12 Hour Fishing Adventure in Destin, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
12hour deep sea fishing trip targeting Cobia and SnapperAll fishing gear provided with option to captain the boatSmall group experience accommodating up to 4 guests maximum
Looking for a full day on the water that'll put some serious fish in the cooler? This 12-hour fishing charter with Fantasy Ocean Adventures gives you everything you need for an epic day targeting Destin's best inshore and nearshore species. We're talking about enough time to really get into the fish – no rushing, no watching the clock. Just you, your crew of up to 3 other anglers, and some of the Gulf Coast's hottest fishing grounds. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who just loves being on the water, this trip delivers the kind of fishing day that keeps folks coming back year after year.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job. With 12 hours at your disposal, we've got time to hit multiple spots, try different techniques, and really dial in on what's biting. The boat heads out early to beat the crowds and get you on the prime fishing grounds while the bite is hot. All your gear is included – rods, reels, tackle, bait – so you can travel light and focus on what matters. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the grass flats where the trout hang out to the structure where those big cobia cruise. And here's something cool – if you've always wanted to take the helm, just ask. Part of the fun is learning how to read the water and work the boat like a pro.
Destin's inshore scene is all about variety, and this trip takes full advantage of that. We're working everything from live bait fishing over structure to casting artificials on the flats. The boat carries a solid selection of spinning gear and conventional tackle, matched to whatever we're targeting that day. Early morning might find us drifting live shrimp over oyster bars for trout and redfish, then moving to deeper water where the kings and cobia patrol. The captain reads conditions and adjusts the game plan – if the wind's up, we might stay tucked in the back bays. If it's slick calm, those nearshore reefs are calling. Bottom fishing with cut bait, trolling with spoons, sight fishing with topwater plugs – it's all on the table depending on what Mother Nature serves up.
Tarpon are the ultimate inshore game fish, and Destin's waters hold some genuine giants. These silver kings show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall, often rolling and feeding right in the pass and around the jetties. A big tarpon will test every bit of your tackle and technique – they jump, they run, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. Most of the fish we hook range from 80 to 150 pounds, though bigger ones are always possible. The thrill isn't just in the fight – watching a six-foot tarpon come completely out of the water right next to the boat is something that stays with you forever.
King Mackerel are Destin's bread and butter fish, and for good reason. These speedsters hit hard and fight harder, making blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. Spring and fall are prime time, when the kings stage up in good numbers just offshore. They're not picky eaters – live bait, dead bait, spoons, plugs – but they are line shy, so we use wire leaders and stay sharp. A typical Destin king runs 15 to 30 pounds, perfect for the dinner table. The bigger ones, those 40-plus-pound smokers, are out there too, especially during the fall migration.
Sea Trout might not be the flashiest fish in the Gulf, but they're steady producers and excellent table fare. Destin's grass flats hold good populations year-round, with the best fishing in the cooler months when they school up in deeper pockets. These spotted beauties are ambush predators, hiding in the grass and nailing anything that looks like an easy meal. They're perfect for light tackle – a popping cork with live shrimp or a soft plastic paddle tail worked slowly through their habitat. Most trout here run 14 to 18 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing 20-plus.
Blacktip Shark fishing adds some serious excitement to any trip. These athletic sharks are common in Destin's nearshore waters, especially during the warmer months when they move in close to feed and spawn. Blacktips are jumpers – they'll come completely out of the water multiple times during a fight, tail-walking and spinning like aquatic acrobats. Most fish run 30 to 60 pounds, the perfect size for a memorable battle without being overwhelming. They're catch-and-release fish, but the photos and memories are keepers.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and Destin sits right in the heart of snapper country. These crimson-colored fighters are structure lovers, hanging around artificial reefs, wrecks, and natural bottom formations. When snapper season opens, it's game on – these fish hit hard and fight all the way to the boat. The regulations are strict and seasons are limited, but when you can target them legally, few fish deliver better table fare. A good Destin red snapper averages 3 to 8 pounds, with the occasional double-digit fish showing up to make your day.
A 12-hour fishing charter is the kind of trip that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place. You're not rushing to cram everything into a few hours – there's time to enjoy the ride, learn some new techniques, maybe even try your hand at running the boat. The small group size means personalized attention and plenty of elbow room. With all gear provided and a captain who knows where the fish live, all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and a cooler for the catch. Destin's
Hit the waters of Destin aboard this 22' Key West bay boat powered by a reliable 150 HP Yamaha engine. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, this fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need to land Cobia, Snapper, Sea Trout, and Mackerel in these productive inshore waters. The fish finder will help you locate the hotspots, while the GPS keeps you on course to the best fishing grounds. When visibility drops, the radar keeps you safe. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking the fish. From the elevated flybridge, you'll have great visibility to spot feeding activity and navigate shallow flats. All your tackle is provided, and you can even take the helm if you want to captain your own fishing adventure. Whether you're targeting dinner or just enjoying a day on the Gulf, this bay boat handles Destin's inshore waters with ease.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are fun fighters that put on quite a show with their jumping ability - they can leap 20+ feet out of the water. These sharks typically run 3-5 feet and 40-60 pounds around Destin. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water near reefs and structure where baitfish gather. Spring and summer are prime time when they're most active. What guests love is their acrobatic fight and that distinctive black-tipped fins. They're not great eating, so it's all catch and release fun. Set up with heavy braided line, circle hooks, and plenty of chum. Oily fish like mackerel or sardines work best for bait. Keep your drag smooth - they get excited and make wild runs.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the holy grail of Gulf fishing - beautiful red fish that fight hard and taste even better. Most run 2-5 pounds, but we regularly see 10+ pounders on deeper structure. They live on hard bottom in 60-200 feet, around wrecks, reefs, and ledges. June through August is peak season when federal waters open. What makes them special is that perfect combination of strong fight and premium table fare - sweet, firm white meat that's restaurant quality. They're bottom huggers, so get your bait down fast with heavy weights. Fresh cut bait works great, but here's a local secret: use a knocker rig with live pinfish for the biggest ones.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are perfect starter fish but still fun for seasoned anglers. These silvery fish with black spots typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around docks and structure in 2-8 feet of water. Spring through fall fishing is prime, with evening and early morning being hot times. They're excellent eating - white, flaky meat that's mild and sweet. Best part is they're not picky eaters. Soft plastics, topwater plugs, and live shrimp all work great. Pro tip: fish the grass flats at night with a popping cork and shrimp - the sound drives them crazy.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These olive-backed beauties with silver sides typically run 20-40 pounds, though we've seen 60+ pounders. They cruise 40-150 feet deep around structure and baitfish schools. Best action happens April through October when water temps hit that sweet 70-80 degree range. What makes them special is that blistering initial run - they can hit 35 mph. Plus, they're solid table fare with firm, white meat. For rigging, always use a wire leader and set up a stinger hook behind your bait. Kings love to grab fish by the tail, so that back hook saves a lot of missed strikes. Troll fast with live bait or spoons.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants are pure spectacle - we're talking 4-6 foot fish that can weigh 80-100 pounds and launch themselves 10 feet out of the water when hooked. Around Destin, tarpon show up in late spring through summer, cruising shallow flats and deeper channels. They're not great eating due to bony meat, but nobody cares - it's all about that fight and those aerial shows. These ancient fish have been around 125 million years and can live 50+ years. When targeting them, use live bait like mullet or pinfish, but here's the key: keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let them jump and tire themselves out - that's half the fun anyway.
Destin