Charter Fishing Destin with Back Down 2
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore trolling and bottom fishing charter in Destin watersTarget red snapper, king mackerel, and vermillion snapper speciesCaptain Phillip provides expert guidance aboard Charter Boat Back Down 2
Captain Phillip knows these Destin waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard the Charter Boat Back Down 2, you're getting more than just a ride offshore. You're joining one of the most experienced captains in the Emerald Coast fishing scene for a day that combines serious angling with the kind of laid-back atmosphere that makes Gulf fishing so special. With room for up to 11 anglers, this charter strikes the perfect balance between having enough space to fish comfortably and maintaining that intimate feel where everyone gets personal attention from the captain.
Your day starts early at the Destin Harbor, where Captain Phillip will have the Back Down 2 ready to roll with all the gear you'll need for a productive day. The boat heads out into the emerald waters of the Gulf, where you'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in these parts. This isn't a cookie-cutter charter experience – Captain Phillip reads the conditions, checks his spots, and adjusts the game plan based on what's biting. Some days that means starting with trolling runs for kings and Spanish mackerel, other days you might head straight to the bottom for red snapper and vermillion snapper. The beauty is in the flexibility and the captain's ability to put you on fish regardless of the conditions. You'll spend your time moving between productive areas, and don't be surprised if you find yourself switching techniques throughout the day as different species turn on.
Captain Phillip runs a combination trip that gives you the best of both worlds in Gulf fishing. When trolling, you'll be pulling lures and live bait behind the boat at various speeds to target pelagic species like king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and bonito. The captain provides all the trolling gear, including downriggers and planer boards when needed to spread the baits out and cover more water. Bottom fishing is where things get really exciting, especially when the red snapper bite is hot. You'll be dropping chicken rigs and knocker rigs down to structure in 60 to 100+ feet of water, targeting not just red snapper but also vermillion snapper and other reef species. The boat is equipped with quality tackle, but if you prefer bringing your own gear, medium to heavy action rods with conventional reels work best for the bottom fishing, while medium action spinning or conventional setups handle the trolling duties perfectly.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of Destin's offshore scene, and these silver torpedoes can absolutely smoke a drag when they hit. Most kings in these waters run between 15 to 30 pounds, but don't be shocked if you hook into a smoker king pushing 40+ pounds. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, and they love structure, temperature breaks, and baitfish schools. What makes king fishing so addictive is the explosive strike and the blistering runs – these fish will test your drag system and your arms. Spanish mackerel might be smaller cousins to the kings, but they make up for size with numbers and attitude. These scrappy fighters typically run 2 to 5 pounds and are absolute tackle destroyers with their razor-sharp teeth. They school up in massive numbers and when you find them, it's game on with non-stop action that'll have your arms burning.
Red snapper season is what many anglers live for, and Destin's red snapper fishing is world-class when the season is open. These beautiful fish are ambush predators that live around structure, and they'll absolutely hammer a well-presented bait. Most reds you'll catch run 5 to 15 pounds, with the occasional bruiser pushing 20+ pounds. They fight hard initially but tire quickly, making them great for anglers of all skill levels. The key is getting your bait down quickly before the smaller fish can steal it. Vermillion snapper, or "mingos" as locals call them, are smaller but absolutely delicious table fare. These 2 to 4-pound fish have beautiful pink and red coloration and often school up in good numbers around the same structure that holds red snapper. Pacific bonito round out the target species list, and while they might not be the biggest fish in the Gulf, they're incredibly fun on light tackle and make excellent bait for larger predators.
Captain Phillip's reputation for putting anglers on fish has made the Charter Boat Back Down 2 one of Destin's most popular fishing charters, especially during peak season. The combination of his local knowledge, quality equipment, and genuine passion for fishing creates the kind of experience that turns first-time customers into regulars. Whether you're a hardcore angler looking to add to your personal best list or a family group wanting to introduce the kids to Gulf fishing, this charter adapts to your skill level and goals. Remember to bring your cooler, snacks, drinks, and don't forget the sunscreen and hat – the Gulf sun can be intense even on cloudy days. Your Florida fishing license is required, but everything else you need is provided. Book your trip with Captain Phillip and get ready to experience why Destin fishing has such a legendary reputation among anglers from across the country.
The Charter Boat Back Down 2 is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in Destin's Gulf waters. This 57-foot sport fishing beast packs twin 600HP Detroit Diesels that'll get your crew of up to 11 anglers to the best fishing grounds while you stay comfortable with A/C, a full kitchen, and even a bed for longer trips. Captain Phillip knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on red snapper, king mackerel, and vermillion snapper using top-shelf fish finders and GPS. The boat's got everything covered - icebox for your catch, fridge for cold drinks, and a flybridge for spotting birds working bait schools. Whether you're trolling for kings or dropping bottom rigs for snappers, this restored 2017 vessel handles Gulf chop like a champ. Perfect setup for both seasoned anglers wanting to load the cooler and beginners ready to learn what real offshore fishing is all about.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of our waters, typically running 20-40 pounds with some bruisers hitting 50+ pounds. These silver rockets cruise in 40-150 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. Summer through fall is prime time when water temps hit 70+ degrees. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel drag like nothing else and test your skills with their sharp teeth and powerful shoulders. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. My tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks when using live bait. Kings love to hit the tail section of a baitfish, so that stinger hook saves fish. Look for diving birds - that's your sign kings are feeding below.
Sarda LineolataBonito are scrappy fighters that punch well above their weight class, usually running 15-25 pounds but fighting like they're twice that size. These tuna relatives love surface action in 40-100+ feet of water, often mixed in with dolphin schools or around floating weeds. Best fishing runs June through November when they're actively feeding. What guests love about bonito is their nonstop fight - they'll make multiple runs and never give up. Plus they're fantastic table fare when iced immediately and prepared fresh. Here's the key: when you see birds diving, get there fast. Bonito feed in frenzied schools and the action can shut off as quickly as it starts. Small spoons and feathers work great, but live sardines are hard to beat.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, averaging 15-25 inches with trophy fish pushing 30+ inches and 20 pounds. They live on hard bottom structure in 60-200+ feet - think rocky ledges, artificial reefs, and oil rigs. Season opens in summer and these fish are worth the wait. Snappers fight hard, diving straight for cover to cut your line, and they're hands-down the best eating fish in the Gulf. That sweet, mild meat is restaurant quality. The trick is getting your bait to the bottom fast before other fish steal it. Use heavy weights, circle hooks, and fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish. When you hook one, fight it hard and fast - don't give them time to reach their hiding spots in the structure.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action, typically running 1-3 pounds with occasional 5+ pounders. These speedsters cruise nearshore waters from spring through fall, often in huge schools that stretch for miles. They hit the surf, piers, and shallow flats when water warms up. What makes them great targets is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. They're also fantastic for getting kids hooked on fishing since they're aggressive and fight hard for their size. Best trick: when you find the school, work fast with small spoons or live shrimp. They move constantly, so once you locate them, stay on top of the action before they disappear.
Kyphosus IncisorYellow sea chubs are fun little fighters that average 15-18 inches, though some reach nearly three feet. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, coral reefs, and anywhere there's floating sargassum weed in shallow to moderate depths. They're year-round residents but bite best in warmer months when they're more active. While they're not prized for eating due to their soft texture, kids and novice anglers love them because they're aggressive biters and put up a decent scrap. They're perfect for filling the cooler when other fish aren't cooperating. Pro tip: use small hooks with fresh cut bait like shrimp or small fish strips. Throw out some breadcrumb chum to get them fired up - they'll swarm to your spot and compete for your baits.
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