5.0(1 Reviews)Destin Offshore Fishing with Dawn Patrol Charters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday and fullday fishing options with Captain John TenoreTarget redfish, cobia, mahi mahi, and sailfish in Gulf watersSmall group charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
Captain John Tenore knows these Destin waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. Dawn Patrol Charters offers the flexibility every angler craves - whether you want to get out there for a solid 5-hour morning or afternoon session, or commit to the full 8-hour adventure that lets you really explore what the Gulf has to offer. You're not just booking a fishing trip; you're getting a front-row seat to some of the best offshore action on the Emerald Coast. From the productive bay waters where reds cruise the grass flats to the deep blue Gulf where mahi and sailfish patrol, Captain JT tailors every trip to what's biting and what you want to target.
Your day starts with Captain Tenore sizing up conditions and plotting the best spots based on recent reports, weather, and what species are most active. The beauty of Dawn Patrol Charters is the variety - one day you might be sight-fishing for cobia cruising near the surface, the next you're trolling the deep for mahi mahi or setting up for that sailfish bite everyone dreams about. The Gulf of Mexico off Destin is famous for a reason, and JT knows exactly where to position you for the best shots. Expect to move around as conditions and fish behavior dictate - that's how you stay on the bite instead of just hoping for luck. With a maximum of 4 anglers, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work without bumping elbows.
Captain Tenore runs a well-equipped operation that covers all the bases for Destin's diverse fishery. You'll likely start with sabiki rigs to load up on live bait - those threadfin herring and pilchards are absolute candy for the bigger predators. Once the bait wells are loaded, it's time to get serious. Trolling is a staple here, especially when targeting kings, mahi, and sailfish. JT sets up a proper spread with different lures and baits at varying depths to cover the water column. For the inshore bite, expect live bait fishing around structure, sight-fishing with artificials, and maybe some bottom fishing when the reef species are cooperative. The captain provides all the gear you need, from heavy trolling setups to lighter tackle for the technical inshore work.
"Capt JT was great to fish with! He started us using a Sabiki rig to catch bait and that was extremely fun. We then trolled and absolutely crushed the King Mackerel! Definitely my favorite guided trip I've ever been on. Got some bonitas too. Was an absolutely perfect day fishing, even with chilly, overcast weather. Can't wait to come back and fish with Capt JT again. Thank you for a great time my boys and I will be talking about for the rest of our lives." - Brad
Redfish are the bread and butter of Destin's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20 to 30 inches in these waters and fight like they're twice that size. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, when they school up in massive numbers near the passes and around structure. What makes reds so special is their attitude - they eat with aggression and pull drag like a freight train. Captain JT knows the grass flats and oyster bars where they cruise, and watching one explode on a topwater lure in shallow water never gets old.
Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish as the old-timers call them, are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These electric-blue and gold speedsters show up from late spring through early fall, often under floating debris or around weed lines in the deeper Gulf waters. They typically run 10 to 25 pounds in Destin, but the occasional bull mahi can push 40 pounds or better. What anglers love most is their acrobatic fight - they jump, dive, and make screaming runs that test your drag system. Plus, they're fantastic on the dinner table, making them a perfect target for your offshore adventure.
Ladyfish might not win beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters that keep the action hot when other species are being picky. These silver torpedoes are present year-round in Destin's waters and rarely say no to a well-presented bait. They average 12 to 18 inches and jump like miniature tarpon when hooked. Ladyfish are perfect for getting kids or new anglers into the action, and they make excellent bait for bigger predators like king mackerel and sharks.
Cobia are the gentle giants that get hearts racing when they cruise near the surface. These brown sharks-lookalikes can reach impressive sizes - 30 to 50-pound fish are common in Destin waters from April through October. They're curious by nature, often following rays and sharks, which makes for exciting sight-fishing opportunities. Cobia have a reputation for being picky eaters, but when they commit to a bait, they provide a strong, steady fight that tests both angler and equipment. Their white, flaky meat rivals any restaurant fish, making them a top target for serious anglers.
Spanish mackerel are speed demons that keep the action fast and furious, especially during their peak season from late spring through early fall. These silver bullets rarely exceed 3 pounds but make up for size with pure energy and numbers. They're perfect for light tackle fishing and respond well to small jigs, spoons, and live bait. Spanish mackerel school heavily around structure and bait schools, creating opportunities for multiple hookups that keep everyone on the boat busy. They're also excellent candidates for teaching proper fighting techniques to newer anglers.
Captain John Tenore's 1994 Cape Horn center console is a proven fishing machine built to handle Destin's Gulf waters. This 22-footer packs a serious Yamaha 250HP engine that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at 35 knots, getting you to where the fish are biting without burning the whole day traveling. The boat's rigged with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS to navigate the Gulf, fish finder to locate schools, and a flybridge for better visibility when hunting Mahi, Cobia, or tracking down those Sailfish. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox while you're working the waters for Redfish and Ladyfish. Whether you're fishing the protected bay waters or heading offshore into the Gulf, this center console handles both with ease. Perfect setup for up to 4 anglers looking to experience what Destin fishing is all about.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the Gulf - big, dark, and often mistaken for sharks when you first spot them cruising near the surface. These bruisers average 20-50 pounds and love hanging around structure like reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration from March to June is prime time, but we catch them all summer around structure. What makes cobia special is their incredible table quality - firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf. They're sight fishing at its best too, watching these fish cruise up to your bait. The key is being patient and making a good presentation. Use a bucktail jig and work it slow near the bottom. Once hooked, they make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag.
Elops SaurusLadyfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're some of the best action you'll get on light tackle around Destin. These silver torpedoes average 12-20 inches and are found year-round in bays, canals, and shallow Gulf waters. They're not picky eaters and will hit just about anything - shrimp, small jigs, or cut bait. What makes them fun is the acrobatic show they put on when hooked, jumping and tail-walking across the surface like mini tarpon. While they're not great table fare, they make excellent cut bait for bigger fish like snook or sharks. The trick with ladyfish is using a heavy mono leader - they've got small but sharp teeth and love to thrash around. Perfect for kids or anyone wanting constant action.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the color-changing speedsters of the Gulf, running 15-30 pounds on average with those distinctive golden sides and that crazy light show when they come out of the water. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and anywhere there's structure in 100-800 feet of water. Summer months are prime time, especially when the water's warm and clear. These fish are pure excitement - they jump, they run, and they fight hard the whole way to the boat. The meat is absolutely top-notch too, with that firm white flesh that grills up perfect. My go-to tip is to always have a second rod ready when you hook one. Mahi travel in schools, so once you get the first fish in the boat, get another bait back out there fast.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are some of the most reliable fish we target in Destin's shallow waters. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches and love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and dock pilings in 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by their distinctive black spots near the tail. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially on moving tides when they're actively feeding. What makes redfish special is their powerful runs - they'll peel drag like crazy when hooked. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that mild, sweet flavor. The key trick here is to keep your bait moving slowly along the bottom. Dead shrimp or cut bait works great, but make sure to stay quiet - these fish are easily spooked in shallow water.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are the speed demons of Destin's nearshore waters, with those distinctive yellow spots and lightning-fast strikes. These sleek fish average 1-3 pounds and school up in huge numbers from spring through fall. You'll find them anywhere from the surf to 30 miles offshore, but they love structure and bait schools. What makes them popular is the non-stop action - when you find a school, you can catch them as fast as you can drop a line. They're also excellent eating, with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The trick is using light tackle and small, fast-moving lures. A #1 or #2 spoon trolled at 6-8 knots is deadly. Just make sure to use a short wire leader - those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
5.0 out of 5.0Capt JT was great to fish with! He started us using a Sabiki rig to catch bait and that was extremely fun. We then trolled and abs...
Destin, FL