5.0(6 Reviews)Charter Fishing Destin | Private 4-6 Hour Trip
5.0(6 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Early morning departure targeting offshore fishing grounds 25 miles outPopular charter accommodating up to 6 guests on private vesselSeasonal species targeting based on current open fishing regulations
If you're serious about getting into some quality fish in the Gulf of Mexico, this private charter out of Destin is exactly what you need. Only Way Fishing Charters runs their most popular trip with good reason – it consistently puts anglers on fish while targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species. You'll be fishing with a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand, heading out to proven fishing grounds about 25 miles offshore where the big ones live.
Your fishing day starts early with a dock departure between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m., getting you to the productive waters while conditions are prime and before other boats crowd the spots. The run out takes you roughly 25 miles into the Gulf, where the water gets that deep blue color and the bottom structure holds the fish you're after. You'll be back at the dock around noon, giving you plenty of time to clean your catch and still have an afternoon. This trip accommodates up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for families, groups of friends, or corporate outings. The crew adjusts their tactics based on what's biting and what seasons are open, so you're always fishing for legal, in-season species that are actively feeding.
The beauty of fishing Destin's offshore waters is the variety of techniques you'll use depending on what's biting. The crew runs a mix of bottom fishing over structure for grouper and snapper, trolling for pelagic species like wahoo and cobia, and live bait fishing when the amberjack are schooled up. You'll fish different depths throughout the trip – sometimes dropping baits to the bottom in 80-120 feet of water, other times working the mid-water column or near the surface. The boat carries quality tackle suited for these species, from heavy conventional reels for bottom fishing to lighter spinning gear when the situation calls for it. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing – the crew will walk you through each technique and make sure you're comfortable with the gear before you start fishing.
"The boat and crew were awesome, very professional and knew how to get on the fish. Also very compassionate as we had a young man get sick and Mike was great making sure he was taken care of! We had a blast and limited out quick! Will definitely be back on the boat (The Only Way)." - James
"The best sea fishing experience I've had by far. Incredibly friendly, funny, and helpful crew, and a fantastic/ very clean boat! 10/10 would recommend if you're looking for the time of your life in Destin." - Colton
"Great time and great fishing. Captain Curt not only cared about safety but comfort too. With a storm coming we headed back in till it passed and offloaded a few members that didn't want to go back out. When it cleared we headed back out. We got everything we wAnted out of the trip I got two good fights in on a king mackerel and a large bull shark. And we pulled in tasty snapper and a delicious Cobia along with others. Catching bait fish the deckhand made it extra fun for my five year old dropping a few off the hooks so she could pick them up. These guys turned a not so great start into an awesome day. We will be booking and using again soon!!" - Darin
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the Gulf, and they're one of the most exciting fish you'll tangle with on this trip. These powerful fish typically run 20-50 pounds, though bigger ones lurk around the deeper structure. They feed aggressively from spring through fall, with peak action usually in late spring and early summer. When you hook into a big AJ, get ready for a serious fight – they'll make long, powerful runs and try to wrap you around whatever structure they can find. The key is keeping steady pressure and not letting them get back to their home. Amberjack are also fantastic table fare when prepared right, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Wahoo are pure speed and teeth, making them one of the most exciting catches in the Gulf. These torpedo-shaped fish can reach speeds over 60 mph and typically range from 15-40 pounds in these waters, though monsters over 60 pounds do get caught. They're most active during cooler months, from October through March, when they move closer to shore chasing bait. Wahoo have a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth and a habit of making blistering runs that will test your drag and your nerves. Their meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean – white, flaky, and mild with no fishy taste whatsoever.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the nearshore waters, and they're absolutely fun to catch. These brown, shark-looking fish are curious by nature and often swim right up to the boat to investigate. They average 20-40 pounds but can get much larger, with fish over 50 pounds caught regularly in Destin waters. Spring and fall are prime cobia seasons, when they're moving along the coast in good numbers. What makes cobia special is their fight – they don't make screaming runs like wahoo, but they pull hard and steady, making multiple runs toward the bottom. Plus, they're outstanding eating with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and when the season is open, they're the fish everyone wants to catch. These beautiful red fish are found around hard bottom, wrecks, and artificial reefs in 60-200 feet of water. They typically run 5-15 pounds, though bigger ones are always possible. Red snapper are structure-oriented fish that feed primarily during daylight hours
Get ready to hit the water aboard Reel Adventure, a classic 45-foot Hatteras that's been completely restored and ready to chase your next big catch. This beauty runs on twin 660HP Cummins engines that'll get you out to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at 35 knots when the fish are calling your name. You'll head out around dawn and spend your morning 25 miles offshore where the real action happens. The boat's loaded with everything serious anglers need - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold. When you need a break from the action, there's AC to cool off, a full kitchen, restroom, and even a bed if someone wants to grab a quick nap between bites. The flybridge gives you great visibility to spot birds working the water or that telltale splash in the distance. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and work different sides of the boat when the bite gets hot.
Rachycentron CanadumThese brown, shark-looking fish are loners that cruise near the surface around structure. Most run 20-40 pounds, but they can push 100 pounds and 6 feet. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 30-100 feet during spring and summer months. They're curious fish that will often come right up to the boat. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect - you can actually see them swimming and cast right to them. They fight hard with powerful runs and the meat is fantastic, firm and sweet. Best trick is using a bucktail jig in any color, but here's what matters: once you see one, stay calm and make an accurate cast. They spook easy, but if you put that jig right in front of them, they'll usually eat it.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisThese mottled gray groupers are ambush predators that hang around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 60-200+ feet. Most run 15-25 pounds, but they can reach 50+ pounds and live 30 years. Fall and winter are typically best when seasons are open. They're pure power - once hooked, a gag will try to drag your bait back to its cave and break you off on the rocks. Guests appreciate the challenge and the excellent eating - firm, white meat that's perfect for any preparation. We use live pinfish, cut bait, or heavy jigs around structure. The secret is keeping your drag locked tight from the moment you hook up. Don't give them an inch or they'll dive straight into a hole and you'll never get them out.
Seriola dumeriliThese powerful fish average around 39 pounds but can hit 6 feet and much heavier. You'll find them around our offshore structure - wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 60-200 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight dirty, trying to wrap your line around anything they can find. Spring through early summer gives you the best shot when they're most active. Guests love the challenge - amberjacks pull like freight trains and don't give up easy. The meat's solid too, though watch the size since bigger ones can carry ciguatera. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep that drag tight and pull straight up. Give them slack and they'll dive straight into the structure and cut you off every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusThe king of bottom fish, red snappers average 1-2 feet but can reach 3 feet and 35+ pounds. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 80-300 feet of water. Season runs summer months when regulations allow. These fish are pure fighters - they'll use every ounce of strength trying to get back to their rocky homes and will cut your line on structure if you let them. The payoff is worth it though - red snapper is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, flaky white meat. We fish them with heavy tackle, circle hooks, and fresh cut bait like cigar minnows. Key tip: soon as you feel that bite, lock down your drag and muscle them up fast. Give them time to think and they'll wrap you around a rock.
Acanthocybium SolandriOne of the fastest fish in the Gulf, wahoo can hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet long. These blue-striped rockets cruise open water and around floating debris, typically in 30-200 feet. Summer through fall is prime time here in Destin waters. What makes them special is the speed - when a wahoo hits your trolling lure at 15 knots, it's like getting struck by lightning. The fight is fast and furious with long screaming runs. Plus, the meat is outstanding - white, flaky, and mild. Perfect for tacos or grilling. Here's the key: use wire leaders because their razor teeth will slice through mono instantly. We troll fast with diving plugs and skirted ballyhoo, covering water until we find them moving.
5.0 out of 5.0The boat and crew were awesome, very professional and knew how to get on the fish. Also very compassionate as we had a young man g...
The best sea fishing experience I’ve had by far. Incredibly friendly, funny, and helpful crew, and a fantastic/ very clean boat! 1...
Great time fishing!! 24hr trip offshore The seas and the weather cooperated, but the swordfish did not. Highly recommend! I wil...
The best crew ever! Great time and lots of fish!
Great time and great fishing. Captain Curt not only cared about safety but comfort too. With a storm coming we headed back in till...
Great FAMILY FUN for all!! Captain Curt and his Mate Tom were extremely nice and interacted well with our kids. I recommend this p...
Destin