Trip Report

Question

Drove down for a special trip, arriving 5am on 8/27 so I could be at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier when it opened. Pier fishing a bit tough this time of year because of the water temp but I did land 1 king, several great spanish, and the biggest bluefish I've ever caught lol. Morning bite was usually over by 7am daily but it was actually 1:30 pm the day I got my king.

So the difference in this trip vs. my usual ones....unfortunately, all my kids were working. My girlfriend rode down with me and her kids flew in for the middle few days of the trip, so they could be with us on 8/30 for the annual Crab Island visit via Luther's Pontoon. I let them know in advance that I was going to propose to their Mom out there and they were welcome to come down. Day of, it was raining over Crab Island and the FWB/Shalimar areas until midday so we drove around the eastern part of the bay. Saw plenty of dolphins, and an accident on the Mid-Bay bridge and the resulting, huge traffic backup, glad we weren't up there! My now-fiance did accept my proposal, so now we're engaged, that made our day. Her kids had never been to the area and they had an enjoyable time out on the water, especially after the sun broke out in the afternoon. Enjoyed most of my favorite eats.....shrimp and grits at Fish House and Grand Marlin Pensacola, all the Dewey Destin locales, fried green tomatoes, sushi, red snapper from Harbor Docks, jambalaya and eggplant from Louisiana Lagniappe, and key lime pie from just about everywhere lol. Also took in plenty of live music and bushwackers at Juana's Pagodas. I've been coming down around Labor Day for a few years now, and it's weird how the area is slow when you arrive on a weekday before, then the area explodes for the weekend, then, after Monday, absolutely no traffic or wait times anywhere....the fishing pier practically turns into a ghost town, just the way I like it lol. I still love staying at the Inn at Summerwind, directly next to the pier, particularly because of all the fishing gear I lug around, but I have plenty of great memories of stays at some of the other units too. Oh, and we took plenty of night drives on 399 to Pensacola Beach and back so my finace's kids could see the crabs crossing the road lol. I think next year I'll come down sooner, perhaps late June or early July, because I need better pier fishing, but this area is still my favorite place to be.

Answer

This trip report from the Florida Panhandle highlights a mix of fishing, family time, local cuisine, and scenic drives, offering a detailed perspective on what makes Navarre Beach and surrounding areas special. Arriving early at 5 AM on 8/27 allowed for prime fishing at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. While fishing can be challenging in late August due to warmer water temperatures, the trip was still productive, with a kingfish, several large Spanish mackerel, and the largest bluefish the author had ever caught. Interestingly, the morning bite, typically over by 7 AM, extended to 1:30 PM on the day of the kingfish catch.

The trip’s personal highlights included proposing to the author’s girlfriend during a visit to Crab Island. Due to rain over Crab Island and surrounding areas on the morning of 8/30, the group explored the eastern part of the bay, spotting dolphins and avoiding a major traffic incident on the Mid-Bay Bridge. The proposal was accepted, making the day particularly memorable for everyone, including her children who were visiting for the first time.

Dining was a significant part of the trip, with a focus on local specialties and favorite restaurants. Highlights included:

Shrimp and grits at Fish House and Grand Marlin Pensacola
Visits to all Dewey Destin locales for seafood
Fried green tomatoes and sushi
Red snapper from Harbor Docks
Jambalaya and eggplant from Louisiana Lagniappe
Key lime pie sampled from multiple local spots

Evening entertainment included live music and Bushwackers at Juana’s Pagodas, enhancing the festive local experience. Observations about traffic patterns were noted, with weekdays being quiet, weekends busy, and the period after Monday essentially free of crowds, which suits travelers who prefer a slower pace and minimal lines at popular spots like the fishing pier.

Accommodations favored by the author included:

The Inn at Summerwind, directly next to the fishing pier, ideal for easy access to fishing gear and early morning pier visits
Other nearby units have also been enjoyable in previous trips

The report also mentions scenic night drives along Highway 399 to Pensacola Beach, allowing the children to observe local wildlife, such as crabs crossing the road, further enriching the experience for the family.

Looking forward, the author plans to visit earlier in the summer next year, in late June or early July, to take advantage of better pier fishing conditions. Despite seasonal variations in fishing, the Florida Panhandle remains a favorite destination due to its combination of coastal beauty, seafood, recreational opportunities, and memorable personal experiences.

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