Good Fishing Getting Great with Artificial Reef Plan

Remember that line from Field of Dreams: “Build it and he will come…”? Well, let’s change that around a little to, “Build the reefs and the fish will come.” The Okaloosa County folks have been doing just that—building reefs—and by all accounts, the fish are coming.

The Okaloosa County 5-Year Artificial Reef Plan is aimed at making Destin–Fort Walton Beach the dive capital of Florida and building upon its status as a premier fishing destination. The plan provides for an annual budget of $1.5M, excluding any grant funds or partner contributions.

This year, with partner support, the annual project plan totals $1.71 million. The 6th penny tax program is conservatively estimated to generate $4 million this partial fiscal year. Funding up to $1.71 million from the 6th penny was requested for artificial reefs.

Artificial Reef Plan: 15 to 300 Feet Deep

Alex Fogg, Natural Resources Chief for Okaloosa County says, “The Artificial Reef Program began in the 1970s. We have numerous permitted areas. The federal permits were originally permitted in 1996 and have been reauthorized every 10 years since then. We have reefs that are 15 feet deep and as deep as 330 feet. These structures provide essential habitat for a ton of different species of fish that our fishing and diving fleet is dependent on.”

Guidelines require reef builders to make certain the materials used are secure and won’t harm natural ecosystems.

What Anglers Can Expect to Catch

The reef structures provide great spots for seasonal cobia and king mackerel, and a wide range of Gulf gamefish. Some of the recently placed reefs are within kayak distance from shore.

“Red snapper is the most common catch,” Fogg explains, “but you can expect to catch a number of different fish species including grouper, amberjack, and cobia, just to name a few.”

Fogg advises visiting anglers with boats to consider a couple of launches. “The two most popular boat ramps are Marler Park in Fort Walton Beach and Joes Bayou in Destin. Both provide quick and easy protected runs to the big pass at Destin and the open water of the Gulf just outside the pass. And just a hint: The mouth of the pass is a great place to stock up on live bait.”

For more information about the artificial reef program, visit destinfwb.com/coastal-resources/

IF YOU GO

• Sleep: Destin was once a sleepy little fishing village, but it has developed into a national vacation destination with numerous hotels and short-term rentals.
• Eats: Destin HarborWalk is a fine place to get fresh seafood cooked and see catches offloaded from charterboats docked there. Nearby Boathouse Oyster Bar is a popular local spot and host of the 8-week Summer Slam Fishing Tournament (June-July).
• Charters: HarborWalk is one place to board a charterboat for a trip to the reefs. Also check out the boats at Harbor Docks, or contact one of the many local captains who run trailer boats ideal for trips to the nearshore reefs.
• Destin History & Fishing Museum: A must-see, definitely worth an hour or two. See how the “Luckiest Fishing Village in the World” evolved from the 1830s to today. Adult tickets $10, students $5. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org
• Pier Fishing: Don’t have access to a boat to fish the reefs? The Okaloosa Island Pier stretches over 1,200 feet into the Gulf, putting shore fishermen well within range of king mackerel, pompano, redfish and even bluewater surprises like blackfin tuna and sailfish. Adult fishing pass $8; discounts for seniors and children. Tackle rental available. Call 850-244-1023.

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This article was featured in the July issue of Florida Sportsman. Click to subscribe.

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