6-Hour Wrecks Fishing in Fort Walton Beach
If you're ready to step up your fishing game and chase the big boys offshore, this 6-hour wrecks trip with Fishing DJ Charters is what you've been looking for. We're talking about proper deep-water fishing here – the kind where your drag screams and your arms burn from fighting fish that actually fight back. Fort Walton Beach sits in prime position along the Gulf Coast, with wrecks and structure scattered across the bottom that hold some serious fish. Captain Rainey knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not the type to waste time on dead zones when there are fish to be caught.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you barely get warmed up before heading back to the dock. Six hours gives us real time to work – time to run to multiple spots, adjust tactics when the bite slows down, and really dial in on what's working. We'll be targeting wrecks and structure anywhere from 60 to 120 feet of water, depending on conditions and where the fish are showing up. The beauty of Fort Walton Beach fishing is the variety – you might start the morning pulling up red snapper from a wreck, then switch to trolling for kings when we mark bait schools on the way to the next spot. Captain Rainey runs a tight operation but keeps things relaxed. He's the guy who'll work harder than anyone on the boat to put you on fish, and trust me, that makes all the difference when you're investing a full day offshore.
Bottom Fishing & Trolling Combo
We'll be running a mixed bag of techniques depending on what the fish want that day. Bottom fishing is bread and butter for wreck fishing – we're talking about dropping baits right down to where the big amberjack and grouper live. We'll rig up with enough weight to get down in the current, using circle hooks and fresh cut bait or live pinfish when we can get them. The key to productive bottom fishing is staying tight to structure without getting hung up – something Captain Rainey has down to a science. Between spots, we'll often pull trolling lines to cover water and pick up kings, cobia, or whatever else is cruising the blue water. The trolling spread usually includes a mix of spoons, diving plugs, and maybe some live bait if the conditions are right. Don't worry about bringing your own gear – the boat is rigged with quality rods and reels that can handle whatever we hook into, plus all the terminal tackle you'll need.
Customer Stories
"The captain who works the hardest, no matter where." - Kevin
"I arranged a trip with Captain Rainey for my son, daughter, and five grandkids. The evening prior, he informed me of an approaching storm around our departure time. Undeterred, I assured him that we were resilient and a brief squall wouldn't hinder our fishing plans. While we did experience a slight delay, it afforded us the opportunity to grab breakfast at Sonics. Once the rain subsided, we set out, and the grandkids had a blast. We successfully caught a nice red snapper and hooked some grouper. The excursion was thoroughly enjoyable, and Captain Rainey even treated us to some fantastic oldies on the return trip to the dock." - Walker
Species You'll Want to Hook
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and Fort Walton Beach sees excellent king fishing from late spring through fall. These fish cruise the edges of structure and follow bait schools, making them perfect targets when we're moving between wrecks. Kings typically run anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds in these waters, with the occasional smoker pushing 50-plus. They hit fast and run hard – that first screaming run will get your heart pumping every time. Best part about kings is they're excellent table fare when handled right, and they put up one hell of a fight on medium-heavy tackle.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the wreck fishing world. These fish live right on structure and will test every bit of your equipment and technique. Amberjack in the 40-60 pound range are common on the deeper wrecks off Fort Walton Beach, and they don't give up easy. When you hook an AJ, it's going to try to get back to its hole in the wreck, and your job is to turn its head and get it up before it cuts you off. The fight is all about leverage and patience – these fish can wear you out in a hurry. They're most active during the warmer months and provide some of the most challenging fishing you'll find in the Gulf.
Red Snapper season is what many anglers plan their whole year around, and the wrecks off Fort Walton Beach hold some beautiful fish. These snapper are structure-oriented and can be found around virtually every piece of hard bottom in 80-150 feet of water. Red snapper here typically run 5-15 pounds, with plenty of keeper-sized fish mixed in with some genuine doormat-sized specimens. They're notorious for their quick bite and sharp teeth – you need to stay alert and set the hook fast when that rod tip starts bouncing. The meat quality is second to none, making them one of the most sought-after species in Gulf waters.
Cobia are the wild cards of offshore fishing – you never know when one might show up, but when they do, it's game on. These fish are curious by nature and will often follow other hooked fish to the boat, giving you a shot at sight fishing with live bait or jigs. Cobia can range anywhere from 20 to 60 pounds in these waters, and they're strong fighters that make long runs and stubborn fights near the boat. They're most common during the spring and fall migrations, but resident fish can show up any
5.0(2 Reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Fort Walton Beach
Six
