6 Hour Fort Walton Beach Fish and Fun Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore fishing charter targeting snapper, grouper, and tuna speciesIncludes relaxing stop at popular Crab Island for swimming and leisureAccommodates up to six guests with all equipment and guidance provided
This Fish and Fun charter out of Fort Walton Beach hits different than your typical fishing trip. You get the best of both worlds - serious offshore fishing action followed by some well-deserved chill time at the famous Crab Island. Captain and crew from Full Bend Charters know these Gulf waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while making sure everyone has a blast. Perfect for families, friend groups, or anyone who wants to mix productive fishing with some beach vibes.
Your 6-hour adventure kicks off early from Fort Walton Beach, heading out to prime fishing grounds where the action happens. The first half focuses on putting fish in the cooler - we're talking Red Snapper, Grouper, Wahoo, and Tuna if conditions are right. After working the reefs and structure for a solid fishing session, you'll cruise over to Crab Island for the second half. This isn't just any sandbar - it's the Gulf Coast's premier shallow-water hangout where crystal clear water meets white sand. You can swim, float, grab some sun, and decompress after battling fish all morning. The whole crew gets to enjoy both sides of what makes Fort Walton Beach special. All your gear is covered, and the captain handles navigation, fish finding, and keeping everyone safe and having fun.
Full Bend Charters runs a mix of trolling and bottom fishing to maximize your shots at different species. Trolling lets you cover water fast and target pelagic species like Wahoo, Tuna, and King Mackerel that cruise the blue water. Captain will pull a spread of lures at varying depths, watching the fish finder and adjusting based on what's showing up. When it's time to bottom fish, you'll drop down to structure and reefs where Snapper and Grouper hang out. Heavy tackle and circle hooks keep you connected to fish that want to dive straight back to cover. All rods, reels, bait, and tackle come with the trip - from light spinning gear for smaller fish to heavy conventional setups for the big boys. Your captain reads the conditions and switches tactics based on what's biting and where the fish are holding.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Fort Walton Beach fishing, and these fish know how to fight. They hang around structure in 60-100 feet of water, and once hooked, they make strong runs straight down trying to cut your line on the reef. Best action happens during federal Red Snapper season, typically summer months when limits allow you to keep these tasty fish. They average 3-8 pounds but can push 15+ pounds when you find the right spot. What makes them special is the combination of great fight and even better table fare.
King Mackerel show up consistently from spring through fall, prowling the Gulf looking for baitfish. These speedsters can hit 30+ mph and will test your drag system with long, blistering runs. They average 10-20 pounds but kings over 40 pounds get caught regularly in these waters. Trolling is the most effective method, and when a big king hits your spread, you'll know it instantly. They're also excellent eating when prepared fresh.
Greater Amberjack are the muscle cars of the reef - pure power and attitude. These fish live around wrecks and hard bottom in deeper water, and they'll give you a workout every time. AJ's commonly reach 20-40 pounds and fight like fish twice their size, making multiple runs and testing every knot in your rig. They're available year-round but peak action happens in cooler months. The reward for the battle is some of the best fish you'll put on the grill.
Wahoo represent speed and sharp teeth in the Gulf's offshore waters. These fish can exceed 50 mph and hit trolled baits like freight trains. Fort Walton Beach sits in prime Wahoo territory, especially during fall and winter months when they move through following bait schools. They average 15-30 pounds but 50+ pounders get boated regularly. Wire leaders are essential since their teeth will slice through mono in seconds. Fresh Wahoo sashimi on the boat is hard to beat.
Red Grouper are the prize of bottom fishing in these waters. They inhabit rocky bottom and structure, ambushing prey that swims too close to their hiding spots. These fish are built like bulldogs and will try to wrap your line around every piece of structure they can find. Red Grouper season varies, but when open, these 5-15 pound fish provide steady action and premium table fare. Their white, flaky meat makes them a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
At $1200 for up to 6 people, this Fish and Fun charter delivers serious value for a full day on the water. You're getting 6 hours with an experienced captain, all gear and tackle, plus the unique experience of combining productive fishing with Crab Island's legendary scene. Running Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday makes it easy to plan around your schedule. Fort Walton Beach fishing stays hot most of the year, but prime dates fill up fast during peak season. Full Bend Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish while ensuring everyone has a great time, whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started. Book your spot and get ready for a day that covers all the bases - good fishing, great scenery, and memories that'll last long after you head home.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - big, strong fish that'll give you a workout every time. Most run 20-40 pounds, but we regularly see 60+ pounders that can take 20 minutes to bring up from deep water. They love hanging around wrecks, oil rigs, and hard bottom structure in 80-200+ feet. Spring and summer are best when they move up to shallower water to feed. What makes them special is their sheer power - once hooked, they'll make long, powerful runs straight down, testing your tackle and your back. The meat is excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Best technique is dropping live bait or heavy jigs right to the bottom near structure. My advice: use 50+ pound tackle and don't try to horse them up - let your drag work and be patient, because they'll fight you all the way to the boat.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf and a real thrill to catch. These silver bullets typically weigh 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ when we get into a good school. They cruise the open water in 40-150 feet, often following baitfish along the edges and drop-offs. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80 degrees. What guests love most is the initial run - Kings will scream line off your reel at lightning speed, then jump and thrash like crazy. The meat is rich and flavorful, though it's got higher oil content than snapper. When trolling for them, I always rig with wire leaders because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Keep your drag smooth and be ready for that first explosive run.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are some of the most popular bottom fish we target here in Fort Walton Beach. These rusty-red beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, though we occasionally hook into 20+ pounders that'll test your arms. They hang around rocky bottom, ledges, and structure in 30-100 feet of water. What makes them special is their incredible fight - once hooked, they'll try to dive straight back to their hole, so you need to muscle them up fast. The meat is absolutely fantastic - firm, white, and flaky with a mild flavor that's perfect for the grill. Best fishing is during cooler months when they're more active. Pro tip: use a stout rod with heavy line and don't give them any slack - the second you do, they'll wrap you around the nearest rock or structure and you'll lose them every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the gold standard of Gulf fishing - beautiful bright red fish that fight hard and taste even better. Most of what we catch runs 2-8 pounds, though 15+ pounders show up regularly on deeper structure. They live on rocky bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-200 feet of water. Summer is our main season when regulations allow, and these fish are worth the wait. What guests love is the solid, head-shaking fight they put up, plus knowing they're taking home some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. The white, flaky meat has a sweet, mild flavor that's perfect for any recipe. When bottom fishing for them, I always use circle hooks with fresh bait like squid or cigar minnows. The secret is getting your bait right to the bottom where they feed, and when you feel that tap-tap bite, reel steady - don't jerk the rod or you'll pull the hook right out of their mouth.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of offshore fishing - hands down the fastest fish we catch out here. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish typically run 20-40 pounds and can hit speeds of 60 mph when they want to. We find them in deeper water, usually 100+ feet, often around floating debris or temperature breaks. Fall and winter months are prime time when they move closer to shore. What makes them so exciting is that initial strike - they'll absolutely smoke your line on the first run, sometimes jumping completely out of the water. The meat is top-notch too - white, flaky, and mild, making some of the best fish tacos you'll ever eat. When trolling for wahoo, we run at higher speeds with wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through anything else. The key is being ready when they hit because that first run is something you'll never forget.
Fort Walton Beach