Freshwater Fishing on the Emerald Coast: Best Lakes, Rivers and License Rules
Freshwater fishing near Destin and the Emerald Coast: the best lakes and rivers, what bites when, and Florida license costs…
Fishing & food writer
Lifelong North Floridian Stephen B. writes about fishing, seafood and craft beer on the Emerald Coast, from Pensacola to Panama City Beach.
Stephen B. has spent his whole life in North Florida, and he knows the Gulf Coast the way locals do: by the fish that are running, which kitchen has the freshest catch, and where to go for a cold drink after a day on the water. He studied at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, and he’s been exploring the Panhandle ever since.
For The EC Guide, Stephen writes about fishing, food, and drinks from Pensacola to Panama City Beach. That means charters and piers, seafood spots and local favorites, breweries, and waterfront bars worth the drive. At home, he shares his time with three dogs, who have strong opinions about which beaches are the best.
60 stories
4 min read
Freshwater fishing near Destin and the Emerald Coast: the best lakes and rivers, what bites when, and Florida license costs…
5 min read
The best springs near Destin and the Emerald Coast: Ponce de Leon, Morrison, Vortex, Econfina Creek and more, with fees,…
6 min read
November on the Emerald Coast: weather, festivals, the Blue Angels air show, Thanksgiving turkey trots, holiday dinners and fall fishing.
6 min read
Plan a Blue Angels trip to Pensacola: the free Nov. 6-7 homecoming air show, practice viewing, base access rules and…
4 min read
Rainy day ideas on the Emerald Coast: a free aviation museum, a lighthouse, escape rooms, WonderWorks and more from Pensacola…
3 min read
Christmas on the Emerald Coast 2026: lighted boat parades, Santa's arrival, tree lightings and Pensacola Winterfest, with dates by town.
4 min read
The best sunset spots on the Emerald Coast, from Jaco's on Pensacola Bay to Schooners' sunset cannon, rooftop bars on…
4 min read
A guide to Miramar Beach and Sandestin: Baytowne Wharf, Grand Boulevard dining and shopping, bay boating, spas and where to…
4 min read
Dolphin cruises on the Emerald Coast: glass-bottom boats in Destin, quiet electric cruises, WaveRunner tours and charters in Panama City…
4 min read
The best oyster bars on the Emerald Coast, from Hunt's in St. Andrews to the Destin Harbor, Grayton Beach and…
4 min read
Things to do in Navarre, FL: Florida's longest fishing pier, a quiet beach, paddling on the sound, seafood and where…
5 min read
Where to stay on the Emerald Coast, town by town: Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, 30A and Panama City Beach…
Locals who fish, eat, explore and live here write the stories on The Emerald Coast Guide. Tell us what you know.
Apply to contribute