Ready to make some waves in Destin's legendary fishing grounds? Our 4-hour charter trip is your ticket to hauling in the big ones off Florida's Emerald Coast. We're talking serious angling action that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our expert crew's got the local know-how to put you on the fish. So grab your shades and let's hit the Gulf for a morning or afternoon of non-stop fishing fun!
This ain't your average boat ride, folks. We're combining the best of both worlds with a mix of trolling and bottom fishing that'll keep your rods bent and the fish coming. We'll start by dragging lines for those surface-cruising predators like King Mackerel and Mahi Mahi. Then we'll drop anchor and send some bait down deep for the heavyweight champs like Red Snapper and Grouper. With 4 hours on the water, we've got time to try different spots and techniques to maximize your catch. And don't worry - our crew's always on hand with tips and tricks to help you land the big one.
We're not messing around when it comes to gear. You'll be armed with top-notch rods, reels, and tackle that can handle whatever the Gulf throws our way. For trolling, we'll be pulling a spread of lures and live baits that mimic the local baitfish. When it's time to bottom fish, we'll swap out for heavier gear and drop down squid, cigar minnows, or whatever's working that day. The key is versatility - we might be jigging one minute and live-baiting the next. It's all about reading the water and adapting to what the fish want. And trust me, when that reel starts screaming, you'll be glad you've got our crew backing you up!
Destin's waters are teeming with gamefish, and we've got our sights set on some real beauties. King Mackerel are always a crowd-pleaser, with their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Mahi Mahi, or Dolphinfish, are not only a blast to catch but they're gorgeous to boot - those electric blue and green colors are something else. If we're lucky, we might tangle with a Cobia, known around here as the "man in the brown suit" for their hard-fighting ways. And let's not forget the snappers and groupers - these bottom-dwelling brutes will test your arms and fill your cooler.
King Mackerel: These speedsters are the drag-screamers of the Gulf. Hitting weights of 20-40 pounds, Kings are known for their blistering first run and airborne antics. We typically target them by slow-trolling live baits or dragging spoons and plugs. Spring and fall are prime time for Kings, but we can find them year-round in Destin.
Mahi Mahi: Also called Dorado or Dolphinfish, these are the acrobats of the offshore world. They're known for their vibrant colors and their habit of traveling in schools. Mahi love to hang around floating debris and weedlines, so we'll keep our eyes peeled for any structure on the surface. They're most common in the warmer months and put up a fantastic fight on light tackle.
Cobia: These bruisers are a prized catch in Destin waters. They've got a reputation for being stubborn fighters, often making multiple runs before coming to the boat. Cobia migrate through our area in spring, but can be caught throughout the summer and fall. We often sight-fish for them near the surface or around structures like buoys and wrecks.
Red Snapper: The crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, Red Snapper are as delicious as they are fun to catch. These ruby-red beauties hang out near reefs and wrecks, and they can grow to impressive sizes. The season for Red Snapper is tightly regulated, but when it's open, it's game on! We'll drop down live baits or jigs to entice these hard-pulling reef dwellers.
Spanish Mackerel: The smaller cousins of the King Mackerel, Spanish are abundant in Destin's waters and are a blast on light tackle. They travel in schools, so when we find them, the action can be fast and furious. We often catch them while trolling for other species, using small spoons or jigs. They're great eating and perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. This 4-hour charter is the real deal for anyone looking to make the most of their time on Destin's waters. We're talking non-stop action, a variety of fishing techniques, and the chance to tangle with some serious gamefish. Our crew's got the local knowledge to put you on the fish, and we'll work our tails off to make sure you have a blast. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a morning on the water, this trip's got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Grab your buddies, your family, or just treat yourself to a day of world-class fishing. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't miss the boat - book your charter today and let's make some fishing memories!
Cobia are hard-fighting fish that show up in our waters from spring through fall. They average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. Look for them cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and other structures. Cobia are curious fish - they'll often investigate boats or follow larger sea life like rays and sharks. Spring is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Anglers prize cobia for their powerful runs and excellent eating. These fish will take a variety of lures and baits. I've had good luck with large jigs and live eels. Sight fishing for cobia is exciting - keep your eyes peeled for their distinctive shape. When you spot one, cast well ahead of it and work the bait across its path. Be ready for a massive strike and a tough battle. Make sure you've got a strong leader - cobia have sandpaper-like skin that can wear through lighter line.
Spanish Mackerel are fast, streamlined fish that put up a great fight for their size. Most run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds, though bigger ones up to 12 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them in large schools near the surface, often around structures like piers and jetties. They're most active here in Destin from spring through fall when the water warms up. Anglers love targeting Spanish Mackerel for their aggressive strikes and tasty meat. These fish will hit just about any shiny lure or small live bait. My go-to setup is a light spinning rod with 10-15 lb test line and a long shank hook to avoid bite-offs from their sharp teeth. Troll slowly or cast and retrieve quickly to mimic fleeing baitfish. Keep an eye out for birds diving - that's often a good sign Spanish Mackerel are feeding nearby.
Red Snapper are prized catches in these parts, known for their bright red color and delicious white meat. Most run 2-4 pounds but they can grow over 30 pounds. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks and other structures in 60-300 feet of water. They're bottom dwellers, so we'll be dropping baits down deep. Red Snapper season is limited, usually opening in June for a couple months. When it's on, the action can be hot. These fish put up a good scrap, especially the bigger ones. Anglers love 'em for the fight and the excellent table fare. For bait, nothing beats live pinfish or cigar minnows. I like to use a fish finder rig with a circle hook - lets the snapper hook themselves. The bite is often subtle, so stay alert. Once you hook one, reel steady to avoid losing it in the structure.
Mahi Mahi, also called dolphin fish, are some of the most colorful and acrobatic fish you'll find offshore. They typically run 5-15 pounds here, but 30-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them in open water, often near floating debris or weed lines. Mahi are most active in our warmer months, from late spring through early fall. These fish are flat-out fun to catch - they make blistering runs and spectacular jumps when hooked. Plus, they're excellent eating. We usually troll for them with rigged ballyhoo or artificial lures. Live bait works great too if you can find it. A good tip is to keep the first mahi you catch in the water - others will often stay with it, letting you catch several from one spot. The bite can be fast and furious when you find a school, so be ready for some nonstop action.
King Mackerel, or "kings," are the bigger cousins of Spanish Mackerel. They average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them from near-shore out to about 150 feet of water, often around reefs and other structures. Kings show up in spring and stick around through fall. These fish are famous for their smoking runs - when a big one hits, hold on tight. Anglers love targeting kings for the challenge and their firm, flavorful meat. We usually troll with live bait like blue runners or ribbonfish. Slow-trolling live bait is deadly effective. Wire leaders are a must - kings have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono. A local trick is to use two hooks in your bait - one near the head and a trailing hook. This setup helps with their tendency to slash at the back half of the bait. When a king hits, let it run for a few seconds before setting the hook to make sure it's got the bait good.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: 5.9 Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 225