Gulf of Mexico Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
5hour offshore Gulf fishing targeting premium species like Wahoo and TunaProfessional tackle and gear provided aboard chartered vesselSmall group experience accommodating maximum 6 guests
Get ready for some serious offshore action with No Alibi Fishing Charter's 5-hour Gulf of Mexico fishing trip. We're talking about hitting the deep blue waters where the big boys live – Wahoo that'll peel line off your reel, Tuna built like torpedoes, and Mahi that fight like they've got something to prove. This isn't your typical bay fishing trip. We're heading out to where the continental shelf drops off and the water turns that beautiful cobalt blue that makes every angler's heart race. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows when the bite gets hot.
This early morning departure puts you in prime position to capitalize on the dawn bite when pelagic species are most active. The Gulf of Mexico off Destin is world-class fishing territory, and we're not just talking about catching dinner here – we're talking about battles that'll have your arms burning and your drag screaming. The water out there can range from emerald green nearshore to that deep indigo blue where the real monsters cruise. You'll be fishing in 100 to 800 feet of water depending on what's biting and where the bait is holding. The early start means cooler temperatures and often calmer seas, plus you'll be back at the dock before the afternoon heat really kicks in. Don't worry about bringing tackle – we've got you covered with high-quality rods, reels, and everything else you need to tangle with these Gulf coast legends.
We run a spread of trolling lures and live bait that's proven deadly on these waters. Think high-speed trolling for Wahoo with wire leaders and jet heads, slower trolling spreads for Mahi and Tuna using ballyhoo and cedar plugs, and when we find structure or weed lines, we'll switch it up with live bait fishing. The boat carries commercial-grade tackle that can handle anything from 20-pound Mahi to 100-pound Bluefin. We're talking Penn International reels spooled with quality line, Shimano rods that won't fold under pressure, and enough terminal tackle to keep you fishing even when the toothy critters are cutting you off. Circle hooks are standard for conservation, and we'll show you the proper techniques for fighting these powerful fish without breaking them off. When trolling, we typically pull 4-6 lines at various depths and distances to cover the water column effectively.
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish as they're officially known, are absolute crowd-pleasers and for good reason. These fish are pure energy wrapped in brilliant gold and green colors that'll take your breath away when they come boat-side. Mahi typically run anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds in these waters, though bull dolphins can push 50 pounds or more. They love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, and once you hook into a school, the action can be non-stop. Spring through fall offers the best Mahi fishing, with peak action from May through September. What makes them so special is their acrobatic fighting style – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, capable of hitting 60 mph and making runs that'll test your equipment and your nerve. These fish are built for speed with their streamlined bodies and razor-sharp teeth. Most Wahoo caught here range from 20 to 60 pounds, but monsters over 80 pounds cruise these waters. Fall and winter months tend to produce the best Wahoo fishing when water temperatures start to drop. The strike is explosive – one second your lure is swimming along peacefully, the next second your reel is singing and line is disappearing at an alarming rate. Their initial run is legendary among offshore anglers, and many consider Wahoo the ultimate test of drag settings and angler skill.
Great Barracuda bring serious attitude to the fight, and these toothy predators are found year-round in the Gulf. They're ambush hunters with lightning-fast strikes and a mouth full of teeth that can slice through lighter leaders like butter. Most Barracuda here run 10 to 30 pounds, though giants over 40 pounds are caught regularly. They're particularly active around structure, weed lines, and bait schools. What makes them exciting is their unpredictable nature – they might follow a lure for hundreds of yards before striking, or they might appear out of nowhere and absolutely demolish your bait.
Crevalle Jack are the bullies of the Gulf – pound for pound, these fish fight harder than almost anything else out there. They might not win beauty contests, but they'll earn your respect real quick when you tie into a 20 to 40-pounder. These fish are found year-round and are particularly abundant in warmer months. They school up around bait and structure, and when you find them, you've often found them in numbers. Their fighting style is all about power – deep, stubborn runs that'll make you question your gear choices.
Bluefin Tuna represent the ultimate prize for many offshore anglers. These are the fish that separate the weekend warriors from the serious offshore crowd. Gulf Bluefin can range from 30-pound schoolies to giants over 200 pounds. They're most commonly encountered during cooler months, particularly December through March. Their fighting ability is legendary – combining raw power with endurance that can test even experienced anglers. A quality Bluefin will make multiple deep runs, often heading straight down toward the bottom, and the fight can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the size of the fish and the tackle used.
The Gulf of Mexico off Destin offers some of the most consistent offshore fishing
Step aboard this fully-equipped offshore fishing machine designed to handle the Gulf's deep waters with ease. This spacious motorboat comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything needed for a successful day chasing Wahoo, Tuna, and Red Snapper in Destin's rich fishing grounds. The advanced fish finder and GPS will help locate the hottest spots, while the flybridge gives you perfect visibility to spot diving birds and baitfish activity. When you need a break from fighting fish, cool off with the air conditioning, grab a cold drink from the refrigerator, or prep your catch in the onboard kitchen. The radar ensures safe navigation even when Gulf fog rolls in, and the ice box keeps your prized catches fresh for the trip home. With a comfortable bed and toilet onboard, you can focus entirely on landing trophy fish during this 5-hour adventure in some of Florida's most productive offshore waters.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the ultimate trophy fish - massive, powerful, and built for speed. These giants average 6.5 feet and 550 pounds but can double that size. They roam deep offshore waters but come into the Gulf to spawn April through June. The fight is legendary - expect screaming surface runs and deep dives that'll test heavy tackle. The meat is world-class sashimi quality. Mornings and evenings produce the best bites around deep structure and feeding areas. Heavy tackle is essential - these fish don't quit easily. Try trolling herring or chunking near oil rigs. Remember, they're federally managed, so know your regulations and reporting requirements before targeting them.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are stunning fish that put on quite a show with their bright golden sides and electric blue-green backs. They average 15-29 pounds and about 39 inches, but can get much bigger. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and structure in open water. Spring through fall gives us the best action here in Destin. What makes them so popular is that wild fight - they jump, run, and change colors like a light show when hooked. Plus, the meat is fantastic - firm, white, and mild. Pro tip: when you see frigate birds working floating debris, get your ballyhoo ready and troll right through that area. The mahi underneath are usually fired up and ready to eat.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bullies of the Gulf, averaging 3-5 pounds but growing up to 60. These brassy-colored bruisers love shallow grass beds, reefs, and around oil rigs. They school up year-round but spring and summer offer the hottest action. What makes them special is their raw power - pound for pound, few fish fight harder. They're not prized for eating, but the battle is worth it. Look for diving birds - jacks push baitfish to the surface while birds attack from above. Cast silver spoons or swimbaits past the school and retrieve fast. They love the chase. Some anglers swear they smell like watermelon when feeding - weird but true.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are aggressive predators that can reach 6 feet and swim 35 mph through nearshore reefs and grass flats. They're most active during spring spawning season but bite year-round in our warm Gulf waters. These silver torpedoes with razor teeth hunt by sight around structure, making them perfect for sight fishing. What draws anglers is their explosive strike and tenacious fight, though they tire quickly. They're not great table fare due to possible ciguatera, but the action is addictive. Here's the key - they're attracted to shiny objects and fast-moving baits, so cast past them and retrieve quickly. Just watch those teeth when landing one - always use a net and gloves.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, hitting 60 mph in bursts with their torpedo-shaped bodies and razor teeth. They typically run 3-5 feet long but can reach 8 feet. You'll find them around oil rigs and deep water structure, usually in the top 66 feet. Fall and winter are prime time here in Destin when they move closer to shore. These fish are pure adrenaline - screaming runs that'll test your drag and some of the best eating you'll find. The white, flaky meat is sweet and delicate. My go-to trick is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their teeth will slice through anything else. When you hook one, hold on tight.
Destin, FL