Ramps & Parking: Has 5 concrete ramps with loading docks next to each. Paved parking lot with marked parking for 47 vehicles with trailers. Two are marked handicapped. Addtional parking is available across the street in a gravel overflow parking lot. Vehicles without trailers must park across the street. Operating Hours: Dawn to dusk. There are no gates. Security: An attendant is on duty during the day during most of the summer. There are no gates or fences and it can be accessed 24 hours. However, the official hours are dawn to dusk. The Okaloosa County sheriff office does patrol the area and it is in a residential area on a main street. Fee: $ 20.00 to launch per day. Attendant collects while on duty, otherwise there is an honor box with envelopes next to the attendants office. City of Destin residents may obtain a free annual pass for one boat from the Destin Community Center located at 101 Stahlman Ave in Destin. Nonresident annual decal is $205.00. (850-654-5184). Residents must show proof of residency, picture ID, and boat and trailer registration. Facilities Available: Public bathrooms are located beside the ramps in the attendants building. A dumpster is located next to them. The area is lighted at night. There are no more fresh water washdown stations. There are no picnic areas or grills. Using the ramps: NO reservations, first come, first serve. Therefore, most locals are there early during the summer (before 8:00 am) to be able to launch relatively quickly and to find a parking space. Launch Procedures: Signs on Beach Drive will direct you to the northern side of the complex where you will turn on the paved road leading to the ramps. If vehicles are ahead of you, just wait in line and follow them. Upon arrival at the attendants station, he will check your decal or obtain payment. When a ramp comes open, he will direct you to it. The ramps are numbered, with # 1 being next to the station, and # 5 the farthest away. Once cleared and the ramp is free, turn right when abeam the ramp and back down to it. Stop at the waters edge, remove your tiedowns, check your plug and engine. All other preparations (food, ice, bait, etc) should have been put into the boat before reaching the ramp. Back the boat in and have your assistant hold onto the rope and tie it off while you park your vehicle. Your passengers should board now and everyone be ready to go as soon as you get back from parking. If the assistant can drive the boat, they should move the boat to the northern dock where you can get in. Use caution and proceed to the channel at the mouth of Joes Bayou. While not marked, it is a City of Destin Ordinance that that part of Joes Bayou is a NO WAKE ZONE. However, there will be jet skis and other boats everywhere at all speeds, so keep your eyes out. Recovery Procedure: When returning to the ramp, it is best if you can drop your vehicle driver off at the northern dock and let them go get your trailer. Even though they may be parked next to the ramp, they much pull out and get in the launch/recovery line with the other vehicles. When they reach the attendant, he will direct you to the ramp to use for recovery. If you are driving the boat, hold a little ways away from the ramps until you see your driver back the trailer down. Proceed with your normal recovery. Once the boat is on the trailer, the driver should pull out and must proceed down the southern road past the white line marked on the ground. There is a an oak tree beside it that will take out your antenna if you are not careful. Once past the white line, complete you normal recovery procedures to get the boat and trailer ready for the road. |
Known as the "luckiest fishing village", Destin is the home to some of the best saltwater fishing in the United States. The 100 Fathom (600' depth) Curve of the Gulf of Mexico draws closer to Destin than any other spot in Florida. This, along with Destin's close proximity to the East Pass and the Gulf of Mexico, allows quick access to the Gulf of Mexico's fishing bounty. The purpose of this site is to acquaint a new fisherman to the Destin area - our local facilities, fish, waters and fishing methods. Tight lines and good fishing! |
Joe's Bayou Boat Ramp This is a 1.5 acre city run park with 5 concrete boat ramps. It is the most popular ramp in Destin. Address: 800 Beach Drive Destin, FL 32541 850-650-1241 GPS: N 30 24.63 W086 29.45 It is about 4 miles east of the Destin Bridge. Last Updated: July 2016 |
This web site is updated as I have time from other things going on. As there are a 1000 + different ways to do things, this is only my way of fishing, nothing else, and it is not the last word in fishing the area. I am by no means an expert but if you would like my opinion on something related to fishing the area, please email me at FishingDestinGuide@cox.net. It may take a few days before I get to it, so be patient. Thanks..... © Copyright 2014 Fishing Destin Guide All rights reserved |