Destin Offshore Fishing with Back Down 2
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing charter targets Marlin, Tuna, Mahi, and WahooNight drifting adventure specifically designed for Swordfish huntingCaptain Phillip provides expert guidance for all skill levels
Captain Phillip knows these Destin waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard the Back Down 2, you're signing up for some serious offshore action. This isn't your typical half-day nearshore trip – we're talking about a full-scale assault on the Gulf's biggest and baddest fish. The 24-foot Back Down 2 might not be the biggest boat in the harbor, but she's built for business and can handle up to 11 anglers without feeling cramped. Captain Phillip has been running these waters for years, and his reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself. Whether you're chasing daytime pelagics or hunting swordfish under the stars, this charter delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for decades.
Your day starts early – and I mean early. Captain Phillip likes to be on the fish at first light, which means you'll be heading out of Destin Harbor while most folks are still hitting the snooze button. The ride out to the fishing grounds gives you time to rig up and get your head in the game. We're not talking about a quick jaunt to the nearshore reefs here – this is legitimate blue water fishing where the bottom drops to hundreds of feet and the big pelagics cruise the deep. The Back Down 2 is equipped with all the electronics you need to find fish, from high-end sonar to GPS chartplotters that mark every productive spot Captain Phillip has discovered over the years. Once we reach the grounds, it's game on. Days typically involve a mix of trolling for the speed demons like wahoo and mahi, along with some serious bottom fishing when the bite calls for it. But here's where things get really interesting – as the sun starts to drop, we transition into night fishing mode for swordfish. These deep-water gladiators are a completely different beast, requiring specialized techniques and a whole lot of patience.
Captain Phillip runs a tight ship when it comes to technique, and his methods have been refined through countless hours on the water. During the day, we're pulling a spread of lures designed to trigger strikes from whatever's hunting in the area. The trolling setup typically includes a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and artificial lures that mimic the baitfish these pelagics feed on. Speed is crucial – too slow and you won't get the wahoo excited, too fast and the mahi will ignore your spread entirely. Captain Phillip adjusts the boat's speed constantly based on conditions and what species we're targeting. When we mark fish on the sonar, it's all hands on deck. Lines get cleared, rods get grabbed, and the real fun begins. Night fishing for swordfish is a completely different animal. We're talking about drifting over 1,000-foot depths with heavy tackle and specialized lights to attract bait. The waiting game can test your patience, but when a swordfish decides to eat, you'll know exactly why these fish have such a legendary reputation among serious anglers.
Blackfin Tuna are the workhorses of the Destin offshore scene, and they're typically the most consistent biters you'll encounter out there. These fish average 10-20 pounds and fight way above their weight class, making screaming runs that'll test your drag system. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the best action often happening around dawn and dusk. What makes blackfin special is their willingness to eat – when you find a school, you can often catch them until your arms give out. They're also fantastic table fare, with dark red meat that's perfect for sashimi or blackened preparations.
Blue Marlin represent the holy grail of Gulf Coast fishing, and Destin's deep waters hold some genuine monsters. These fish can exceed 500 pounds and will give you a fight that'll live in your memory forever. Summer months offer the best shot at hooking one, particularly when the water temperature climbs and baitfish are thick. What sets marlin apart isn't just their size – it's their aerial displays and the sheer power they bring to the fight. Captain Phillip has put clients on several grander-class fish over the years, and even a smaller marlin in the 200-pound range will humble the most experienced angler.
Mahi Mahi bring color and chaos to any offshore trip, with their brilliant gold and green sides and acrobatic fighting style. These fish travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Spring and early summer offer prime mahi fishing, especially around floating debris or weed lines where they like to hunt. What anglers love about mahi is their willingness to eat almost anything and their spectacular jumps once hooked. Plus, they're absolutely delicious – firm white meat that grills perfectly and tastes like the ocean in the best possible way.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of stripping line faster than almost any fish in the Gulf. These torpedo-shaped predators can exceed 50 pounds in Destin waters and are notorious for their blistering initial runs. Fall and winter months typically produce the biggest wahoo, when they move closer to shore following baitfish migrations. The challenge with wahoo isn't just landing them – it's getting a good hookset before their razor-sharp teeth cut through your leader. When everything comes together though, wahoo provide some of the most exciting moments you'll experience offshore.
Swordfish are the night shift specialists, and targeting them requires a completely different approach from daytime fishing. These deep-water predators can exceed 200 pounds and are famous for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. The best swordfish action typically happens during new moon phases when the water is darkest. What makes swordfish special is the mystery factor – you never know what's going to eat down there in 1,500 feet of water. The waiting game can be long, but when that rod doubles over
The Charter Boat Back Down 2 is a serious offshore fishing machine ready to take you and 10 friends deep into the Gulf waters off Destin. This 57-foot sport fisher got a complete makeover in 2017, and her twin 600HP Detroit Diesel engines will get you to the fishing grounds at a steady 15 knots. Captain Phillip knows these waters like the back of his hand and uses the onboard fish finder and GPS to put you on Marlin, Tuna, Mahi, and Wahoo during the day, then switches to night drifting for Swordfish after dark. The boat's got everything you need for long offshore trips - full galley, air conditioning, comfortable sleeping quarters, and a flybridge for spotting fish. The radar keeps you safe in any weather, while the icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold. Whether you're chasing your first billfish or looking to boat a monster Swordfish under the stars, this vessel has the range and comfort to make it happen.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, but don't let that fool you - these fish are serious fighters. They typically run 15-30 pounds and love warm Gulf waters, especially around structure and current breaks. You'll find them schooling with skipjacks, often following baitfish near the surface. Spring through fall are prime times here in Destin, when water temps stay above 68°F. What makes them special is their golden side stripe that flashes underwater - beautiful fish that put up a great scrap on medium tackle. The meat is excellent, with a rich flavor that's perfect for sashimi or grilled steaks. My tip: scale down your tackle and use smaller hooks - these fish have sharp eyes and will turn away from heavy leaders. Fluorocarbon in the 30-pound range works best.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the giants we all dream about - the apex predator of offshore waters. These magnificent fish can reach 500+ pounds (females much larger than males) and are built for speed and power. We find them in deep blue water, usually 100+ miles out, following temperature breaks and current edges. Summer months bring the best action here in the Gulf, when they move through chasing tuna and mahi. What draws anglers is the raw power and those famous jumps - a hooked marlin puts on a show unlike anything else. The fight can last hours, testing both angler and equipment. While catch-and-release is standard, the experience is what matters. Key tip: when trolling, keep baits skipping on the surface - marlin love to see that ballyhoo dancing. Heavy tackle is a must - 50-80 pound class minimum.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure eye candy - brilliant gold and green fish that change colors like a light show when hooked. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+, with males showing that distinctive bull head. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water. Spring through fall are peak seasons here, especially when water temps climb above 75°F. What guests love is the aggressive strikes, wild jumps, and that stunning color display. Plus, they're fantastic eating - firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. They school up, so where there's one, there's usually more. My local trick: once you hook one, keep the boat near the area and get more baits out quick. Use live pilchards or small ballyhoo - they can't resist a well-presented bait skipping on the surface.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate nighttime challenge - deep water gladiators that can reach 400+ pounds. These prehistoric-looking predators have that famous flat bill and live in depths of 1,000+ feet during the day, coming up to feed at night. We target them year-round in the Gulf, but summer months offer the most consistent action. What draws serious anglers is the mystery and difficulty - these fish test your patience and skill like no other. The fight is a marathon, not a sprint, with powerful deep runs. The meat is premium - firm steaks perfect for grilling. We fish them at night using deep-dropping techniques with heavy weights and bright lights to attract squid, their favorite meal. My key tip: patience is everything. Set your baits deep (300-600 feet), light up the water column, and wait. When that rod tip starts bouncing, you might have hooked the fish of a lifetime.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed - one of the fastest fish in the ocean hitting 60 mph when they want to. These sleek predators average 30-60 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and zebra-like stripes. They cruise open water but often relate to structure like oil rigs and current breaks. Fall and winter months are prime time in our area when they move through following baitfish. What makes them special is that screaming initial run - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else. The meat is outstanding too - white, flaky, and mild, perfect for fish tacos. They're loners mostly, but when you find one, others are usually nearby. Pro tip: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their teeth will cut through anything else. Ballyhoo or high-speed lures work best, and be ready for that blazing first run.
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