Premier Offshore Fishing Adventures in Destin Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing charters ranging from 6 to 48 hours availableTarget grouper, snapper, marlin, tuna, and other pelagic speciesAdventures venture 20 to 100+ miles into Gulf waters
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, Destin is where you want to drop your lines. ChampionShip Offshore Outfitting and Charters has been putting anglers on fish in these emerald waters for years, and we know exactly where the big ones are hiding. Whether you're after that bucket-list billfish or looking to load the cooler with dinner, our offshore trips deliver the goods. We're talking about real fishing here – the kind where you'll feel the burn in your shoulders and the adrenaline pumping through your veins as something massive takes your bait and heads for the horizon.
Our offshore charters range from 6-hour half-day trips to epic 48-hour adventures that'll have you telling stories for years. We've got space for up to 6 anglers, which means you're not fighting for rail space or waiting forever for your turn at the rod. The captain will push out anywhere from 20 miles to over 100 miles offshore, depending on where the fish are biting and what species you're targeting. The deeper we go, the bigger they get – that's just how it works out here. You'll be fishing structure, drop-offs, and blue water where the pelagics cruise. Some days we're working the bottom for grouper and snapper, other days we're trolling spreads for marlin and tuna. The boat's equipped with everything you need – top-shelf tackle, outriggers, and all the gear to handle whatever decides to eat your bait. Just bring yourself, some snacks and drinks, and get ready to fish.
Offshore fishing in Destin means you're going to experience different techniques depending on what's biting. For the bottom dwellers like grouper, snapper, and amberjack, we're talking about heavy tackle and serious weights to get your bait down to the fish. We'll anchor up on structure or drift over productive bottom, using live bait, cut bait, or jigs to entice strikes. When we're after the pelagic species – the marlin, tuna, mahi, and wahoo – we're trolling. This means setting out a spread of lures and baits behind the boat as we cruise at 6-8 knots, covering water until something decides to crash the party. The outriggers help us spread our lines wide and keep everything running clean. When a fish hits, it's all hands on deck. The captain will back down on the fish while you fight it, and the mate will coach you through the battle. Circle hooks are standard for most applications, and we practice catch and release on billfish to keep these fisheries healthy for future generations.
Atlantic Sailfish are the speedsters of the Gulf, and when one lights up behind your teaser, you'll understand why they're considered the ultimate light tackle gamefish. These guys average 6-8 feet and put on an aerial show that'll leave you speechless. Peak season runs from April through September when the water temps climb and baitfish are abundant. They're incredibly aggressive on trolled ballyhoo and will absolutely smoke a properly presented live bait. The fight is pure electricity – long runs, multiple jumps, and enough attitude to make even seasoned anglers shake with excitement.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and for good reason. These torpedo-shaped predators can stretch over 50 inches and weigh upwards of 40 pounds. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding heavily. Kings will hit everything from live sardines to spoons trolled behind planers. They're fantastic eating and fight dirty – expect screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. The bigger females, called "smokers," will test your drag system and your endurance.
Blue Marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing, and Destin's deep waters hold some true giants. These apex predators can exceed 500 pounds and represent the pinnacle of big game angling. Summer months offer the best shot at hooking one, when they follow the warm water and baitfish into our area. They're typically caught trolling large lures or rigged ballyhoo in the deep blue water. When a blue marlin eats, everything changes – the reel screams, the rod doubles over, and you're connected to one of the ocean's most powerful fish. Most are released to fight another day.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60 mph and stripping line like you wouldn't believe. These fish average 20-60 pounds and are absolutely phenomenal on the dinner table. They're most active during cooler months, from October through March. Wahoo are typically caught trolling high-speed lures or rigged baits along drop-offs and structure. The initial run is legendary – they'll take 200 yards of line in seconds and jump like tarpon. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their speed makes them a favorite target for serious offshore anglers.
Yellowfin Tuna are the ultimate combination of size, speed, and stamina. These fish can exceed 200 pounds in our waters and provide some of the most challenging fights you'll ever experience. They're most abundant during summer months when water temperatures peak. Yellowfins are caught trolling, chunking, and on live bait. They school with dolphins, so when you see porpoises, start looking for birds and bait. The fight is relentless – long, powerful runs followed by stubborn deep dives. They're also incredible eating, with meat that rivals the finest sashimi-grade fish.
Destin's offshore fishing is world-class, and ChampionShip Offshore Outfitting and Charters puts you in the best position to connect with the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're a
Meet the Little Baby Sea Pig, your ticket to serious offshore fishing adventures in Destin's Gulf waters. This 42' Buddy Davis sportfisher is built for the real deal – whether you're targeting bottom dwellers like grouper and snapper in 20 miles of water or chasing trophy marlin and yellowfin tuna way out past the 100-mile mark. With room for just six anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rails without bumping elbows. The boat's loaded with everything you need: GPS and radar for navigation, fish finder to locate the honey holes, plus A/C to keep you cool between battles. Down below you'll find a full galley, head, and even a bunk for those marathon 48-hour trips. The flybridge gives your captain perfect visibility to spot birds and bait, while the icebox and fridge keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. From 6-hour day trips to extended offshore adventures, this vessel handles Destin's Gulf waters like a champ.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are some of the most prized gamefish off Destin, averaging 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds. They cruise near the surface in 30-65 feet of water but will hunt deeper when needed. These speedsters love warm water between 70-83°F, making our Gulf waters perfect habitat. What makes them special is that iconic dorsal sail and their ability to change colors while hunting - you'll see flashes of blue, black, and silver when they're fired up. The fight is pure magic - they'll leap, dive, and make long runs that'll test your endurance. Best action happens during winter months when they move closer to shore. Pro tip: when teasing one up, let it take the bait and make its first run before setting the hook hard. They'll try to shake it immediately, so stay patient and keep steady pressure.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the giants of our offshore world, with females reaching 300-1800 pounds while males stay around 200-350. These cobalt-blue torpedoes roam the deep blue water 20+ miles offshore in warm currents and temperature breaks. Summer through fall brings the best shots at these apex predators. What makes them legendary is the sheer power and acrobatics - they'll greyhound across the surface, sound deep, then come up tail-walking. It's a true test of angler and equipment. The thrill isn't just the size, but earning a fish that's lived 15-25 years in open ocean. We target them with heavy tackle, wire leaders, and either live bait or big trolling lures. Key tip: when one comes up behind the spread, don't get excited and speed up. Keep your trolling speed steady - blues like to follow and think about it before they commit to the bite.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are fast-moving predators that cruise our Gulf waters year-round in 40-150 feet. They typically run 20-30 pounds, though we see some monsters over 50. These olive-green speedsters with razor-sharp teeth love to hit trolled baits and lures hard, making screaming runs that'll burn line off your reel. They're abundant around structure, drop-offs, and bait schools. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot of 68-84°F. What guests love most is the aggressive strike and solid fight - plus they make excellent table fare with that white, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: always use wire leader and rig two hooks when using live bait. Kings love to bite the tail end of a baitfish, so that trailing treble hook back by the tail will hook up more fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the Gulf, hitting 60 mph and averaging 3-5 feet long around 40-80 pounds. These silver bullets with blue tiger stripes cruise open water and around structure in 60+ feet. Peak season runs fall through early spring when water cools slightly. What makes them special is that blistering initial run - they'll scream line off the reel faster than any fish out here. Plus, they're absolutely delicious with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. We find them around oil rigs, weed lines, and temperature breaks. They school in small groups and are ambush predators with razor teeth. The trick with wahoo is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their teeth will slice through anything else. Dark-and-light color combos work best. When you hook one, hang on tight because that first run is going to be wild.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of our deep water trips, typically running 60-150 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and bright yellow fins. We find them in the top 200 feet of water column, usually 50+ miles offshore around rips, weed lines, and temperature breaks. These warm-blooded speedsters can hit 50 mph and provide some of the strongest, most sustained fights you'll experience. Peak season is May through October when they spawn and feed heavily in our Gulf waters. What guests love is the combination of raw power and premium table fare - yellowfin is prized for sushi and steaks. They school up and feed aggressively on baitfish. We use everything from trolling spreads to chunking and jigging. Local secret: when you're marking fish deep but nothing's hitting the trolled baits, switch to vertical jigging with butterfly jigs. Often triggers fish when they're being finicky.
Destin, FL