Private Destin Charter: Your Gulf Fishing Day
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private offshore charter targeting King Mackerel, Red Snapper, Cobia, Mahi MahiFour to six hour trips accommodate up to four guestsAll fishing equipment, rods, reels, and bait included onboard
Looking for a solid day of fishing without the crowds? This private charter puts you and up to three buddies on prime Gulf waters where the fish are biting and the captain knows exactly where to find them. Running from May through July, you've got your pick of morning or afternoon trips – perfect timing to hit the sweet spots when Red Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Blackfin Tuna, and Grey Triggerfish are most active. With four to six hours on the water, there's plenty of time to work different depths and structures, giving everyone a real shot at filling the cooler.
Your captain will have you rigged and ready before you even clear the harbor. We're talking serious offshore action here – once you hit those deeper waters, the whole game changes. The boat's equipped with everything you need: quality rods matched to the species we're targeting, fresh bait, tackle, and all the little extras that make the difference between a good day and a great one. You'll be working depths anywhere from 60 to 150 feet, depending on what's showing up on the fish finder and where the bite's been hot. The private setup means no rushing, no strangers hogging the best spots on the boat, and your captain's full attention on putting you on fish. Whether you're new to this or you've been pulling hooks for decades, the crew adjusts their approach to match your group's experience level.
We're running a mix of bottom fishing and vertical jigging, depending on what species are showing up that day. For the Red Snapper, you'll be dropping circle hooks with fresh cut bait right to the bottom around structure – these fish love hanging tight to ledges and artificial reefs. Spanish Mackerel calls for a totally different approach: lighter tackle, smaller hooks, and we'll often work the mid-water column where they're chasing baitfish. The Blackfin Tuna fishing gets your heart pumping – fast retrieves on jigs or small lures, and when one hits, you'll know it. Grey Triggerfish require some finesse with smaller baits and patience, but they're some of the best eating you'll find out there. All the rods are spooled with appropriate line weights, from lighter setups for the Spanish Mackerel to heavier gear that can handle a big Snapper or Tuna pulling drag. Your captain reads the conditions and switches up techniques throughout the day to keep the action going.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and Destin's waters hold some real quality fish. These guys are structure-oriented, hanging around wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 80-120 feet of water. During season, they're aggressive feeders, especially early morning and late afternoon. A good Red Snapper will test your drag system – they've got powerful shoulders and know how to use bottom structure to their advantage. Most of what we're seeing this time of year runs 16-25 inches, with some real giants mixed in. The meat is firm, white, and perfect for the dinner table, which is why these fish have such a devoted following among serious anglers.
Spanish Mackerel bring non-stop action to your trip. These speedsters school up in huge numbers during summer months, and when you find them, it's game on. They're typically suspended 20-40 feet down, chasing glass minnows and small baitfish. Spanish Macs hit fast and fight hard for their size, making multiple runs and aerial displays. They average 1-3 pounds, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers. Kids especially love these fish because the action is constant once you dial in the right depth and technique. They're also fantastic eating when prepared fresh – many locals consider them the best-tasting mackerel species in the Gulf.
Blackfin Tuna are the wildcards that can make your whole trip. These fish show up when conditions are right – usually cleaner, bluer water with good current movement. They school with other pelagics and feed aggressively on small baitfish and squid. When hooked, a Blackfin will make screaming runs that'll test both your drag and your arm strength. Most run 10-25 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. The meat is rich and red, perfect for searing or sashimi if you're into that. Finding Blackfins often means you're in the right water for other premium species too.
Grey Triggerfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're smart, challenging to catch, and absolutely delicious. These fish have small mouths and are notorious bait stealers, so hooking one requires some skill and patience. They hang around the same structure as Red Snapper but tend to be more finicky about what they'll eat. Triggers have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so they can bite through lighter leaders if you're not careful. The reward for figuring them out is some of the sweetest, most delicate fish meat in the Gulf. Many charter captains consider catching Triggerfish a real test of angling skill.
This seasonal window from May through July hits the sweet spot for multiple species, and the private charter setup means you're getting the full attention and local knowledge that makes the difference between catching fish and just going fishing. With only four anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time, coaching from the captain, and space to work without bumping elbows. The Gulf of Mexico off Destin is world-class fishing water, and this charter gives you the best shot at experiencing it the right way. Whether you book the morning trip to beat the heat or the afternoon session for that golden hour bite, you're looking at a day that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Get ready to hit the offshore waters of Destin aboard our 26-foot Sea Fox center console! This 2012 beauty packs twin 150HP Honda engines that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at 35 knots, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water instead of just getting there. Built for serious anglers, she's equipped with a fish finder to locate those trophy spots, GPS to keep you on course, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 guests, giving everyone room to fight fish without tangling lines. Whether you're targeting kings, red snapper, cobia, or mahi, this stable platform handles offshore swells like a champ. The onboard toilet and multimedia system add comfort between bites, while all your fishing gear – rods, reels, and bait – comes ready to go. Perfect for half-day adventures where you can actually reach the productive offshore waters and still have energy left to enjoy your fresh catch for dinner.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but pack serious punch for their size. These dark-bodied speedsters average 10-20 pounds and are built for one thing - speed. You'll find them in deeper water, usually 100+ feet, often mixed with other pelagic species. They show up best during our cooler months but can be caught year-round when conditions are right. What makes them special is the combination of a strong fight and sashimi-grade meat that's perfect for the grill or raw preparations. They school up with skipjacks and other tunas, following bait around structure. The key to catching them is using light leaders - these fish have sharp eyes and will shy away from heavy tackle. Try 30-pound fluorocarbon and smaller circle hooks when the bite gets finicky.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are quirky bottom dwellers that'll test your patience and reward your persistence. These tough-skinned fish average 12-17 inches and live around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 50-180 feet. They're active year-round but bite best during warmer months when they're more aggressive. What makes them fun is their personality - they're curious, competitive, and have teeth sharp enough to cut through sea urchins. The meat is fantastic, with firm white flesh that's perfect for the table. They're notorious bait thieves though, picking at your offering before committing. Here's the trick: use chunk squid about an inch wide, and when you see other fish like snapper moving in, drop your bait right in the mix. Triggers get competitive and will charge in to steal the meal from bigger fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of Gulf waters, running 1-2 feet on average but capable of hitting 35+ pounds. These bright red beauties live around hard bottom structure in 30-200 feet, making them perfect targets during our summer season when they're most active. What makes them special? They fight like absolute warriors, diving straight for cover the moment they're hooked. The meat is outstanding too - mild, sweet, and flaky white flesh that's restaurant quality. Here in Destin, we find them stacked up on the artificial reefs and natural ledges. Pro tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them take it and run a few seconds - snapper are notorious bait stealers, and patience gets you more fish in the box.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a lightning-fast fight on light tackle. These silvery bullets average 1-2 feet and 2-4 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure energy. You'll find schools of them cruising near the surface around structure and baitfish from late spring through summer. They're some of the fastest fish in these waters, and when you hook one, expect multiple jumps and screaming runs. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills beautifully or makes great smoked fish dip. We typically find them around the jetties, nearshore reefs, and following bait schools. Local trick: when you see diving birds, get there fast. Spanish macs push baitfish to the surface, and you can catch them on just about any shiny spoon or small jig.
Destin, FL