Extended Full Day Guided Fishing In Destin
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day combo trolling and bottom fishing adventureTarget Red Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack with expert crewAccommodates up to 6 guests with professional equipment provided
If you're serious about fishing and want to make the most of your time on the water, this extended full day combo trip is exactly what you need. MyChance Charters runs a tight operation here in Destin, combining the best of both worlds with trolling runs and bottom fishing action. You'll spend quality time working the deeper structures where the big grouper hang out, then switch gears to pull lines offshore for pelagic species. This isn't a casual half-day trip - it's designed for anglers who want to put in the work and see real results. With a skilled crew that knows these waters inside and out, you'll hit the productive spots while other boats are still figuring out where to start.
This combo approach gives you the best shot at filling your cooler with quality fish. The day typically starts early, heading out to the prime bottom fishing spots where Red Snapper and Gag Grouper are holding tight to structure. You'll be using heavy tackle and circle hooks, dropping baits down to depths where the big fish live. The crew knows exactly which ledges and rocks hold fish, and they'll put you on them. After working the bottom for a few hours, you'll transition to trolling mode, covering water while targeting King Mackerel and other fast-moving species. The boat can handle up to six anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to work without getting tangled up. All the gear is top-rated stuff - no cheap tackle that'll fail when you hook into something good. The crew stays busy keeping baits fresh, lines in the water, and helping with the fight when you're hooked up.
The beauty of this extended trip is the variety of techniques you'll use throughout the day. Bottom fishing here means heavy weights, strong leaders, and the patience to work structure properly. You'll be fishing in 60-120 feet of water most of the time, using whole baits and cut bait to tempt the snappers and groupers off the bottom. The crew runs quality reels with smooth drags - essential when you're pulling fish up from depth. For the trolling portion, expect to run a spread of lures and live baits behind the boat, covering different depths in the water column. King Mackerel love the area's bait schools, and the crew knows how to present lures that get their attention. They'll adjust speeds, depths, and lure selection based on conditions and what's working that day. Circle hooks are standard for bottom fishing, which means better hookups and easier releases when needed. The boat's fish finder and GPS keep you on productive bottom, while the crew's local knowledge puts you ahead of the crowd.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing in these waters, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious on the table. They typically run 5-15 pounds in this area, with bigger fish possible on the right day. Red Snapper season runs during specific dates set by regulations, but when they're open, this is prime territory. They hold tight to hard bottom and structure, often in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. What makes them special is their fighting ability - they'll use every bit of structure to try and break you off, making each hookup a real battle.
Gag Grouper are another favorite target that keeps anglers coming back. These fish are masters of their environment, using caves and ledges to their advantage. They can reach impressive sizes, with fish in the 10-30 pound range being common catches. Gags are year-round residents, but they're most active during cooler months when they move shallow to spawn. The fight is intense but different from snappers - grouper use their bulk and the structure to try and cut your line, requiring steady pressure and a good drag system. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
King Mackerel bring the speed and excitement that makes trolling so addictive. These fish are pure aggression, hitting lures at high speed and making blistering runs that'll test your tackle. Kings in this area typically range from 10-40 pounds, with bigger fish showing up during their migration periods in spring and fall. They're sight feeders that respond to flashy lures and well-presented live baits. The initial run is spectacular, often including jumps and long sprints away from the boat. What's really exciting is their unpredictability - you never know when a big king might crush your bait and take you into your backing.
Grey Triggerfish might not get the same press as snappers and grouper, but they're scrappy fighters that'll surprise you. These fish have strong jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so they can be tough to hook solidly. They're most active during warmer months and tend to school around structure. Triggers fight with a side-to-side motion that feels different from other species, and they're surprisingly strong for their size. They're also underrated on the dinner table, with sweet, firm meat that many anglers overlook.
Atlantic Bonito are speed demons that show up when conditions are right, usually during cooler months. They're smaller than kings but make up for it with pure energy, often jumping repeatedly when hooked. Bonito travel in schools and feed aggressively on bait schools, creating exciting topwater action. They're excellent light tackle fish and provide great action when the bigger species aren't cooperating. While not everyone keeps bonito for the table, they're fantastic for those who appreciate their unique flavor and firm texture.
This extended full day trip gives you the time and variety to really make your Destin fishing experience count. You're not rushing through techniques or leaving fish biting - you've got the hours to work different spots and methods until you find what's working. The crew's expertise combined with quality gear
Step aboard this fully restored 30-foot Black Watch sportfishing boat and get ready for some serious action in Destin's productive waters. Twin 225HP Cummins engines power you quickly to the best fishing spots, while the onboard fish finder helps locate where the Grouper and Red Snapper are holding. This 1992 vessel got a complete makeover in 2007 and comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with an icebox for your catch and cold drinks, plus a toilet and sleeping area for those long days chasing fish. GPS and radar keep you on course whether you're working deep structures or trolling the offshore grounds. The experienced crew knows exactly where to find Amberjack and other seasonal species, making this the perfect platform for anglers who want to cover water and put quality fish in the cooler.
Sarda SardaBonito are the action fish that turn slow days into non-stop excitement. These 2-4 pound silver rockets with black stripes might not be huge, but they school up in the hundreds and hit anything you throw. We find them in 20-100 feet chasing baitfish on the surface - look for diving birds to spot the feeding frenzies. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when water temps drop into the 60s. What makes bonito special is the sheer numbers and speed - when you find a school, every rod on the boat can be bent. They're not great eating here, but they make excellent live bait for bigger game. The trick is moving fast once you locate them. Small metal jigs or plastic lures work great, and don't worry about being subtle - when they're feeding, they'll hit almost anything that moves.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - averaging 20 inches but capable of hitting 40+ pounds when mature. These gray, mottled fish love hiding in rocky structure, wrecks, and drop-offs in 60-200 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best shots at them when they're more active and feeding heavy. What makes gags fun is the initial fight - they'll try to drag your bait straight back into their hole, so you better be ready to muscle them out. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The males turn darker and get more territorial as they age. Here's the key: once you hook one, lock that drag and don't give them an inch. Keep your rod low and pull hard immediately - if they get back to their hole, you're done.
Balistes CapriscusTriggers are the scrappy underdogs that'll surprise you with their attitude. These gray, leather-skinned fish average 12-17 inches but pack serious fight in a compact package. They hang around hard bottom, ledges, and reefs in 30-180 feet, using their tough hides to wedge into tight spots when threatened. Summer months are prime time when they're most active. What makes triggers interesting is their personality - they're curious, aggressive, and will steal bait right from under bigger fish. Plus they're great eating once you get past the tough skin. Their beak-like mouths and sharp teeth can crunch sea urchins, so respect those choppers. Here's the trick: use small chunks of squid on a tight line. Triggers are notorious bait nibblers, so keep tension and set the hook fast when you feel that first tap.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons of the Gulf, hitting 30+ pounds regularly and capable of blazing 40 mph runs that'll test your drag. These silver torpedoes with olive backs cruise the 40-150 foot range, but we find the bigger ones closer to shore around structure. Peak season runs April through October when water temps hit the 70s-80s they love. What gets people hooked on kings is that initial screaming run - nothing quite like watching 200 yards of line disappear in seconds. They're also solid eating if you bleed them right away. Kings hunt in schools, so where you find one, there's usually more. Pro tip: rig with a wire leader and two hooks - one through the nose of your live bait, another trailing behind. Kings often hit the tail first, and that stinger hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize catch most folks dream about down here in Destin. These bright red beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. They hang out around structure in 30-200 feet - wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom where they can ambush baitfish. Best fishing runs May through October when they're spawning and more aggressive. What makes them special? They fight hard, diving for cover the second they feel the hook. Plus, you won't find better eating - mild, flaky white meat that's restaurant-quality. Local tip: when you drop down cigar minnows or squid, let it hit bottom then reel up just a foot. Snapper often grab bait right off the deck, and that slight lift triggers their strike instinct.
Destin, Florida