5.0(6 Reviews)Charter Fishing Destin | Private 4 to 6 Hour Trip
5.0(6 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Early morning departure targeting offshore fishing grounds 25 miles outPopular 4-6 hour charter accommodating up to 6 guests maximumSpecies targeted based on current open fishing seasons
When you want to get serious about fishing the Gulf waters around Destin, this private charter with Only Way Fishing Charters is where you need to be. We're talking about their most popular trip for good reason - it's perfectly timed to hit the prime feeding windows, runs you out to productive offshore waters, and gives you the best shot at filling your cooler with quality fish. This isn't some cookie-cutter fishing trip where you're packed in with strangers. You get the whole boat for your group of up to six anglers, plus a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand.
Your day kicks off early with a 5:30 to 6:00 a.m. departure from the dock. Yeah, it's an early start, but that's when the fish are most active and the Gulf is typically at its calmest. The crew will have you running about 25 miles offshore to reach the prime fishing grounds - that's where the structure, current breaks, and deeper water hold the big fish you're after. The trip runs 4 to 6 hours depending on how the fish are biting and what species are in season, usually getting you back to the dock around noon. Perfect timing to beat the afternoon heat and still have the rest of your day free. The boat holds up to six anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the family, a group of buddies, or treating clients to a day on the water, everyone has room to fish without getting in each other's way.
The crew provides all the gear you need - heavy-duty rods and reels that can handle big Gulf fish, along with terminal tackle suited to whatever species you're targeting. Depending on the season and what's biting, you'll be using techniques like bottom fishing over structure for snapper and grouper, trolling for pelagics like wahoo and cobia, or vertical jigging when the amberjack are schooled up. The captain and crew read the conditions daily and adjust tactics accordingly. They know which reefs, wrecks, and ledges are producing, and they're constantly monitoring fish finders and GPS to put you on the most active spots. You don't need to bring anything except your Florida fishing license, food and drinks for the day, and maybe some seasickness medication if you're prone to that. The boat is equipped with all the safety gear, ice for your catch, and cleaning facilities.
"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 some of the hardest fighting fish in the Gulf, and they're what separate the serious anglers from the weekend warriors. These bruisers typically run 20 to 60 pounds around Destin's offshore structure, with bigger fish pushing 80 pounds or more. They school up around wrecks, reefs, and artificial structure in 80 to 200 feet of water. When you hook into an AJ, you know it immediately - they make blistering runs straight down toward the bottom, testing your drag and your arms. Best fishing for amberjack is typically spring through early summer before the closure period, then again in fall. They're aggressive feeders and will hit both live bait and jigs.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, capable of hitting 60 mph and making screaming runs that can empty your reel in seconds. Around Destin, wahoo typically show up in fall and winter months when the water temperature drops, usually running 15 to 40 pounds with occasional fish topping 50. They're primarily caught trolling high-speed lures or live bait around structure and current edges in 100+ feet of water. The strike is explosive, and the initial run is something every angler should experience at least once. Plus, wahoo are absolutely delicious on the table - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Cobia are one of the most versatile and exciting fish to target around Destin. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are curious fish that often follow rays, sharks, and even the boat. They average 20 to 50 pounds but can grow much larger, with 60 to 80-pound fish not uncommon. Spring migration brings massive schools through Destin's waters, usually March through May, making for some of the most consistent cobia fishing on the Gulf Coast. They're sight fishing targets much of the time - you can actually see them swimming near the surface and cast directly to them. Cobia are also fantastic table fare with a taste similar to shark but firmer texture.
Red Snapper are the
Meet the Reel Adventure, your ticket to serious offshore action in Destin waters! This 45-foot Hatteras sportfisher got a complete makeover in 2020 and she's ready to hunt. Twin 660HP Cummins diesels push her to 35 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast so you spend more time with lines in the water. Built for comfort during those long battles with big fish - full air conditioning keeps you cool between strikes, plus a real galley, head, and even a bunk if someone needs a break. The flybridge gives you perfect sight lines to spot diving birds and surface action. Modern electronics include GPS, radar, and fish finders to put you right on top of the bite. Perfect for up to 6 anglers who want the real deal. When you're 25 miles offshore at dawn watching your outriggers dance in the Gulf swells, you'll know you picked the right boat. The crew knows these waters and where the fish stack up depending on the season.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are curious fish that often get mistaken for sharks due to their brown color and dorsal fin, but they're actually fantastic table fare averaging 20-40 pounds. These guys love hanging around structure like buoys, wrecks, and platforms in 30-100 feet of water. Spring through early fall is prime time when they're cruising near the surface. What's fun about cobia is their inquisitive nature - they'll actually swim up to the boat to check you out. The fight is strong and steady, and the meat rivals any fish in the Gulf with its firm, white texture. They're usually solitary, so when you spot one, get a bait down quick. My tip: look for that dark shadow just under the surface, and don't spook them with sudden movements.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are ambush predators that average 5-15 pounds, with some reaching 30+ pounds around our offshore structure. These mottled gray fish love rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 60-200 feet where they can hide and wait for prey. Peak season is typically fall and winter when grouper season is open. What makes them exciting is that initial hit and powerful run straight for the bottom - it's like hooking a freight train. The meat is excellent, firm and white with a mild flavor that's perfect for any preparation. They're smart fish that will try every trick to get back to their hole. Here's the deal: once you feel that thump, lock down the drag and pump them up immediately. Give them any slack and they'll dive into the rocks and you'll never see them again.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are one of the Gulf's strongest fighters, averaging 30-40 pounds but capable of reaching 6 feet and 80+ pounds. These powerful fish have distinctive amber stripes and prefer deeper structure like oil rigs, wrecks, and ledges in 80-200 feet of water. Peak season runs April through October when they're most active around our offshore spots. What makes them special is that bulldogging fight - they'll test your tackle and endurance every time. The meat is excellent when properly prepared, with firm white flesh that's perfect for grilling. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack - they'll use that amber-colored head to dive straight for the nearest structure and break you off every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the Gulf's most prized bottom fish, typically running 2-5 pounds with some reaching 20+ pounds. These bright red beauties live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. When the federal season opens, usually summer months, it's some of the best fishing we see all year. What guests love is the steady tug-of-war fight and that incredible table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're smart fish that will test your drag on the way up, often trying to cut your line on structure. The key is using circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and once you hook up, keep steady pressure. Don't horse them - let the drag do the work and you'll boat more fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, hitting 60 mph and averaging 20-40 pounds with some reaching 6 feet. These blue-striped rockets cruise the open water 25+ miles offshore, often around floating debris or current breaks. Best fishing is July through November when they're moving through our area. What hooks anglers is that blistering initial run - nothing prepares you for a wahoo's first surge. Plus, the meat is outstanding - firm, white, and mild with almost no fishy taste. They're called "ono" in Hawaii, meaning delicious, for good reason. Here's the key: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor teeth will slice through anything else. When you see that telltale blue flash, hang on tight.
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...
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