Best place to visit/shoot in Florida Panhandle

[Steel Shootin']

I'd like to take a little family vacation up in the Florida panhandle, which may include taking my boat and hitting some spots. I would like to visit an area where wife/kids can enjoy the beach or other amenities.

For you guys who live up there, can you recommend the best place to visit. I was thinking either Destin, Ft. Walton Beach or Pensacola, but I am not really that familiar with any.

[Spear One]

Destin for sure! Sandibottom goes there often with his family. Send him a PM and I'm sure he'll tighten you up on the hot spots over there.

[Steel Shootin']

Thanks, I have heard it is nice there.

[PatMyGreen]

I'll second that, Destin is the way to go for a nice w/ the family vacation. I have never dove out of that Bay but how different could it be, and I see Subdude posting nice fish he takes out that way.

[JimB]

Scott,
Forget Pensacola. Its a long way from boat launch to the Gulf and my impression of the local diving wouldn't make the Chamber of Commerce happy. For diving purposes, FWB is Destin. For family, beach, resturants, etc go to Destin. Check out the artificial reef numbers from the Okaloosa and Walton county web pages.

When will you be in this area and for how long? How big is your boat and what is its range? We are having "normal" shark activity this year so bring your powerhead. I'll send you a PM with some good numbers.

[Steel Shootin']

Originally posted by JimB
Scott,
Forget Pensacola. Its a long way from boat launch to the Gulf and my impression of the local diving wouldn't make the Chamber of Commerce happy. For diving purposes, FWB is Destin. For family, beach, resturants, etc go to Destin. Check out the artificial reef numbers from the Okaloosa and Walton county web pages.

When will you be in this area and for how long? How big is your boat and what is its range? We are having "normal" shark activity this year so bring your powerhead. I'll send you a PM with some good numbers.

Thanks, Jim. I am looking right now at getting there on possibly 7/8/04, and spending around a week. It's a 23' boat that dives three very comfortably. Any numbers you'd like to share would be great. And if you live up there and want to get out, LMK.

Scott

[hornypiranha]

Hey Scott,

I agree with the previous posts...I dove out of Destin a few years ago, had a great time. Great vis, some pretty good published reefs within a few miles of the pass.

Another personal favorite of mine is Mexico Beach (east of Panama City). The diving is pretty good, the beatiful beaches keeps the wives/girlfriends and kids happy. Scallop season is right around the corner, St Joe Bay is a true hot spot for scallops. Little less crowded than Destin or FWB...just food for thought.

[Spear One]

Mexico Beach is also nice but not much there for the kids other than the beach and the water, Great diving though!

[Steel Shootin']

Does anyone know of a marina in Destin or just outside of Destin that has short term boat storage. I would need a place to keep it when not in use for a week. Thanks for all the good feedback.

[JimB]

Scott,
Got your PM. My normal e-mail is dead so PM is the way to go. Have heard good things about Mexico Beach. They have an agressive artificial reef program. Even though it's in another time zone, it's not too far to trailer over to one day. I'll check on marinas but don't hold your breath. Arranging to park the boat at your condo/hotel might work well.

I might have non-swimming guests about that time. If not, of course I would like to get out.

[Steel Shootin']

Sounds good, Jim. Thanks again for all your help. Maybe the condo would let me park. That would be the best solution.