Full Day Fishing Trip - Destin's Best Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour private charter targets Amberjack, Tarpon, and reef speciesEarly 5:30 AM departure includes live bait catching and reef fishingFullday adventure accommodates groups up to 8 guests maximum
When you're ready to fish like you mean it, this 8-hour private charter with Good Thing Fishing Charter is exactly what you've been looking for. Starting at the crack of dawn at 5:30 AM, we'll hit Destin's prime fishing grounds when the fish are most active and the crowds haven't found us yet. This isn't your typical tourist trip – we're talking about a serious day on the water targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species including Greater Amberjack, Tarpon, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, and Crevalle Jack. With just your group on board, you'll have the flexibility to chase whatever's biting and the time to really work the spots that are producing.
Your day kicks off before most folks have their first cup of coffee, and there's a good reason for that early start. We'll spend the first hour catching fresh live bait – pinfish, cigar minnows, or whatever the fish are wanting that day. There's something special about watching your target species slam a bait that was swimming free just hours earlier. From there, we'll work our way across Destin's legendary reef systems and venture into the deeper blue water where the big boys hang out. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is that we're not rushed – if the fish are cooperating at a particular spot, we can stay and capitalize. If they're being finicky, we've got time to move around and find where they're feeding. The boat can handle up to 8 anglers, making this perfect for groups who want to split the cost while still getting that private charter experience.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what we're targeting and what the fish are telling us. For the bigger amberjack around the reefs, we're talking heavy tackle with circle hooks and enough weight to get down to where they're holding. When we're chasing kings and mahi in the open water, we'll switch gears to trolling spread with a mix of live bait and artificials. The boat comes rigged with quality Penn and Shimano gear that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. If you've got your own setup and prefer using familiar equipment, bring it along – just make sure your drag is smooth and you've got enough line capacity for these Gulf fighters. We'll adjust our approach based on current conditions, bait availability, and what the fish are showing us on the electronics.
Greater Amberjack are the bullies of the reef, and for good reason. These thick-shouldered fighters average 20-40 pounds around Destin's structures, with bigger fish always possible. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes amberjack so addictive is their initial run – they'll rip drag like nothing else and test every knot in your system. Plus, they're excellent eating when prepared right.
Tarpon fishing in Destin is something every serious angler needs to experience. These silver kings roll through our waters primarily from May through September, with peak action in the summer months. A hooked tarpon turns into an aerial circus that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing cameras. They average 80-120 pounds in our area, though giants over 150 pounds show up regularly. Even if you don't boat one, watching a 6-foot tarpon clear the water three times will make your whole trip worthwhile.
King Mackerel are speed demons that hit trolled baits like freight trains. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized 15-pounders to smoker kings pushing 40-50 pounds. They're perfect for anglers who love the anticipation of trolling – one minute you're cruising along enjoying the ride, the next your reel is screaming and someone's yelling "fish on!" Kings also happen to be some of the best eating fish in the Gulf when handled properly.
Mahi Mahi are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter, literally changing colors as they fight. They show up around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, typically from late spring through early fall. These fish are pure excitement – they jump, they're gorgeous, and they're absolutely delicious. A good mahi bite can turn into a feeding frenzy where multiple fish stay under the boat, giving everyone a chance at the action.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they'll humble any angler who underestimates them. These brutes fight way above their weight class and are found around structure year-round. They're the perfect fish for testing your tackle and your endurance – a 20-pound jack will fight like a fish twice its size and never give up until it's in the boat.
This full-day charter represents serious value for groups who want to experience the best of Destin's fishing without feeling rushed. Eight hours gives us the flexibility to adapt to conditions, chase multiple species, and really make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, planning a guys' trip, or just want to fish the way it's supposed to be done, this charter delivers. The early start means we'll be back at the dock by early afternoon, giving you time to get your catch cleaned and still enjoy the rest of your day in Destin. Don't wait too long to book – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when these species are most active.
Get ready to hit Destin's productive fishing grounds aboard Sea Breeze, a well-equipped 23-foot Hanson center console that's built for serious angling. This 2019 boat handles the Gulf waters with confidence, powered by a reliable 200HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fishing spots at a comfortable 35 knots. The center console design gives you plenty of room to work fish from all angles, while the built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long days on the water. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish, and the GPS/fish finder combo helps locate productive reefs and drop-offs where amberjack, grouper, and other reef species hang out. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's room to spread out whether you're bottom fishing the reefs or working live bait for bigger targets. This boat's designed for fishing first – no fancy frills, just the gear you need to make the most of Destin's excellent fishing opportunities.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are scrappy brawlers that punch way above their weight class. These golden-sided fighters average 3-8 pounds around Destin, but the bigger ones pushing 15-20 pounds will surprise you with their power. They roam both inshore flats and offshore structure, hunting in aggressive schools. You'll often spot them by the bird activity - they push baitfish to the surface while gulls dive from above. Spring through fall brings consistent action, especially when bait is thick. What makes jacks fun is their no-quit attitude and willingness to eat almost anything you throw. They're pure adrenaline on light tackle. While not the best eating, they're perfect for catch-and-release fun. We target them with spoons, jigs, and topwater plugs. Pro tip: cast past the school and retrieve fast - these bullies love the chase, and that aggressive retrieve triggers strikes when nothing else will.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the deep - pure muscle that'll drag you straight down to the bottom. These reef dwellers typically run 20-50 pounds but can push 70+ pounds on our deeper spots. You'll find them around hard structure in 80-200 feet - wrecks, rock piles, and artificial reefs. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. What guests love is that bone-jarring fight - once hooked, they dive hard for structure and test every knot in your rig. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. We target them with live bait like blue runners or pinfish, but heavy jigs work great too. The key is stopping that first run before they reach cover. My tip: fish them on 50-80 pound tackle and don't be gentle - horse them up fast or they'll cut you off in the rocks every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll test your drag system and your nerves. These torpedo-shaped fighters typically run 15-30 pounds around Destin, but we hook plenty in the 40-50 pound range during peak season. They patrol the deeper waters from 60-150 feet, especially around our offshore structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall brings the best action, with summer being prime time. What guests love about kings is that initial screaming run - they'll peel line like few fish can, making multiple blistering runs before you get them boat-side. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, flaky meat perfect for the grill. We target them trolling live bait or pulling planers with spoons and cigar minnows. Here's the key: use a wire leader and rig two hooks - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of baitfish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fighters in the Gulf, flashing gold, green, and electric blue when they're fired up. These surface dwellers typically run 15-30 pounds and grow fast - most are under 4 years old. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges, usually in blue water beyond the 100-foot mark. Summer brings the best mahi fishing when warm water moves closer to shore. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, dive, and change colors like a light show. The meat is top-shelf too, mild and firm with no fishy taste. They're curious fish that travel in schools, so where you catch one, there's usually more. We troll ballyhoo or cast to visible fish with jigs and poppers. Pro tip: keep the first fish in the water on a light line while you cast to the school - mahi are loyal and will stay with their buddy.
Megalops AtlanticusThese "silver kings" are the Gulf's most famous game fish, and for good reason. Tarpon average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds around Destin, though we've seen monsters pushing 200+. What makes them special isn't just their size - it's that spectacular jump when hooked. They'll rocket 10 feet out of the water, gill-rattling and tail-walking like nothing else in these waters. We find them along the deeper edges of our reefs and structure, usually in 40-80 feet during late spring through early fall. The fight is pure adrenaline - long runs, multiple jumps, and that stubborn power that'll test your tackle and patience. They're catch-and-release only, but landing one is a lifetime memory. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish - drop that rod tip low to keep tension off the line, or they'll throw the hook every time.
Destin, FL