I'm going to Destin, Fl next week and was wanting to do some fishing. I don't really care to get a charter, but just wanting to fish somewhere. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice on what to use and possibly of you know the area well you could tell me somegood places to go.

Well, I have fished the Destin/panhandle area a number of times but always saltwater, never fresh.  Depending on your mobility, if you drive down or have a rental car, there are definitely plenty of opportunities there for you.  

If you do intend on doing some saltwater fishing, there are plenty of places in the intracoastal or on the beaches that you could find via google earth or on the Florida Fish and Wildlife website (www.myfwc.com).  As for lures, local knowledge will really help so just check a baitshop in the area.  You can't go wrong with some form of topwater (Chugbugs and Superspook Jr.'s are my favorites) in just about any color and a silver or gold weedless spoon in 1/4 or 1/2oz size.  Just be sure to thoroughly clean your gear the second you get back to where you're staying.  

As for freshwater, all the bass gear you use anywhere else will work here so don't worry about specific lures, and anywhere you find a pond or canal along the side of the road, there's the potential for good bass.  You can also find some info on the FWC website I mentioned as to the bass fishing opportunites in that area.  

Good luck!