5.0(4 Reviews)Charter Fishing in Destin Florida | Private Trip
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 810 hour deepsea fishing adventure for six guestsTarget trophy species including Blue Marlin, Tuna, and SailfishProfessional charter designed for experienced offshore anglers
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.
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.
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.
"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
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
The Reel Adventure is a classic 45-foot Hatteras sportfishing boat that's been completely restored to tackle Destin's offshore waters. Built in 1984 and given new life in 2020, she's powered by twin 660HP Cummins engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a comfortable 35 knots. This beauty sleeps up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for serious deep-sea fishing - fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus AC to keep you cool between fights. The spacious flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting fish, while the full kitchen, fridge, and icebox keep your catch fresh and your crew fed. With a comfortable bed and head onboard, you can fish from dawn to dusk in total comfort. Whether you're chasing marlin, tuna, or sailfish in the deep blue waters off Destin, the Reel Adventure has the power, space, and equipment to handle whatever the Gulf throws at you.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of the reef - dark brown fish that often get mistaken for sharks cruising near the surface. These guys average 20-50 pounds but can easily hit 80+ pounds and 4-5 feet long. Look for them around wrecks, oil rigs, and reef structure in 30-100 feet of water during spring and summer months. They're typically loners, not schooling fish, so it's usually quality over quantity. What makes cobia trips memorable is their bulldog fight and how they'll follow the boat right to the surface. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - firm, white meat that grills beautifully. Here's the trick: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig past them and work it back slowly. Color doesn't matter much, but that 4-8 ounce jig bouncing along bottom drives them crazy.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kingfish," are some of the fastest fighters you'll hook in these waters. They typically run 20-40 pounds, but we've seen them push 60+ pounds out here. These speed demons cruise in 40-150 feet, often around structure and temperature breaks where baitfish gather. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. What makes them special is that raw power - they'll make blistering runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks on your live bait - kings love to hit the tail first, so that trailing treble hook back near the bait's rear often seals the deal.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the classic bottom fish - bright red beauties that fight hard and taste even better. Most range 2-8 pounds, but the big females can push 15-20 pounds and live over rocky structure in 80-200 feet. Summer season is when we target them heavily, though they're down there year-round. What guests love is that solid thump when they hit, followed by a bulldogging fight back to structure. They're also some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for any recipe. The key is getting your bait right to the bottom where they live. Use fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish on a heavy rig, and be ready to horse them up quick - they'll head straight for the rocks to cut you off if you give them slack.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed freaks of the deep - capable of hitting 60 mph when they take off on a run. Most fish we catch range 20-40 pounds, but the big ones can push 100+ pounds and stretch 5-6 feet. These silver bullets with distinctive blue stripes cruise the open Gulf in depths of 60-200+ feet, often near floating debris or temperature changes. Summer through fall is prime time here in Destin waters. What gets anglers hooked is that explosive strike followed by screaming runs that'll empty your reel fast. They're also premium table fare - firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or sashimi. My go-to technique is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Keep those lures moving fast and hang on tight.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin Tuna are the marathon runners of the deep blue - built like torpedoes and capable of 50 mph runs. Out here we typically see 40-100 pounders, though giants over 200 pounds roam these waters. They cruise the upper water column in deep Gulf waters, usually 100+ feet down but often rising to chase bait. Year-round fishing with peak action in summer and fall when water temps are right. What makes yellowfin special is that combination of brutal power and endurance - they'll fight you to the wire and never give up. They're also sushi-grade table fare, second only to bluefin in quality. When trolling isn't producing, try chunking with cut bait to bring them up from the depths. Nothing beats the sight of a 60-pound yellowfin coming up hot on a surface plug.
5.0 out of 5.0We 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 r...
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 awes...
myself and 2 of my boys and one grandson went with curt and Tom and had a great time. we didnt know he had a comedian, Tom, workin...
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. The...
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