attributed to a fisherman, Captain Leonard Destin, who moved from New London, Connecticut, and settled in Northwest Florida in or about 1845. Captain Destin initiated the fishing industry in the area that is now Destin, these activities continue to this day with the Destin Florida Harbor home to the largest and most elaborately equipped charter fleet in the state of Florida.
Destin’s East Pass is the only waterway connecting the Choctawhatchee Bay to the Gulf of Mexico for approximately 60 miles in either direction. Pensacola to the west and Panama City to the east also have waterway connections from the Bay to the Gulf. Originally, the Gulf of Mexico and the Destin Harbor did not connect to the Choctawhatchee Bay in this area. This posed an extreme danger of flooding to the fishing fleet. In 1926, the Melvin, the Marler and the Destin families took on their largest task to date. Four men cut a drainage ditch two feet wide across Okaloosa Island using only shovels. Within two hours, the ditch was over a 100 yards wide. That hand dug trench opened a torrent of rushing water that created the East Pass into what you see today. The Army Corp of Engineers dredges portions of the East Pass periodically to keep the water deep enough for the boats to move freely back and forth.
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East Pass, Destin, FL
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Fishing remains one of the top leisure activities in Destin. The 100 Fathom curve comes closer to Destin than any other spot in Florida providing the speediest deep water access on the Gulf. What can you expect to catch? Amberjack, Red Snapper, Grouper, Speckled Trout, Cobia, Red Fish (drum), Flounder, Pompano, Mahi-Mahi, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead, Triggerfish, Ladyfish, an occasional Tarpon, Blue Marlin, and Billfish of all varieties. Whether you are an experienced pro or a first timer, numerous fishing excursions are available and catches can be cooked up for free at a number of fish-friendly restaurants in the area. The highlight of the fishing year is the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo running from October 1 through October 31 where anyone can compete in over 30 different categories for more than $100,000.00 in prizes.
This part of the Emerald Coast or Miracle Strip as some call it, is blessed with crystal clear emerald green / blue waters and sugar-white beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. These natural wonders create the perfect environment for the most beautiful and luxurious golf and beach resorts in the world. Beautiful greens, picturesque fairways, and the natural backdrop of the emerald green gulf and surrounding bays make golfing an unforgettable delight.
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