5.0(1 Reviews)Guided Fishing Trip In Shalimar, Florida
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target amberjack, mackerel, grouper in federal watersInshore charter accommodates up to 5 guests comfortablyIncludes Crab Island relaxation and cruising activities
Ready to get your lines wet in some of the most productive waters around Destin? This top-rated fishing charter takes you straight to federally managed waters where the big fish live. Captain Tanner and the crew at Destin Gills for Thrills know exactly where to find the action, and they're not just about putting fish in the boat – though you'll definitely do plenty of that. Between fishing spots, you can cruise over to Crab Island for a quick break, soak up some sun, and get back to what you came here for. Whether you've been fishing these waters for years or you're just getting started, this trip delivers the goods every single time.
Your day starts early when you meet the crew in Shalimar, just a stone's throw from Destin's main harbor. The boat's rigged and ready with everything you need – quality rods, fresh bait, and tackle that can handle whatever decides to grab your line. Captain Tanner's been running these waters long enough to know where the fish are holding, and he's not shy about sharing his knowledge with guests. The boat holds up to 5 anglers, so you're not fighting for space or dealing with overcrowded conditions like some of the bigger operations. Federal waters mean you're heading out where the bottom drops off and the real action happens. Between fishing spots, don't be surprised if the captain suggests a quick stop at Crab Island – it's become a customer favorite way to break up the day and grab some photos before getting back to serious fishing.
Out in federal waters, trolling is the name of the game for most of your target species. The crew runs a spread of lures and live bait that's designed to attract everything from Spanish mackerel up to those bruiser amberjack that'll test your drag system. You'll be fishing with medium to heavy action rods paired with reels that can handle long runs – because when a king mackerel decides to make a break for it, you need equipment that won't let you down. The boat's equipped with outriggers to spread the lines out wide, and the captain knows how to read the water and adjust speeds based on what's biting. When you hook into bottom fish like grouper or snapper, it's a different game entirely – straight down fishing with heavy weights and circle hooks. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on feeling for that telltale tap on the line that means dinner just grabbed your bait.
"My family definitely had the best time with Captain Tanner!! This was an experience they will never forget. He is very knowledgeable and was great helping my 12 yr old. Definitely recommend!" - Tracy
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and these federal waters hold some beautiful specimens. These fish are smart, structure-oriented, and they'll test your patience with their light bites and hard runs toward the bottom. Red snapper season is strictly regulated, but when it's open, there's nothing quite like the fight these fish put up. They're typically found around 60-100 feet of water over hard bottom, and they're notorious for their table fare. Captain Tanner knows the productive spots where these fish stack up, and he'll have you fishing with the right tackle to get them up before they can wrap your line around the structure.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll give you some of the most fun fights pound-for-pound in the Gulf. These fish show up in good numbers during warmer months and they're absolute suckers for small spoons and live bait. They school up in federal waters, especially around structure and temperature breaks, and when you find them, you can usually count on steady action. Spanish mackerel average 2-4 pounds, but don't let their size fool you – they're fast, they jump, and they're renowned for their smoking runs that'll have your drag screaming.
King Mackerel are what serious Gulf anglers dream about. These fish can push 30+ pounds in these waters, and they're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through light leaders in a heartbeat. Kings are typically caught trolling with wire leaders and live bait or large spoons. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, and they're known for their blistering initial runs and acrobatic jumps. Landing a big king mackerel is a rite of passage for any Gulf angler, and the meat is world-class when prepared fresh.
Grey Triggerfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're tough fighters with serious attitude. These fish have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, and they'll use that strength against you when hooked. Triggerfish are typically found around structure in 80+ feet of water, and they're known for their hard, bulldogging fights that'll surprise anglers who haven't tangled with them before. They're excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Greater Amberjack are the heavyweights of the reef, and they'll give you a workout that you won't forget anytime soon. These fish can easily top 50 pounds in federal waters, and they're known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. Amberjack are structure fish that love wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs, and they're not shy about grabbing a well-presented bait. When you hook a big AJ, be ready for a long fight – these fish don't give up easily, and they'll use every ounce of their strength to get back to the bottom. The reward is some of the best-eating fish in the Gulf when prepared properly.
Federal waters fishing doesn't get much better than this around the Destin area. Captain Tanner's
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our well-equipped motorboat, perfectly rigged for targeting amberjack, mackerel, and other prized species in Shalimar's productive waters. The wireless trolling motor lets us approach fish quietly without spooking them, while our GPS keeps us on the hottest spots and safely navigated. The fish finder is your underwater eyes, showing exactly where the action is below the surface. With room for up to 5 anglers, there's plenty of space to fight those hard-pulling amberjack and fast-running mackerel. Whether you're jigging the bottom for grouper or trolling for cobia, this boat handles the inshore waters with ease. The setup gives everyone a fair shot at the catch of the day, from experienced fishermen to first-timers learning the ropes.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of deep water, averaging around 40 pounds but reaching up to 6 feet long. These bruisers live around wrecks, reefs, and structure in deeper Gulf waters, where they patrol as apex predators. Spring spawning season from April to May gives us hot action, but they bite year-round in our waters. What makes them special is the pure power - they'll dive straight down and test every ounce of your drag system. Most folks use heavy tackle with 50-pound line, but experienced anglers can get them on lighter gear. Live bait works best, but they'll hammer jigs and spoons too. The meat is excellent eating, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Here's the trick: when they dive for structure after hookup, keep steady pressure and pump them up methodically - let them run and they'll wrap you up every time.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are quirky bottom dwellers that average around 17 inches but can hit 2 feet. They hang around hard bottoms, ledges, and reefs in 30-180 feet, using their tough, leather-like skin to wedge into crevices when threatened. These guys have serious attitude and sharp teeth that can crack sea urchins and cut through most anything. Spring through fall is best, especially around structure where they're competing with grouper and snapper for food. People love targeting them because they're scrappy fighters and excellent eating - firm, white meat that's great fried or grilled. They're notorious bait stealers with small mouths, so use smaller hooks and chunk squid about an inch wide. Pro tip: drop your bait near other fish like grouper - triggers get jealous and charge in to steal the meal, making them easier to hook.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, averaging around 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90-plus. These silver torpedoes with olive backs cruise in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure and temperature breaks. We target them spring through fall when water temps stay between 68-84 degrees. They're popular because they fight like freight trains and make long, blistering runs that'll test your drag. Most folks troll with heavy tackle, but live bait works great too. Here's the key: rig two hooks on a wire leader - one through the bait's nose, another near the tail. Kings always bite the back half of live bait first. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking or grilling. Just remember they're higher in mercury, so don't make them a weekly meal.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are one of those fish that really get people excited out here. Most of what we catch run 1-2 feet and weigh under 10 pounds, but don't let that fool you - they put up a solid fight and taste amazing. You'll find them hanging around structure in 30-200 feet of water, especially rocky bottoms and artificial reefs. They're bottom dwellers, so we'll drop heavy rigs with circle hooks baited with cigar minnows or fresh squid. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that 50-70 degree sweet spot. Here's a tip that works well: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a bit before tightening up - they like to mouth the bait first. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for the dinner table.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, fun fish that cruise in big schools near the surface. Most run 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for with speed - these guys are some of the quickest swimmers in the Gulf. We find them around structure in open water, jetties, and nearshore flats when the water warms up. They hit spoons, jigs, and live bait like shrimp or small baitfish hard and fast. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when schools are feeding near shore. The key trick is to drift quietly into the school instead of motoring right up - the noise will scatter them in seconds. They've got razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. The meat has a mild flavor and cooks up great grilled, fried, or even smoked for a nice dinner option.
5.0 out of 5.0My family definitely had the best time with Captain Tanner!! This was an experience they will never forget. He is very knowledgeab...
Destin