6 Hour Gulf or Bay Fishing in Destin, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour fishing trip targeting Gulf and bay watersAll fishing gear provided for catching Cobia and SnapperSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests
When you think about fishing in Destin, you're talking about one of the Gulf Coast's premier destinations where the emerald waters meet serious angling opportunities. This 6-hour charter with Fantasy Ocean Adventures gives you the flexibility to hit either the bay or the Gulf, depending on conditions and what's biting. You'll be fishing alongside an experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of their hand, targeting some of the most sought-after species in the region. With all gear provided and space for up to 3 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between intimate fishing and productive action on the water.
Your day starts early at the marina where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on the game plan. Depending on weather, season, and recent fish activity, you might be heading to the protected waters of Choctawhatchee Bay for some serious inshore action, or pushing out into the Gulf for deeper water opportunities. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility – your captain reads the conditions and takes you where the fish are most active. You'll spend a solid 6 hours with lines in the water, moving between productive spots and adjusting techniques as the day unfolds. The boat comes equipped with quality rods, reels, tackle, and all the terminal gear you'll need, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the cooler.
Depending on your target species and location, you'll be using a variety of proven techniques throughout the day. For bay fishing, expect to work with live bait like shrimp and pinfish around grass flats, oyster bars, and channel edges where trout and redfish like to hunt. When targeting flounder, you'll be bouncing jigs and live bait along sandy bottoms and structure. If you head to the Gulf, the approach shifts to trolling for kings and Spanish mackerel, or anchoring up on structure for cobia and snapper. Your captain handles all the rigging and bait preparation, but don't hesitate to ask questions – most guides love sharing their knowledge about reading water, understanding fish behavior, and mastering different presentations. All rods are spooled with appropriate line weights, and tackle boxes are stocked with the lures, weights, and hooks that produce results in these waters.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing here, and Destin's waters produce some real monsters. These fish are aggressive predators that'll make screaming runs and test your drag system to the limit. Kings typically range from 15 to 40 pounds in these waters, with the occasional trophy pushing 50-plus. They're most active during warmer months and can be found around structure, bait schools, and temperature breaks. What makes kings so exciting is their speed and power – when one hits your trolled bait or live offering, you'll know it instantly.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of bay fishing, and Destin's grass flats hold excellent populations year-round. These spotted beauties typically run 14 to 20 inches, with keeper fish providing consistent action and great table fare. Trout are structure-oriented and love to ambush prey around oyster bars, drop-offs, and grass edges. They're active in cooler months when many other species move offshore, making them a reliable target. The best part about trout fishing is the variety of techniques that work – from topwater plugs at dawn to soft plastics bounced along the bottom.
Cobia are the bulls of the inshore world, and when you hook into one of these bruisers, you'll understand why anglers specifically target them. These chocolate-brown fighters average 20 to 40 pounds and are known for their bulldogging runs and refusal to give up. Cobia are curious fish that often follow rays and sharks, making sight fishing opportunities common in clearer waters. They're most active in spring and fall during their migration periods, and their excellent eating quality makes them a prized catch.
Spanish Mackerel provide non-stop action when they're schooled up, and their acrobatic fights make them a favorite among light-tackle enthusiasts. These smaller cousins of the king mackerel typically weigh 1 to 3 pounds but make up for their size with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. They're excellent for beginners and kids since they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Spanish mackerel are also outstanding table fare when prepared fresh.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage and provide some of the most challenging and rewarding fishing in the area. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes, with keeper flounder typically running 15 to 20 inches and trophy fish pushing 8 to 10 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud, waiting for prey to swim within striking distance. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique, but the reward is some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf. Peak season runs from late summer through fall when these fish are fattening up for their offshore spawning migration.
This 6-hour charter offers the perfect blend of variety, action, and local expertise that makes Destin fishing so special. Whether you're after the raw power of a king mackerel, the consistent action of bay trout, or the challenge of fooling a big flounder, this trip delivers the goods. With Fantasy Ocean Adventures, you're getting more than just a boat ride – you're tapping into years of local knowledge and a commitment to putting you on fish. The intimate 3-person capacity means personalized attention and plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Ready to experience why Destin is considered one of the top fishing destinations on the Gulf Coast? Book your charter today and get ready to make some memories on the water.
Get ready to fish the waters around Destin aboard this well-equipped 22' Key West bay boat. Powered by a reliable 150 HP Yamaha engine, she'll get you to the productive fishing spots whether you're heading to the calm bay waters or venturing into the Gulf. The wireless trolling motor lets you drift quietly over fish without spooking them, while the fish finder helps locate schools of Snapper, Cobia, Mahi Mahi, and Flounder. GPS keeps you on course to the hottest fishing areas, and radar ensures safe navigation when visibility drops. The flybridge gives you an elevated view to spot diving birds and surface activity that signals feeding fish below. With space for up to 3 anglers and all fishing gear provided, this bay boat is set up to put you on the fish in Destin's productive waters.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are the masters of disguise - flat, brown ambush predators that blend perfectly with sandy and muddy bottoms. Most run 15-18 inches, though we catch some pushing 25+ inches. They hang out in shallow bays, around docks, and structure where they can lie in wait. Fall is prime time when they're fattening up before heading offshore. What's fun about flounder fishing is the challenge - you're hunting a fish that's nearly invisible. They're excellent eating with sweet, white meat. They'll hit live mud minnows, shrimp, and small jigs bounced along bottom. Here's the secret: fish slow and feel for that subtle "mushy" bite. When you feel weight, don't set the hook immediately - let them turn with it first.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, schooling fish that usually run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds. These silver speedsters with yellow spots travel in huge schools near the surface throughout our Gulf waters. Summer and fall provide consistent action when baitfish are thick. Guests love them because they're aggressive, hit hard, and great for kids to catch. The meat is excellent - mild, flaky, and perfect grilled or smoked. They'll slam small spoons, jigs, and live bait like sardines. Look for diving birds to find the schools. My go-to setup: small silver spoon on light tackle, cast into the feeding frenzy and retrieve fast. Keep your drag loose - their first run will surprise you with its speed.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, run 14-24 inches and typically weigh 1-5 pounds around here. These silver beauties with dark spots love grass flats, shallow bays, and dock lights at night. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are comfortable. What guests love about trout fishing is the finesse - they're not brutes, but they're smart and require skill. The meat is white, flaky, and delicate when cooked right. They hit soft plastics, live shrimp, and topwater plugs early and late in the day. Pro tip: fish the grass edges at first light with a popping cork and live shrimp. Let it sit still for 30 seconds between pops - that's when they usually strike.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+. These silver torpedoes cruise in 40-150 feet of water around structure and baitfish schools. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat is rich and flavorful, though high in mercury. They're aggressive predators that'll hit trolled spoons, live bait, and jigs. Here's a local trick: when using live bait, rig two hooks on a wire leader - one through the nose, another near the tail. Kings often bite the back half of baitfish, so that trailing hook saves a lot of missed strikes.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of our waters - brown, muscular fish that average 30-60 pounds and can push 100. They're loners, not schooling fish, found around wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-70 feet. Spring migration brings the best action as they move through our area to spawn. What makes cobia trips exciting is sight fishing - you'll actually see these fish cruising near the surface before we cast to them. They're incredible table fare with firm, white meat. They'll eat bucktail jigs, crabs, and eels. The key trick here: when you spot one, don't motor directly at it. Circle around and drift into casting range. Spook a cobia and it's gone for good.
Destin