Charter Fishing Destin Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Grouper, and Snapper offshoreProfessional trolling and bottom fishing techniques in Gulf watersSixperson capacity charter with Hiliner Charters in Destin
Looking for some serious offshore action in the Gulf? You've found it. Hiliner Charters runs top-rated fishing trips out of Destin that'll put you on fish and show you why this stretch of emerald water has earned its reputation as one of the Gulf Coast's hottest fishing destinations. We're talking trolling for pelagics and dropping lines to the bottom for some heavyweight reef dwellers. With room for up to 6 anglers, this isn't your typical crowded party boat situation – you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from our crew.
Once we clear the pass and hit blue water, you'll see why Destin's offshore fishing scene draws anglers from across the country. The continental shelf drops off just 10-15 miles from shore, creating the perfect setup for both trolling and bottom fishing in the same trip. We'll start by pulling lures through prime pelagic territory where the water color changes from green to that deep blue that gets every angler's heart pumping. The current breaks, temperature changes, and structure out there hold everything from screaming Wahoo to tackle-busting Cobia. After working the trolling spread, we'll anchor up on some productive bottom spots where Grouper and Snapper are stacked up waiting for your bait. The boat's equipped with quality tackle, but feel free to bring your favorite rods if you've got them.
We run a spread of high-speed trolling lures designed to trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. Think bright skirted lures, diving plugs, and the occasional live bait when conditions call for it. The key is covering water and reading the signs – bird activity, bait schools, color changes, and temperature breaks all tell a story out there. For bottom fishing, we're talking about dropping cut bait, live pinfish, and jigs down to structure in 80-200 feet of water. Circle hooks are the way to go for most bottom species, and we'll have you rigged up properly. The crew knows these spots like the back of their hand – we're not just randomly dropping lines and hoping for the best. Years of experience fishing these waters means we know where the fish live and how to put you on them.
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of Gulf trolling, and Destin's waters produce some beauties. These fish are pure excitement – acrobatic jumps, blazing runs, and colors that'll make you reach for your camera. Bulls can push 30-40 pounds, while the smaller schoolies still put up a fantastic fight on medium tackle. Best action typically runs from late spring through early fall when they're following floating structure and weed lines. What makes Mahi special is their willingness to eat – once you find a school, you can often boat several before they wise up.
Wahoo are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and your drag system. These torpedo-shaped missiles can hit 50+ mph and make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes on high-speed trolling lures. Fall and winter months tend to be prime time for Wahoo in our area, and a 40-50 pound fish isn't uncommon. The eating quality is outstanding – firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the Gulf, using their broad heads and powerful bodies to wage war against your tackle. These bronze-colored bruisers love structure and often cruise near the surface, making them exciting targets for sight fishing. Spring migration brings schools of Cobia through Destin waters, with fish ranging from 20-60 pounds. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you a chance to pitch live bait or jigs right to them.
Red Snapper remain the king of Gulf bottom fishing, despite the limited seasons. These crimson-colored fighters are incredibly popular for good reason – they fight hard, taste amazing, and photograph beautifully. Our local reefs and artificial structures hold good numbers of keeper-sized fish. When the season's open, expect steady action on 15-25 pound Reds that'll keep your arms burning and your cooler filling up.
Blackfin Tuna are smaller cousins to their bigger Yellowfin relatives, but don't let size fool you – these fish are pure muscle. They school up around structure and baitfish, creating fast and furious action when you find them. Most run 10-25 pounds, making them perfect on medium tackle. The sashimi-grade meat makes them highly prized by anglers who appreciate quality table fare. They're year-round residents, but cooler months often produce the best action.
Destin's offshore fishing scene delivers year-round, but having an experienced crew who knows these waters makes all the difference. Hiliner Charters has built a solid reputation by putting customers on fish and making sure everyone has a great day on the water. Whether you're looking to check some bucket list species off your list or just want to get bent on whatever's biting, this trip offers the variety and quality that keeps anglers coming back. The Gulf of Mexico is an incredible fishery, and Destin sits right in the sweet spot to access it all. Book your charter and get ready to see why offshore fishing here has such a devoted following.
This 40-foot Infinity sport fishing boat is built for serious Gulf of Mexico adventures. Powered by twin 800HP Cummins diesels, she cruises at 21 knots to get you to the fishing grounds fast. The boat was refurbished in 2012, so everything's in great shape for your charter. You'll have plenty of room for up to 6 anglers to spread out and fish comfortably. The captain uses top-notch fish finders and GPS to locate the best spots for King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Grouper, and Snapper. When the Florida sun gets intense, duck into the air-conditioned cabin to cool off. The galley kitchen lets you prep your catch or store snacks, while the icebox keeps your drinks cold all day. There's a clean restroom onboard, plus a multimedia system for tunes between bites. Radar ensures safe navigation even when visibility drops. Whether you're trolling the blue water for pelagics or dropping lines to the bottom for grouper, this boat handles Destin's offshore waters like a champ. Perfect setup for both experienced fishermen and families looking to hook into some Gulf Coast action.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the perfect size tuna for Gulf fishing - typically running 5-25 pounds with that classic tuna body and dark, almost black coloring. They school up in open water from 100-1000+ feet, often mixing with skipjacks and bonito. Fall through spring offers our best shots here in Destin when they move closer to shore following baitfish. What makes blackfins fun is their willingness to bite, that classic tuna fight with strong runs, and excellent sashimi-quality meat. They're not as boat-shy as their bigger cousins either. The secret is scaling down your tackle - use lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks because these fish have sharp eyes. When you find them, try vertical jigging or chunking with live pilchards. Once you hook one, work the school fast because they'll disappear as quickly as they showed up.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the big brown sharks that aren't actually sharks - these bruisers average 20-50 pounds and can push 100+ pounds when you get into a good one. They're loners, cruising shallow waters around 30-70 feet near reefs, wrecks, and buoys. Spring migration (April-June) is money time here in Destin when they move through in good numbers. What makes cobia special is their curious nature, willingness to eat, and that bulldogging fight they put up on heavy tackle. Plus, they're fantastic on the table with firm, white meat similar to shark. The trick with cobia is sight fishing - they cruise just under the surface, so keep your eyes peeled for that dark shadow. Once you spot one, pitch a bucktail jig or live bait ahead of them and let it sink naturally. Don't cast right at them or you'll spook them every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi-mahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the Gulf, with brilliant golden sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real color show when you bring them to the boat. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see some pushing 40+. They're drawn to floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in open water. Spring through fall gives us the best action here in Destin, especially when water temps climb above 70°F. What makes them special is their aggressive strike, acrobatic fight, and that sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Pro tip: when you spot one mahi, slow down and work the area thoroughly - they often travel in small groups, and you might double or triple up if you stay patient and keep baits in the zone.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing - those bright red beauties that average 3-8 pounds, though we regularly see fish pushing 15-20 pounds on the deeper structure. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 80-200+ feet of water. Summer season brings the best action when they're spawning and feeding heavily. What makes snapper fishing addictive is that solid thump when they hit, the tug-of-war battle to get them off the bottom, and the fact that nothing beats fresh snapper on the grill. These fish are smart and structure-oriented, so you need to get your bait right to the bottom with enough weight to stay put. My go-to trick is using a knocker rig with fresh cigar minnows or squid - the noise draws them in, and that bait sitting tight on the bottom is exactly what they want to see.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf - hitting 60 mph and capable of stripping line like nothing else out there. These torpedo-shaped fish average 3-5 feet and 30-50 pounds, with that distinctive blue-striped pattern and razor-sharp teeth. You'll find them in open water around 30-200 feet, often near platforms, drop-offs, or temperature breaks. Fall and winter months are prime time here in Destin when they move closer to shore. What gets anglers fired up is that blistering initial run and the fact that wahoo is some of the finest eating fish in the ocean - firm, white, and mild. Here's the key: run wire leaders and troll fast (12-15 knots) with diving plugs or high-speed lures. Most guys troll too slow - wahoo want that bait moving at speed, so don't be afraid to open up the throttles.
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