Wrecks Fishing Trip - Fort Walton Beach
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting wrecks and reefs up to 50 miles out.Expert crew guides bottom fishing and trolling for Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack.Eight hours of fishing time with maximum 4 guests aboard.
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, this 8-hour wrecks trip puts you exactly where the big fish live. We're talking about heading 15 to 50 miles out into the Gulf, hitting productive reefs and artificial structures that hold some of the best fishing action along the Emerald Coast. Fort Walton Beach sits right in the sweet spot for wreck fishing, with decades of artificial reef development creating underwater highways for gamefish. You'll have plenty of time to work different spots, switch up techniques, and really dial in what's biting that day.
This isn't your typical half-day run to the nearshore spots. We're covering serious ground to reach the productive wrecks and natural bottom structures that consistently hold fish. The day starts early to make the most of our 8 hours, giving us time to hit multiple locations and adjust our game plan based on conditions. With a maximum of 4 anglers, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew. The boat's equipped with quality tackle for both bottom fishing and trolling, plus we've got the electronics to mark fish and structure. Weather permitting, we'll work our way through different depths and areas, from shallower reefs to deeper wrecks where the big amberjack and grouper hang out. Pack your own lunch and drinks since we're not providing meals - you'll want to stay fueled up for a full day of action.
We mix up our approach throughout the day to target different species and make the most of varying conditions. Bottom fishing around the wrecks is where you'll connect with snapper, grouper, and amberjack that use these structures as feeding stations and cover. We'll position over the best spots, drop down with quality circle hooks and fresh bait, and work the structure systematically. When we're moving between locations or the bite slows down, we switch to trolling tactics. This keeps lines in the water while covering ground, and it's prime technique for intercepting kings, mahi, and cobia that cruise these offshore areas. The crew knows which wrecks fish best on which tides, and when to make the call between staying put or moving to fresh water. Having both techniques in our toolkit means we're always fishing, not just traveling or waiting for the bite to turn on.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of our target list, and Fort Walton's offshore waters see consistent runs of quality kings from spring through fall. These fish patrol the edges of structure and open water, making them perfect trolling targets as we move between wrecks. Kings in the 20-40 pound range are common, with bigger fish showing up when conditions align. They hit fast and fight hard, making screaming runs that'll test your drag and your arms. The key is having fresh bait and the right trolling speed - too fast and you'll pull the bait away from them, too slow and they'll ignore it completely.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and acrobatics that make every angler smile. These fish show up around floating debris, weed lines, and sometimes right over the wrecks when baitfish are thick. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Mahi are aggressive feeders that'll hit both trolled baits and bottom rigs, and their bright colors and jumping ability make them a favorite photo opportunity. Peak season runs from late spring through summer, but scattered fish can show up anytime conditions are right. A good mahi bite can turn an average day into something special real quick.
Greater Amberjack are the powerhouses of the wreck fishing world, and these structures we fish are classic amberjack territory. These fish use wrecks as ambush points, cruising the edges and hunting smaller fish that seek shelter in the structure. AJs are known for their initial power runs straight down toward the wreck, testing both tackle and angler skill. Fish in the 30-60 pound range are typical, with bigger bruisers always possible. They're year-round residents, though they're most active during cooler months. Landing a quality amberjack from a deep wreck is a real accomplishment - they know every trick to wrap you up in the structure.
Cobia are the wildcards that can show up anywhere and anytime, making them one of the most exciting species to encounter. These fish cruise solo or in small groups, often following rays or sharks around the wrecks. They're curious by nature and will sometimes come right up to the boat to investigate. Cobia are excellent table fare and strong fighters that make long runs in open water. Spring and fall see the best concentrations as they migrate along the coast, but resident fish hang around the offshore structures year-round. When you see that brown torpedo shape cruising near the surface, it's time to grab a rod and make an accurate cast.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing, and the wrecks we fish hold some of the best concentrations around Fort Walton Beach. These fish are structure-oriented and predictable in their habits, making them reliable targets when they're in season. Quality snappers in the 5-15 pound range are common around these offshore wrecks, with the occasional trophy fish pushing 20 pounds or better. They're smart fish that can be picky about bait presentation, but when you dial in what they want, you can have steady action. Red snapper season is regulated, so we fish for them during legal seasons and target other species when they're closed.
This 8-hour wrecks trip represents serious value for anglers who want extended time in productive water with expert guidance. You're getting a full day of fishing multiple techniques in areas that consistently produce quality fish. The 4-angler maximum means personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to get on fish. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking
Our well-equipped motorboat gets you to the best wreck sites off Fort Walton Beach where the big fish hang out. Built for serious offshore fishing, she's loaded with GPS navigation to pinpoint those productive spots 15-50 miles out, plus radar for when visibility drops and a quality fish finder to locate schools around the structures. The boat handles the Gulf waters smoothly while you focus on working the wrecks for snapper, grouper, and amberjack. With a private head onboard, you'll stay comfortable during those long 8-hour days when the fish are biting. Her stable platform gives you the room to fight those hard-pulling bottom fish, and the electronics help us stay on the most productive reefs and artificial structures where the action happens. Perfect setup for anglers who want to get serious about wreck fishing in these Gulf waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that cruise solo around structures looking like brown sharks until you see that flat head and single dorsal fin. These 30-80 pound bruisers love hanging around wrecks, buoys, and floating debris in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May offers the hottest action when they're moving through our area to spawn. They're sight fishing at its best - we spot them on the surface and cast jigs or live bait right to them. The fight is bulldogging power, and the payoff is some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf with firm, crab-like meat. Best tip: use a brown or green bucktail jig and don't be afraid to cast it right at their head - they're curious and aggressive feeders.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - thick-shouldered bruisers that average 30-60 pounds and will test every piece of your tackle. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom in 80-200 feet of water, especially during spring and summer months. What draws people to them is the raw power - these fish will slam a jig and head straight for the structure, trying to cut you off. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's great grilled or blackened. The key to landing them is heavy tackle and keeping steady pressure to turn their head up from the bottom. Drop a 6-8 oz jig down and work it fast - amberjack can't resist that erratic action bouncing off the structure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf, averaging 15-30 pounds with occasional monsters over 50. They cruise open water from 40-150 feet deep, often around structure like wrecks and ledges where baitfish gather. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 68-80°F. These silver bullets with razor-sharp teeth put up blistering runs that'll test your drag and your arms. The meat's rich and flaky - perfect for the grill if you don't mind the higher oil content. Pro tip: use a wire leader and rig two hooks on your live bait - kings love to hit from behind and you'll miss a lot of fish with just a single hook through the nose.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish we catch - brilliant gold and green colors that light up like a neon show when they're hooked. These 15-30 pound speedsters love floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in the blue water. Spring through fall brings the best fishing when they follow warm water up from the south. What makes them special is the acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tailwalk, and change colors while you're fighting them. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, mild white meat. Here's the trick: when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Keep some small jigs ready and work the area thoroughly after you boat the first one.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing - those bright red fish with big eyes that every angler wants in the cooler. They typically run 2-8 pounds around here, though we see some real slabs pushing 15-20 pounds on the deeper wrecks and reefs. They live on hard bottom, artificial reefs, and offshore structures in 60-200+ feet of water year-round. What makes them special is they're both a great fight and fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The regulated seasons make them even more prized when we can target them. Pro tip: use a knocker rig with fresh cigar minnows or squid, and keep steady pressure when you hook one - they'll try to get back in the structure and cut you off every time.
Fort Walton Beach