Full Day Deep Sea Fishing in Destin Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing aboard comfortable 32foot ProCat vesselTarget red snapper, amberjack, and mahi mahi in deeper watersFederallypermitted charter accommodates up to five guests maximum
When you're serious about fishing the Gulf of Mexico, nothing beats a full eight hours on the water with Changing Lanes Fishing Charters. We're talking about real offshore fishing here—the kind where you head out past the nearshore crowd and drop lines in 100+ feet of water where the big fish live. Our 32-foot ProCat isn't just comfortable, it's built for these Gulf waters, and with our federal permits, we can take you to spots that half-day trips can't even touch. You'll have time to catch live bait, work multiple structures, and really dial in on what's biting that day.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip where you're rushed from spot to spot. Eight hours gives us the luxury of fishing like locals do—starting early, running to productive waters, and adapting our strategy based on what we're seeing. We'll usually start by catching live bait, which is often the difference between okay fishing and lights-out action. There's something special about watching a kid catch their first cigar minnow or blue runner, then using that same bait to hook into a 40-pound cobia an hour later. The boat handles beautifully in offshore conditions, and with only five anglers max, everyone gets plenty of room to fish and fight their catch properly. Expect to cover some serious water—we might hit artificial reefs, natural bottom structures, and open water depending on what's moving through the area.
We run a mix of trolling and bottom fishing that keeps things interesting all day long. When we're covering water looking for mahi or kings, we'll pull a spread of diving plugs, spoons, and rigged baits at different depths. The key is reading the water—temperature breaks, weed lines, and bird activity all tell us where to focus our efforts. For bottom fishing, we're talking serious tackle here. Heavy conventional reels loaded with enough line to handle big amberjack in 150 feet of water, circle hooks that improve release survival, and weights that get your bait down fast in strong current. Live bait fishing is where things get really exciting—nothing beats the anticipation of watching a live blue runner get crushed by a hungry cobia or red snapper. We carry quality rods and reels that can handle whatever we hook into, but if you've got favorite gear, bring it along.
King mackerel are absolute monsters in these waters, especially from spring through fall. These fish are built for speed and will test your drag system and your arms. A good king might run 20 to 40 pounds, and when they hit a trolled bait at 15 knots, you'll know it immediately. They're excellent eating when handled properly, and the fight is pure adrenaline. Look for them around structure and temperature changes, particularly early morning and late afternoon. Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish as we call them locally, are probably the most exciting fish in the Gulf when they're around. They travel in schools, fight like crazy, and their colors are absolutely stunning when they come to the boat. Most run 5 to 15 pounds, but bulls can push 30 pounds or more. They're fantastic table fare and relatively easy for kids to handle, making them perfect family fish. Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef. These fish live around hard structure and will try to take you straight to the bottom when hooked. A typical AJ runs 15 to 40 pounds, but we see plenty of bigger fish throughout the season. They're catch-and-release only during certain times, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting. Cobia are like underwater submarines—brown, curious, and absolutely delicious. They often cruise near the surface around structure or floating debris, and sight-fishing for them with live bait is one of the most exciting things you can do offshore. They average 20 to 50 pounds and are considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Red snapper are the holy grail of Gulf fishing when the season's open. These beautiful fish live around hard bottom and structure, and catching a limit of quality snappers is what fishing dreams are made of. They're smart, structure-oriented, and absolutely delicious. Most run 3 to 10 pounds, but trophy fish over 15 pounds swim in these deeper waters we access.
This full-day trip gives you the best shot at experiencing what Gulf fishing is really about. While other charters are heading back to the dock, we're still fishing prime afternoon bite times and exploring new water. The combination of our federal permits, quality boat, and eight full hours on the water creates opportunities you simply can't get on shorter trips. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or a family wanting to experience world-class Gulf fishing, this trip delivers. The Emerald Coast's reputation for top-rated fishing experiences isn't just marketing—it's earned through days like this where everything comes together. Don't wait until you're here to book, because prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons. Reserve your spot with Changing Lanes Fishing Charters and fish the Gulf the way it's meant to be fished.
Step aboard our rock-solid 32-foot ProCat and feel the difference those brand-new twin engines make as we cruise toward Destin's best fishing grounds. This hull cuts through Gulf chop like butter, keeping you dry and comfortable while we hunt for mackerel, cobia, and whatever else is biting in the deep blue. The spacious deck gives all five anglers room to work their lines without getting tangled up, while our fish finder does the heavy lifting to locate schools and structure below. Keep your drinks ice-cold in the onboard cooler during those long battles with big fish. Our GPS and radar ensure we can navigate safely to the hottest spots, even when conditions get sketchy. The wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over productive areas without spooking fish. With VHF radio keeping us connected and a multimedia system for downtime between bites, this ProCat has everything needed for a serious day of Gulf fishing.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the "brown sharks" that aren't sharks at all. These 30-60 pound fish cruise shallow waters around structure, often right at the surface where you can sight-fish them. Spring migration (April-June) brings the best action as they move through our area heading to spawn. They're typically solitary, so each fish is a prize. What makes cobia special is the visual aspect - seeing that dark shape glide up to your bait gets your heart pumping. The meat rivals any fish in the Gulf, with firm texture and mild flavor. My go-to technique: use a bucktail jig around 4-6 ounces and work it near the bottom around reefs and wrecks. Don't worry about color - they'll hit anything that moves right.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjacks are the bullies of deep structure, averaging 30-50 pounds of pure muscle. These bruisers live around wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 60-200 feet, year-round in our Gulf waters. What makes them a favorite is the initial run - they'll head straight for the bottom trying to wrap your line around structure. It's a true test of angler skill and tackle strength. The meat is excellent when prepared right, with firm white flesh. Spring through early summer offers peak action during their spawning period. Here's the key: use heavy tackle (50+ pound line) and fight them hard from the start. Don't let them get their head down, or they'll take you straight into the rocks and cut you off every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf, averaging 20-30 pounds with occasional giants over 50. These silver torpedoes cruise in 40-150 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for grilling. Here's a local trick: use a dual-hook rig with wire leader when live baiting. Hook your bait through the nose with the first hook, let the second treble hang free near the tail. Kings love to hit from behind, and that trailing hook will save you from a lot of cutoffs.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure gold when you hook into them - literally. These 15-30 pound acrobats light up in brilliant yellows and greens before jumping clear out of the water. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deeper offshore waters. Spring through fall brings the best fishing when water temps climb. What guests love most is the fight - mahi go airborne repeatedly and change colors like a light show. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, firm white meat. Pro tip: once you catch one, keep the boat in the area. Mahi often travel in small schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Work the same spot with different baits.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the gold standard of Gulf bottom fishing, typically running 2-8 pounds with occasional heavyweights over 20. These crimson beauties live on hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 30-200 feet. Summer season brings our best opportunities when federal waters open. What guests love is the steady action and table fare - snapper have sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for any recipe. They're also scrappy fighters that will head straight for cover when hooked. The key is getting your bait to the bottom quickly with enough weight to stay put. Fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish work best. Keep steady pressure when fighting them, and don't give them slack to run back into the rocks.
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