Premium 8 Hour Offshore Adventure in Destin Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore fishing trip targeting multiple species in Destin watersCatch mackerel, snapper, grouper, and amberjack using varied techniquesSmall group experience accommodating up to 4 guests maximum
When you're talking serious fishing in the Gulf, Destin's name comes up for good reason. This 8-hour offshore charter with First Shot Charters puts you right in the middle of some of the most productive fishing waters on the Gulf Coast. We're talking about a full day out there where you'll work everything from the nearshore structure to the deep blue water, chasing whatever's biting best that day. Captain keeps it real – some days the kings are running hot, other days the bottom fish are stacked up thick. Either way, you're going home with stories and hopefully a cooler full of fish.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Eight hours gives us the time to really work the water and adapt to what we're seeing out there. We'll start the morning hitting some of the closer structure – artificial reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom where the snapper and grouper like to hang out. Mid-day, when the bite slows down inshore, we'll make moves to deeper water or switch up tactics entirely. Maybe we'll pull some live bait and go hunt for cobia cruising the surface, or set up a drift and target those big amberjacks that'll test your arms. The boat handles four anglers comfortably, so you've got room to work without bumping elbows. Captain provides all the tackle and bait – you just need to bring your fishing license, some snacks, and drinks for the day.
We're running a mix of techniques depending on what we're targeting. Bottom fishing gets the most work – dropping chunks of cigar minnows or pinfish down to 80-120 feet where the good eating fish live. We're talking about heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-pound braid, because when you hook into a big red snapper or gag grouper, they're heading straight for the rocks. For the pelagic species, we'll troll or run live bait. Trolling spreads work great for kings, Spanish mackerel, and the occasional sailfish that shows up. When we find bait schools, we'll switch to spinning gear and work jigs or live pilchards under the birds. The key is staying flexible – conditions change fast offshore, and the fish don't always cooperate with your game plan. Captain reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the day to keep you on fish.
Cobia are the bruisers everyone talks about – these 30 to 50-pound fish cruise the surface and put up a fight that'll leave your shoulders sore. Best time to find them is late spring through early fall when they're moving along the beaches and hanging around structure. They're curious fish, often swimming right up to the boat, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're easy. Hook one and you'll know why guides get excited when we spot those brown backs near the surface. Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing when they're in season. These 5 to 15-pound fish are smart and structure-oriented, holding tight to reefs and wrecks in 60 to 150 feet of water. They bite best on fresh cut bait, and once you find a school, the action can be non-stop.
Yellowtail Amberjack, or AJs as we call them, are pure muscle. These fish average 15 to 40 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They school up around deep structure and wrecks, and when you hook one, the whole school usually gets fired up. Spanish Mackerel are speed demons – smaller fish usually running 2 to 5 pounds, but they make up for size with numbers and attitude. They're perfect for lighter tackle and great for kids or anyone who wants steady action. King Mackerel are the wolves of the Gulf, roaming in packs and hitting trolled baits with serious aggression. A good king will run 15 to 30 pounds and make blistering runs that'll smoke your drag. Atlantic Sailfish are the bonus fish – not super common, but when they show up, it's game time. These are bucket list fish that jump and dance across the surface, and even a smaller sail will give you a fight you won't forget.
Look, eight hours offshore with a good captain is about as close as you get to a sure thing in fishing. You've got the time to work different spots, try multiple techniques, and really get into some fish. First Shot Charters knows these waters, and they're putting you on productive spots that produce year-round. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next trophy or someone who just wants to experience what Gulf fishing is all about, this trip delivers. The boat's got space for four, so grab some friends or family and make it happen. Don't wait too long though – the good boats book up fast, especially during peak season. Give them a call and get your dates locked in. The fish are out there waiting.
Your ride for the day is a 20' Cape Horn center console that's built for serious fishing in Destin's waters. This boat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably and comes loaded with everything you need to track down mackerel, snapper, grouper, and amberjack. The GPS navigation keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate the best spots offshore. With a flybridge for better visibility and a live bait well to keep your bait fresh, you'll be fishing like the locals. Life jackets are provided, and the center console design gives everyone easy access to the action. Whether you're casting lines or fighting fish, this boat gets you where the big ones are biting in the Gulf's productive waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the ultimate gamefish experience - that massive dorsal sail and lightning speed make every hookup special. These blue-gray speedsters average 7.5 feet and 50 pounds, capable of hitting 30+ mph. We find them in 30-65 feet over structure and open water, especially during winter months when they move closer to shore. What makes them legendary is the fight - they'll leap, dive, and tailwalk like nothing else out there. They change colors when hunting, flashing blue, black, and stripes while herding baitfish. Most anglers release these beauties for the conservation and bragging rights. Here's my tip: when you get a bite, let them run first before setting the hook hard. They'll try to shake it immediately, so keep steady pressure but don't rush the fight.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are dark brown solitary fish that average around 6 feet and 100 pounds - perfect trophy size. You'll often mistake them for sharks at first glance because of their single dorsal fin. We find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-300 feet of water, especially during their June-August spawning season here in the Gulf. They're aggressive predators that put up a serious fight and make some of the best table fare you'll taste - firm texture with great flavor. Since they don't school up, each one is a special catch. Pro tip: when you spot one, work it slow with a bucktail jig. They're curious fish, so be patient and let them come to you rather than spooking them with fast movements.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll burn drag and test your skills. These olive-colored torpedoes average around 30 pounds but can top 90+ pounds - the big females are absolute monsters. We target them in 40-150 feet around structure, drop-offs, and open water, with spring through fall being prime time. What makes kings special is that blistering speed matched only by wahoo, plus they're excellent eating with their high-fat, flavorful meat. They're voracious feeders that'll crush live bait, spoons, and trolled lures. The fight is all about long, screaming runs that'll test your tackle. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to bite the tail section of live baits, so that stinger hook back there saves a lot of missed fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - bright red beauties that average 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, though we see some pushing 20+ pounds on structure. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 30-200 feet of water. Summer gives us our best shots during the federal season. These fish are pure fighters that'll head straight for cover when hooked, so you need to muscle them up quick. The meat is absolutely top-notch - mild, nutty flavor that's restaurant-quality every time. They spawn May through October, so the bigger breeding females are extra important to release. My advice: use fresh squid or cigar minnows, keep your drag tight, and don't give them an inch once you hook up or they'll cut you off in the rocks.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, fun fighters perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. These streamlined silver fish with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds. They school up in massive groups that can stretch for miles, making for some hot fishing when you find them. We catch them near the surface around structure, flats, and open water from spring through fall when water temps are right. They're one of the fastest fish in the Gulf, hitting at 18+ mph, so the fights are quick but intense. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills, smokes, or fries beautifully. Best part is they're great for kids and beginners. Pro tip: use light tackle with small shiny spoons and don't overthink it. When the schools are up, they'll hit just about anything moving.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail Amberjack are powerful fighters that'll test your tackle and stamina. These fish average 15-25 pounds but can push 40+ if you're lucky. You'll recognize them by their bright yellow fins and blue-green backs. We target them around deep reefs, wrecks, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps warm up. What makes them special is that fight - they're fast, strong swimmers that'll make long runs and test your drag. The meat is prized for sushi and grilling. Here's the key: use live bait when possible and heavy tackle because they'll head straight for structure once hooked. Don't horse them up too fast or they'll throw the hook.
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