Deep Sea Fishing Florida Destin | 12 Hour Blue Water
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 12hour deep sea fishing expedition offshoreTargets premium blue water species far from shoreAccommodates up to 6 guests with early departure
When you're serious about fishing and want to target the big boys swimming in the deep blue, this 12-hour offshore adventure is what you've been looking for. We're talking about a full day of blue water fishing off Destin, Florida, where the Gulf Stream brings in some of the most sought-after gamefish on the planet. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're heading way out past the continental shelf where the water turns that gorgeous deep blue and the fish get really interesting. Starting at 6:00 AM, you'll have from sunrise to sunset to battle some of the ocean's top predators, and trust me, 12 hours gives you the best shot at connecting with something truly memorable.
This private charter accommodates up to 6 anglers, which means you're not sharing space with strangers or waiting in line for your turn at the rod. The boat heads out early to maximize your time in the prime fishing zones, typically 15-30 miles offshore where the water depth drops to 600 feet or more. That's where you'll find the blue water that holds marlin, sailfish, tuna, and mahi. The captain will be watching for temperature breaks, weed lines, and bait schools – all the signs that indicate where the big fish are hunting. You'll spend most of the day trolling at different speeds and depths, covering serious ground to find active fish. Don't worry about bringing lunch – you'll want to pack your own food and plenty of water since we're talking about a long day under the Florida sun. The action can be sporadic in deep water fishing, but when it happens, it's electric. One minute you're enjoying the ride, the next you're fighting a fish that could weigh more than you do.
Deep sea fishing is all about trolling, and there's definitely an art to it. The captain will set up a spread of baits and lures at different distances behind the boat, usually running four to six lines at once. We're talking about large ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, big swimming plugs, and colorful skirted trolling lures that mimic flying fish and squid. The boat maintains a steady 6-8 knot trolling speed, which is perfect for triggering strikes from pelagic species. Outriggers keep the lines spread wide to avoid tangles and create a natural-looking bait presentation. When a fish hits, the outrigger clip releases and the rod goes off like a freight train. Circle hooks are the standard for billfish – they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and make catch-and-release much safer for both the angler and the fish. The tackle is heavy-duty offshore gear, typically 30-50 pound test line on lever drag reels that can handle long, powerful runs. GPS and fish finders help locate structure and bait, but experienced captains also read the water visually, looking for color changes, floating debris, and bird activity.
Atlantic Sailfish are the bread and butter of Destin's offshore scene, and they're absolute rockets when hooked. These fish average 40-60 pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs. Peak sailfish season runs from late fall through early spring, with December through March being prime time. They're usually the most cooperative billfish species and often travel in small schools, so multiple hookups aren't uncommon. What makes sailfish so special is their aerial show – they'll launch completely out of the water multiple times during the fight, shaking their heads and rattling their bills. Blue Marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing, and Destin's deep waters hold some impressive fish. These apex predators can range from 100-pound juveniles to monsters exceeding 500 pounds. Summer months bring the best blue marlin action, particularly July through September when the water temperatures peak. Blues are ambush predators that often follow baits for long distances before committing to a strike. When they do hit, it's explosive – think of a small car suddenly attached to your fishing line. Mahi Mahi, also called common dolphinfish, are probably the most cooperative gamefish in the Gulf. These beautiful, colorful fish average 10-30 pounds and provide steady action from spring through fall. They're attracted to floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. Mahi travel in schools and have voracious appetites, often attacking multiple baits simultaneously. They're also excellent eating, making them a favorite among anglers who like to take fish home. Yellowfin Tuna are the speedsters of the deep, capable of reaching 50+ mph and diving to incredible depths. These fish typically range from 30-100 pounds in Destin waters, though larger specimens do show up. Summer and early fall provide the best yellowfin action when water temperatures are warmest. They're incredibly strong fighters that use their speed and stamina to test both angler and tackle. The meat is sushi-grade when handled properly, making them highly prized. White Marlin are the smaller cousins of blue marlin but no less exciting. These fish typically range from 40-80 pounds and are known for their aggressive nature and spectacular jumps. They're most common during late spring and summer months. White marlin are often more aggressive than their larger blue cousins, frequently attacking baits with reckless abandon and providing heart-stopping action.
A 12-hour blue water trip represents serious offshore fishing at its finest. You're investing in the best possible chance to connect with trophy gamefish that most anglers only dream about. The extended time on the water lets you cover more ground, try different techniques, and wait out the fish when they're being finicky. Destin's location provides easy access to some of the Gulf's most productive offshore waters, and the experienced local captains know exactly where to find the fish. Whether you're chasing your first sailfish, hoping for a shot at blue marlin, or just want to experience
Istiophorus AlbicansThese gorgeous billfish are what dreams are made of - they average around 50 pounds and 7 feet, but that famous sail-like dorsal fin makes them look massive when they're putting on a show. Sailfish are some of the fastest fish in the ocean, and they love to jump and tail-walk when hooked. We find them in the warm blue water anywhere from 30 to 200 feet deep, usually following bait schools. Spring through fall are prime times here off Destin. What makes them special is that color-changing ability - they'll flash bright blues and blacks when they're fired up. The fight is pure spectacle - lots of aerial displays. Pro tip: when you see that sail come up behind your bait, don't get too excited and pull it away. Let them eat it, then hold on tight.
Makaira NigricansThe ultimate trophy fish - these are the monsters that serious anglers dream about. Males run around 200-300 pounds, but the females can hit over 1,000 pounds, earning the legendary "grander" status. We target them in deep blue water, usually 100+ miles offshore where the water temp hits that perfect 75-80 degree range. Summer months are best here in the Gulf. Blues are incredibly powerful fighters with amazing jumping ability, but they tire quicker than other billfish due to their size. The meat's decent, though many anglers prefer catch and release. They love to hunt tuna, so we'll troll big lures or rigged ballyhoo around current breaks and temperature changes. Here's the key: use heavy tackle - 50-80 pound class minimum. These fish will test every piece of gear you've got.
Coryphaena HippurusPure eye candy and some of the best eating fish in the ocean. These beauties flash gold, green, and blue when they're in the water, then put on a wild color show when you boat them. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+. We find them around any floating debris, weed lines, or current breaks in 100-1,000 feet of water. They're surface dwellers that love to travel in schools. Spring through fall are peak season here. What makes mahi special is they're aggressive feeders and fight hard - lots of runs and jumps. Plus, the meat is fantastic - mild, firm, and perfect on the grill. They grow fast and don't live long, so they're sustainable to harvest. Watch for birds working over floating sargassum - that's where we'll find them. Keep some on ice for dinner.
Kajikia AlbidaThese are the smaller cousins of the blue marlin, but don't let size fool you - they're incredible fighters that love to put on aerial displays. They typically run 80-180 pounds and are built for speed with that distinctive bill and streamlined body. We target them in deep blue water over underwater canyons and drop-offs where the water temperature is just right. Summer months are prime time here in the Gulf. What makes white marlin special is their intelligence - they're smart hunters that will inspect your baits carefully. The fight is spectacular with lots of jumps and long runs. Most anglers practice catch and release since they're not as common as other billfish. Here's a key tip: when trolling, don't watch the bait itself - watch the area around it. These fish are sneaky and can strike fast before you even see them coming.
Thunnus AlbacaresThese are the ultimate eating machines and some of the strongest fish pound-for-pound in the ocean. Expect 40-100 pounders, though they can push 200+. They're built like torpedoes and can hit 50 mph when they want to. We find them in deep blue water, usually in the top 300 feet, around current breaks and temperature changes. They're here year-round, but summer brings the best action. What guests love is the raw power - these fish make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. The meat is world-class sushi grade, bright red and perfect for searing. They school up and feed aggressively on bait balls. When we mark fish deep but they won't bite our trolled baits, we'll stop and drop jigs down to them. That usually gets their attention fast.
Destin