6 Hour Fort Walton Beach Fish and Fun Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6hour offshore fishing targeting snapper, grouper, wahoo, and tunaIncludes relaxing stop at Crab Island for swimmingAccommodates up to 6 guests with all equipment provided
If you're looking for the perfect blend of serious fishing and family-friendly fun, this 6-hour charter with Full Bend Charters hits the sweet spot. You'll spend your morning targeting some of the Gulf's most prized gamefish, then cool off at the famous Crab Island for swimming and relaxation. Running Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, this top-rated Fort Walton Beach experience accommodates up to 6 anglers and includes everything you need for a successful day on the water. At $1200 for your group, it's become a customer favorite for families and fishing buddies who want variety in their offshore adventure.
Your day starts early as we head out into the emerald waters of the Gulf, where the fishing grounds off Fort Walton Beach are renowned for holding some serious fish. The first half of your charter focuses on putting quality fish in the cooler using proven techniques that work in these waters. You'll be targeting a mixed bag that includes Red Snapper, Grouper, Wahoo, and Tuna – species that make this area a world-class fishing destination. After working the fishing spots, we'll cruise over to Crab Island, where the shallow, crystal-clear water provides the perfect setting to unwind. Kids love jumping off the boat here, and adults appreciate the chance to stretch their legs in waist-deep water while soaking up the Florida sun. This combination makes it ideal for groups where not everyone is a hardcore angler, but everyone wants to have a great time on the water.
We run a combination of trolling and bottom fishing to maximize your chances at different species throughout the trip. When we're trolling, we'll have multiple lines out at various depths, covering water efficiently while targeting pelagic species like Wahoo, Tuna, and King Mackerel that cruise the deeper waters. The trolling spread typically includes a mix of lures and rigged baits that imitate the baitfish these predators are hunting. For bottom fishing, we'll anchor up over productive structure where Grouper, Red Snapper, and other reef fish congregate. We use circle hooks and fresh bait to get down to where these fish are holding, often in 60 to 120 feet of water. All your rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, and I'll be right there to help with everything from rigging lines to landing fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, we'll adjust our approach to make sure everyone on board has the best shot at hooking up.
Red Snapper remain the crown jewel of Fort Walton Beach fishing, and these crimson fighters are abundant around the natural and artificial reefs we fish. Typically ranging from 3 to 15 pounds, Red Snapper are notorious for their hard initial run and stubborn fight all the way to the boat. They're most active during federal season dates, usually in summer and fall, when they're feeding heavily on small fish and crustaceans around structure. What makes them special is their combination of fighting ability and table fare – there's simply no better eating fish in the Gulf.
Red Grouper are another local favorite that call the deeper reefs home year-round. These bottom-dwellers can reach impressive sizes, with fish in the 10 to 25-pound range being common catches. They're ambush predators that use their powerful jaws to inhale prey, which means when they hit your bait, you'll know it immediately. Grouper fishing requires patience and strong tackle since they'll try to dive straight back into the rocks when hooked. Their flaky white meat and mild flavor make them a prized catch among local anglers.
King Mackerel show up in good numbers during their migration periods, typically spring through fall, when water temperatures are in their preferred range. These silver bullets can reach speeds of 40 mph and provide some of the most exciting fights you'll experience offshore. Kings in the 15 to 30-pound range are common, with occasional monsters pushing 40 pounds or more. They're excellent on light tackle and put on an aerial show that gets everyone on the boat excited.
Greater Amberjack are the bullies of the reef, using their incredible strength to test your tackle and endurance. These amber-colored bruisers typically run 20 to 50 pounds in our waters and are available most of the year around deeper structure. They're known for making powerful runs toward the bottom when hooked, and landing a big AJ is a real accomplishment. Their aggressive nature means they'll often hit both trolled and bottom baits.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of reaching 60 mph and making blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. These torpedo-shaped predators have razor-sharp teeth and typically range from 15 to 40 pounds in our area. They're most common during cooler months when they follow baitfish closer to shore. Landing a Wahoo on trolling gear is always a rush, and their firm, white meat rivals any fish in the ocean.
This 6-hour Fish and Fun charter offers the best of both worlds – serious fishing action followed by relaxation at one of the area's most popular destinations. With Full Bend Charters providing all the gear, bait, and expertise you need, all you have to bring is your group and your sense of adventure. The $1200 rate covers up to 6 people, making it an excellent value for families or groups of friends looking to experience what makes Fort Walton Beach fishing so special. Running four days a week, there's flexibility to work this trip into your vacation schedule. Don't wait too long to secure your date – the best fishing days fill up quickly, especially during peak season when the fish are biting and the weather is perfect for a day on the Gulf
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are bulldogs that'll test your tackle and your endurance. These bluish-grey bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can push 60-plus, living around wrecks, reefs, and deep structure. They're most active April through October when water temps climb. What makes them special is the fight - pure power from top to bottom, trying to wrap your line around anything they can find. The meat is excellent when handled right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. We catch them jigging heavy metals or drifting live bait around structure in 80-200 feet. Here's the deal: once you hook one, keep constant pressure and don't let them get back to the wreck. Use heavy tackle - 50-pound class minimum - because these fish will embarrass light gear every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are speed demons that average 20-30 pounds and can hit 90. These olive-backed torpedoes cruise the Gulf at 40-150 feet, especially around structure and temperature breaks. They're here year-round but peak in late spring through fall when baitfish are thick. What guests love is that initial run - these fish will scream line off your reel like nothing else. The meat is rich and oily, great smoked or grilled fresh. We target them trolling with live bait or spoons, but they'll also hit jigs. Key tip: use wire leaders and rig with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, one trailing behind. Kings have razor teeth and often hit the tail end of live bait first, so that stinger hook saves the day.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are one of our most reliable bottom fish, averaging 5-10 pounds with that distinctive rusty red color and white spots. These meaty fighters hang around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 30-150 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit shrimp, crab, or cut bait pretty readily. What makes them special is that tough fight - they'll try to run straight back to structure when hooked, so you need to get them up quick. The meat is fantastic - firm, flaky, and has this sweet shellfish taste from their diet. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're most active. Pro tip: use a strong leader and keep steady pressure once you hook one. If you let them get their head down and run to the rocks, you'll lose them every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the Gulf's most prized bottom fish, and for good reason. These bright red beauties average 3-8 pounds but can push 20-plus around deeper structure. We find them on rocky bottoms, artificial reefs, and ledges in 60-200 feet. Season runs summer into fall, and they're aggressive biters when conditions are right. What makes them special is they're both great fighters and fantastic eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit live or cut bait, especially squid and cigar minnows. The trick is getting your bait to the bottom quickly and keeping it there. Use enough weight to stay vertical, and when you feel that tap-tap bite, set the hook hard. These fish have bony mouths, so don't be gentle on the hookset.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the Gulf, hitting speeds up to 60 mph with that sleek body and zebra stripes. Most run 20-50 pounds, though bigger ones are out there. These open-water predators cruise the deep blue from spring through fall, often near floating debris or temperature breaks. What gets guests excited is that blistering initial run - nothing prepares you for a wahoo's first dash. The white meat is mild, sweet, and flaky - some of the best eating in the Gulf. We troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders because their teeth will slice through anything else. Ballyhoo and high-speed lures work great. Pro tip: keep the boat moving even after hookup - a dead-stopped wahoo can throw the hook easier than one that's still working against the drag.
Fort Walton Beach