Fishing with Children in the Beaches of South Walton and Destin Area

The look on the face of a young boy when he is purchasing his first new rod and reel, is absolutely timeless. My son went fishing today and we decided he was old enough for his own equipment. The last time I saw him that excited was when the XBox 360 came out and I'll do just about anything to get him off of the computer or video games, so the investment was well worth it. My staff has been asked on numerous occasions for advice on where to take children fishing and I'd like to share some of our favorite spots:

In the Beaches of South Walton there are ample spots to steal away the day with rod and reel and your children. In the north end of South Walton (Niceville, Choctaw Beach, and Freeport area) you can simple pull off the side of the road on Highway 20 in several marked spots where the fishing is excellent for children. The water is not deep and the fish are ample. We've always caught catfish in these spots. Heading towards the beaches on Hwy 331 there is small park area where you can find folks fishing as well. In the south and southeast end of Beaches of South Walton we prefer Topsail Hill State Park. There are many "off the beaten path" spots that will take you to coastal dune lakes that offer great spots for quiet time and tranquilility with plenty of dry land to camp out for the day. Our other favorite it Eden State Park where this is a small dock that the children can stand on. Many times the fish will fly right out of the water which is more amusing to the children than actually get a bite on the line.

In Destin, there are a couple boats that cater to children's fishing on the harbor, but for something more simplictic, stick to right under the Destin bridge. You can park, and the water is calm and shallow with a great view of Crab Island.

Bait, Tackle, Rods and Reels can all be purchased quite reasonably at either the Bass Pro Shop at Destin Commons or Walmart on the west side of town. We spent less than forty dollars to get him fishing gear at Bass Pro Shop.

We had more rain than fish biting on the lines today, but my son came back with his first set of fishing tales.... even at 8 years old, he's already had his first, "the one that got away" encounter.

In Spite of it All

The American spirit is resilient and beautiful, and despite the economic woes of our nation, the night sky still shone bright with red, white and blue on Independence Day. The flags flew high, the people sang, the children laughed and the nation celebrated.

Middle America is on a diet, but perseverance is rooted in American culture and this past holiday weekend, the Seascape Beach was home to those who were determined to continue life despite the stress of our current economy. Hundreds of families parked the car, spread out on the beach, grabbed a flag and basked in an old fashioned fourth. The grill was going all day and night, the music was soulful and promising, and the children’s games brought forth the most honest pleasure. There is a promise in a child’s laughter that is so powerful. Absent of high-tech gadgetry; the children were wooed with three-legged racing, face painting, and good natured tug of war. Free watermelon refreshed the crowd and fireworks were plentiful. Joyous and proud, the energy on the beach was overwhelming.

Seascape Resort has seen prosperity and despair fluctuate for over thirty years, an ebb and flow of life. Regardless of the economic tide, the resort has sustained the American traditions of family, friends and aspiration. With a sold out crowd this past weekend, Seascape knows that it will take more than high gas prices to keep Americans from upholding the institution of traveling to the beaches during the Summer. Glistening water, warm sunrays and powdery beaches are cultural mainstays. The nation may tighten the belt, but it won’t throw in the towel.

Celebrating independence day should be a reminder that the country was built by the people, with loud voices, strong hearts and steadfast dreams of something better for all.