Destin's Premier 8 Hour Full Day Offshore Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eight hours offshore targeting red snapper, grouper, and billfish.Accommodates up to six guests for serious angling adventures.Full day allows extended runs to prime fishing locations.
When you want to experience the best of what the Gulf of Mexico has to offer, this 8-hour full day charter with Catch and Cruise Adventures is your ticket to some serious fishing action. We're talking about heading way out into the deep blue waters off Destin where the big fish live and the real adventure begins. With a full day on the water, we've got time to run to the prime spots, work multiple areas, and give you the best shot at filling the cooler with trophy-caliber fish. This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're going all out for red snapper, grouper, king mackerel, mahi, wahoo, and whatever else decides to bite.
Your day starts early - we're talking about getting on the water while most folks are still hitting the snooze button. That's when the fish are most active and the Gulf is at its calmest. We'll cruise out past the nearshore structure and head for the deeper waters where the big pelagics roam. The ride out gives you time to get your sea legs, enjoy some coffee, and watch the sun come up over one of the most productive fishing grounds in the country. With 8 hours at our disposal, we can hit multiple spots throughout the day - starting with some bottom fishing for snapper and grouper, then moving to trolling for the speed demons like wahoo and mahi. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, so whether you're bringing the whole crew or looking for a more intimate fishing experience, we've got the space and gear to make it happen. No meals are included, but most folks bring a cooler with snacks and drinks to keep the energy up during those long fights with monster fish.
We run a variety of fishing methods throughout the day to maximize your chances of success. Early morning typically starts with bottom fishing using heavy tackle and circle hooks to target red snapper and grouper around structure and artificial reefs. We're talking about dropping baits 60 to 120 feet down to where these fish hold tight to cover. Once we've worked the bottom bite, we'll switch gears and start trolling with a spread of lures and rigged baits to cover water and hunt down the pelagics. The boat is rigged with outriggers and downriggers to get our baits in the strike zone, and we've got everything from ballyhoo rigs to high-speed wahoo lures in the arsenal. When we mark fish on the electronics or spot bird activity, we might switch to live bait fishing or even some light tackle spinning gear if the conditions are right. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided - we use quality Penn and Shimano gear that can handle whatever the Gulf throws at us.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of Destin offshore fishing, and these silver bullets put up one heck of a fight. They typically run anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional smoker king pushing 50 or more. Spring through fall is prime time for kings, and they respond well to both live bait and trolled lures. What makes them so popular with anglers is their aggressive strikes and blistering runs - when a big king hits your bait, you'll know it immediately.
Mahi mahi are hands down one of the most exciting fish to catch in the Gulf. These colorful fighters average 10 to 25 pounds but can grow much larger, and they're absolutely gorgeous with their golden flanks and electric blue-green backs. Mahi are most active from late spring through early fall, and they love structure - floating debris, weed lines, and anything that provides shade. They're also known for traveling in schools, so where you catch one, there's usually more waiting. The acrobatic jumps and strong runs make every mahi fight a memorable one.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph and putting your drag system to the ultimate test. These toothy critters typically weigh between 20 to 50 pounds in our waters, though bigger ones cruise through during peak season from fall through early spring. Wahoo are notorious for their explosive strikes on high-speed trolled lures, and their initial run can strip line faster than almost any other fish in the Gulf. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Red snapper remain the holy grail of Gulf bottom fishing, and Destin's offshore waters hold some true giants. During the federal season, we target these crimson beauties around natural and artificial structure in 60 to 200 feet of water. A quality red snapper runs anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 20 pounds or more. They're incredibly smart fish that require precise presentations and quality bait, but the reward is some of the finest eating fish in the ocean. Their bright red color and aggressive fight make them a favorite target for both novice and experienced anglers.
Gag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, using their powerful bodies and knowledge of structure to test your tackle and technique. These bottom dwellers typically range from 10 to 30 pounds, with the occasional monster exceeding 40 pounds. Gags are most active during the cooler months and early spring, when they move into shallower water to spawn. What makes grouper fishing so challenging and rewarding is their ability to use structure against you - once hooked, they'll immediately head for the nearest hole or ledge, testing your drag and determination. Their firm, flaky white meat makes them one of the most sought-after table fish in the Gulf.
This 8-hour charter represents the gold standard of offshore fishing in Destin - enough time to really explore what the Gulf has to offer without feeling rushed. We've got the experience, equipment, an
This 48-foot sportfishing machine is your ticket to Destin's best offshore action. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with outriggers, top-shelf tackle, and all the electronics you need to find the fish—GPS, radar, and fish finder included. The spacious cockpit gives your crew of up to 6 plenty of room to work the rods, while the shaded areas and air conditioning keep everyone comfortable during those long battles with red snapper, grouper, and mahi. The flybridge offers perfect visibility for spotting birds and bait, and when you need a break from the action, the onboard kitchen and fridge keep the cold drinks flowing. With a clean head and icebox for your catch, this boat handles everything from quick grouper drops to serious tuna runs in the deep blue water off Destin.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the muscle cars of bottom fishing, averaging 5-15 pounds but capable of hitting 30+ pounds. They love rocky structure, ledges, and wrecks in 80-300 feet of water. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What guests love about gags is that bulldogging fight—they'll try to drag you straight back to the bottom and into the rocks. The payoff is incredible table fare with that firm, sweet white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying. Here's the secret to landing one: soon as you feel that thump, lock down your drag and lift hard. Don't let them get their head down or they'll wrap you up in the structure. Keep steady pressure and muscle them up before they know what hit them.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf, averaging 20-40 pounds with the occasional monster pushing 50+. They cruise depths from 40-150 feet, often found around structure like oil rigs and ledges. Fall through early spring offers the best action when they're thick along our coast. What makes kings so popular is that blazing first run—they'll peel drag like nothing else and keep fighting all the way to the boat. The meat's excellent too, though it's got higher mercury levels. Here's a local tip: use a wire leader and double-hook your live bait. Hook once through the nose, then let a treble dangle near the tail. Kings love to bite the back half of baitfish, so that trailing hook saves a lot of missed strikes.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fighters you'll find offshore, typically running 15-30 pounds with those electric blue and gold sides that light up when they're angry. They're surface fish that love floating debris, sargassum lines, and current edges in blue water. Summer months bring the best action, especially around floating objects where they school up. What guests love most is that acrobatic fight—they jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus, they're absolutely delicious with that firm white meat. The colors fade fast once they're out of the water, so get your photos quick. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat near that floating debris. Where there's one mahi, there's usually more, and they'll stick around as long as you keep the action going.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing, typically running 2-8 pounds with the occasional keeper pushing 15+. They live around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Our federal season usually runs June through July, but check current regs since they change. What makes snapper so popular is they're scrappy fighters that'll try to dive back into the rocks, plus they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. That sweet, mild white meat is perfect for any recipe. Here's a local trick: use a knocker rig with fresh cigar minnows or cut squid, and the second you feel that bite, reel hard and fast. Don't give them a chance to get back in the rocks or you'll lose both fish and tackle.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 60 mph and typically weighing 20-50 pounds. These solitary hunters cruise the blue water around 60 feet deep, often near floating debris or temperature breaks. Fall and winter months are prime time when they're most active in our area. What makes wahoo special is that blistering initial run—nothing strips line faster. Their firm, flaky white meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean, mild and sweet like premium tuna. Here's the key to landing one: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is essential since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. Run a tight spread of diving lures and hold on tight when that reel starts screaming.
Fort Walton Beach, FL, United States