5.0(5 Reviews)Private Charter Fishing in Destin
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Private offshore fishing trips from 4 to 16 hours availableNo Fish No Pay guarantee ensures successful fishing experienceAccommodates up to 4 guests with Maximus Fishing crew
When you want results on the water, our private charter fishing trips deliver exactly what serious anglers are looking for. Operating out of Destin's world-class fishing grounds, we run 4 to 16-hour trips with our signature "No Fish No Pay" guarantee. Captain Justin and Captain Chris know these offshore waters like the back of their hands, and they're not satisfied unless you're heading home with a cooler full of keeper fish. Whether you're planning a quick morning run or an epic all-day adventure, this charter adapts to your schedule and puts you on the best bite of the day.
This isn't your typical cattle boat experience. With just four anglers max, you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an outstanding one. We'll start by hitting the bait wells or catching fresh live bait depending on what's working best. The captains constantly monitor weather, tides, and fish movement to put you where the action is hottest. Expect to move between multiple spots throughout the day – our guys aren't afraid to burn some fuel to find productive water. The boats are rigged with top-shelf electronics, plenty of rod holders, and all the tackle you need to handle everything from schoolie snappers to monster amberjacks that'll test your shoulder strength.
We fish primarily with bottom rigs when targeting snappers, using circle hooks and enough weight to get down through the current. For amberjacks and cobia, we'll switch to heavier tackle and work jigs or live bait around structure. The captains read the fish finder constantly and adjust techniques based on what they're marking. When the bite is hot, we'll anchor up and work a spot hard. When it slows down, we're already heading to the next productive area. Our tackle boxes are stocked with everything from light spinning gear for smaller reef fish to heavy conventional setups that can handle big pelagics. You don't need to bring anything except your fishing license and enthusiasm – we've got the rest covered.
"Captain Justin took me, my son and a friend out today in hopes of catching some red snapper. Morning started out slow was delayed an hour because of weather. Didn't take Captain Justin long to put us on some fish. First stop just produced 1 trigger fish so Captain Justin said we need to go farther if we wanted to catch fish and boy did we. Second stop was the magical hole we limited out on red snapper in 30 minutes and caught several nice trigger fish but was unable to keep them because they were not in season. As soon as the bait hit bottom you were reeling in a fish. Also caught several more red snappers but we could only keep 6. We had an awesome trip and it was a blast. Captain Justin sure does know his stuff when it comes to deep sea fishing very knowledgeable. If you are ever in the Destin area and you want to go deep sea fishing give Maximum Fishing a call you want regret it. Thanks Captain Justin for a great day!!!!" - Chris
"Great day on the water with a great captain and boat! My 12 year old just started bass fishing a few months ago and had never been offshore. Captain Justin couldn't have been better with him! He was very patient and helped instruct him all afternoon. He ended up catching 5 of our 6 keeper red snapper. Unfortunately the tax man in the gray suit kept us from getting 3 large snapper to the boat. Mix in a few triggers, a vermillion, and a scamp it was a great day my 12 year old will remember forever." - Brent
"We had a great time on the 6 hour morning trip with Captain Chris on Maximillian. Caught live bait fish and then headed out. Chris worked all morning to dodge building thunderstorms and get us on the fish. Red Snapper, Amberjack, and a 6+ foot Reef Shark snapped the line right at the boat. Awesome trip. Would highly recommend and would book again with Maximus for sure!" - Tom
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here, and when you hook one, you'll understand why anglers get addicted to chasing these beautiful fish. They typically run 10-30 pounds in our waters and fight like fish twice their size. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around floating debris or weed lines. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight – expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll have your drag screaming. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table.
Greater Amberjack are the muscle cars of the reef. These bruisers commonly hit 40-60 pounds and will test every bit of your tackle and technique. They live around hard bottom and wrecks, and when you hook one, it's going straight for the rocks. The fight is all about leverage and endurance – they'll try to wrap you up or simply overpower your gear. Peak season runs from spring through early fall, and landing a big AJ is a badge of honor among serious offshore anglers.
Great Barracuda might not win beauty contests, but they'll give you a fight you won't forget. These torpedo-shaped predators are ambush hunters that hit baits with explosive strikes. They're common year-round but particularly active in warmer months. What's exciting about cuda is their unpredictability – they might follow your bait for minutes before striking, or slam it the second it hits the water. Their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs make every hookup an adventure.
Cobia are the gentle giants that get anglers really excited. These brown-colored fish are curious and often swim right up to the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities that are rare in deep water. They average 20-40 pounds and are known for their bulldogging fight and excellent table fare. Spring and fall migrations bring the
Get ready to hit the deep waters of Destin aboard our 33-foot WorldCat center console! This powerhouse runs twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at speeds up to 50 knots. Built for serious offshore action, this restored 2007 beauty handles Gulf waters like a champ while keeping your crew of up to 6 comfortable with onboard AC and a multimedia system for those longer trips. The boat's loaded with everything you need for a productive day - GPS navigation gets you to the hotspots, radar keeps you safe in changing conditions, and the fish finder helps locate your targets below. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and take advantage of the onboard facilities during those extended 4 to 16-hour adventures. What sets this charter apart is our "No Fish, No Pay" guarantee - we're confident in our ability to put you on the fish. Whether you're after red snapper, grouper, or whatever's biting in Destin's productive waters, this WorldCat has the range and reliability to make it happen. Private trips mean no crowds, just you and your group focused on filling the coolers.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are the smaller tuna species we target, running 18-25 inches and 20-45 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. These bullet-shaped fish travel in massive schools up to 19 miles wide in deep, open water. Summer and fall bring them closest to our waters when the temperatures are right. Albacore are constantly moving - they never stop swimming due to their oxygen needs. The fight is classic tuna: fast runs and steady pressure that'll test your gear. The real prize is the meat - albacore is the only tuna that can be labeled "white meat tuna" with its mild flavor and firm texture. When trolling for them, keep lures 50-90 feet back and remember: land that first fish quick because if it breaks off, the whole school might disappear.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ultimate sight-fishing target around here. These chocolate-brown fish cruise alone near the surface, often mistaken for sharks with that single dorsal fin. They average around 30-50 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, reefs, and structure in 30-70 feet, though they roam into deeper water too. Spring migration and spawning season from April through summer are your best bets. What makes cobia special is they're curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat, plus they're phenomenal eating with firm, white meat. They're strong fighters that make powerful runs. My favorite technique is sight-casting bucktail jigs when you spot them cruising - color doesn't matter much, just get it in front of them.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 35 mph in short bursts with those torpedo-shaped bodies. Most run 2-4 feet, but the big girls can stretch to 6 feet and over 100 pounds. You'll spot them cruising shallow reefs, grass flats, and around structure, usually alone except during spring spawning. They're visual hunters with razor-sharp teeth, so they'll often check out shiny objects. What makes them fun to target is that explosive strike and their wild jumping ability when hooked. They don't have great stamina though, so fights are intense but short. Fair warning - their teeth are serious business, so always use a wire leader and landing net. The meat isn't commonly eaten due to ciguatera risk in larger fish.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bullies of the deep structure - these bruisers average around 39 pounds but can push over 100. You'll find them hanging around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time when they move shallow to spawn. What guests love about amberjack is the raw power - they'll take you straight to the bottom and test every bit of your drag system. The meat is excellent too, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. These fish aren't picky eaters, so live bait, jigs, or trolled baits all work. My go-to trick is dropping a live pinfish or blue runner on heavy tackle and letting it flutter down to the structure - once they grab it, hang on tight.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most stunning fish you'll see out here, with brilliant gold sides and electric blues that put on a real light show when they come out of the water. They average 15-29 pounds but can hit 87 pounds if you're lucky. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in warm surface waters. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them. What makes mahi special is their incredible fight - they'll jump, run, and give you everything they've got. Plus, they're top-notch table fare with firm, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your other lines out because they usually travel in small schools and you might double or triple up.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Justin took me, my son and a friend out today in hopes of catching some red snapper. Morning started out slow was delayed ...
Great day on the water with a great captain and boat! My 12 year old just started bass fishing a few months ago and had never been...
We had a great time on the 6 hour morning trip with Captain Chris on Maximillian. Caught live bait fish and then headed out. Chri...
Chris was knowledgeable, professional, and most of all patient—We limited out on 12, big Red Snapper and when we got back at noon,...
This fishing trip was awesome! Captain Chris was great! We chose the deep drop trip and we were amazed at how much fun it was. Cap...
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