8 Hour Fort Walton Beach Family Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore charter targets multiple species including snapper and grouperFamilyfriendly pace accommodates beginners with all equipment and guidance includedAvailable Monday, Friday through Sunday for up to 6 guests
When you're looking for a full day on the water that keeps everyone happy, this 8-hour family fishing charter out of Fort Walton Beach hits the sweet spot. Full Bend Charters knows how to balance serious fishing with a relaxed vibe that works for kids and beginners who might be holding a rod for the first time. You'll have plenty of time to reach those productive offshore waters where the big fish hang out, but without the rush that can stress out younger anglers. With space for up to 6 people at $1600 total, it's a solid value for families wanting to make some memories and maybe fill the cooler too.
This charter runs Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, giving you flexibility to plan around school schedules and work commitments. The extended 8-hour window means your captain isn't watching the clock - there's time to move between spots if the bite slows down, let the kids take breaks when they need them, and really explore different areas offshore. Fort Walton Beach sits in prime Gulf waters where multiple species cruise the same zones, so you're not locked into targeting just one type of fish. The captain provides all your gear, from rods and reels to bait and tackle, plus the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. Expect a mix of action throughout the trip as you work different techniques and depths to see what's biting.
Your day involves two main approaches that keep things interesting and productive. Trolling lets you cover water while targeting pelagic species like Mahi, Wahoo, and King Mackerel that cruise the blue water looking for baitfish. You'll pull lures or rigged baits behind the boat at varying speeds and depths, and when something hits, everyone knows it. Bottom fishing takes you over structure and reefs where Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack hold tight to cover. This technique is perfect for beginners since it's more straightforward - drop your bait down, feel for the bottom, and wait for that telltale thump on your rod tip. The captain switches between these methods based on conditions, season, and what the fish are doing that particular day, keeping everyone engaged with steady action.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and Fort Walton Beach waters produce some solid fish from spring through fall. These speedsters hit trolled baits hard and make blistering runs that get everyone's attention. They're perfect for beginners because once hooked, Kings fight in a straight line without too many tricks. Most fish here run 15-30 pounds with bigger ones possible during peak season. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened, making them a family favorite.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and acrobatics that make for great photos and memories. These bright gold and green fish love to jump when hooked, putting on a show that kids never forget. They school up around floating debris and weed lines, often providing multiple hookups when you find them. Mahi are seasonal visitors to these waters, typically showing up from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the Gulf.
Greater Amberjack are the muscle of the reef, living around hard bottom and structure where they ambush prey. These fish can reach impressive sizes - 40 to 60 pounders are common, with some pushing 80 pounds or more. They fight dirty, using their power and the structure to try breaking you off. Landing a big AJ is a real accomplishment for any angler, especially younger ones who get to experience what a truly strong fish feels like. They're year-round residents but bite best during cooler months.
Wahoo are the speed demons of offshore fishing, capable of swimming over 50 mph and known for their initial run that can empty a reel in seconds. These torpedo-shaped fish have razor-sharp teeth and a metallic appearance that's unmistakable. They're typically caught while trolling for other species, making them a bonus fish that can turn a good day into a great one. Wahoo fishing peaks in fall and winter when they move closer to shore following baitfish migrations.
Cobia are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you a chance to sight-fish for them with live or cut bait. They look like sharks at first glance but have a distinctive flat head and brown coloration. These fish are strong fighters that make powerful runs and can weigh anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds. Spring is prime time for Cobia as they migrate through the area, often traveling in pairs or small groups. They're excellent table fare and a real prize for any angler lucky enough to hook one.
Fort Walton Beach offers some of the most consistent offshore fishing on the Gulf Coast, and this 8-hour family charter gives you the time and guidance to make the most of it. The relaxed pace works perfectly for mixed groups where experience levels vary, and the variety of species keeps everyone interested throughout the day. With all gear included and a captain who knows these waters inside and out, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. The $1600 rate for up to 6 people makes it an affordable way to introduce kids to offshore fishing or give the whole family a day they'll talk about for years. Book your dates early, especially for weekend slots, since this top-rated charter fills up quickly during peak fishing season.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the sharks that aren't sharks - dark brown fish that cruise just under the surface and can reach 50-80 pounds. They're loners that hang around structure, buoys, and oil rigs in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving through our area to spawn. What guests love is sight-fishing for them - watching these big brown shadows cruise by the boat before making your cast. They're also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and shark. Here's the key: when you spot a cobia, don't rush the cast. They're curious fish, so let them come to you, then drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of them.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bullies of the deep - thick-bodied bruisers that average 30-50 pounds and can push 80+ on a good day. These bluish-grey fighters live around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Spring through early summer is prime time, especially around spawning season in April and May. What makes AJs special is their pure pulling power - they'll test your drag and your arms with deep, stubborn runs straight back to the bottom. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The key to landing big amberjack is keeping steady pressure and not letting them get back to structure. Once you hook one, start the boat and try to pull them up and away from the wreck - otherwise they'll wrap you up every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the fastest fish we target out here, running 15-40 pounds on average with occasional monsters over 50. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths along drop-offs and around structure, feeding heavily on smaller baitfish. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that 68-84 degree sweet spot. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost anything else in the Gulf. The meat's decent eating too, though watch the mercury with kids. Here's a local trick: rig your live bait with two hooks on wire leader - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit bait from the back end, so that stinger hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll see out there - brilliant gold and green that puts on a light show when they come to the boat. They typically run 15-30 pounds and rarely live past 4 years, but they grow fast and fight hard. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in the warmer months. Spring through early fall is prime time when water temps are up. What guests love most is watching those colors change and the acrobatic jumps when hooked. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. Pro tip: when you see one mahi, slow down and work the area thoroughly. They often travel in small groups, so where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons - some of the fastest fish in the Gulf hitting 50+ mph when they take off. These silver torpedoes with blue tiger stripes typically run 20-60 pounds and make blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. We target them trolling the deep blue water and around offshore structure. Fall and winter months are best when they're migrating through our area. What makes wahoo special is that lightning-fast strike and the way they peel line - plus they're top-shelf eating with delicate, flaky white meat. The trick with wahoo is trolling fast - 12-15 knots with wire leaders because their razor teeth will slice through anything else. When one hits, hold on tight because the first run is always the wildest.
Fort Walton Beach