Deep Sea Fishing Destin Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Red Snapper, Amberjack, King Mackerel, and Mahi Mahi offshoreCaptain Phillip provides expert guidance and professional fishing equipmentCharter accommodates up to 11 guests in Gulf of Mexico waters
Captain Phillip knows these Gulf 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 getting a front-row seat to some of the best deep-sea fishing Destin has to offer. This isn't your typical tourist trap charter. With room for up to 11 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rails without bumping elbows, and Captain Phillip's got the local knowledge to put you on fish when others are coming back empty-handed. The Back Down 2 is built for serious fishing, and whether you've been chasing pelagics for decades or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, you'll feel right at home on this rig.
Your day starts early – that's just how deep-sea fishing works if you want to get into the good stuff. Captain Phillip will have you heading out of Destin's East Pass before the sun really gets cooking, cutting through the emerald waters toward the deeper structures where the big fish hang out. The Gulf of Mexico off Destin is famous for its diverse fishery, and on any given day, you might find yourself battling everything from hard-fighting amberjack over the wrecks to screaming king mackerel on the troll. The captain's got all the gear you need – quality rods, reels that can handle whatever you hook into, and a tackle box full of the right baits for whatever's biting. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license, sunscreen, and maybe some snacks if you get hungry between battles. The vibe on the Back Down 2 is laid-back but focused – Captain Phillip takes his fishing seriously, but he knows how to keep things fun whether you're landing your first red snapper or your hundredth.
Deep-sea fishing off Destin means you're going to be working a variety of techniques depending on what Captain Phillip's targeting that day. Bottom fishing is bread and butter out here – dropping heavy sinkers and circle hooks down to the structure where snapper, grouper, and triggerfish like to hang out. You'll be using chunks of cut bait, live pinfish, or whatever's working that particular day. When the pelagics are running, expect to switch gears completely. Trolling for kings, wahoo, and mahi means you're pulling lures at speed, watching the outriggers, and getting ready for that telltale screaming drag when something big decides your spread looks tasty. Captain Phillip's got the electronics to find the fish and the experience to know what they want to eat. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano gear that can handle the Gulf's biggest residents, and if you break something off, there's always another rod ready to go. Circle hooks are the law for snapper fishing, and Captain Phillip will show you the right technique to get solid hooksets without gut-hooking fish you might have to release.
Tiger Rockfish might not be the flashiest name on the target list, but don't let that fool you – these bottom dwellers put up a solid fight and make excellent table fare. You'll typically find them around the same structures as red snapper, usually in 60 to 120 feet of water. They're not picky eaters, so they'll hit cut bait, live pinfish, or even small jigs worked near the bottom. What makes tiger rockfish special is their consistency – when the snapper bite gets tough due to pressure or weather, these guys often keep biting.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and hooking into a big smoker king will test your drag system and your arms. These fish are built for speed, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Spring through fall is prime time for kings off Destin, and they can show up anywhere from the nearshore waters to way offshore. Captain Phillip knows to look for diving birds, temperature breaks, and bait schools when he's hunting kings. A 20-pound king will give you a workout, but the 40-plus-pounders that roam these waters will have you questioning your life choices by the time you get them to the boat.
Wahoo Fish represent the holy grail for many offshore anglers, and for good reason. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph when they want to, and their initial runs are absolutely mind-blowing. Wahoo are typically caught trolling high-speed lures or rigged baits, and they have a habit of showing up when you least expect them. Fall and winter are prime wahoo season off Destin, and while they're not as common as kings or mahi, when you hook one, you'll never forget it. Their meat is phenomenal – white, flaky, and perfect for the grill or blackened in a pan.
Yellow Sea Chub might sound like a bait fish, but these scrappy little fighters are actually a blast to catch on light tackle. They school up around structure and will absolutely hammer small jigs or cut bait. While they're not going to feed the whole family, they're perfect pan fish and great for kids or novice anglers to build confidence. Captain Phillip often uses them as a backup plan when the bigger fish are being finicky, and there's something satisfying about a bent rod even if it's not a monster on the other end.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and Destin's reputation as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" is built largely on these crimson beauties. Red snapper are smart, structure-oriented fish that can be incredibly frustrating or incredibly rewarding depending on the day. They're typically found around artificial reefs, natural bottom, and wrecks in 60 to 200 feet of water. A keeper red snapper (16 inches minimum) is a prize worth celebrating, and the
Meet the Charter Boat Back Down 2, your ticket to serious offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. This 57-foot sport fishing machine was completely restored in 2017 and packs twin 600HP Detroit Diesel engines that'll get you to the prime fishing spots at a steady 15-knot cruise. Captain Phillip knows these waters like the back of his hand and has the gear to prove it – fish finder, GPS, radar, and all the tackle you need to target Red Snapper, Amberjack, King Mackerel, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and Grouper. The boat handles up to 11 anglers comfortably with air conditioning, a full kitchen, bathroom, and flybridge for those who want to watch the action from above. There's even a bed for anyone who needs to rest between battles with big fish. The icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold while you're hunting for that trophy fish. Whether you're after snapper on the bottom or trolling for kings on top, this vessel has what it takes to put you on the fish.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These olive-backed beauties typically run 20-30 pounds but can hit 90+. You'll find them in 40-150 feet over structure, especially around our local wrecks and drop-offs. Best action is spring through fall when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes them special? Pure speed and razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono like butter. The fight is what guests remember - long screaming runs followed by acrobatic jumps. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. We troll at 6-8 knots using live ballyhoo or Spanish sardines. Pro tip: always use wire leaders - I've seen too many heartbroken anglers lose trophy kings to those teeth. When one hits, let it run initially before applying steady pressure.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the Gulf's crown jewel - deep red beauties that live around hard bottom and structure in 30-200 feet. Most run 3-8 pounds, but 20+ pounders aren't uncommon. Season opens June through July, making those trips highly sought after. What makes them special? They fight like bulldogs, diving straight down and using every bit of structure against you. Plus, they're hands-down the best eating fish in the Gulf - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for any recipe. We fish them with heavy tackle, multiple hook rigs, and fresh cigar minnows or cut squid. Live pinfish get the biggest ones. Key tip: soon as you feel that thump, reel fast and steady - don't give them time to wrap you up in the structure below.
Sebastes NigrocinctusTiger Rockfish are rare catches that live deep around rocky bottoms and jetties, usually between 32-820 feet. These pink fish with dark vertical stripes can reach 24 inches and pack some serious spines, so handle with care. They're solitary and territorial, hiding in crevices during the day and coming out around dusk. Most guests enjoy targeting them for the challenge - they're uncommon and put up a decent fight when hooked. The meat's okay but nothing special. Best technique is deep-sea jigging near structure, making quick vertical motions that mimic shrimp or crabs. Here's a local tip: when you feel that initial bite, give it a second before setting the hook - these guys have cavernous mouths but sometimes need a moment to fully commit to the bait.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the Gulf's speed kings, hitting 60 mph and averaging 3-5 feet long. These blue-striped rockets cruise open water but stick close to shore here, especially around oil platforms. July through November gives us the best shots. What makes them special? That first run will burn your drag and test your knots. They're also premium table fare - firm white meat that's mild and sweet. We high-speed troll at 12-15 knots using wire leaders since their teeth are like razors. Bulletheads and diving plugs work great. During cooler months, they move closer to structure where you can jig for them too. Here's my tip: when trolling, watch for color changes and current edges - that's where baitfish stack up and wahoo follow.
Kyphosus IncisorYellow Sea Chub aren't trophy fish, but they're fun for kids and light tackle enthusiasts. These oval-shaped fish with blue and yellow stripes typically run 15-18 inches around rocky bottoms and coral areas. They're year-round residents in shallow Gulf waters, especially where there's floating sargassum. Guests like them because they're easy to catch and great for getting everyone on the boat involved. The meat's not spectacular - kind of mushy - but they bite readily and fight decent for their size. Small hooks with fresh cut bait work best - shrimp, crab, or fish strips. They school up, so where you catch one, you'll usually find more. Local trick: toss some bread crumbs overboard to bring them up and keep them interested while you're fishing.
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