Next AvailableMay 29
Book with Jonathan Ray
Bendin Rods Fishing Charters
Identity Verified Shalimar FL
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Jonathan Ray, Captain at Bendin Rods Fishing Charters
Identity VerifiedWhen it comes to fishing charters, Bendin Rods Fishing Charters is a name that should be on the top of your list. With four years of guiding experience, Captain Jonathan Ray offers anglers an unforgettable fishing experience. What makes this charter unique is that Captain Jonathan Ray is a wounded army veteran who was medically discharged from service, yet still pursued his passion for fishing. He has dedicated his life to helping others fulfill their dreams of catching the big one.
If you're looking for a unique fishing and sightseeing experience in Shalimar, Florida, then you are in good hands with Captain Jon. With an array of activities offered including deep-sea fishing, near-shore fishing, dolphin cruises, and sunset cruises, there's something for everyone. Whether you're an experienced angler or just a beginner looking to learn how to fish, he can provide the necessary guidance to ensure you have a great time out on the water.
On this amazing trip, you'll get to experience all the thrills of deep-sea fishing or nearshore fishing. You'll receive all the equipment you need, including fishing licenses, rods, reels, bait, and tackle. With Captain Jon, you can expect to catch a variety of different species, including Mahi Mahi, grouper, snappers, mackerel, wahoo, blackfin tuna, triggerfish, and whatever is biting. Plus, an experienced captain will be on hand to show you how to clean and fillet your catches
Your fishing adventure will start on Captain's 34' Chark Bait Offshore sport fishing boat. This is an iconic vessel, having been originally built in 1984. It is powered by two 350HP Seamax engines and has a maximum cruising speed of 12 knots, allowing it to reach far-off destinations with ease. This lightweight fishing boat can accommodate up to six people comfortably and reliably, making it a great choice for those looking to explore the open seas.
Discover the vibrant seaside life with Bendin Rods Fishing Charters and Captain Jon!
Upcoming Availability
Expertise & Attributes
fishing
Deep Sea Fishing
Drift Fishing
Good with Families
Good with Kids
Good with Large Groups
Good with New Anglers
Master Guide
Saltwater FishingFishing Techniques
What's Included
Good to Knows
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
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Cancellation Policy
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
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What's Included
Good to Knows
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
Cancellation Policy
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
Trips Available with Bendin Rods Fishing Charters
Fishing
Starting At $4,000
Fishing Charters In Fort Walton Beach | 1 Day Charter Trip
Fishing Area: Shalimar FL
Fishing: Offshore
Fishing Boat:
Charkh Bait II • 42' Ocean Yachts • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)Description: Head offshore from Fort Walton Beach for an overnight fishing trip designed for serious anglers. This Gulf charter focuses on trolling and deep drop fishing to target multiple species such as snapper, grouper, tilefish, and more. It's a top pick for groups of friends looking for a long night of non-stop action on the water. As part of the beautiful Emerald Coast, Fort Walton offers direct access to productive fishing grounds after dark. Your experienced captain provides all the gear, bait, and expertise you’ll need to make the most of your time offshore. Perfect for building memories and bringing home a great catch.
Fishing
Starting At $9,000
Fishing Charter Fort Walton Beach | 3 Day Charter Trip
Fishing Area: Shalimar FL
Fishing: Offshore
Fishing Boat:
Charkh Bait II • 42' Ocean Yachts • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)Description: This extended offshore fishing trip takes you beyond the nearshore waters and into the deep blue, where prized pelagic species roam. You'll troll through open Gulf waters targeting sailfish, marlin, mahi, and tuna—top species known for their fast runs and size. As night falls, your crew will set up for deep drop fishing in waters over 500 feet deep, using bait and chum to attract bottom-dwellers like swordfish, snapper, grouper, and tilefish. Ideal for anglers who want a serious offshore experience, this trip offers a wide variety of fishing techniques and target species. Gear, bait, and expert guidance are all included.
Fishing
Starting At $1,000
Fort Walton Beach Charter Fishing | 6 Hour Charter Trip
Fishing Area: Shalimar FL
Fishing: Offshore
Fishing Boat:
Charkh Bait II • 42' Ocean Yachts • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)Description: Want to experience the best fishing adventure of your life? Then join Bendin Rods Fishing Charters and explore the priceless Emerald Coast waters! This trip will show you around the exclusive spots and provide top-level equipment for deep sea, offshore and Red Snapper fishing. Book your trip today!
Fishing
Starting At $1,100
Fishing Charters Fort Walton Beach | 8 Hour Charter Trip
Fishing Area: Shalimar FL
Fishing: Offshore
Fishing Boat:
Charkh Bait II • 42' Ocean Yachts • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)Description: Experience the best fishing charter service in Fort Walton Beach, Destin and beyond with Bendin Rods Fishing Charters. Captain Jon is prepared with all the necessary equipment-including your fishing license and know-how for your fishing needs. Come join us and hook that trophy catch today! Book now!
Fishing
Starting At $1,500
Fishing Charters Fort Walton Beach | 12 Hour Charter Trip
Fishing Area: Shalimar FL
Fishing: Offshore
Fishing Boat:
Charkh Bait II • 42' Ocean Yachts • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)Description: This trip consist of the perfect mixture of bottom fishing and trolling! You will learn how to run outriggers and a variety of lures while trolling and live baiting and cut bait for grouper and snapper while bottom fishing!
Vehicle
Charkh Bait II
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
6
Boat Length:
42 ft
Manufacturer Name:
Ocean Yachts
Model Year:
1984
Engine Manufacturer Name:
Detroit Diesels
# of Engines:
2
Horsepower Per Engine:
620
Maximum Cruising Speed:
18
Features: Fighting Chair First Mate Bait Tank Outriggers Flybridge Bed Kitchen Shower Toilet Ice-Box Refrigerator Fish Finder GPS Radar VHF Radio
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Boat
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Charkh Bait II
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
6
Boat Length:
42 ft
Vehicle Details
FAQs about Bendin Rods Fishing Charters
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Reports and Expert Articles
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Target Redfish Inshore & Prep for Snapper Offshore
Fishing conditions in Fort Walton Beach are solid as we move into prime season. With water temps in the low 70s and clear weather patterns, anglers are seeing consistent action across inshore and offshore waters. Inshore: Redfish are active on the grass flats and around dock pilings, especially during incoming tides. Speckled trout are feeding during low-light hours—early mornings and late afternoons are prime. Topwater lures are producing quality bites. Sheepshead are slowing down but still holding on bridge pilings and rock structures. Live shrimp and fiddler crabs are still getting it done. Nearshore/Offshore: Red snapper are showing up in strong numbers on deeper reefs and ledges, although the harvest season hasn’t opened yet—check for up-to-date regulations before heading out. Catch-and-release opportunities remain popular for anglers scouting new spots. In addition, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, and mingos are biting well in 80–120 feet of water. King mackerel are becoming more consistent near bait schools, and trolling for Spanish mackerel has been productive. Grouper are also becoming more active on natural bottom. Surf & Pier: The surf bite remains strong. Pompano are being caught with sand fleas and Fishbites, and whiting are still common in the wash. Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, and the occasional cobia have been spotted from the Okaloosa Island Pier, especially during midday tide shifts. With solid weather and active fish, now’s a great time to plan a trip along the Emerald Coast. Whether you're chasing reds in the shallows or scouting snapper spots offshore, the bite is on.
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Destin Fishing Report
ITS COLDDDD Bottom Fishing The bottom drop is producing Vermillion snapper and white snapper right now, triggerfish is out of season but we are seeing some decent sized ones that should be good to pull in come March! Almaco Jacks are up high in the water column but not very active right now Trolling The trolling sucks right now, a few Bonita here and there but the change in water temps have the fish moving up and down in the column and not wanting to eat much! We are looking forward to warmer weather soon!
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Triggerfish Trip
Triggerfish season is here! Just like every year in the beginning of the season finding keeper triggerfish is easier! Beeliners were plentiful and snagged a few Bonita on the troll! It will only get better from here! Solid day for us today
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Fishing Report
Destin Fishing ReportTrolling- blackfin are in schools within 15 miles, bonita bite is heavy and wahoo have been caughtBottom Fishing- vermillions are leading the bottom bite as well as triggerfish! A few Almacos and lane snapper have been caught as well
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Offshore Report
Trolling- blackfin tuna are running within 9 miles if you can get past the Bonita, wahoo bite is hit or miss,they seem to like darker colors today and mahi are absent, no debris to be foundBottom Fishing- Snapper bite is rough right now because of schools of ruby lips and grunts, Almaco jacks are mixed in but are small, triggerfish bite is good
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Fishing Report- 12/20/22
Trolling- trolling has not been good this week, hard biteBottom Fishing- triggerfish are not biting good but vermillions are on fire as well as smaller schooling reef fish
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Fishing Report 19 Dec 2022
Trolling- Bonita bite is solid, blackfin tuna are hit or miss and blue water is 20 miles southwestBottom Fishing- Triggerfish are active, Red Snapper bite is slow but vermillions are hitting good
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Destin Deep Sea Fishing
Still have Sunday available for opening red snapper weekend! Friday and Saturday are booked! Let us know and get on these pigs!!
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Destin Fishing Report
Bait is sporatic at the pass, sometimes you can find it at the pass and sometimes you can find it on the snorkle reefs!Offshore Trolling- Bonita are plentiful, blackfin tuna are hit or miss! Mahi are farther offshore as the water temps remain in the 70s!Bottom Fishing- Red Snapper are everywhere as well as Triggerfish! Vermillions and Porgies are being caught daily as well as Almaco Jacks
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Offshore Destin
Trolling produced plenty of Bonitas, a few Mahi and we had a Blackfin Tuna hookup that we lostBottom Fishing produced red snapper, triggerfish, Amberjack and vermillion snapper
Ratings & Reviews Summary
May 29, 2025
Couldn’t have asked for a better trip. This was the first time out with the whole family including 4 young boys. Captain Jon was awesome and put them on lots of fish. They had an absolute blast. Would definitely recommend using him for your family trip.
May 29, 2025
Captain Jon did a great job. Very friendly and patient with my little guy. He let him help him with bait and stuff. We started out kinda slow but wound up with a few good keepers. Would definitely ride with him again!
May 29, 2025
Our vacation in Destin FL, begins with wind, fog and rain. Part of our groups adventure is to HOOK up with a GREAT tag team of captains that were experts locating fish and keeping us on spot. The rough seas were one challenge and removing the catch from 4 rods constanty reeling in fish was another. But the EXPERIENCE of both Capt. Jon and Capt. Jerrad ends with a cooler FULL of FISH, recipes to prepare our catch, a list of must sees and dos, along with great MEMORIES. Highly Recommend!!
May 29, 2025
If you’re looking for a GREAT fishing charter seriously go with Bendin Rods Fishing Charter! Cap.John & his first mate Chris were beyond phenomenal. Their knowledge is extensive, seriously the best.
May 29, 2025
Captain John and Captain Jerrad were not only incredibly knowledgeable about their craft but also made our experience relaxed and entertaining! They knew exactly where the fish would be biting, so we caught nearly our limit. These two seasoned fishermen are worth every penny!
May 29, 2025
Our group of 4 had a fabulous time! From the moment we stepped onto the boat and met Captain Jon and Captain Jerrad, we felt comfortable and safe. We traveled in some rough seas, but the Sounder handled them beautifully! We caught so many fish, there was never an empty hook! Memories made!
