8 HR Deep Water Fishing Trip with Fish-N-Fun Destin
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore fishing targeting Grouper, Snapper, Wahoo, and MahiAll fishing gear provided by experienced captain and crewMaximum 4 guests for personalized deep water fishing experience
Ready to get serious about fishing the Gulf? This 8-hour deep water adventure puts you right where the big fish live, miles offshore in the crystal-clear waters of Florida's Gulf Coast. Fish-N-Fun Destin knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're about to show you why this stretch of the Gulf produces some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere. Whether you're after hard-fighting bottom dwellers or speedy pelagics, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
You'll be heading out with just 4 anglers max, which means plenty of room to fish and personalized attention from your captain. The boat's rigged with top-shelf gear, so you don't need to worry about bringing tackle – just show up ready to fish. Your captain will read the conditions and adjust the game plan accordingly, switching between trolling the blue water for pelagics and dropping to the bottom for grouper and snapper. The Gulf Coast's structure is loaded with ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom that holds fish year-round. Expect to cover some serious water during those 8 hours, hitting multiple spots until you find where they're biting. Don't forget to pack your own drinks and snacks – you'll work up an appetite out there. Also, check with your captain about fuel surcharges when you book, as fuel costs can fluctuate. If your captain puts you on fish and works hard for your group, a 15-20% tip is the standard way to show your appreciation.
The beauty of this trip is the variety of techniques you'll use. When trolling, you'll pull a spread of lures and baits behind the boat as you cruise over structure and along depth changes. This method is deadly for wahoo, mahi, and other fast-moving species that patrol the open water. The captain will set the lines at different depths and distances to cover maximum water. When it's time to bottom fish, you'll anchor up or drift over productive spots, dropping baited rigs down to where the grouper and snapper live. Circle hooks and heavy sinkers are the name of the game here – you need enough weight to get down quickly and stay put in the current. The captain provides all the terminal tackle, from the heavy conventional reels perfect for deep dropping to the lighter spinning gear for when the fish are finicky. Fresh and frozen baits like sardines, squid, and cut fish will be on board, along with a selection of proven lures.
Grey Triggerfish are the bread and butter of Gulf Coast bottom fishing, and for good reason. These scrappy fighters average 2-4 pounds but punch way above their weight class. They're structure-oriented fish that love hanging around rocks, reefs, and wrecks in 60-120 feet of water. What makes triggers so fun is their attitude – they'll hammer a bait aggressively and then try every trick in the book to get back to their hideout. The best action typically runs from late spring through early fall, when they're most active and feeding heavily. Their white, flaky meat is outstanding on the table, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the feast.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and when they're in season, there's nothing quite like hooking into a big red. These fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with 10-20 pounders being caught regularly in deeper waters. They're structure fish through and through, relating to anything that breaks up the bottom – natural reefs, artificial reefs, oil rigs, and wrecks. Reds are notorious for their hard initial run toward structure when hooked, so you need to turn them quick. They're most active during their federal season, typically running from June through July, though state waters may have different regulations. The meat is legendary – firm, sweet, and perfect for just about any preparation.
Black Grouper represent the heavy hitters of the bottom fishing world. These bruisers can exceed 50 pounds and will test both your tackle and your back. They're ambush predators that lurk in holes and under ledges, waiting for an easy meal to swim by. When you hook a big black grouper, the fight is straight down toward structure – they know exactly where the nearest rocks are. The key is stopping that first run before they can get you wrapped up. Black grouper prefer deeper water than their red grouper cousins, often holding in 80-200 feet around hard bottom and vertical structure. Their season varies by size and regulations, but when they're available, they provide some of the most memorable battles you'll have in the Gulf.
This 8-hour deep water trip with Fish-N-Fun Destin gives you the full Gulf Coast experience – multiple techniques, diverse species, and the kind of personal attention that only comes with a small group. The captain's local knowledge combined with quality gear and prime fishing grounds makes this a top-rated choice for serious anglers. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with dinner or just want to feel that rod bend with a big fish, this trip delivers. The Gulf's fishing is world-class year-round, but the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Don't wait – book your spot and get ready to see why Florida's Gulf Coast fishing has such a legendary reputation.
This 32-foot Edgewater center console is built for serious Gulf Coast fishing adventures. Twin 300HP Yamaha engines get you to the deep water fishing grounds fast, cruising at speeds up to 50 knots. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to fight big fish. Modern electronics include GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, and a fish finder to locate structure and baitfish. The wireless trolling motor lets you quietly position over productive spots without spooking the fish. Whether you're dropping lines for grouper and snapper on the bottom or trolling for wahoo and mahi, this boat has everything needed for a productive day on the water. The onboard head means no cutting trips short, and the center console design gives everyone easy access to the action when fish start biting.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the bulldogs of deep water, averaging 20-40 pounds but capable of hitting 100+. These olive-gray bruisers with dark rectangular blotches hang around wrecks, ledges, and reefs in 30-300 feet. Winter months are prime time when they move shallow, but summer finds them deeper. What guests love is the pure strength - once hooked, you're in for a serious arm-burning fight. They're ambush predators that inhale prey whole, and their meat rivals any grouper with a mild, firm texture. These fish aren't built for speed but make up for it with raw power. Here's the key: bring heavy tackle - 80lb braid minimum - and when you feel that thump, start cranking immediately. Don't let them think about it or they'll dive straight back to the rocks and cut you off every time.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are tough fighters that average 12-17 inches and pack plenty of attitude. You'll find them around hard bottom structures, reefs, and ledges in 60-180 feet of water throughout the Gulf. They're not picky eaters but love squid chunks about an inch wide. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and thick, leathery skin that earned them the nickname "leatherjacket." What makes them fun to target is their aggressive nature and decent table fare. They tend to nibble before committing, so here's the trick: drop your bait near other fish like snapper or grouper. When triggerfish see competition for food, they'll charge in and steal it every time. Once hooked, reel fast and keep steady pressure - they'll try to wedge into rocks using their dorsal spines.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, averaging 1-2 feet but capable of reaching 35+ pounds. These deep red beauties live around structure in 30-200+ feet, preferring rocky bottoms, wrecks, and reefs. Peak season runs May through October when they're spawning and more active. What draws anglers is their incredible fight - they'll make powerful runs toward cover trying to cut your line - plus they're hands-down the best eating fish in the Gulf. That mild, nutty flavor makes every restaurant jealous. The meat is firm, flaky, and perfect with just salt, pepper, and lemon. My go-to tip: use live pinfish or fresh cigar minnows, and when you feel that bite, crank hard immediately. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around the nearest ledge.
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