5.0(4 Reviews)Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Destin, FL
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour nearshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesExpert crew provides equipment and guidance for all skill levelsRed Snapper, King Mackerel, and Cobia fishing near shore
Looking for some serious action on the water without burning a whole day? This 4-hour nearshore fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of Destin's legendary fishing grounds, where the Gulf's most sought-after species are waiting just a short run from the harbor. Captain Greg and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they've got the track record to prove it. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler ready to bend some rods, this trip delivers the goods every single time.
You'll meet up bright and early at the harbor, where Captain Greg's spotless boat is waiting with ice-cold AC and all the gear you need. The ride out gives you a front-row seat to Destin's morning show – dolphins jumping, the sun painting the sky, and that first glimpse of the emerald waters that made this place famous. We're talking a comfortable 6-person max, so there's plenty of room to move around and no elbow-bumping when the action heats up. The crew handles all the heavy lifting – rigging lines, baiting hooks, and coaching you through every fight. All you need to do is hold on tight and enjoy the ride. Plus, they'll clean and bag everything you catch, so you can head straight upstairs to one of the harbor restaurants and turn your fresh catch into dinner.
This isn't your average throw-a-line-and-hope fishing trip. Captain Greg runs a trolling operation that covers serious ground, using state-of-the-art electronics to mark bait schools and structure where the big fish hang out. We're pulling multiple lines at different depths, mixing live bait with proven lures that these Gulf predators can't resist. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano gear that can handle everything from zippy Spanish mackerel to bruiser king mackerel that'll test your arms. The crew's constantly adjusting spread patterns, changing baits, and reading the water conditions to keep you hooked up. When something big hits, they're right there with the coaching to help you land it – no matter if you're 8 or 80 years old.
"What an amazing time fishing!! I had the privilege of fishing with Cpt. Greg and First Mate Hunter and these guys get it! The boat was super comfortable, clean and the ac was ice cold inside. I went on a 6 hr trip and wished it was longer. Between Cpt. Greg's ability to get you bit and keep you on the bite and Hunters consistent attention to detail helping you actually land your catch - these guys are top notch. If you're looking to have a great fishing trip with the family or slay with the boys this is the boat to book! Thanks again for the great time - look forward to seeing ya'll again next year!" - Mark
"Fished with captain Greg last year and have reservations again this year. VERY kid friendly and always hooked up on fish. Everything we caught was cleaned, bagged and we were sent upstairs to harbor docks with the fish we just caught for an awesome family meal. Couldn't have been better!!!" - Kc
"We booked with Cpt Greg in March 2024 when we were vacationing in Destin. There were 2 adults and 3 teens. We had a great time! The ride out was early so we watched the sun rise and saw a bunch of dolphins jumping. Greg was personable, easy to contact when needed, very flexible and very helpful and down to earth. Damen, his first mate, was also very helpful in baiting everyone's poles and helping take fish off the lines. He cleaned and fileted our fish so we could take them home and eat them! We caught several kinds of fish but took home trigger fish, which were delicious. This was a very cool experience that I would do again! This is a great family experience. Well worth the money!!" - Megan
Spanish Mackerel are the perfect starter fish for this trip – they're aggressive, plentiful, and absolutely delicious on the dinner plate. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and hit trolled spoons and small jigs with authority. Spring through fall is prime time, and they school up in massive numbers around structure and bait balls. Kids love them because they fight hard for their size and are almost guaranteed action when the conditions are right.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of this fishery, and Destin's nearshore waters are world-famous for producing trophy kings. These toothy predators can stretch over 40 inches and pull drag like freight trains. Peak season runs from April through October, with the biggest fish typically showing up in late summer. They're ambush predators that cruise the edges of structure, and when a big king hits your trolled bait, you'll know it immediately. The fight combines blistering runs with head-shaking jumps that'll get your heart pumping.
Atlantic Bonito bring pure speed to the game – these mini-tunas are built for one thing: going fast. They school up in good numbers from late fall through early spring, providing consistent action when other species slow down. Bonito hit small lures and live bait with lightning strikes, and their initial runs will surprise even experienced anglers. They're also fantastic table fare when handled properly, with meat that's perfect for sashimi or light grilling.
Blacktip Shark add some serious muscle to the mix, and Destin's nearshore waters are loaded with them. These powerful predators average 20-40 pounds and provide fights that test both angler skill and tackle strength. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around dawn and dusk. Blacktips are acrobatic fighters that leap completely out of the water, creating
Step aboard this beautifully restored 38ft Luhrs cruiser and get ready to chase mackerel, sharks, and other game fish in Destin's productive waters. This fishing machine was completely refreshed in 2023 and packs twin 485HP Detroit engines that'll cruise at 25 knots, getting you to the hot spots fast. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with a flybridge for spotting fish and plenty of deck space for fighting them. When you need a break from the action, cool off with the air conditioning, grab cold drinks from the fridge, or use the full kitchen and onboard facilities. Advanced fish finder and GPS technology help locate schools of fish, while radar keeps you safe in changing conditions. Whether you're targeting kings near the reefs or hunting sharks in deeper water, this well-equipped charter boat delivers the perfect platform for a successful day on the Gulf.
Sarda SardaBonito are the speedsters that often get mistaken for small tuna, running 3-12 pounds with distinctive black stripes along their silver sides. They school up in massive numbers and feed aggressively on the surface, creating quite a commotion that draws birds from miles around. You'll find them in open water from spring through fall, usually in 60-degree plus water temperatures. While they're not great table fare in the States, they're a blast to catch on light tackle and make excellent live bait for bigger game. These fish hit 40 mph, so when a school's feeding, they'll take almost anything you throw at them. The trick is finding them - look for bird activity and dorsal fins cutting the surface like a pack of small sharks. Once you locate a school, work fast because they can disappear as quickly as they showed up.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, averaging 5 feet but capable of reaching over 9 feet and jumping 20+ feet out of the water when hooked. These distinctive sharks with black-tipped fins cruise shallow waters from 30-100 feet, often around reefs and structure where they hunt for their favorite prey - croaker, mackerel, and sardines. They're year-round residents here, but summer months are prime time. What makes them special is their aerial show and scrappy attitude, though they can be surprisingly timid at first. Despite being excitable, they're actually pretty cautious fish. The fight is impressive, with multiple jumps and strong runs. Use heavy braided line, circle hooks, and oily baits like mackerel or sardines. Here's the secret: chum heavily with ground-up oily fish to get their attention, then be patient - they'll often circle and investigate before committing to the bait.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the heavy hitters of the mackerel family, averaging 30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These olive-backed bruisers patrol depths from 40-150 feet, often around structure and temperature breaks. They're absolute rockets in the water, matching wahoo for speed, which makes for some serious drag-screaming runs. Peak season runs spring through fall when they migrate through our waters. What guests love most is the raw power - a big king will test your tackle and your back. The meat's decent eating too, though it's oily and rich. Here's the key: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait. Kings love to hit the tail section of baitfish, so that trailing treble hook will save you from a lot of missed fish. Look for diving birds to find the bait schools they're hunting.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect nearshore targets that typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds. These silver speedsters with distinctive yellow spots love to school up near the surface, making them easy to spot when they're feeding. You'll find them around structures, flats, and oyster bars in 10-40 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime time here in Destin when the water warms up. What makes them so popular is their aggressive strikes and decent fight on light tackle. Plus, they're excellent eating - mild, flaky white meat that grills up perfect. Pro tip: when you see birds working the surface, get there fast and throw small spoons or jigs. They spook easily, so drift into the school quietly rather than motoring right up to them.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the missiles of the Gulf, capable of hitting 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies. These 3-5 foot fish with blue zebra stripes are some of the most prized catches around - they fight hard and taste even better. You'll find them near structure and floating debris in open water, usually within 66 feet of the surface. Summer through fall is peak season here in Destin. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - absolutely perfect for fish tacos. What makes wahoo special is that explosive initial run when they get hooked. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best, but here's the critical part: always use wire leaders because their razor-sharp teeth will slice through anything else in a heartbeat. Look for floating debris, weed lines, or birds working bait. When you hook one, hold on tight - that first run will test your drag and your nerves.
5.0 out of 5.0What an amazing time fishing!! I had the privilege of fishing with Cpt. Greg and First Mate Hunter and these guys get it! The boat...
Fished with captain Greg last year and have reservations again this year. VERY kid friendly and always hooked up on fish. Everythi...
My husband and I along with our four teenage daughters went August 4th, 2025 for 6 hours. From the start of booking the trip with ...
We booked with Cpt Greg in March 2024 when we were vacationing in Destin. There were 2 adults and 3 teens. We had a great time! Th...
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