Premium 8-Hour Deep Water Fishing Adventure in Destin
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour deep water charter targeting Gulf grouper speciesProfessional captain guides trips in 4001000 feet depthsSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests aboard
Captain Chuck Bonner knows where the big fish live, and he's ready to take you there. This isn't your typical bay fishing trip – we're talking about an 8-hour deep water adventure that'll put you right in the heart of the Gulf's most productive fishing grounds. You'll be dropping lines in 400 to 1,000 feet of crystal blue water, targeting some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. Whether you've been fishing for decades or you're looking to step up your game, this charter delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
This is serious fishing for serious anglers. We're heading out to the deep blue where the water changes color and the fish get bigger. Captain Chuck runs a tight ship with space for up to 4 guests, which means you'll get plenty of personal attention and room to work without bumping elbows. The trip runs year-round because these deep water species don't follow the same seasonal patterns as inshore fish – they're out there waiting 365 days a year. You'll be targeting yellow edge grouper, snowy grouper, tile fish, bearded brotula, and scamp grouper in their natural habitat. These aren't fish you'll catch from the pier, and that's exactly what makes this trip special. The ride out gives you time to rig up and get your head in the game while Captain Chuck shares local knowledge that only comes from years of working these waters.
Deep dropping is a whole different animal from shallow water fishing. We're talking about precision fishing in depths where the pressure crushes most fish on the way up. Captain Chuck provides all the specialized gear you'll need, including heavy-duty electric reels that can handle the brutal depth and weight required to get down to where these fish live. You'll be using 2-4 pound sinkers just to get your bait down through the current, and the rigs are built tough to handle the rocky bottom structure these fish call home. The technique is all about reading the bottom, understanding current, and knowing exactly where to drop. These fish aren't scattered randomly – they live in specific spots, and Captain Chuck has spent years marking and learning every productive ledge, drop-off, and rock pile in the area. When a fish hits at 800 feet, you'll feel it immediately, and the fight begins with that first crank of the handle.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 8-15 pounds but can push 20+ in these deep waters. They're most active during summer months but can be caught year-round in deeper water. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll dive straight for the rocks the second they feel the hook. The meat is legendary, with firm white fillets that taste like the ocean's version of chicken.
Gag Grouper are the ultimate test of an angler's skill and equipment. These bruisers commonly hit 15-30 pounds and have been known to snap heavy tackle without breaking a sweat. Peak season runs from October through March, but they're present in deep water all year. They're ambush predators that live in caves and under ledges, exploding on baits with shocking power. The fight is all about the first 30 seconds – if you can turn their head and get them away from structure, you've got a chance.
King Mackerel bring a completely different style of fight to deep water fishing. These speed demons can stretch 20-40 pounds and are built for pure velocity. Spring and fall see the biggest fish, but smaller "smoker kings" are present throughout summer. When a king hits, your drag will scream as they make blistering runs that can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds. They're also notorious for their aerial displays, launching themselves clear out of the water in desperate attempts to throw the hook.
Grey Triggerfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're surprisingly fun to catch and excellent table fare. These 2-5 pound fish are most abundant in summer and fall around structure. They have small mouths but big attitudes, and they'll steal bait faster than you can drop it. The challenge is getting a good hookset on their bony mouths, but once you do, they fight with surprising strength for their size.
Redfish in deep water are a completely different experience from their shallow water cousins. These copper-colored drums average 20-35 pounds in the deep and fight with relentless power. While traditionally thought of as inshore fish, big mature redfish spend time in deeper water, especially during winter months. They're powerful swimmers that use their broad tails to generate impressive runs, and they're one of the few fish that actually fight harder as they get closer to the boat.
Vermilion Rockfish are the workhorses of deep water fishing. These bright red fish average 2-4 pounds and are present year-round in good numbers. They might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, but they're aggressive biters and excellent eating. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. They're perfect for keeping the action going between bigger fish and are ideal for anglers who want consistent bites throughout the day.
This 8-hour deep water charter with Captain Chuck Bonner represents some of the best fishing Destin has to offer. You're not just paying for a boat ride – you're buying into decades of local knowledge, top-tier equipment, and access to fishing grounds that most anglers never see. The combination of year-round availability, diverse species, and world-class fishing grounds makes this a customer favorite among serious anglers. Captain Chuck's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and the deep water doesn't lie – either the fish are there or they're not
Captain Chuck Bonner's powerhouse fishing machine is built to tackle the deep Gulf waters off Destin. This sleek vessel packs 900 horsepower with triple Yamaha engines, cutting through the waves to reach those prime 400-1000 foot drop zones where the big grouper and tilefish hang out. The boat's loaded with top-tier Garmin electronics including fish finder, GPS, and radar to locate schools and navigate safely in any conditions. You'll stay comfortable during the 8-hour haul with an onboard icebox for cold drinks, multimedia system, and even a toilet. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking the yellowedge grouper and scamp below. With VHF radio keeping you connected and plenty of deck space for up to 4 anglers, this rig has everything needed to battle those hard-fighting deepwater species that make Destin's offshore grounds legendary.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are proper fighters that'll test your drag system every time. These grey, marbled fish average around 20 inches but can push 4-5 feet when you hit the jackpot. They love hanging around rocky bottoms, ledges, and any structure that offers good ambush spots. Year-round fishing is solid, but they really turn on during cooler months. What guests love is that immediate bulldogging fight - soon as they feel the hook, it's straight down to the rocks. The meat's excellent eating too, firm white fillets that grill up perfect. Here's the key: once you hook one, lock that reel down tight and horse them up fast. Give them any slack and they'll duck into a hole you'll never pull them out of. Live pinfish or big chunks of cut bait work best.
Balistes CapriscusTriggers are the ultimate bait thieves - smart, aggressive, and surprisingly strong fighters for their size. These grey, leather-skinned fish average 12-17 inches and love hard bottom structure in 50-180 feet. They're year-round residents but really turn on during summer months. Guests get hooked on their sneaky bites and surprisingly powerful runs once hooked. Plus they're fantastic eating - sweet, firm meat that holds up great on the grill. The trick is feeling those subtle nibbles before they steal your bait. Use small chunks of squid on a tight line, and when you feel that first tap, set the hook immediately. Don't wait for them to load up like other fish. Keep constant tension and reel fast - they'll dive for cover in a heartbeat and wedge themselves into cracks with those trigger spines.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are pure speed demons that'll smoke your drag in seconds. These silver torpedoes cruise the 40-150 foot range and average around 30 pounds, though we see plenty pushing 50+. Spring through fall is prime time when they're chasing bait schools near the surface. What makes them awesome is that blistering first run - nothing quite like watching your line peel off while a king greyhounds across the surface. They're also fantastic table fare with that rich, meaty texture. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to attack from the rear and those razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, vary your speed between 6-8 knots to trigger strikes.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are the gold standard around here - these bright red beauties average 1-2 feet and pack some serious fight. You'll find them hanging around structure in 30-620 feet of water, especially during warmer months when they're most active. What makes them special is that classic stubborn battle once hooked - they'll dive straight for cover every time. The meat is top-notch too, with that sweet, flaky texture everyone loves. My tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a bit first, then really lay into them hard. These fish have tough mouths, so you need a solid hookset to keep them pinned. They're smart and will use every rock and ledge to try breaking you off.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are shallow water bulldozers with that distinctive black eyespot near the tail. These copper-colored bruisers average 28-33 inches and prefer super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring are magic times when they school up thick. What guests love is sight fishing them in skinny water and watching those explosive topwater strikes. They're also prime table fare with mild, sweet meat. The fight is all power - no jumping, just that steady pull that'll test your drag. My go-to trick is looking for "tailing" fish - when you see that tail sticking up while they're feeding head-down. Approach quietly from upwind and drop a live shrimp or gold spoon right in their path. Keep your rod tip low and let them make that first run.
Sebastes MiniatusVermilion rockfish are beautiful deep water residents with bright red bodies and distinctive black mottling. These Pacific natives typically run 14-22 inches and live around rocky reefs and boulder fields in 100-500 feet of water. While not native to our Gulf waters, similar species behaviors apply to our deep water structure fishing. They're homebodies that stick to specific spots for years, making them reliable targets. Light tackle works great since they don't fight as hard as grouper, but they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The key is fishing right on the bottom with small hooks and light sinkers. A strip of squid or small piece of cut fish works perfectly. Once you find them, work that same area thoroughly - where there's one, there's usually more hiding in the rocks nearby.
Destin, FL