12 Hours Summer Fishing Trip - Destin, Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing adventure in Destin's deep watersTarget grouper, snapper, mahi mahi, and amberjack speciesSmall group charter accommodates up to six guests maximum
Picture this: it's 5 AM, the sun's just peeking over the horizon, and you're heading out into the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico for what locals call the fishing trip of a lifetime. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about a full 12-hour summer fishing adventure with Misa Charters that'll take you deep into blue water territory where the big boys swim. Destin's earned its reputation as "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village" for good reason, and summer is when the offshore action really heats up. With just 6 anglers max on board, you're getting that intimate charter experience where everyone gets prime fishing time and the captain's undivided attention.
Your day starts early – and trust me, you'll want it to. We're burning fuel for about an hour to reach those prime offshore structures where the pelagic species hang out. The summer months bring consistent weather patterns and calm seas, making it perfect for those long runs to the deep water. You'll be fishing in 100 to 2,000 feet of water, working everything from underwater mountains to oil rigs that attract baitfish like magnets. The vibe on board is relaxed but focused – this is serious fishing, but we keep it fun. Captain and crew handle all the navigation and fish cleaning, so your only job is to hang on when that rod bends double. The boat's equipped with top-shelf electronics, so we're not just fishing blind – we're hunting specific structure and following the bait schools that show up on the fish finder.
This is big game fishing at its finest, and the techniques reflect that. We're primarily trolling with a spread of baits – think ballyhoo, bonito strips, and high-end lures that mimic the forage fish these predators can't resist. The boat runs a mix of outriggers and flat lines, covering different depths and presentations simultaneously. Tackle is heavy duty – we're talking 30 to 80-pound class gear because when you hook into a blue marlin or giant yellowfin, you need equipment that won't quit. Live bait fishing also comes into play, especially when we mark fish on structure. The crew's constantly adjusting the spread based on water temperature, current, and what we're seeing on the sonar. Circle hooks are standard for conservation, and we practice catch-and-release on billfish to keep these fisheries healthy for future generations.
Atlantic Sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world, and summer brings them into Destin's waters in good numbers. These fish average 40 to 60 pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked. They're most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours, often found cruising the thermoclines where warm surface water meets the cooler depths. What makes sailfish so special is their speed – they're one of the fastest fish in the ocean – and their fighting style that combines blistering runs with those heart-stopping aerial displays that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for their phones.
Blue Marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing, and Destin's summer waters produce some real monsters. These apex predators can exceed 500 pounds and are known for their incredible strength and stamina. Prime time is typically mid-morning through early afternoon when they're actively hunting in the blue water. Blues are ambush predators that often follow the boat before striking, and when they do hit, it's explosive. The fight can last hours, testing both angler and equipment. Landing a blue marlin is a career moment for most anglers – it's the fish that dreams are made of.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of reaching 60 mph and known for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes. Summer months bring excellent wahoo fishing to the Destin area, with fish ranging from 20 to 80 pounds. They're typically found around structure and drop-offs, often hitting high-speed trolled lures without warning. The initial run is absolutely savage – wahoo will strip line off the reel so fast it sounds like a chainsaw. Their firm, white meat makes them one of the best eating fish in the ocean, so they're prized by both sport and table fare anglers.
Yellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of the offshore fleet, and summer is prime time for these powerful fish in the Gulf. These fish are pure muscle, typically ranging from 40 to 200 pounds in our waters. They school up around floating debris, oil rigs, and temperature breaks, often feeding aggressively in low-light conditions. Yellowfin are known for their incredible stamina – they'll fight straight down toward the bottom, using their broad tails and powerful bodies to test your drag system. They're also fantastic table fare, making them a favorite target for anglers who want both sport and a cooler full of sushi-grade fish.
Swordfish represent the ultimate challenge in offshore fishing – these deep water gladiators are typically targeted during night trips, but summer daytime sword fishing has gained popularity. These prehistoric-looking predators can exceed 400 pounds and are found in waters over 1,000 feet deep. Swordfish are nomadic and solitary, making them one of the more challenging species to target consistently. When hooked, they're known for their dogged, powerful fight and occasional jumps. Landing a swordfish on rod and reel is considered one of the pinnacle achievements in sport fishing, and their firm, steaky meat is prized in restaurants worldwide.
Look, there's day fishing, and then there's this – a full commitment to chasing the fish that swim in your dreams. This 12-hour summer charter puts you in prime position to tangle with species that most anglers only see in magazines.
Meet the Misa, a stunning 60-foot custom Blackwell yacht built in Wanchese, NC, designed to get you to Destin's prime fishing grounds fast and in style. This Coast Guard-approved beauty handles up to 6 anglers and packs everything needed for serious offshore fishing adventures. The fish finder and radar systems help locate the best spots for grouper, red snapper, mahi mahi, and amberjack, while the spacious flybridge gives you commanding views of the Gulf waters. Between fishing action, relax in air-conditioned comfort, grab cold drinks from the fridge or icebox, and enjoy the onboard multimedia system. The full galley kitchen lets you prep fresh catches, and with a comfortable bed and private head aboard, you're set for the full 12-hour deep-sea experience. High-speed capability means more time fishing, less time traveling to the hotspots where the big ones are biting in these legendary Gulf waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are one of the ocean's fastest fish, hitting speeds up to 68 mph with that signature sail-like dorsal fin. These blue-gray beauties average around 7.5 feet and 50 pounds, using their bills to stun baitfish in coordinated group hunts. We find them cruising the upper 30-65 feet during summer months, especially around structure and temperature breaks. What makes them special? The fight - they'll leap, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll test your endurance. Plus, they can change colors from blue to black when excited. My tip: when trolling, keep your spread tight and use bright pink/white flies or fresh squid. Once hooked, stay patient and let them make their runs before applying pressure.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the giants of the billfish world. Females can reach over 1,000 pounds (we call those "granders"), while males top out around 350. These cobalt-blue bruisers with silvery bellies cruise the Gulf Stream and warm offshore waters year-round here. They're built for power - that cylindrical body and spear-like bill make them apex predators. Anglers love them for the legendary fights and acrobatics, plus the bragging rights. Summer brings better numbers as they follow baitfish migrations. These fish prefer depths over 100 feet near current breaks and floating debris. Pro tip: use industrial-grade tackle and don't cheap out - they'll snap light gear in seconds. Troll large lures at 8-12 knots and be ready for a battle.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the gladiators of deep water, averaging 9 feet and 400 pounds with that distinctive flat bill. These gray-blue giants live in 300-1500 feet but come up at night to feed, making them perfect targets for our longer trips. They're found year-round in the Gulf, with peak action from April through September. What hooks anglers? The challenge of targeting a legendary game fish that can exceed 1,000 pounds, plus excellent table fare. Unlike other billfish, they don't jump much but pull with incredible power. Night fishing works best - they rise to hunt squid and smaller fish. Drop heavy weights with bright lights and fresh squid or barracuda chunks. Use 80-120 lb tackle minimum and be patient - the bite might take hours but it's worth the wait.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons that'll strip line faster than you can blink. These torpedo-shaped fish with zebra stripes hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet, though we've seen 8-footers. They love our warm Gulf waters from July through November, usually hanging around oil rigs and drop-offs in 60+ feet. What guests love most? The searing runs and that sweet, flaky meat - "ono" means delicious in Hawaiian for good reason. These loners or small groups are ambush predators, so they hit hard and fast. Best technique is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor teeth will slice through mono instantly. Use minnow lures or rigged ballyhoo. The key is keeping your spread moving fast enough to trigger their strike instinct.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of offshore fishing, averaging 60 pounds but capable of reaching 400+. These torpedo-shaped fish with bright yellow fins are warm-blooded, which lets them hunt in deeper, cooler waters up to 330 feet. Summer spawning season from May to August brings them closer to our area. Anglers chase them for the bulldogging fights and premium sashimi-grade meat that rivals bluefin at half the price. They school up and feed aggressively on baitfish. We catch them trolling, jigging, or chunking with cut bait. My go-to method is setting up a chunking spread with fresh herring or blue runners to draw them up from the depths, then switching to live or cut bait when they surface.
Destin, FL