Destin, Florida is a renowned vacation hub along the idyllic white-sand beaches of the state‘s Emerald Coast. While great white sharks occasionally venture into the Gulf of Mexico, they tend to prefer cooler northern waters. Read on to learn about the fascinating (and mostly harmless) sharks that call Destin home as well as tips to safely enjoy the water.
When Do Sharks Migrate to Destin?
The sharks found along Destin‘s coastline are highly migratory and closely tied to water temperature. As the northern Gulf of Mexico warms in late spring, sharks arrive from southern wintering grounds. Peak abundance occurs in the summer months when water temperatures reach 80-85°F on the continental shelf.
When the first cold fronts of autumn arrive, sharks begin migrating south again to warmer waters. By November, most sharks have departed the Northern Gulf until the following spring.
According to shark ecologist Dr. Robert Hueter of Mote Marine Laboratory, "Temperature is the primary factor governing the seasonal abundance of sharks in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Where the water is warm, that‘s where they‘ll be."
Blacktip Sharks – The Most Common Species in Destin
With a distinctive black marking on their fins, blacktip sharks are easily the most abundant shark species found along Destin beaches.
Size and appearance – Blacktips average 4-5 feet in length and weigh 15-30 pounds. They have slender bodies, black tips on the front dorsal, tail and pectoral fins, and narrow, pointed snouts.
Diet – Blacktips feed on small fish like menhaden, jacks, sardines, herring and croakers. They also eat crustaceans, squid and octopus. Their favorite hunting ground is just off the sandy shoreline.
Behavior – During summer months, female blacktips give birth to live young in the shallow seagrass meadows and estuaries near Destin. Blacktips are fast, active sharks and will engage in breaching (leaping out of the water) when hunting. They are generally considered harmless to humans.
"Pound for pound, blacktips are one of the sportiest sharks you can hook on rod and reel," says charter captain Dennis Mott. "Get one jumping next to the boat and you‘ll have some great pictures for sure."
Bull Sharks – An Aggressive Predator to Steer Clear Of
Bull sharks earn their name from their stocky shape, broad nose, and aggressive disposition. They are the species most likely to cause negative encounters with humans.
Size – Bull sharks reach 7-11 feet long and 200-500 pounds. Large specimens up to 11 feet long have been reported in Destin waters.
Diet and habitat – Bull sharks will eat virtually anything they can capture including fish, dolphins, turtles and seabirds. Their ability to tolerate freshwater allows them to swim far up rivers and into brackish estuaries.
Behavior – Bull sharks are solitary hunters but seasonal gatherings do occur. They are active at dusk, dawn and night when prey is easier to ambush.
According to the International Shark Attack File, bull sharks are responsible for more attacks on humans than any other species – including great white sharks. Fortunately, incidents in Destin are very rare.
Hammerhead Sharks – Wandering the Continental Shelf
With their unique mallet-shaped heads, hammerheads are easily recognized. Two species are present off Destin‘s coast: scalloped and great hammerheads.
Size – Great hammerheads reach 15 feet long, but more commonly are 12 feet long and weigh 500 pounds. Scalloped hammerheads reach 10 feet long.
Diet and habitat – Hammerheads feed mainly on stingrays, squid, crustaceans and bony fish. They frequent deeper waters along the continental shelf.
Behavior – Hammerheads are solitary, nomadic hunters but sometimes gather in large schools. Since they rarely approach shore, encounters with humans are extremely rare. They are not considered dangerous.
"Hammerheads add a touch of the bizarre and prehistoric when they show up in the chum line," says Captain Scott Walker of the Sea Striker charter boat. "Seeing that weird head silhouette underwater gives you a reminder of how old and amazing these creatures are."
Shark Fishing in Destin – How to Catch and Release Sharks Responsibly
The abundance of sharks offshore makes Destin a world-class destination for landing sharks from the beach or boat. Common species caught include blacktip, bull, nurse, lemon and hammerhead sharks.
Best times to catch sharks – For shore fishing, target dusk and dawn periods when sharks actively feed. For boats, nighttime trips are very productive.
Recommended tackle – Medium weight spinning or conventional rods matched with 30-65 pound test monofilament or braided line and 5/0 to 10/0 hooks rigged with wire leader. Ask local bait shops for advice.
Preferred baits – Cut mullet, bonito or mackerel are excellent shark baits. Fish heads and shrimp can also produce strikes.
Landing and handling – Once hooked, allow the shark to tire itself close to the boat or shore. Use a tail rope to securely control the head and avoid the teeth. Never bring a shark onboard or lift it from the water for longer than a quick photo.
Releasing sharks – Revive exhausted sharks by gently passing water over the gills before release. Remove hooks or cut lines close to the hook if you cannot easily remove them.
Shark Tagging Programs – What Do They Tell Us?
Satellite tagging programs by scientists provide insights into the movements, migrations, habitat use, health and behavior of Destin‘s sharks:
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Researchers have tagged over 270 bull sharks in the Northern Gulf and tracked their movements. Some migrated over 1200 miles to the coasts of Mexico and southern Florida.
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Blacktip sharks tagged in spring arrived back in the same Destin bay the following year within a few days of their previous timing. Their seasonal site loyalty is amazing.
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Tiger sharks showed variable migration patterns – some individuals would stay for months in Destin while others rapidly moved over 1100 miles away.
Tagging data reinforces that Destin‘s sharks are highly migratory and we only see a portion of their life cycle near shore. Maintaining healthy shark populations requires regional and international coordination.
"Shark tagging has opened up a portal into the secret lives of sharks that we could have only dreamed of just a few decades ago," says Dr. Bob Hueter, director of Mote‘s shark research program. "It‘s showing us how critical it is to have cooperative, science-based management of shark species throughout their range."
Shark Safety Tips for Swimmers and Beachgoers
The risk of a shark attack in Destin is extremely low, especially if basic safety precautions are followed:
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Avoid swimming near fishing piers where baitfish activity can attract sharks
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Refrain from entering the water at dawn or dusk when sharks are actively feeding
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Avoid wearing shiny jewelry which may resemble fish scales
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Never harass or provoke a shark you see while in the water
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Swim close to shore in waist deep water where sharks rarely venture
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Steer clear of murky water and areas used by commercial fishermen
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Always swim with a companion – sharks most often bite lone individuals
By understanding shark behavior and swimming responsibly, beachgoers can safely enjoy Destin‘s beautiful emerald waters. Shark bites may garner headlines, but millions of safe swims occur on Florida beaches every year.
Share the Shore – Safely Viewing Sharks in Destin
While caution is advised in the water, sharks can be safely viewed from shore in Destin. For spectacular sightings:
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Walk the beaches just after dawn when sharks actively feed in the surf zone
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Watch from fishing piers and the shoreline for dorsal fins cutting the surface, especially at dusk
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Join a charter boat and watch for hammerheads and other sharks following the chum trail
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Visit during annual shark tournaments when shore weigh-ins give closeup looks at local species
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Browse underwater cameras that may provide views of sharks patrolling reefs
By fostering understanding and appreciation of sharks, we learn to peacefully coexist with these apex predators that play a vital role in ocean health.
About the Author
Lillie Gabler is a marine biologist and avid angler who has studied sharks and their behavior for over 15 years. She has authored numerous articles and the book "Sharks of the Northern Gulf Coast." Lillie operates a shark education program called "Fin Tastic" that gives students hands-on learning. Her motto is "knowledge dispels fear."
