6-Hour Gulf Fishing Trip from Destin
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing adventure from DestinAll equipment and licenses provided by experienced captainSmall group experience with maximum six guests aboard
When you're looking for a solid day of offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, this 6-hour charter with No Alibi Fishing Charter hits all the right notes. You'll be targeting some of the Gulf's most prized gamefish while cruising the emerald waters that make Destin famous among serious anglers. The captain provides all your gear and licenses, so you just need to show up with your cooler packed and ready to fish. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for families, friends, or anyone wanting to experience what makes Destin one of the top fishing destinations on the Gulf Coast.
Your day starts at Destin's harbor, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on the game plan. The boat heads out into the Gulf, usually running 15-30 miles offshore depending on where the fish are biting and what the conditions look like. You'll be fishing in depths ranging from 100 to 300 feet, where the bigger pelagics cruise and feed. The Gulf waters off Destin are known for their clarity and structure, with plenty of underwater ledges, artificial reefs, and drop-offs that hold fish year-round. Your captain will read the water, watch for bird activity, and use fish finders to locate the best spots. Expect to move around during the trip – that's how you find where the action is. The Gulf can be choppy or glass-calm depending on the weather, but either way, you'll be fishing in some of the most productive waters in the northern Gulf.
This charter runs a mix of trolling and bottom fishing techniques to maximize your chances with different species. When trolling, you'll be pulling spreads of ballyhoo, artificial lures, and diving plugs behind the boat at varying depths and distances. The captain will set up a proper trolling pattern with outriggers and flat lines, covering water efficiently while targeting pelagics like mahi, wahoo, and cobia. For the amberjack and other bottom dwellers, you'll switch to heavy tackle and drop baits down to structure. Live bait works great when available, but cut bait and jigs are equally effective. The tackle provided includes conventional reels spooled with heavy line – you'll need it for the bigger fish that call these waters home. Circle hooks are standard for most applications, and the captain will handle rigging and bait preparation so you can focus on fighting fish.
Greater Amberjack are the bread and butter of Destin offshore fishing, and for good reason. These powerful bottom dwellers typically run 20-50 pounds, with some real bruisers pushing 60-plus. They live around wrecks, reefs, and ledges, usually in 80-200 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action, though they bite year-round in the Gulf. When you hook an AJ, get ready for a serious fight – they'll head straight for the bottom and test every bit of your tackle. What makes them special is their relentless pull and the way they use structure to their advantage.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as locals often call them, are pure excitement on light tackle. These colorful fish travel in schools and put on an aerial show when hooked. They typically run 5-20 pounds in these waters, with occasional bull mahi reaching 30-40 pounds. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, especially when water temperatures climb above 75 degrees. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or anywhere baitfish are concentrated. Their aggressive feeding behavior and acrobatic fights make them a favorite among anglers of all skill levels.
Wahoo are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and tackle. These torpedo-shaped predators can reach 40+ mph and typically weigh 15-40 pounds in Gulf waters. They're most active during cooler months, from fall through early spring, when they move closer to shore following baitfish. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and make blistering runs when hooked. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or making sashimi.
Great Barracuda are aggressive predators that'll hit almost anything that moves. These toothy fish typically range from 10-25 pounds and are known for their explosive strikes and impressive jumps. They're active year-round in the Gulf, especially around structure and drop-offs. While they're catch-and-release for many anglers due to ciguatera concerns in larger fish, they provide exciting action and are great for getting kids or novice anglers into fish.
Cobia are one of the most prized catches in the Gulf, and for good reason. These brown sharks, as they're nicknamed, typically run 20-50 pounds and are fantastic table fare. They're curious fish that often swim up to the boat for a look, giving anglers a chance at sight fishing. Peak season runs from spring through early fall, when they're cruising shallow waters and following rays. Cobia are strong fighters that make long runs and are known for their stamina. They're also one of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Six hours on the water gives you serious time to work different techniques and find where the fish are biting. The Gulf of Mexico off Destin consistently produces quality catches, and with an experienced captain who knows these waters, you're setting yourself up for success. Whether you're after your first amberjack, looking to check wahoo off your bucket list, or just want to spend a day fishing some of the Gulf Coast's best waters, this charter delivers. The boat's equipped, the captain's ready, and the fish are out there – all that's missing is you. Book your trip and get ready to see why Destin's offshore fishing keeps anglers coming back year after year.
This fully-equipped motorboat is your floating fishing headquarters for chasing Gulf species off Destin's coast. The spacious vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with a flybridge that gives you perfect sight lines to spot feeding fish and diving birds. Down below, you'll find air conditioning to escape the Florida sun, plus a kitchen and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The fish finder and GPS will put you right on top of productive waters, while radar keeps you safe if weather rolls in. When you need a break between bites, there's a comfortable bed and full bathroom onboard. The captain knows these Gulf waters inside and out and provides all your gear and licenses, so just bring your appetite for adventure and cooler full of snacks. Whether you're targeting red snapper, grouper, or whatever's running, this boat has everything needed for a successful day on the water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown submarines of the Gulf - dark, powerful fish that cruise solo around structure. These guys average 20-40 pounds but can easily hit 60+, and they're built like footballs with serious pulling power. We spot them around buoys, rigs, and reefs in 30-100 feet, usually cruising just under the surface. Late spring through summer is peak season during their migration. Guests love cobia because they're sight-fishing targets that eat well and fight hard with long, steady runs. Plus, the meat is top-shelf - firm, white, and some of the best eating in the Gulf. Here's what works: bucktail jigs in any color, but keep them moving. Cobia are curious but spooky, so make your presentation count on the first cast.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish we catch - bright gold sides with electric blue and green that literally glow underwater. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ out in deeper water. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, usually in 100-300 feet. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're thick out there. Guests love mahi because they fight hard, jump like crazy, and make some of the best eating you'll find - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. The color show they put on when you bring them to the boat is something else too. My go-to tip: when trolling, make your baits skip on the surface. Mahi go nuts for anything that looks like flying fish, so the more commotion the better.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the wolves of the reef - long, silver, and armed with a mouth full of razor teeth. They typically run 2-4 feet but can push 6 feet and over 100 pounds. You'll find them around structure, grass flats, and reef edges in 10-60 feet of water. Spring and summer are best when they're most active and aggressive. Guests enjoy them because they're visual hunters that'll attack with explosive strikes, plus they put up a solid scrap with short bursts of speed. The fight's intense but brief - they don't have much stamina. Fair warning though, we usually release them since the meat can carry toxins. My tip: use wire leaders and watch your hands around the boat. They'll keep snapping even when they look done, and those teeth can do serious damage.
Seriola dumeriliThese bluish-grey bruisers are some of the toughest fighters you'll hook in the Gulf. Amberjacks typically run 20-40 pounds, but we've seen monsters push 60+ pounds out here. They love hanging around structure - oil rigs, reefs, and wrecks in 60-150 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best shots, especially when water temps hit the 70s. What makes guests love targeting them is that initial run - they'll peel line like crazy and test your drag. The meat's excellent too, firm white fillets that grill perfectly. One tip I always share: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack. They'll head straight for structure to cut you off, so be ready to muscle them away from those barnacle-covered rig legs.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf - these silver bullets can hit 60 mph and will test your drag system. Most run 20-50 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and razor teeth. We target them around structure and blue water, usually in 100+ feet during the cooler months when they're most active. What guests love is that screaming first run and the quality meat - it's mild, flaky, and perfect on the grill. They're called "ono" in Hawaii, which means delicious, and that says it all. The fight is quick but intense since they burn out fast. Here's my trick: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their teeth will cut through anything else. When one hits, it's usually at full speed, so keep your drag tight and be ready for that initial sprint.
Destin, FL