3-Hour Shalimar Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 3hour charter targeting King and Spanish Mackerel offshoreAll fishing gear, bait, and expert instruction included onboardRed Snapper opportunities available with favorable weather conditions
Looking for a solid half-day on the water without burning your whole weekend? This 3-hour private charter out of Shalimar puts you right in the action targeting some of the Gulf's most reliable fighters. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not messing around when it comes to putting fish in the boat. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who just wants to feel that rod bend, this trip delivers the goods without the all-day commitment.
You'll meet the crew at Shalimar's marina where they'll get you rigged up and briefed on the game plan. The boat heads out with one mission – find the fish and put you on them fast. This isn't a leisurely cruise; it's a focused fishing trip designed to make the most of your three hours. The captain reads conditions like a pro, adjusting tactics based on what's happening that day. If the mackerel are biting close to shore, you'll work those schools hard. When conditions allow and the fish are cooperating, don't be surprised if the crew pushes further offshore where the red snapper and vermilion snapper hang out. Every trip is different, but the goal stays the same – bent rods and happy anglers. The private charter setup means no strangers crowding your space, just you and your group with the full attention of an experienced crew.
The name of the game here is trolling, and these guys have it dialed in. You'll be pulling a spread of lures behind the boat at specific speeds designed to trigger strikes from king mackerel and spanish mackerel. The crew handles all the technical stuff – setting the right depth, choosing lures based on conditions, and keeping lines untangled when multiple fish hit at once. All your gear, bait, and tackle comes with the trip, so you don't need to haul anything except maybe a cooler for your catch. The rods are sized right for the target species, with enough backbone to handle a screaming king but sensitive enough to feel those subtle spanish mackerel hits. When they mark fish on the electronics or see birds working, expect the captain to adjust course and put you right in the strike zone. The crew teaches as they go, so you'll pick up tricks about reading water, spotting bait schools, and timing your hooksets.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of this charter, and for good reason. These silver rockets can hit 30+ pounds around Shalimar, especially during their peak season from April through October. When a king hits your trolled bait, you'll know it immediately – the drag screams and the rod doubles over as the fish makes its first blistering run. Kings are notorious for their speed and aerial acrobatics, often launching themselves clean out of the water multiple times during the fight. The key is keeping steady pressure without overtightening your drag, as these fish have razor-sharp teeth that can cut through line if given slack. What makes Shalimar special for king fishing is the proximity to deep water structure where these pelagic predators patrol for schools of baitfish.
Spanish mackerel might be smaller cousins to the kings, but don't let their size fool you – these fish are pure fun on light tackle. Averaging 2-4 pounds, spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders that will absolutely hammer small spoons and jigs. They're typically the most consistent bite you'll find, especially during summer months when they school up in massive numbers. The beauty of spanish mackerel fishing is the fast action – when you find a school, it's not uncommon to boat a dozen fish in quick succession. Their firm, white meat makes them one of the best eating fish in the Gulf, and the crew can point you toward the best preparation methods for your catch.
Red snapper represent the premium target when conditions allow the boat to push into deeper offshore waters. These bottom-dwellers are strictly regulated, so trips targeting them depend on open seasons and favorable weather. Red snapper in the 15-25 pound range call the offshore structure home, and when you hook into one, you'll feel their bulldogging power as they try to get back to the rocks. The fight is more about strength than speed – a steady, determined pull that tests your patience and technique. What makes red snapper special isn't just their fight, but their table fare. Many consider them the best eating fish in the Gulf, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Three hours might sound short, but when you're hooked up to quality fish with an experienced crew, time flies fast. This charter hits the sweet spot for anglers who want serious fishing without the full-day commitment. The private boat means you're not sharing space with strangers, and the crew's local knowledge puts you on fish faster than you'd manage on your own. Shalimar's location gives you quick access to both inshore structure and deeper offshore waters, so your captain has options based on conditions and what's biting. Whether you walk away with a cooler full of spanish mackerel for the dinner table or you're still talking about that monster king that nearly spooled you, this trip delivers the kind of fishing experience that keeps you coming back for more. Don't sleep on booking – the best fishing days fill up fast, and you don't want to miss your shot at some of the Gulf's finest action.
Get ready to fish the Gulf waters aboard our reliable 24-foot Proline center console! This well-equipped boat handles offshore conditions with ease while keeping your group of up to 6 anglers comfortable during the 3-hour charter. The wireless trolling motor lets us approach fish quietly without spooking them, while our GPS and fish finder combo helps locate productive spots where King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel are biting. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck safely. When conditions are right, we'll head further out for Red Snapper and Vermilion Snapper action. The onboard toilet means no cutting trips short, and all your gear and bait is provided. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or a seasoned angler, this boat gets you to the fish quickly and brings you back with a cooler full of Gulf Coast favorites.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a real workout once hooked. These silver bullets typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we've seen some push 60+. They cruise depths from 40-150 feet, usually relating to bait schools or structure changes. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs and aerial shows - they'll strip line faster than most fish twice their size. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat that grills beautifully. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and keep your drag loose on the initial run. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and will cut you off in a heartbeat if you're not prepared.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize catch when we head to deeper waters. These beauties average 3-8 pounds but can grow much larger, with that classic bright red color that's unmistakable. They hug bottom structure in 60-200+ feet of water, especially around reefs, wrecks, and rocky ledges. Summer months during snapper season offer the best shots at these tasty fish. What guests love most is the strong, steady fight they put up - no flashy jumps, just pure bulldogging power. And the eating? Some of the best table fare in the Gulf with sweet, white, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: once you find them, work the area thoroughly. Snappers school up, so where there's one, there's usually more. Keep your bait right on the bottom.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect starter fish that'll keep you busy all day. Running 2-5 pounds on average, these silvery speedsters with distinctive yellow spots travel in schools near the surface. They prefer 20-60 feet of water around structure, grass flats, and bait concentrations. Warmer months from late spring through early fall bring the best fishing when they're actively feeding. What makes them fun is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll hit fast and jump repeatedly. They're also fantastic eating with mild, white meat that's great grilled or blackened. Local secret: when you see diving birds or bait jumping, get there quick. Spanish mackerel push baitfish to the surface, creating feeding frenzies that are pure chaos.
Destin