10 Hour Trip - (Morning) – Destin
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Tenhour offshore trip targets multiple premium fish speciesSmall group capacity of six guests ensures personalized fishing experienceOptional shark fishing available for trophysized catch opportunities
Looking to make the most of your time on the water? This 10-hour morning trip with King of Kings Charters is your ticket to experiencing everything Destin's offshore waters have to offer. We're talking about heading out early when the fish are most active, covering serious ground, and giving you the chance to tangle with some of the Gulf's most prized catches. With just six anglers max, you'll get plenty of personal attention and prime fishing time without feeling crowded at the rail.
When you book a 10-hour trip, you're signing up for the full offshore experience. We'll start before dawn, getting you out to the productive waters while the conditions are prime and the fish haven't been pressured yet. This extended time on the water means we can hit multiple spots – from nearshore structure for grouper and snapper to the deep blue water where the pelagics roam. You'll have time to bottom fish for those dinner-table favorites like red snapper and grouper when they're in season, then switch gears to troll for the speed demons like king mackerel and mahi. If you're feeling adventurous, we can even dedicate some time to shark fishing for that trophy photo you've been dreaming about. The beauty of a 10-hour charter is flexibility – we can adapt to what's biting and what gets your adrenaline pumping.
We'll be running a mix of fishing styles depending on what we're targeting. For the bottom fishing, we're talking heavy tackle with circle hooks and enough weight to get down to where the grouper and snapper hang out around structure. When we switch to trolling for kings and mahi, we'll deploy a spread of lures and live bait at different depths to cover the water column. The boat's rigged with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from 20-pound kings to bulldogging gag grouper. If shark fishing's on the agenda, we'll break out the heavy artillery – big circle hooks, wire leaders, and chunks of fresh bait. Don't worry about bringing gear; we've got everything dialed in and ready to go. Just bring yourself, some snacks since meals aren't included, and be ready to learn a few new techniques from the crew.
King mackerel are the speed merchants of the Gulf, and Destin's waters are famous for producing some real smokers. These fish can stretch over 40 inches and peel line like you wouldn't believe. Spring through fall is prime time, with the bigger fish showing up when the water temps climb. What makes kings so addictive is that explosive first run – one minute you're trolling along, the next your drag is screaming and you're holding on for dear life. They're also fantastic eating when handled right, with firm white meat that's perfect on the grill.
Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish as they're properly called, are the acrobats of the offshore world. These brilliant gold and green fish love to jump and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. They typically run 10-30 pounds in our waters, though bigger bulls do cruise through. Mahi are most common during the warmer months, often found around floating debris or weed lines. They're aggressive feeders and will often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. The meat is sweet and flaky – a real treat for the dinner table.
Red snapper are the holy grail of bottom fishing in the Gulf, and when they're in season, Destin delivers some of the best action you'll find anywhere. These deep-water dwellers can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes. A good red snapper will test your arms on the way up from 100+ feet of water, and their crimson color against the blue Gulf water is something special. They're incredibly smart fish too – you'll need to stay sharp with your presentation to fool the bigger ones.
Spanish mackerel might be the smaller cousins of the kings, but they make up for size with pure attitude. These fish are willing biters and perfect for getting kids or first-time anglers hooked on offshore fishing. They typically run 1-3 pounds and are most active during the cooler months. Don't let their size fool you – they're scrappy fighters and excellent table fare with a mild, flaky texture.
Gag grouper are the bruisers of the bottom fishing world. These fish live in rocky areas and ledges, using their powerful bodies and big mouths to inhale anything that looks like an easy meal. A big gag can easily hit 20-30 pounds and will test every knot in your rig as it tries to get back to the rocks. They're ambush predators with incredible strength, and landing one always feels like a real victory. The meat is firm and white – perfect for everything from grilling to making fish tacos.
A 10-hour trip represents serious value for serious anglers who want to experience the best of Destin's offshore fishing. You're getting extended time on productive waters, multiple fishing techniques, and shots at a variety of species that'll keep things interesting all day long. With King of Kings Charters, you're fishing with local experts who know these waters inside and out and will work hard to put you on fish. Whether you're after that trophy king mackerel photo or a cooler full of snapper and grouper for the family fish fry, this trip delivers the time and opportunity to make it happen. Don't let another season slip by – book your 10-hour adventure and see what Destin's offshore waters are really all about.
This spacious 35-foot JC boat is your ticket to Destin's best offshore fishing grounds. Powered by a reliable 450HP Cummins engine, she cuts through Gulf waters with ease while you hunt for trophy Red Snapper, Grouper, and King Mackerel. The boat comes fully rigged with GPS navigation, fishfinder technology, and radar to locate the hottest fishing spots even in rough conditions. With room for up to 6 anglers, everyone has plenty of space to work their lines without getting tangled up. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 10-hour runs. When you need a break from fighting fish, there's a comfortable bed to rest up before the next bite, plus a private toilet for convenience. These extended offshore trips give you time to target everything from massive King Mackerel and Blackfin Tuna to tasty Mahi Mahi and various Grouper species. Want to try something different? We can also set up for shark fishing – nothing beats the adrenaline rush of hooking into a monster in Destin's deep waters. The boat's smooth ride and professional equipment make it perfect for serious anglers ready to experience what the Gulf of Mexico has to offer.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are ambush predators that average 20 inches but can reach 50+ pounds around offshore reefs and wrecks. These mottled gray fish love rocky structure and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. When grouper season opens, they provide some of the strongest fights pound-for-pound in the Gulf. What guests love is the tug-of-war battle - gags will try to drag your bait straight back to their cave. They're also premium table fare with sweet, firm white meat perfect for any preparation. The challenge is keeping them out of the rocks once hooked. Pro tip: fish with heavy tackle and circle hooks, and the second you feel that distinctive grouper thump, lock down and lift hard. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around structure. Live pinfish and large cut baits work best dropped right on the bottom near ledges and holes.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast-moving predators that average around 30 pounds, though we've seen them hit 90+ pounds out here. These silver rockets cruise depths between 40-150 feet, often near structure or temperature breaks. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are mandatory. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps stay above 68°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish in the Gulf. The meat's excellent smoked or grilled, with that rich, oily texture mackerel are known for. Pro tip: use two hooks on your live bait - one through the nose, another trailing near the tail. Kings love to hit baitfish from behind, and that stinger hook will save you from a lot of cutoffs.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fighters you'll find offshore, averaging 15-29 pounds with those brilliant gold and green sides. They hang around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in open water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're chasing flying fish near the surface. What guests love most is watching these fish light up like neon signs when they're hooked - the color changes are wild. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, mild white meat that grills perfectly. The fight is pure acrobatics with jumps and long runs. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, leave it in the water for a minute. Mahi travel in schools, and that hooked fish will often call in its buddies. We've had days where one hookup turns into a boat limit real quick.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, averaging 1-2 feet but capable of hitting 35+ pounds. These deep red beauties live around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks from 30-200 feet deep. Season runs summer months when regulations allow, and they're absolute bulldogs on the line. What makes snapper special is their incredible table quality - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're smart fish that require finesse, but when you hook one, expect a serious fight straight down to the rocks. The bigger ones have decades of experience avoiding hooks. My best advice: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and the moment you feel that thump, lock the reel and lift hard. Don't give them a chance to reach cover or they'll cut you off every time.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that school up in huge numbers, typically running 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds. Look for them near piers, jetties, and around baitfish schools from spring through fall. They're some of the fastest swimmers in the Gulf, hitting lures at incredible speeds with those yellow spots flashing. What makes them fun is the non-stop action - when you find a school, it's often fish after fish. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that smokes beautifully. The bite is lightning fast with sharp teeth that'll cut mono in a heartbeat. Best tip I can give: use small spoons or jigs on light tackle with wire leaders. When they're feeding on the surface, cast past the school and work your lure back through them. Don't boat right into the school or you'll spook the whole group into deep water.
Destin, FL