4 Hour Destin Family Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore fishing trip targeting Snapper and Grouper species.Accommodates up to four guests aboard comfortable 26foot Twin Vee catamaran.All equipment, licenses, fuel, and fish cleaning services included.
Captain Ben's family-friendly fishing adventure gets you out on the Gulf waters where Destin's legendary fishing action happens. This half-day trip is designed for everyone from first-time anglers to families wanting to create some serious fishing memories together. You'll head up to 9 miles offshore aboard a stable 26-foot Twin Vee catamaran that handles the Gulf chop like a dream while keeping everyone comfortable. With morning and afternoon departure times, you can pick what works best for your crew and still have plenty of time to explore Destin or hit the beach afterward.
Your day starts at either 7:00 AM for the morning bite or 12:00 PM for the afternoon action, both prime times when the fish are actively feeding. The Twin Vee catamaran gives you that smooth, stable ride that keeps seasickness at bay – especially important when you've got kids or first-timers aboard. Captain Ben knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand, and he'll get you positioned over productive bottom structure where the snapper, grouper, and other reef dwellers hang out. The boat's equipped with quality tackle, fresh bait, and all the gear you need, so you can focus on the fun stuff – dropping lines and reeling in fish. With just 4 guests max, everyone gets personal attention and plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up.
This trip focuses on bottom fishing over natural and artificial reef structures that dot the Gulf floor 6 to 9 miles from shore. You'll be using conventional tackle with circle hooks and fresh bait – typically squid, cigar minnows, or cut bait depending on what the fish are hitting that day. Captain Ben positions the boat over known productive spots using his electronics to mark structure and fish activity below. The technique is straightforward enough for beginners but effective enough to put fish in the cooler. You'll drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks to get off the structure, and wait for that telltale thump of a fish picking up your bait. The beauty of reef fishing is the variety – you never know if you'll hook into a feisty red snapper, a bulldogging grouper, or one of the other species that call these reefs home.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. These silver bullets can stretch 20 to 40 pounds and make blistering runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Peak season runs from April through October, with the bigger fish showing up in late summer and fall. What makes kings so exciting is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights – they'll jump, run, and do everything they can to throw your hook. When the conditions are right and the bait schools are thick, kings will hit trolled baits or live bait with authority.
Mahi Mahi bring that tropical flair to Gulf fishing with their brilliant colors and acrobatic abilities. These dolphinfish (no relation to marine mammals) show up in late spring through early fall, especially around floating debris or weed lines. They're absolute gorgeous fish with electric blues and greens that light up when they're fighting. Mahi typically run 5 to 20 pounds in these waters, and they're known for their aerial displays when hooked. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Greater Amberjack are the workhorses of the reef, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. These fish can push 30 to 60 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, when they move up from deeper water to spawn around the reefs. AJs are ambush predators that lurk around structure, and when they hit your bait, they immediately try to get back to the rocks. The key is stopping that first powerful run before they cut you off on the bottom.
Cobia are the curious wanderers of the Gulf, often called "ling" by local anglers. These brown sharks look-alikes can grow to impressive sizes – 20 to 40 pounds are common – and they have this habit of following the boat and checking out what's happening. Spring and fall are prime cobia time, especially when they're migrating along the coast. They're sight-fishing targets when conditions are clear, and watching a big cobia swim up to investigate your bait gets your heart pumping every time.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf reef fishing, and there's good reason they're so popular. These beautiful red fish are smart, tasty, and put up a respectable fight on light tackle. During open season (typically summer months), snappers are active around virtually every piece of structure in 60 to 100 feet of water. They range from keeper-sized fish around 16 inches up to trophy-class snappers pushing 8 to 10 pounds. The trick with red snapper is getting your bait down quickly before the smaller fish intercept it, and being ready for their head-shaking fight on the way up.
This top-rated family fishing experience fills up quickly, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and families are planning their Destin vacations. Captain Ben includes everything you need – tackle, bait, licenses, fuel, bottled water, and even fish cleaning service so you can take your catch back to the condo or restaurant for dinner. Military families get special pricing as a thank-you for their service. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing, planning a multi-generational family outing, or just want a relaxed half-day on the water, this trip delivers the goods without the pressure or complexity of longer offshore adventures. Book your 4-hour family fishing trip and get ready to see why
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a rock-solid 26' Twin Vee center console catamaran that cuts through Gulf waters like butter. Twin 150HP Suzuki engines deliver plenty of power to get you out to the fishing grounds fast, while the catamaran hull design keeps everyone comfortable even when seas get choppy. Captain Ben has this boat dialed in with GPS and fishfinder to locate the best spots up to 9 miles offshore where snapper and grouper are biting. The boat comes loaded with outriggers, premium tackle, and a livewell stocked with fresh bait, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold and catch fresh. A wireless trolling motor lets the captain position quietly over structure without spooking fish, and there's even a head onboard for convenience during your 4-hour trip. With room for up to 4 anglers, this setup is perfect for families wanting to experience some serious Gulf fishing without the crowded party boat scene.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the sharks that aren't sharks - long, dark brown fish that cruise just under the surface looking for an easy meal. They typically run 20-50 pounds and are mostly loners, so when you see one there's usually not another nearby. We find them around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 20-100 feet, especially during their spring migration. What makes cobia special is they're curious - they'll actually follow the boat and check out your baits. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between shark and grouper. Best trick I know: when you spot one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of their nose and work it slowly. They can't resist that wounded baitfish action, and their curiosity usually gets the better of them.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjacks are the bulldogs of the reef - thick, powerful fish that average 20-40 pounds and can easily hit 60+ pounds on the bigger structures. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet, using that structure to their advantage when hooked. Spring through early summer is peak season when they're spawning and most aggressive. What guests love about AJs is the pure power - they'll test your arms and drag like no other reef fish. The meat is firm and tasty, though bigger ones can carry ciguatera so we usually keep the smaller ones for the table. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and try to turn their head up immediately. Let them get back into that structure and they'll wrap you up every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf, averaging 15-30 pounds with bigger ones pushing 50+ pounds. You'll find them cruising in 40-150 feet of water around structure and current breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding on the surface. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line off your reel faster than almost any other fish out here. The meat is rich and flavorful, though it's got higher mercury levels so smaller portions are better. My go-to tip: use a wire leader with two hooks on your live bait - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of baitfish, so that second hook will save you from a lot of missed strikes when they make those lightning-fast attacks.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy - bright gold and electric blue colors that change like a light show when you bring them to the boat. Most run 15-30 pounds, but we see some pushing 40+ pounds out in deeper water. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100+ feet. Spring through summer is prime time when they're most active near the surface. Guests love mahi because they're aggressive fighters that jump and make long runs, plus they're absolutely delicious - mild, sweet white meat that's perfect for the grill. The key to finding them is watching for birds diving on bait. Once you hook one, keep a second line ready because mahi often travel in small groups and the commotion will fire up the whole school.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing - beautiful pink-red fish that average 2-8 pounds, though we catch some pushing 15+ pounds on deeper structure. They live on hard bottom, wrecks, and artificial reefs in 30-200 feet, with the bigger fish usually holding deeper. Summer season offers the best action when regulations allow targeting them. Guests love snappers because they fight hard for their size and they're absolutely top-notch table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect any way you cook it. The trick with snapper is getting your bait down to them quickly before the smaller fish steal it. Use enough weight to get straight down, and when you feel that thump, set the hook fast and keep pressure on - they'll head straight for the reef to cut you off.
Destin, FL