18-Hour Offshore Mahi, Wahoo & Tuna Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
18hour offshore charter targeting Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Tuna speciesDeepwater fishing around Fish Aggregating Devices with professional captainPrivate trip accommodates up to 6 guests with gear included
When serious anglers talk about world-class offshore fishing on the Emerald Coast, this 18-hour Fort Walton Beach charter sits at the top of the list. We're talking about a full commitment to chasing elite pelagic species in some of the Gulf's most productive deep-water grounds. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're heading way offshore to target the big three: Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and multiple Tuna species around Fish Aggregating Devices that consistently hold fish. Available Friday through Sunday, this private charter accommodates up to 6 anglers and includes everything you need: professional captain, fuel, tackle, and licensing. Whether you're a seasoned offshore veteran or ready to step up your fishing game, this extended trip gives you the best shot at trophy fish that most day trips simply can't reach.
This charter is built for anglers who want to fish where the big pelagics live, and that means going the distance. We'll be running well offshore to reach the FADs – those Fish Aggregating Devices that act like magnets for Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, and other blue-water species. The 18-hour format gives us time to hit multiple spots without rushing, and when you hook into a school of dolphin or find Tuna busting bait, you can work them properly. Fort Walton Beach puts us in prime position to reach these deep-water grounds, and the extended trip means we're not watching the clock when the bite gets hot. Expect a mix of trolling and targeted fishing around structure, with the captain reading conditions and adjusting tactics throughout the day. The boat can handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, so you'll have room to fight fish without getting tangled up. This is serious offshore fishing – the kind where you might lose sight of land and spend hours in 1,000+ feet of water.
We're running a full spread of trolling gear designed specifically for pelagic species, with a mix of ballyhoo, lures, and teasers that trigger strikes from Mahi, Wahoo, and Tuna. The captain will adjust trolling speed and lure selection based on conditions and target species – faster for Wahoo, varied speeds for Tuna, and often slower when working Mahi schools. When we reach the FADs, expect to switch between trolling around the structure and targeted fishing with live or cut bait. These devices create their own ecosystems, holding baitfish that attract the predators we're after. All tackle is included, from heavy trolling rods to lighter spinning gear for when schools of Mahi move in close to the boat. The extended duration means we can cover serious ground, hitting multiple FADs and following fish when we find them. Wire leaders are standard for Wahoo, and the captain will have everything rigged and ready so you can focus on fighting fish instead of retying rigs.
The Mahi Mahi around Fort Walton Beach FADs are legendary, and for good reason. These fish show up in schools that can keep rods bent for hours, with bulls pushing 40+ pounds and cows providing non-stop action. Peak season runs late spring through early fall, but don't count them out in winter – the FADs hold fish year-round. What makes Mahi so addictive is their aggressive feeding behavior and the way they light up when hooked, putting on aerial displays that never get old. They're also excellent eating, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the table.
Wahoo fishing in these waters is world-class, with fish regularly exceeding 50 pounds and the occasional giant pushing 80+. These are pure speed demons, capable of blistering runs that will test your drag settings and your nerves. Fall and winter are prime time for big Wahoo, when they move closer to shore and feed aggressively around the FADs. The initial run on a big Wahoo is something every offshore angler needs to experience – they hit trolled baits like freight trains and don't slow down until they're ready.
Yellowfin Tuna around the offshore grounds range from schoolie-size fish in the 20-30 pound range to genuine giants over 100 pounds. These fish are built for endurance, and a big Yellowfin will test every aspect of your tackle and technique. They often show up around the FADs feeding on baitfish, and when you find a school, the action can be fast and furious. Bigeye Tuna are the wildcards – less common but absolutely massive when they show up, with fish over 200 pounds caught in these waters.
Red Grouper and Red Snapper are bonus species that often show up around the deeper FADs, providing variety when the pelagics aren't cooperating. Both are excellent table fare and can provide steady action when worked with cut bait around the bottom structure. The extended trip duration means we have time to target these bottom species if the trolling slows down, giving you multiple chances at different types of fish throughout the day.
This 18-hour offshore charter represents the gold standard for Fort Walton Beach fishing – the kind of trip that produces stories you'll tell for years. The combination of extended time on the water, access to prime FAD locations, and professional guidance gives you the best possible shot at trophy pelagic species. With availability limited to weekends and space for just 6 anglers, these trips book up fast during peak seasons. The all-inclusive rate covers everything from fuel to tackle, so you can focus on what matters most: fighting world-class fish in some of the Gulf's most productive waters. Check the calendar and secure your date online – when the conditions align and the fish are biting, there's no better way to experience what the Emerald Coast has to offer serious
This 42-foot Mediterranean sportfisher cuts through Gulf waters with twin 210HP Cummins engines, cruising at 21 knots to get you to the deep-water fishing grounds fast. Built for serious offshore angling, she's rock-solid in blue water swells and spacious enough for your crew of six to fish comfortably. The captain knows exactly where to find the Fish Aggregating Devices where mahi, wahoo, and tuna congregate. With her deep-V hull and professional-grade electronics, you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time getting bounced around. Perfect setup for targeting those pelagic species that cruise the offshore currents beyond the continental shelf.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure excitement - these golden beauties put on a show both in the water and on the end of your line. Most run 15-30 pounds out here, though we catch 40+ pounders around FADs and floating debris in deeper water. They're surface dwellers, usually in the top 100 feet, and love hanging around anything floating. Best fishing is May through September when they're thick in our warm Gulf waters. What guests love most is watching their colors change from brilliant gold and electric blue to silver as they come to the boat. They jump, run, and fight hard for their size. The meat is fantastic too - firm, white, and mild tasting. Pro tip: when you see one, get ready for more. They usually travel in small schools, so keep multiple lines ready. Once you boat the first one, get your baits back out fast - the rest of the school is often still fired up and feeding.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are some of the toughest fighters you'll encounter around here. These rusty-red bottom dwellers typically run 5-10 pounds, though we see 20+ pounders regularly on the deeper structure. They hang out around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks anywhere from 30-300 feet, with the bigger fish usually holding in 80-150 feet. Best action happens May through October when water temps climb. What makes them special is that fight - they'll try to drag you straight back to their hole the second you hook up. The meat is top-notch too, firm and sweet with that slight shellfish taste from their crab and shrimp diet. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them any slack. They know every crack and crevice down there, and if you let them get their head down, they'll wrap you up in structure every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing - these bright red fighters live around structure and put up a serious scrap. Most run 2-8 pounds, though we regularly see 15+ pounders on the deeper reefs and rigs. They stick tight to hard bottom, wrecks, and artificial reefs anywhere from 40-200 feet deep. Best action is May through October during their spawning season when they're most aggressive. What makes snapper fishing addictive is that hard pull when they grab your bait - they fight all the way to the boat and taste as good as they fight. The white, flaky meat with that mild, sweet flavor makes them perfect for the dinner table. Key tip: use circle hooks and get them up quick. Big snapper will try to cut you off in the structure, and that swim bladder expansion means you can't throw the big ones back anyway. Fresh squid or cigar minnows work best down on the bottom where they feed.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf - these sleek predators can hit 60 mph and will test your reflexes when they strike. Most wahoo we catch run 20-50 pounds, with their torpedo-shaped bodies and razor-sharp teeth making them serious gamefish. They cruise open water around FADs and structure, typically in the top 200 feet. Peak season here is July through November, especially during cooler fronts. What makes wahoo special is that explosive strike - they'll absolutely destroy a trolling lure at high speed, often clearing the water multiple times. The meat is premium eating too, white and flaky like high-end swordfish. Here's the trick: you need wire leaders because their teeth will slice through mono instantly. We troll fast at 12-15 knots with diving plugs and skirted ballyhoo. When one hits, it's game on - just hold tight and enjoy the ride because these fish don't quit until they're in the box.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the ultimate offshore gamefish - pure muscle wrapped in a torpedo body that can cruise at 50 mph. Around here, most yellowfin run 30-100 pounds, though we see some real giants pushing 200+ around the deeper FADs. They roam open water from the surface down to 300 feet, following baitfish and temperature breaks. May through August gives us the best shot during their Gulf spawning season. What hooks people on yellowfin is that incredible fight - they make long, powerful runs and just don't quit. Plus, the meat is sushi-grade, deep red and rich. These fish are eating machines, so they'll hit everything from trolled ballyhoo to poppers and jigs. My go-to technique when we mark them deep is to stop the boat and start chunking cut bait to bring them up, then switch to casting plugs when they surface. Once you hook one, settle in - it's going to be a battle.
Fort Walton Beach