5.0(1 Reviews)Private Charter Fishing in Destin's Winter Waters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private offshore fishing trip targeting winter species like flounderAll fishing equipment and bait provided for convenienceSeasonal availability from December through February with morning departures
Looking for a solid fishing trip that won't break the bank or waste your time? This private charter out of Destin gives you exactly what you're after – quality time on the water with your crew, professional gear, and a captain who knows where the fish are biting. Running December through February, these 4-6 hour trips hit the sweet spot for winter fishing when the crowds thin out but the action stays hot. You'll have the boat to yourself and up to three friends, which means no fighting for rail space or dealing with someone else's tangled lines.
Your day starts at 8 AM sharp – early enough to beat the afternoon chop but not so early you're stumbling around in the dark. The captain will have everything rigged and ready, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the box. Winter fishing in Destin is different from the summer circus – the water's clearer, the fish are hungry, and you'll actually have room to breathe out there. These seasonal trips target the species that are most active during the cooler months, and the bite can be absolutely phenomenal when conditions line up right. Don't worry about bringing tackle; everything from rods and reels to bait and terminal gear is included. The captain will match the setup to what you're targeting, whether that's bottom fishing for grouper and snapper or working the structure for bigger game.
This is primarily bottom fishing territory, which means you'll be working structure, reefs, and ledges where the good eating fish hang out. The captain will position the boat over productive spots using GPS and fish finder technology, then it's all about getting your bait down to where the fish are holding. You'll be using conventional tackle – sturdy rods with enough backbone to pull fish up from 60-100 feet of water, paired with reels that can handle the pressure. Circle hooks are standard for most of the targeted species, both for conservation and because they hook fish more reliably in the corner of the mouth. Live bait and fresh cut bait are the go-to choices, but artificial lures come into play when fish are feeding aggressively or when you want to target specific species. The key is staying patient and keeping your bait in the strike zone – winter fish can be finicky, but when they decide to feed, you'll know it.
"When I booked this trip I was asked "what I wanted to fish for". I said "fish we could take home to eat, and maybe some big fish for some photos". We caught our limit on mangos and switched to the big guys where I was luckily enough to catch a amberjack. This caption had great energy and was patient with the inexperienced fishers in our group! I would recommend to anyone in the Destin area and am looking forward to future trips!" - Steven
Scamp Grouper are the prize fish of this charter – these mottled brown beauties are pure gold on the dinner table and put up a respectable fight coming up from the depths. They love rocky structure and ledges, typically holding in 80-120 feet of water during winter months. Scamp are notorious for their soft mouths, so you need to keep steady pressure without horsing them. Most fish run 3-8 pounds, perfect for the dinner table, and they're absolutely delicious prepared any way you can think of.
Grey Triggerfish might look weird, but they're fantastic eating and surprisingly strong fighters for their size. These fish have personalities – they'll steal your bait, test your patience, and then surprise you with how hard they pull when hooked. Winter is prime time for triggers around Destin's offshore structure. They have tough mouths and sharp teeth, so small hooks and tough leaders are essential. Don't let their 2-4 pound average fool you; triggers will make your drag sing.
Sand Perch are the consistent producers that keep your cooler filling up when the bigger fish are being picky. These colorful little fighters rarely exceed a pound, but they make up for size with numbers and eating quality. They school up around structure and will often bite non-stop once you locate them. Perfect for kids or anyone who wants constant action, sand perch also make excellent bait for larger predators when the bite slows down.
Red Snapper remain the ultimate target species, even during the limited seasons when they're available. These crimson beauties are built for fighting – broad shoulders, strong tails, and an attitude to match. Winter red snapper fishing can be phenomenal when regulations allow, as the fish concentrate around structure and feed aggressively. They're smart fish that require sharp hooks, fresh bait, and quick reflexes to hook and land successfully.
Lane Snapper round out the mixed bag with their distinctive pink and yellow stripes and excellent table fare. Smaller than their red cousins but just as tasty, lanes are active throughout the winter months and provide steady action when other species are finicky. They're perfect for light tackle fishing and make outstanding fish for the frying pan. Most lanes run 1-3 pounds, but they fight harder than their size suggests.
Winter charter fishing in Destin offers something you can't get during peak season – space to fish properly, attentive service from your captain, and fish that haven't been pressured by dozens of boats every day. This private charter keeps things simple: quality gear, productive fishing spots, and a captain focused on putting you on fish rather than rushing through a checklist. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with dinner or just want a relaxing day on the water with friends, these winter trips deliver exactly what serious anglers are after. The season runs December through February, so don't wait until the last minute to secure your dates. Book now and get ready for some of the best fishing Destin has to offer.
Jump aboard Sea Foxer, our reliable 26-foot Sea Fox center console that's built to handle Destin's winter fishing grounds. This 2012 boat runs smooth with twin 150HP Honda engines, cruising at 35 knots to get you out to where the mingo snapper and triggerfish are biting. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to move around while fighting fish, and with space for up to 4 anglers, you won't be bumping elbows when the action heats up. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools holding in deeper water, while GPS keeps us on productive spots. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those 4-6 hour winter trips. The boat also has a head for convenience and multimedia system for the ride out. From December through February, this setup is perfect for targeting winter flounder and other cold-weather species that move into our Gulf waters. All your tackle, bait, and gear comes with the trip, so just bring yourself ready to fish.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are scrappy fighters that'll give you a workout on medium tackle. These leather-skinned fish average around 17 inches but can hit 24 inches and push 13 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, ledges, and hard bottom areas from nearshore out to about 180 feet. Winter months are prime time when they're more active in our cooler waters. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost anything you drop down. The meat is excellent, firm and sweet when prepared right. Here's a local trick: when you feel those characteristic nibbles, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it fully before reeling fast and steady. Their sharp teeth and tough mouth require a solid hookset.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are aggressive little fighters with those distinctive pink and yellow "lane" stripes running down their sides. They typically run 10-14 inches and average around 3-7 pounds, making them perfect for lighter tackle action. You'll find them over coral reefs and sandy areas with vegetation, usually in 70-230 feet of water. March through September is peak season when they're spawning and feeding heavily. What guests love is how willing they are to bite - they're not as hook-shy as other snappers. The meat is excellent eating, sweet and firm. They fight harder than their size suggests and often show up as a bonus when targeting other species. Use shrimp or cut squid, and fish at night when they feed most actively.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the ultimate Gulf trophy fish - strong fighters with outstanding table quality. These crimson beauties average 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but can reach 35+ pounds near deep structure. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 30-200+ feet. When in season, they provide some of the best bottom fishing action available. What makes them special is that hard-pulling fight combined with their premium white meat that's mild and nutty. They're true warriors that'll run for cover when hooked. Use live pinfish or fresh squid on heavy tackle - they live near structure and will try to break you off. Keep steady pressure and get them up quickly. The taste alone makes every battle worth it.
Diplectrum FormosumSand perch might be small, but they're perfect panfish that make great table fare. These little sea bass typically run 5-9 inches and rarely exceed a foot, but what they lack in size they make up for in flavor. You'll find them over sandy bottoms, around rocks, and near structure in shallow to moderate depths. They're territorial loners, not schooling fish, so you'll catch them one at a time. Winter months can be productive when they're holding in deeper holes. The meat is sweet and flakes beautifully when fried. Their quick color-changing ability makes them interesting to watch. Here's my advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or cut squid, and watch for those sharp gill plates when handling them.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper are some of the tastiest fish in the Gulf, earning them the nickname "Captain's Meat." These deep-water fighters typically run 4-6 pounds but can reach 30+ pounds. You'll find them around wrecks, ledges, and reefs in 75-300 feet, though they move shallower during spawning season (February through May). What makes them special is their distinctive brown coloring with darker blotches and those long tail fin rays. They're slow but incredibly strong swimmers - once hooked, expect a serious battle as they try to dive back to structure. The meat is firm, white, and mild-flavored. My tip: use heavy braided line and be ready to muscle them up fast before they cut you off on the bottom structure.
5.0 out of 5.0When I booked this trip I was asked “what I wanted to fish for”. I said “fish we could take home to eat, and maybe some big fish f...
Destin, FL