5.0(1 Reviews)Destin 4 Hour Afternoon Fishing Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon inshore fishing trip in Destin watersTarget redfish, mackerel, grouper, and sheepshead speciesAccommodates up to four guests with First Shot Charters
When the afternoon sun starts warming up the emerald waters off Destin, that's when Captain Mike fires up the engines and heads out for some serious action. This 4-hour charter with First Shot Charters puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds, where the Gulf of Mexico serves up everything from hard-fighting redfish to monster king mackerel. You'll cruise the crystal-clear waters with up to three of your favorite fishing buddies, targeting multiple species that call these waters home year-round. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, slather on that sunscreen, and get ready for an afternoon that'll have you planning your next trip before you even dock.
Captain Mike knows these waters like the back of his casting hand, and he'll put you on fish whether they're prowling the nearshore structure or cruising the deeper drop-offs just outside Destin Pass. The afternoon timing is perfect – you'll avoid the morning crowd and hit prime feeding times when species like Spanish mackerel and grouper start getting active. The boat's equipped with quality tackle and all the gear you need, but feel free to bring your lucky rod if you've got one. Weather can change quickly out there, so layer up with breathable fishing shirts and bring a light jacket just in case. The Gulf can get choppy in the afternoon breeze, but that's often when the bite really turns on. You'll be working everything from live bait to artificial lures, depending on what the fish are telling us that day.
This isn't your typical pier fishing experience – we're talking serious angling techniques that produce consistent results in Destin's diverse waters. Captain Mike runs a mix of bottom fishing over structure for grouper and sheepshead, along with trolling spreads for kings and Spanish mackerel when they're running. You'll learn how to work live pinfish and cigar minnows around the artificial reefs, where grouper stack up like they're waiting in line. When the mackerel are schooled up, we'll switch to high-speed trolling with spoons and diving plugs that'll get hammered by aggressive kings. The redfish action happens around the nearshore grass flats and structure, where we'll pitch soft plastics and live bait to these copper-colored bulldogs. Every technique has its moment, and part of the fun is adapting to what the fish want on any given afternoon.
"Captain Mike is a great guide. He fit in like a best friend and part of the family taking us on his boat for the day. He had superb service and attention to detail. I plan to use his service in the again." - Michael
King mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and Destin's waters hold some true giants that'll test your drag system and your arm strength. These silver bullets can stretch over 40 inches and pack serious muscle, making blistering runs that'll have you wondering if you hooked a torpedo. Spring through fall offers the best king mackerel action, with the bigger fish showing up when the water temps climb into the 70s and 80s. They're aggressive predators that crush trolled baits and put on aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. Land a good king, and you've got some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf – just watch those teeth when you're handling them.
Redfish are the ultimate inshore bruisers, and these copper-colored fighters never give up without a serious battle. They typically run 20 to 30 inches in these waters, with their distinctive black spots and bronze coloring making them easy to identify. What makes reds special is their attitude – they'll eat everything from live shrimp to cut bait to artificial lures, and they fight dirty with strong runs and head-shaking that'll test your knots. You can target them year-round in Destin, but fall and winter often produce the biggest fish as they school up for their spawning runs. The meat is fantastic – firm, flaky, and perfect for the grill.
Black grouper are the heavyweights of the reef, and hooking into one is like trying to pull a Volkswagen off the bottom. These fish can exceed 30 pounds in Destin's deeper waters, and they use every ounce of that weight to try to get back to their rocky hideouts. They're ambush predators that lurk around structure, waiting for an easy meal to swim by. The best black grouper fishing happens during their peak season from May through December, when they're most active and feeding aggressively. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the finest table fare in the Gulf, making them a top target for anglers who want both the fight and the feast.
Gag grouper might not get as big as their black cousins, but they make up for it with attitude and availability. These mottled gray fighters typically range from 15 to 25 pounds in local waters, and they're known for their hard initial run toward structure when hooked. Gags are more aggressive than black grouper, often chasing baits up off the bottom and even taking artificial lures on occasion. They're year-round residents around Destin's artificial reefs and natural bottom, with spring and fall producing some of the most consistent action. The meat is sweet and mild, perfect for grilling or frying, and they're generally easier to clean than some other grouper species.
Spanish mackerel are the perfect fish for keeping the action steady throughout your trip. These smaller cousins of the king mackerel rarely exceed 3 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and willingness to bite. They travel in large schools and aren't particularly picky about baits, hitting everything from small jigs to live shrimp to trolled spoons. Spring through fall offers prime Spanish mackerel fishing, with summer producing some of the most
Your fishing machine for the afternoon is a solid 20' Cape Horn center console that's built to handle Destin's inshore waters with ease. This boat comfortably fishes up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need to track down redfish, king mackerel, grouper, and whatever else is biting. The GPS keeps you on the productive spots while the fish finder shows you exactly what's swimming below. The live bait well keeps your bait fresh and lively - crucial when these gulf fish get picky. Life jackets are onboard for safety, and the center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. The flybridge gives your captain a perfect vantage point to spot feeding fish and navigate the flats. Whether you're working the grass beds for reds or hitting structure for grouper, this Cape Horn handles it all and gets you back to the dock with a cooler full of dinner.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore target, running 28-33 inches on average with that signature black spot near the tail. You'll find them cruising super shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass beds, and structure - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall give you the best shots when they're most active. What guests love is that explosive strike when they nail a topwater lure in skinny water. They fight hard and taste great too - mild, sweet meat that grills perfectly. My go-to tip: look for nervous baitfish or that telltale copper flash in the shallows. When you spot one tailing, cast well ahead and work your lure slowly past them.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are the perfect light tackle fish, averaging 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds. These silver speedsters with bright yellow spots travel in large schools near the surface around structure, flats, and open water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're actively feeding. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll make multiple jumps and screaming runs. They're also fantastic table fare, mild and flaky, perfect for the grill. The key here is staying mobile. When you find a school, don't anchor - drift with them so you don't spook the fish. Light spinning gear with small shiny spoons works great, and a wire leader saves you from those sharp teeth when they're slashing through baitfish.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These olive-backed fighters cruise in 40-150 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes them special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line like few other fish. Plus, they're excellent table fare with that rich, flaky meat. The key trick here in Destin? Use a two-hook rig on your live bait - one through the nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit the back half of baitfish, so that second hook saves a lot of missed strikes. Just make sure you've got a strong metal leader because those razor teeth will slice through mono in seconds.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, averaging 2+ feet but capable of reaching 5 feet and 125 pounds. These olive-gray bruisers with dark rectangular blotches hang around wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom in 30-300 feet depending on season - shallow in winter, deeper when it warms up. They're ambush predators that inhale anything that swims by. What makes them special is that raw power - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks. The meat is outstanding too, mild and firm. Here's the key: when you feel that thump, don't hesitate. Crank hard immediately and keep constant pressure. Let them get their head down and run for structure, and you'll be retying. Heavy tackle is a must - 80lb braid minimum.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid fighters averaging 20 inches, though they can push 4+ feet and 80 pounds. These greyish grouper with marbled patterns prefer rocky bottoms, reefs, and drop-offs. Juveniles stay inshore while adults head to deeper offshore structure and wrecks. They're year-round residents but more active in cooler months. What draws anglers is their stubborn fight - they'll bulldoze straight for the bottom and try to hole up in the rocks. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the Gulf. My local trick: look for stone crab traps. Gags love hanging around them for the easy crab meals. Use live pinfish or mullet on a circle hook, and when you hook up, lock that reel down tight and horse them up fast.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Mike is a great guide. He fit in like a best friend and part of the family taking us on his boat for the day. He had super...
Destin