Charter Fishing in Destin Florida | Private Trip
When you're ready to push past the nearshore crowds and get serious about landing trophy fish, this 8 to 10-hour private charter is exactly what you need. We're talking about a full day offshore adventure that takes you into the deep blue waters of the Gulf where the real monsters live. This isn't your typical half-day tourist trip - it's designed for anglers who want to test their skills against some of Destin's most sought-after gamefish. With Captain Kurt and the crew from Only Way Fishing Charters, you'll have access to prime fishing grounds that most boats never reach, giving you the best shot at that fish-of-a-lifetime moment.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early when you meet the crew at the dock, but trust me, those pre-dawn hours are worth every minute when you're watching the sunrise from 20+ miles offshore. This private charter accommodates up to 6 anglers, so you're not fighting for rod time or dealing with strangers crowding your space. Captain Kurt runs a tight ship and knows these waters like the back of his hand - he's been putting clients on fish for years and has built a reputation for finding the bite when others come back empty-handed. The extended trip length gives you real flexibility to chase the fish wherever they're feeding, whether that means working the deep-water structure or following the bait schools as they move throughout the day. You'll cover serious ground during those 8 to 10 hours, hitting multiple spots and adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling you.
Techniques and Tackle
We're running heavy tackle on this trip because you never know when a big king or yellowfin is going to hammer your bait. The crew sets up a combination of trolling spreads and live bait fishing depending on conditions and target species. Trolling with large plugs and ballyhoo rigs covers water efficiently while you're moving between spots, and it's deadly effective for wahoo and king mackerel. When we find structure or bait concentrations, we'll switch to live bait fishing with goggle-eyes, blue runners, or whatever we can catch in the sabiki nets. The boat is rigged with downriggers and outriggers to maximize your spread, and all the tackle is commercial-grade stuff that can handle whatever you hook into. First Mate Tom will be there to help with everything from rigging baits to fighting fish, and he's got a knack for keeping everyone loose and having fun even during the slower periods.
Customer Stories
"We only had time to do the 4 hour trip but Mike and his awesome crew got us out there and on fish Rico yuck and non-stop. Highly recommend these guys!" - Donald
"We had a great time on this trip. First Mate Tom was so helpful and patient with our lack of experience. We still landed some awesome snapper and enjoyed every second." - Stacey
"My husband, 16 year old son, 15 year old son, and I went on a 6 hour fishing trip with a Captain Kurt and his first mate, Tom. They both were so nice and interacted very well with our boys. We had a blast and someone had a fish on the line at all times.. we have traveled the country fishing and this was by far the best experience yet! We will definitely be back! I recommend "Only Way" 100%." - Michelle
Species You'll Want to Hook
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Destin offshore fishing, and these silver bullets can absolutely smoke a reel when they hit. Kings typically range from 15 to 40 pounds in these waters, with the occasional monster pushing 50+ pounds showing up during peak season from April through October. They're structure-oriented fish that love hanging around the artificial reefs and natural ledges, making them perfect targets for this extended offshore trip. What makes kings so exciting is their initial run - they'll peel line off your reel faster than almost any fish in the Gulf, and their jumping ability keeps you on your toes throughout the fight.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60+ mph and stripping 200 yards of line before you know what hit you. These toothy missiles prefer the deeper water beyond the 100-foot mark, making them perfect targets for this extended offshore adventure. Fall and winter months typically produce the best wahoo action in Destin waters, with fish ranging from 20 to 60 pounds. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes make them one of the most sought-after gamefish in the Gulf, and landing one is guaranteed to get your heart pumping.
Cobia are the curious wanderers of the offshore scene, often approaching the boat to investigate before deciding whether to eat your bait. These bronze-colored fighters typically show up in spring and early summer, with many fish in the 30 to 50-pound range cruising the deeper waters. What sets cobia apart is their willingness to eat both live and artificial baits, and their fighting style combines powerful runs with stubborn, head-shaking battles near the boat. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who like to take home a good meal.
Yellowfin Tuna represent the ultimate offshore challenge, combining incredible speed, stamina, and raw power into one package. These deep-water athletes prefer the blue water beyond the continental shelf, typically showing up in late spring through early fall in Destin waters. Yellowfins here usually run 40 to 100+ pounds, and hooking into one means you're in for a serious workout. They're notorious for their long, sustained runs and their ability to dive deep when they feel pressure, making every yellowfin a test of both angler skill and tackle quality.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing when they're in season, and the extended trip length gives you maximum opportunity during the limited harvest windows. These bottom