Sea Fishing Destin Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
24-hour offshore expedition targets marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, mahi mahiCaptain Phillip guides trips 30-40 miles offshore on Back Down 2State-of-the-art vessel accommodates up to 11 guests per charter
Get ready to head way offshore with Captain Phillip on the Charter Boat Back Down 2 for what might just be the fishing trip of a lifetime. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking a full 24-hour expedition that takes you 30-40 miles out into the deep blue Gulf waters where the big boys live. You'll be targeting some serious pelagic species that'll put your drag system to the test and give you stories to tell for years. With room for up to 11 anglers, this trip brings together serious fishermen who want to chase blue marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo, and yellow sea chub in some of the most productive waters the Gulf has to offer.
Captain Phillip knows these offshore grounds like the back of his hand, and he's built a reputation for putting anglers on fish when conditions are right. The Back Down 2 is rigged and ready for big game fishing, equipped with the kind of tackle and electronics you need when you're hunting marlin and tuna in open water. You'll start before dawn, steaming out to the fishing grounds while the coffee's still brewing and everyone's getting their sea legs. Once we reach the prime zones, it's all about reading the water, watching for birds, and putting baits where the fish want them. This is tournament-style fishing at its finest – spread lines, rigger baits, and everyone staying alert for that screaming reel that means game on.
We run a full spread when we're hunting pelagics – think multiple lines at different depths and distances to cover water effectively. The boat's set up with outriggers, downriggers, and center rigger positions that let us present everything from large ballyhoo to diving plugs and big game lures. Captain Phillip switches up the spread based on conditions, water temperature, and what the fish are showing us on the electronics. You'll be working with heavy conventional reels spooled with serious line – this isn't the place for light tackle when a 200-pound marlin decides to take your bait for a ride. The key out here is staying patient, keeping baits fresh, and being ready when that call comes to clear the other lines because something big just ate.
Blue marlin are the kings of these Gulf waters, and Destin's offshore grounds produce some genuine giants from late spring through early fall. These fish can push 400 pounds or more, and they're known for their aerial displays and long, powerful runs that'll have you wondering if your reel's going to hold together. Peak season runs from May through September when water temperatures hit that sweet spot and baitfish are thick along the continental shelf. What makes marlin special isn't just their size – it's the way they fight, the way they jump, and the fact that hooking one is never guaranteed no matter how good your captain is.
Mahi mahi, or common dolphinfish, are the workhorses of offshore fishing here, and they're almost always willing to eat when you find them. These fish love floating debris, weed lines, and anywhere small baitfish are schooling up. They hit hard, jump like crazy, and the bigger bulls can stretch past 40 pounds. Spring through fall is prime time, but you can find scattered fish year-round. Mahi are perfect for mixed bags – where you find one, you'll often find more, and they're not shy about hitting lures, live bait, or anything else that looks like an easy meal.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep water, capable of stripping line faster than almost anything else that swims. These torpedo-shaped predators love high-speed trolled lures and have teeth that'll slice through wire if you're not careful with your leader setup. Peak wahoo action typically runs from fall into early winter when they're moving through our area following bait schools. A big wahoo can hit 60 pounds and will test your reflexes and your drag system in equal measure.
Yellow sea chub might not be the biggest fish on the list, but they're scrappy fighters that show up around structure and bait schools. These fish are excellent table fare and often provide consistent action when the bigger pelagics are being finicky. They're particularly active during summer months and will hit both live and artificial baits with enthusiasm.
This 24-hour offshore adventure with Captain Phillip represents serious big game fishing at its best. You're not just booking a charter – you're securing a spot on a trip that targets some of the most sought-after species in the Gulf of Mexico. The combination of Captain Phillip's knowledge, the Back Down 2's capabilities, and Destin's world-class offshore fishing grounds creates opportunities that don't come around every day. Whether you're chasing your first marlin, looking to add wahoo to your bucket list, or just want to experience what real offshore fishing is all about, this trip delivers the goods. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait around if you're serious about getting out there and testing your skills against these ocean predators.
The Charter Boat Back Down 2 is a serious offshore fishing machine that'll get you to where the big fish live. This 57-foot sport fisher was completely restored in 2017 and packs twin 600HP Detroit Diesel engines that cruise smoothly at 15 knots to those productive waters 30-40 miles out. Captain Phillip knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand and uses top-notch fish finders and radar to put you on marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi. The boat handles up to 11 anglers comfortably with AC to beat the Florida heat, a full kitchen and fridge for meals, bunks for overnight trips, and a flybridge for spotting fish. Whether you're chasing your first billfish or you're a seasoned angler looking for trophy catches, this vessel has everything needed for productive days on the water.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the giants of our offshore waters - females can reach over 1,000 pounds (called "granders"), while males rarely exceed 350. We find them 30-40 miles out in warm blue water around 80°F, often following temperature breaks and current edges. They're year-round residents here in the Gulf, but summer months typically produce the best action. These fish are pure power with amazing aerial displays when hooked. The fight can last hours, testing both angler and equipment. While the meat has high mercury levels, most folks release these magnificent fish. My tip: use heavy wire leaders and keep your drag smooth - they'll make blistering runs that can snap gear in seconds. Industrial-grade tackle is a must for these apex predators.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the workhorses of our offshore trips, averaging 15-29 pounds with that stunning golden color and incredible light show when brought to the boat. We target them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-400 feet of water. They're most abundant here from spring through fall, especially under bird activity. Guests love mahi because they fight hard, jump like crazy, and make fantastic table fare - mild, sweet, and perfect for grilling. These fast-growing fish travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep a few lines in the water since the school often stays around the boat. Always troll baits on the surface to mimic their favorite flying fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters - they can hit 60 mph and will test your reflexes when they strike. These sleek fish average 3-5 feet and are most active here from July through November, especially around structure and temperature breaks. We find them in 60-400 feet, often near oil platforms and drop-offs. What makes wahoo special is their blistering runs and that premium white meat - it's sweet, flaky, and some of the best eating in the Gulf. The initial strike is explosive, then they make long, screaming runs. My secret: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is key since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. Use diving lures or rigged ballyhoo for best results.
Kyphosus IncisorYellow Sea Chubs are smaller reef fish that run 15-18 inches, easily recognized by their blue and yellow stripes along compressed bodies. We encounter them around rocky bottoms, coral patches, and floating sargassum in shallow to moderate depths. They're year-round residents that make great action when bigger fish aren't cooperating. While they're not trophy fish, they're fun fighters on light tackle and great for getting kids or beginners hooked on fishing. The meat is edible but not highly prized. These omnivores will eat almost anything, making them easy to catch. Local trick: use small hooks with tiny pieces of cut bait or shrimp, and throw some bread crumbs in the water to get them fired up around the boat.
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