Summer Fishing Trip (6 Hours) - Destin, Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore fishing charter targeting prime Gulf watersCatch grouper, red snapper, mahi mahi, and amberjack speciesSmall group experience with maximum six guest capacity
When summer hits the Emerald Coast, there's nowhere better to wet a line than the deep blue waters off Destin. This six-hour offshore adventure with Misa Charters puts you right in the heart of some of the Gulf's best fishing grounds, where the action runs hot from dawn to dusk. We're talking about waters that hold everything from screaming King Mackerel to trophy Gag Grouper, all within a comfortable half-day trip that leaves you plenty of time to grab dinner back on shore. Our boat handles up to six anglers, so bring your crew or join a small group of fellow fishing fanatics ready to bend some rods.
Your day starts early at the Destin harbor, where Captain and crew have already prepped the boat with fresh bait, sharp hooks, and all the tackle you'll need. We'll cruise out to our first spot, usually hitting depths between 60 and 120 feet where the fish stack up during these hot summer months. The ride out gives everyone time to get rigged up and talk strategy - some folks love the adrenaline rush of trolling for pelagics, while others prefer the steady action of bottom fishing over structure. Either way, you're covered. The Gulf stays relatively calm most summer mornings, making it perfect for anglers of all experience levels. By the time we're heading back, you'll have worked up a solid appetite and hopefully filled the cooler with some quality table fare.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what's biting best. Trolling is our bread and butter for covering water and finding the fast-moving pelagics like Mahi, Wahoo, and Kings. We'll pull a spread of lures at different depths, adjusting speed and direction based on water temp, current breaks, and bait activity. When we mark good bottom structure or artificial reefs, we'll switch gears to bottom fishing with heavy tackle. This means dropping live or cut bait down to where the Grouper and Snapper hold tight to the rocks. The key is reading the electronics, understanding the tides, and knowing when to move versus when to stick it out. Our tackle is tournament-grade stuff - heavy spinning reels, quality rods, and circle hooks that help with proper fish handling. Don't worry about bringing your own gear unless you've got something special you prefer to fish with.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of our summer lineup, and they're absolutely on fire from May through September in these waters. These fish average 15-30 pounds but can push well over 40 when you hook into a real smoker. They hit fast and fight dirty, making long runs and jumping clear out of the water. What makes them so exciting is their unpredictability - you might catch three in twenty minutes, then go an hour without a bite. They love live bait and fast-moving lures, especially when the water temperature hits that sweet spot around 78-82 degrees.
Mahi Mahi show up like clockwork when the Gulf Stream edges push closer to shore, usually carrying floating grass and debris that holds baitfish. These fish are pure eye candy - bright yellows and greens that light up when they're fighting. Most of our Mahi run 5-15 pounds, perfect for the dinner table and always willing to put on a show with their acrobatic jumps. They school up tight, so when you find one, there's usually more around. The trick is working the area quickly before they spook or move on.
Wahoo are the rockets of the deep water, capable of speeds that'll strip line faster than you can believe. These torpedo-shaped predators average 20-40 pounds and hit lures with enough force to snap light tackle. They're not as common as Kings or Mahi, but when you connect with one, it's game on. Their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs make them a top target for serious offshore anglers. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when the water clarity is at its best.
Red Snapper remain the most sought-after bottom fish in the Gulf, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious on the plate. During open season, we target them over hard bottom and artificial reefs where they stack up in good numbers. They're structure-oriented fish that require precise boat positioning and quality bottom rigs. A good Red Snapper will test your drag and your patience, but the reward is worth every minute of the fight.
Gag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, pulling straight down with enough power to surprise first-time grouper anglers. These fish live in caves and under ledges, making them a challenge to land on anything but heavy tackle. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit live bait, cut bait, and even large jigs when worked properly. What makes Gags special is their size potential - while most run 5-15 pounds, the big ones can push 30 pounds or more. They're excellent table fare and a favorite target for experienced bottom fishermen.
Summer fishing in Destin doesn't last forever, and the best dates fill up fast with both locals and visiting anglers who know what these waters can produce. This six-hour trip with Misa Charters gives you the perfect taste of Gulf Coast fishing without burning your whole vacation day. Whether you're after bragging rights, dinner, or just some quality time on the water with good people, this trip delivers on all fronts. The boat's comfortable, the crew knows these waters inside and out, and the fishing speaks for itself. Don't let another summer slip by watching other people's fish photos on social media - get out there and make some memories of your own.
Meet the Misa, a custom-built 60-foot Blackwell yacht that's your ticket to Destin's best offshore fishing grounds. This Coast Guard-approved beauty was crafted in Wanchese, NC, and designed for serious anglers who want comfort and performance in equal measure. With room for up to 6 passengers, she's built for high-speed runs to the deep water where the big fish live. The Misa comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing Grouper, Red Snapper, and Mahi Mahi - from advanced fish finders and GPS to radar for those hazy Gulf mornings. When you're not working the lines, kick back with the multimedia system, grab a cold drink from the refrigerator, or escape the Florida sun with full air conditioning. The spacious flybridge gives you prime spotting position for birds and bait schools, while the onboard kitchen, bed, and toilet mean you're covered for the full 6-hour adventure. Whether you're trolling the blue water or dropping bottom rigs on the reef, this yacht puts you in prime position to make the most of Destin's legendary summer fishing season.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the colorful speedsters of the offshore world, averaging 15-30 pounds with that distinctive golden glow and electric blues. They're surface dwellers that love hanging around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in the open blue water. Peak season runs May through September when they're thick in our summer waters. What makes them a blast? They fight hard, jump high, and put on a light show when you bring them boatside - those colors are something else. Plus, the meat is top-shelf with a mild, sweet flavor that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, look for the school - mahi travel in groups, so keep a second rod ready. Work the area with small lures or live bait while you're fighting the first fish.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, averaging 20 inches but growing to monster size - we've seen 50+ pounders. They live around rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 60-300 feet, always near structure where they can ambush prey. Summer months are prime when they're active and feeding heavy on crabs and baitfish. What makes gags special is their pure power - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight into the rocks. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, flaky white meat. My advice: use heavy tackle with 40+ pound line and circle hooks. The moment you feel that thump, lock the drag and horse them up - don't give them a chance to reach cover or you'll lose them every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that run 15-40 pounds on average, though we've seen them hit 90+ pounds. These silver rockets with olive backs love to cruise the 40-150 foot depths around structure and drop-offs. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're actively feeding on our abundant baitfish. What makes them special? Pure speed - they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost any fish out there. The meat's excellent too, with firm white flesh that grills perfectly. Here's a local trick: use a dual-hook rig with wire leader since their razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Hook your live bait through the nose with the first hook, then let the second treble dangle near the tail - kings love to hit from behind.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing, typically running 2-8 pounds with some reaching 20+ pounds. These bright red fighters live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Summer season (June-July) is when we can target them legally, making every trip count. They're popular because they fight hard for their size, diving straight for structure to break you off, and the meat is absolutely incredible - sweet, firm, and perfect for any recipe. The key to landing snapper is having your drag locked down tight and pulling them up fast once hooked. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, but don't let them get back to the rocks or you'll be retying.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the fastest fish we chase, hitting speeds up to 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies. Most run 3-5 feet and 20-50 pounds, though giants over 100 exist. They patrol the open blue water and edges, usually in 60+ feet around structure. July through November is our hot time when they're moving through in good numbers. What sets them apart? That blistering initial run will test your drag system like nothing else. The meat's premium too - white, flaky, and mild with zero fishy taste. Here's the key: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. Their razor teeth will cut through anything else. Use high-speed lures like bullet heads or diving plugs, and when one hits, hang on tight - they don't give up easy.
Destin, FL