6 Hour Summer Charter - Destin Offshore Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour minimum trip required for Red Snapper targeting.Offshore fishing targets King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Triggerfish.Charter accommodates up to six guests with shark fishing options.
When you're serious about landing quality fish in Destin, a 6-hour charter is where the action really begins. This isn't your typical nearshore trip – we're talking about getting out to the productive waters where the big fish live. Whether you're after prized Red Snapper during season or want to mix it up with some high-speed trolling for pelagics, this trip gives you the time and range to make it happen. With King of Kings Charters, you'll hit the spots that consistently produce, and our local knowledge puts you on fish that weekend warriors rarely see.
Your 6-hour adventure starts early if you book the morning slot, or mid-day for afternoon trips – both have their advantages depending on what's biting. We'll cruise out beyond the nearshore structure to hit the deeper ledges and artificial reefs that hold the good stuff. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is flexibility – if the snapper bite is hot on the 60-foot ledge, we can spend quality time there. If the trolling bite is better, we'll cover water and put multiple lines out. You'll have up to 5 other anglers aboard, which creates great energy without overcrowding the boat. The crew handles all the technical stuff – rigging baits, finding fish, and gaffing your catches – so you focus on fighting fish and having a blast.
We run a combination approach that maximizes your shot at different species. For bottom fishing, we're talking about heavy conventional reels loaded with 50-80lb test, circle hooks, and fresh cut bait or live pinfish. The key is getting your bait down fast in the current and keeping it in the strike zone. When we're trolling for kings and Spanish mackerel, we'll pull a spread of spoons, diving plugs, and rigged cigar minnows at varying depths. The boat's electronics locate baitfish and structure, while our downriggers and planer boards put baits exactly where they need to be. If you want to try shark fishing, we'll set up heavy tackle with wire leaders and chunk baits – it's a completely different game that gets your adrenaline pumping when something big picks up your bait.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and for good reason. These hard-fighting fish average 5-15 pounds but can push 20+ pounds on a good day. They live around structure in 40-100 feet of water and have serious attitude – when hooked, they make powerful runs toward the bottom trying to cut your line on the reef. Season typically runs summer months, and the 6-hour trip gives you time to reach the less pressured spots where bigger fish live. The meat is outstanding, and there's nothing quite like seeing that red flash coming up from the depths.
King Mackerel are speed demons that test your drag system and fighting skills. These torpedo-shaped predators range from 10-40 pounds and make blistering runs that can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds. They're most active during summer months when baitfish are thick, and we target them by trolling over structure and temperature breaks. Kings have razor-sharp teeth and an aggressive nature – watching one explode on a surface bait or seeing your rod nearly get yanked from the holder never gets old.
Spanish Mackerel are smaller cousins to kings but pound-for-pound some of the strongest fighters in the Gulf. Typically running 2-4 pounds, they school up in massive numbers and create non-stop action when you find them. They love small spoons and jigs trolled at higher speeds, and it's not uncommon to hook doubles or triples. Perfect for newer anglers or when you want constant action, and they make excellent table fare.
Bull Sharks represent the ultimate big game challenge on this trip. These apex predators can exceed 8 feet and 300 pounds, turning your fishing rod into a ski rope when hooked. They're year-round residents but most active in warmer months. Bulls are incredibly strong and surprisingly fast, capable of making runs that test your tackle and endurance. Landing one is a serious accomplishment and definitely trophy-worthy.
Grey Triggerfish might not win beauty contests, but they're tough fighters with serious attitude. These 2-5 pound fish have strong jaws designed for crushing shells, and they'll fight you all the way to the boat. They're structure-oriented and often mixed in with snapper, providing steady action when the bite is on. Triggerfish are also excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
A 6-hour charter hits the sweet spot between having enough time to reach quality fishing grounds and not breaking the bank. You'll experience multiple fishing styles, target several species, and have real shots at trophy fish that shorter trips just can't offer. Summer is prime time in Destin – the water's warm, baitfish are abundant, and the variety of species available is at its peak. Don't settle for a quick nearshore trip when you can get out where the real action happens. Book your 6-hour summer charter with King of Kings Charters and see why serious anglers choose the longer trips for better fishing.
This spacious 35-foot JC boat is built for serious offshore fishing adventures in Destin's Gulf waters. Powered by a reliable 450HP Cummins engine, she'll get you to the best fishing spots quickly and comfortably. The boat comes fully equipped with GPS navigation, fish finder, and radar to help locate those productive bottom structures where Red Snapper, King Mackerel, and other trophy fish hang out. You'll appreciate the onboard toilet and comfortable bed for longer trips, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, this vessel handles both trolling for pelagic species like Kings and Spanish Mackerel closer to shore, or running further offshore for prime Red Snapper territory when they're in season. If you're looking to tangle with some sharks, this boat has the power and space to handle the fight. The smooth ride and thoughtful amenities make those 6-hour trips fly by while you focus on what matters most - putting fish in the cooler.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are one of the most aggressive predators we target around Destin, running 8-12 feet and up to 300 pounds. These thick-bodied sharks love our warm shallow waters and can handle both salt and brackish areas, which makes them perfect for our Gulf coast. Summer through early fall gives you the best shot at a trophy bull. What makes them special is that raw power - once hooked, they'll make blistering runs and fight dirty all the way to the boat. We use fresh cut bait like mackerel or bonito, but here's a local secret: nothing beats fresh eel for bulls. The high oil content drives them crazy, and the tough skin stays on your hook even when they're picking at it.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are bottom dwellers that'll surprise you with their attitude and table quality. These greyish, leather-skinned fish average around 17 inches but can reach 24 inches and 13 pounds. We find them on hard bottom, ledges, and reefs in 50-180 feet during summer months. They're fun because they're aggressive feeders with sharp teeth, but they're also sneaky - they'll nip and steal bait if you're not paying attention. The meat is excellent, firm and sweet. Here's the trick: use chunk squid about an inch wide, drop to bottom with 6-8 ounce weight, then reel up immediately to stay tight. When other fish are around, triggers get competitive and hit harder. Feel that tap, set quick and reel fast - they'll head straight for cover.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed kings of the Gulf, and they'll test your tackle and your reflexes. These olive-colored rockets average around 30 pounds but can hit 90+. We find them trolling in 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks during summer. What makes kings special is that blistering initial run - they're nearly as fast as wahoo and just as mean. They're also excellent table fare despite the mercury warnings for pregnant women. My go-to setup is a stinger rig with two hooks on wire leader - one through the nose of your live bait, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit from the rear, so that back hook saves a lot of cut-offs. Keep your drag loose until they stop that first screaming run.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are the prize fish of the Gulf, and there's good reason we need that full six hours to target them properly. These beautiful red fish average 1-2 feet but can push over 30 pounds. They live in 30-620 feet around hard bottom structure and wrecks, so we head well offshore to find the best spots. Season runs summer when regulations allow. What makes them so popular is that perfect combination - they fight like hell when hooked, always trying to cut your line on structure, plus they're absolutely delicious eating. My tip: use a heavy weight to get down fast, and the second you feel that tap, set the hook hard and start cranking. Hesitate and they'll wrap you up in the wreck.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a blast on light tackle. These silvery fish with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds, but they're fast as lightning and travel in big schools. We find them trolling near the surface in summer, often around structure or bait schools closer to shore. They're great for families since they hit hard, jump, and put up a scrappy fight on spinning gear. Plus they make excellent eating - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The trick with Spanish is to keep moving when trolling. Use small shiny spoons or live bait, and when you hook one, there's usually more around. Work the school fast before they move on.
Destin, FL