Yellowtail Snapper

Destin, Florida, often called the 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village,' offers excellent opportunities to target Yellowtail Snapper, though you'll be fishing for them a bit differently than you would in the Keys. While not as prolific as further south, Yellowtail Snapper are found on the numerous artificial reefs and natural bottom structures in the Gulf of Mexico, usually starting in depths of 60 feet or more. Fall is a particularly good time to target them, as water temperatures begin to cool. Unlike targeting them in shallower waters, you'll be using heavier tackle and focusing on deeper water structures. Local tip: Consider using a fish finder to locate promising structures and chumming with cut bait to draw the snapper out. Pinfish, squid, and small chunks of cut bait work well on a dropper rig. Be mindful of the strong currents that can exist in these deeper waters, and adjust your weight accordingly to keep your bait near the bottom.