5.0(9 Reviews)Private Charter Fishing in Destin's Gulf Waters
5.0(9 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Private 4hour fishing charter targeting snapper and king mackerelIntimate 2guest capacity with experienced crew guidance includedMorning and afternoon departure times available daily
There's nothing quite like having the boat to yourself when you're chasing fish in the emerald waters off Destin. This 4-hour private charter gives you and one other angler the VIP treatment with Captain Matt and his crew from 850 Fishing Charters. You'll launch either at sunrise (6:00 AM) or midday (12:00 PM), depending on what works best for your schedule and the bite. With just two guests max, you get personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a legendary one on the water.
Captain Matt knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand, and he's not the type to waste time running around aimlessly. He'll have you positioned over productive bottom structure where snapper like to hang out, or trolling the blue water for pelagics like king mackerel and mahi-mahi. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility – if the bite is hot at one spot, you stay put. If it's slow, you move without worrying about other guests getting antsy. The crew handles all the heavy lifting: bait prep, rigging lines, and netting your fish. Your job is simple – cast, hook, and fight. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, Captain Matt adapts his approach to match your skill level and keeps things fun without the pressure.
The fishing style depends on what's biting, but you'll likely experience both bottom fishing and trolling during your trip. For snapper and triggerfish, the crew sets you up with medium-heavy spinning gear loaded with braided line and circle hooks. They'll show you how to feel the bottom, work your bait naturally, and set the hook properly when a fish picks it up. When targeting kings and mahi, it's all about trolling with planers, downriggers, or free-lining live bait behind the boat. Captain Matt provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait – no need to bring anything except your fishing license and maybe some snacks if you get hungry. The boat is equipped with quality fish-finding electronics, so locating structure and baitfish schools is never a guessing game. You'll learn proper fighting techniques for different species and pick up tips you can use on future fishing trips.
"Captain Matt is best! I learned some great techniques for fishing. We all had a great time and we will definitely be using him again next trip. Highly recommended!! Thanks again, Matt!" - Samantha. "Captain Matt was great and he put us on the fish! We caught our limit of Snapper and learned some great techniques for fishing on the reefs. The boys had a great time and we will definitely be using him again next trip. Highly recommended! Thanks again, Matt!" - Mike. "Captain Matt was the absolute best! We were reeling in fish nonstop, not all were keepers but we were on our feet reeling in the whole 5 hours we were out on the boat. I felt very safe with Captain Matt the entire time. He is excellent with kids too! He made sure my niece was having the time of her life and taught her and everyone else a lot about boats, fishing, and the different species that we were catching." - Kristen.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and Destin's waters serve up some beautiful smoker kings from spring through fall. These fish typically run 15-40 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 50-plus. Kings are aggressive predators that hit trolled baits hard and fast, then peel line off your reel in blistering runs. The best action happens from April through October when they're feeding heavily on Spanish sardines, cigar minnows, and blue runners. What makes kings so exciting is their unpredictability – they might slam a spoon one minute, then ignore everything except live bait the next.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and Captain Matt knows exactly where they stack up on the offshore structure. These fish average 5-15 pounds but can reach impressive sizes over 20 pounds. Snapper are smart and cautious, requiring finesse and patience to fool consistently. They're most active during their season (typically June through July), when regulations allow retention. Even outside the season, catch-and-release snapper fishing stays hot year-round. The challenge of outsmarting these wary bottom dwellers keeps anglers coming back – they're notorious for stealing bait and testing your knots.
Grey triggerfish are the bullies of the reef, with their powerful jaws and aggressive attitude making them both frustrating and fun to catch. These 2-8 pound fish might not be the biggest fighters, but they're abundant around Destin's artificial reefs and natural bottom structure. Triggerfish have a unique way of hitting baits – they'll often nibble and test before committing to a full bite. Their season typically runs from August through May, and they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The trick is using smaller hooks and being patient with their finicky feeding behavior.
Mahi-mahi bring the tropical vibes to Destin's offshore scene, showing up in good numbers during warmer months when the blue water pushes closer to shore. These colorful fish average 10-25 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked, jumping and tail-walking across the surface. Mahi are often found around floating debris, weed lines, or schools of flying fish. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to both trolled lures and live bait. What makes mahi special is their stunning colors – brilliant greens, yellows, and blues that light up when they're fighting. They're also fantastic eating, which makes them a favorite target for charter guests.
A private 4-
Step aboard our 30-foot Parker offshore fishing vessel and get ready to chase some serious fish in the Gulf waters off Destin. This 2020 Parker boat packs a punch with its Yamaha 300 HP outboard, cruising at up to 40 knots to get you to the hotspots fast. Built for up to 5 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the lines and land your catch. Our 4-hour private trips put you right where the snapper, triggerfish, king mackerel, and mahi-mahi are biting. Whether you're dropping lines at first light on the 6 AM departure or heading out for the noon trip, our experienced crew knows these waters and will put you on the fish. The boat's offshore design handles the Gulf swells smoothly while you focus on what matters – getting that rod bent and reeling in dinner. Perfect for both rookie anglers learning the ropes and seasoned fishermen looking to add to their catch count. With personalized attention from our crew, you'll spend more time fishing and less time wondering where to cast your line.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are the bulldogs of the reef - tough, scrappy fighters that'll surprise you with their strength. These leather-skinned fish average 12-17 inches and hang around structure in 60-180 feet of water. They're year-round residents here, but spring and summer offer the best action when they're most active. What guests love about triggers is their attitude - they fight way above their weight class and have razor-sharp teeth that can cut through shells. The meat is sweet and firm, perfect for the dinner table. Here's the trick with these guys: use heavy 6-8 ounce sinkers to get down fast, then reel up immediately to keep tension. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard and reel fast - they'll try to dive back into the rocks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive predators that'll give you one hell of a fight. These silver bullets average around 30 pounds but can push 90+. We find them in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure or drop-offs where baitfish gather. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot of 68-84°F. What makes kings special? Pure speed and power - they're almost as fast as wahoo and will test your drag system. Plus, they make great table fare with that rich, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: rig two hooks on wire leader - one through the nose of your live bait, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of baitfish, so that stinger hook saves the day when they attack from behind.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi-mahi are the acrobats of offshore fishing - brilliant gold and green fish that put on a spectacular show when hooked. These fast-growing beauties average 15-29 pounds and love hanging under floating debris, weedlines, or any surface structure in blue water. Summer months bring the best action when they move closer to shore following baitfish. What makes mahi special is their aerial display - they'll jump, tail-walk, and change colors like a neon light show. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality with a mild, sweet taste. Pro tip: once you hook one, leave the others in the water. Mahi travel in schools, so keep that first fish in the water while you work the school. They're curious and will often stick around to investigate their hooked buddy.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing - thick, powerful fish that live around hard structure in 60-200+ feet of water. These crimson beauties average 5-15 pounds but can reach 35+. Summer season brings our best action when they're feeding heavily before spawning. What anglers love is the combination of their bulldogging fight and incredible table fare - sweet, white meat that's perfect for any recipe. They're smart fish that require patience and the right approach. My go-to trick: use circle hooks with fresh cut bait, drop to the bottom, then reel up 2-3 cranks. When you feel that thump-thump bite, don't set the hook - just start reeling steadily. Circle hooks do the work, and you'll land more fish without gut-hooking them.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Matt is best! I learned some great techniques for fishing. We all had a great time and we will definitely be using him aga...
Had a great experience! Matt is very knowledgeable and will get you on the fish! Highly recommend!
Captain Matt was great and he put us on the fish! We caught our limit of Snapper and learned some great techniques for fishing on...
Captain Matt was a pleasure to meet. My son and I did the shark fishing and couldn’t be any happier with our experience. Plan on b...
Captain Matt was the absolute best! We were reeling in fish nonstop, not all were keepers but we were on our feet reeling in the w...
Had a great time out with Captain Matt and Kayden they kept us on fish the whole time! Highly recommend them if your looking for a...
Thank you so much Captain Matt and Kayden for a great fishing experience!
captain Matt is skilled and friendly, he will get you on the fish, we just took a 5 hour charter for the opening of red snapper se...
Great times check him out couldn’t ask for a better time and the captain knows what he’s doing!!!!
Destin, FL