Private Half-day Inshore Fishing Trip (PM)
Looking for a top-rated fishing adventure without the crowds? Our private half-day inshore trips put you and up to 5 friends on some of Destin's best fishing grounds. Choose between our 3-hour evening trip departing at 6:00 PM or stretch it out with a 4-hour afternoon trip starting at 1:00 PM. Whether you've been fishing these waters for years or you're picking up a rod for the first time, we'll put you on fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
What to Expect on the Water
This is your boat for the day – no sharing space with strangers or dealing with crowded rails. We keep things relaxed and focused on what matters: catching fish. The afternoon and evening hours are prime time for inshore action around Destin. The water's usually calmer, the fish are more active, and you'll get some beautiful light on the water as the day winds down. We'll start by catching fresh bait – there's something satisfying about hooking the fish that's going to help you catch the bigger fish. From there, we'll work the flats, structure, and drop-offs where these inshore species love to hang out. The shallow waters around Destin are perfect for sight fishing, and when conditions are right, you might even see your target before you cast to it.
Gear and Techniques
We've got all the tackle you need, from light spinning gear perfect for Spanish mackerel to heavier setups when we're targeting bull sharks. Live bait is the name of the game out here – we'll catch threadfin herring, pilchards, or whatever's swimming around that day. For the sharks, we'll set up some heavy circle hooks with wire leaders and let those baits work in the current. Redfish and sheepshead require a bit more finesse – we'll drop down to the bottom around structure with lighter tackle and smaller hooks. Spanish mackerel are speed demons, so we'll troll small spoons or cast jigs when we find them busting bait on the surface. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – we might be sight casting to redfish in 3 feet of water one minute, then dropping baits in 30 feet for sharks the next.
Customer Stories
"Just went out this past Thursday. Well it was great, rough conditions but overall a beautiful day. We caught our limit of Red Snapper. Very friendly and enjoyed the trip. Booked for 6 hours and back in 3-4 with limit. Still had to pay for the full six hours. Felt so so on that part. We still would of paid the 5 plus tip. Just thought we could of gotten a little break considering we were back so quick. Maybe especially evening trip if you book 5 hr you can have the option to add hr if needed. But do not let this discourage we loved the trip and will book with him again. Memories that will last forever. Thank you and see you next time." - Lacye-shane
"We went out with Get the Gaff and it was so fun. It is private so you go out with your friends and or family only. It is very laid back. We started the morning catching bait then used the bait we caught. We caught 3 Spanish Mackerel and two king mackerels. So much fun, I definitely recommend going out with Get the Gaff." - Danelle
"Put us on fish right out of the gate!! Will be back next year!" - Karen
Species You'll Want to Hook
Sheepshead are the convict-striped tricksters of the inshore world. These guys hang around structure like dock pilings, rock piles, and bridge supports, using their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. They're notorious bait stealers – you'll swear you never had a bite, then reel up to find your shrimp gone and your hook bare. Fall through early spring is prime sheepshead season around Destin, when they move inshore to spawn. Landing one requires patience and quick reflexes, but their firm white meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Gulf Coast inshore fishing, and Destin's grass flats and oyster bars are perfect redfish habitat. These copper-colored bruisers can range from schooling rats in the shallows to bull reds pushing 40+ inches in deeper water. They're year-round residents here, but fall brings the best action when big schools move through the area. Reds hit live bait hard and make powerful runs that'll test your drag. The slot-size fish (16-27 inches) are excellent eating, while the big bulls provide world-class fights before we release them to spawn again.
Blacktip sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, and they put on quite a show when hooked. These sleek predators cruise the nearshore waters from spring through fall, often feeding in schools that can create non-stop action. They'll hit live bait aggressively and immediately head for the surface, jumping and spinning in aerial displays that'll get everyone on the boat excited. Most blacktips we catch run 3-6 feet long – perfect size for a great fight without being dangerous to handle for photos before release.
Bull sharks are the heavyweights that separate the weekend warriors from serious anglers. These thick, powerful predators can show up anywhere from shallow flats to deeper channels, and they're not picky about what they eat. Summer months bring the best bull shark action around Destin, when they move inshore to feed and give birth. A hooked bull shark means a no-holds-barred fight – they'll use their weight and power to test every knot and connection on your tackle. Landing one is always a team effort and makes for photos you'll be showing off for years.
Spanish mac