24-Hour Big Game Fishing with Back Down 2
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
24hour offshore charter targets marlin, sailfish, tuna, and wahooCaptain Phillip guides trips 3040 miles offshore on Back Down 2Stateoftheart vessel accommodates up to 11 guests per trip
When you're ready to chase the real deal offshore, Captain Phillip and the Charter Boat Back Down 2 are your ticket to some of the Gulf's best blue water action. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full 24-hour adventure that takes you 30-40 miles out into the deep blue where the big boys live. With room for up to 11 anglers, this Destin-based charter targets the species that make your arms ache and your heart pound: Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Yellow Sea Chub. Captain Phillip knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his state-of-the-art vessel is rigged for serious offshore fishing.
Your adventure starts before dawn at the Destin harbor, where you'll meet Captain Phillip and get the rundown on what promises to be an epic day and night on the water. The Back Down 2 is equipped with everything you need for a successful offshore campaign – from top-shelf tackle to the latest electronics for finding fish in the vast Gulf waters. You'll be running hard to reach those prime fishing grounds where the continental shelf drops off and the pelagic species roam. The beauty of a 24-hour trip is that you get to fish the prime bite times – early morning, late afternoon, and those magic twilight hours when big fish often feed most aggressively. Captain Phillip will adjust the game plan based on conditions, current breaks, and where the action is happening, but expect to spend quality time in some of the most productive blue water off the Florida coast.
This is all about trolling – the bread and butter of offshore fishing. Captain Phillip runs a spread of baits that would make any tournament angler jealous, with a mix of artificial lures, rigged ballyhoo, and other proven producers. The Back Down 2 is set up with outriggers, downriggers, and all the hardware needed to present baits at different depths and distances from the boat. You'll be working with heavy tackle – think 50 and 80-pound class gear – because when a marlin decides to eat, you need equipment that can handle the fight. The captain will have you covered with circle hooks for billfish conservation and the proper leader material for each target species. GPS and fish finder technology help locate structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools, but it's Captain Phillip's experience reading the water that really makes the difference. You'll learn to watch for birds working, debris lines, and color changes that signal fish-holding water.
Blue Marlin are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and these waters off Destin hold some real giants. These apex predators can exceed 500 pounds and are most active during the warmer months from May through September. When a blue marlin hits your spread, there's nothing else like it – they'll often come up behind the bait, light up with electric blue stripes, and crash the lure with incredible force. The fight that follows can last hours, with spectacular jumps and blistering runs that test both angler and equipment. Most blues are released to fight another day, making this a true bucket-list experience for any serious angler.
Mahi Mahi, also called Common Dolphinfish, are the most reliable target out there and always put up a fantastic fight. These beautiful fish are drawn to floating debris, weed lines, and structure, often traveling in schools that can provide non-stop action. Bulls can reach 50-60 pounds, while the smaller females still offer great sport on lighter tackle. Mahi are excellent table fare, making them a favorite for anglers who want to fill the cooler. They're most abundant from spring through fall, and their acrobatic fights and stunning golden colors make every hookup special.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph and known for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast runs. These fish prefer the deeper blue water and are often caught while trolling for other species. A wahoo hit feels like getting struck by lightning – they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost any other fish in the Gulf. Most wahoo in these waters range from 20-40 pounds, though bigger fish are always possible. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean.
Yellow Sea Chub might not be the biggest fish you'll encounter, but they're scrappy fighters that often show up in good numbers around structure and debris. These smaller fish are great for filling out your catch and keeping rods bent when the bigger species aren't cooperating. They're also excellent bait for larger predators, so Captain Phillip often targets them specifically to use as live bait for marlin and other trophy fish.
A 24-hour offshore adventure with Captain Phillip on the Back Down 2 isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience some of the Gulf's most exciting big game fishing. With his local knowledge, top-rated equipment, and commitment to putting you on fish, this charter consistently delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Whether you're an experienced offshore angler looking to add a blue marlin to your life list or someone ready to step up from inshore fishing to the big leagues, this trip offers world-class fishing in some of the most productive waters off the Florida coast. Don't let this opportunity slip away – book your spot aboard the Back Down 2 and get ready for a fishing adventure that you'll be talking about for years to come.
The Charter Boat Back Down 2 is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in Destin's deep blue waters. This 57-foot sport fishing machine was completely restored in 2017 and packs twin 600HP Detroit Diesel engines that'll get you to the best fishing grounds 30-40 miles out where the big boys swim. With Captain Phillip at the helm, you'll be hunting marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi in comfort - the boat's loaded with AC, a full kitchen, bathroom, and even a bed for those marathon 24-hour trips. The fish finder and radar keep you on top of the action, while the icebox and fridge keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Room for 11 anglers means you can bring the whole crew to battle these ocean giants. This isn't your average fishing trip - it's a proper deep-sea adventure where you'll test your skills against some of the Gulf's most prized game fish.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the real heavyweights out here - females can hit over 1,000 pounds (we call those "granders"), while males rarely break 350. You'll find them in the deep blue water 30+ miles offshore where the water temperature stays warm. Best months are July through November when they're most active in our area. What makes them special is that raw power and those aerial shows when hooked. They'll jump, dive, and test every piece of gear you've got. The meat's decent but most folks release these beauties. Here's the key - when trolling, keep your speed around 8-10 knots with ballyhoo or big artificials. Use wire leaders because that bill can slice right through mono. When one hits, clear the other lines fast and get ready for a long battle.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see - bright gold with electric blue and green that literally changes colors when you bring them up. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet long, though we catch some bigger bulls with those distinctive square heads. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-500 feet of water. Peak season here is May through September when water temps are warmest. Guests love them because they're great fighters, jump like crazy, and taste amazing - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect grilled. Look for birds working over floating sargassum or debris piles. When you find one mahi, there's usually more around, so keep some baits in the water. Small ballyhoo or squid strips work great on light tackle.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf - they can hit 60 mph and that first run will smoke your drag if you're not ready. Most fish we see are 20-40 pounds and 3-4 feet long with those distinctive blue tiger stripes. They cruise the blue water from 200 feet out to the deep, often around structure or temperature breaks. Best fishing is fall through early spring when they're moving through. What makes them special is that blistering speed and the excellent eating - mild, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. The trick is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor teeth will cut through anything else. Bullethead lures and rigged ballyhoo work well. When you hook up, hold on tight because that first run is something else.
Kyphosus IncisorYellow Sea Chub aren't glamorous but they're fun little fighters that kids and beginners really enjoy catching. These guys run 15-18 inches typically, with yellow stripes along their sides and a small mouth packed with sharp teeth. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and anywhere there's floating sargassum in 20-100 feet of water. They're around year-round but more active in warmer months. While the meat isn't great - kind of mushy - they're perfect for learning how to fish and keeping kids busy when the big fish aren't biting. Use small hooks with fresh cut bait like shrimp or fish strips. A little trick - drop some bread crumbs overboard to get them fired up. Light tackle makes them more fun to catch.
Destin