6 Hour Destin Nearshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour nearshore fishing trip targeting Snapper and Grouper speciesComfortable 26' Twin Vee catamaran accommodates up to 4 guestsAll equipment, licenses, and fish cleaning services included
Looking for a fishing trip that doesn't require you to roll out of bed at dawn? Captain Ben's 6-hour nearshore adventure is perfect for anglers who want productive fishing without the brutal early start. This top-rated Destin charter departs at 9:00 AM, giving you time to grab coffee and ease into the day before heading out to some of the Gulf's most reliable fishing spots. You'll spend your morning and early afternoon working nearshore reefs up to 9 miles offshore, targeting everything from hard-fighting snappers to trophy grouper aboard a comfortable 26-foot Twin Vee catamaran.
Captain Ben keeps things simple and stress-free on this world-class fishing experience. With space for just four guests, you'll get personalized attention whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. The Twin Vee catamaran offers a stable, comfortable platform that handles the Gulf waters beautifully, making it ideal for families and beginners who might get queasy on rougher boats. Everything's included in your trip - bait, tackle, fishing licenses, fuel, bottled water, and fish cleaning services. Military personnel and veterans get special pricing because Captain Ben knows how to take care of those who've served. The relaxed 9 AM departure means you can actually enjoy breakfast and show up ready to fish instead of stumbling aboard half-asleep.
Nearshore fishing in Destin means working structure - artificial reefs, natural ledges, and rock piles that hold baitfish and attract predators. Captain Ben positions the boat over these productive spots using GPS and fish finder technology, then puts you on fish using proven bottom fishing techniques. You'll drop live and cut baits to the bottom for snapper and grouper, while also keeping an eye out for pelagic species like king mackerel and cobia that cruise these waters. The beauty of nearshore fishing is the variety - one minute you're battling a red snapper trying to cut your line on the reef, the next you're watching a king mackerel scream line off your reel. Captain Ben provides quality tackle matched to the target species, from stout bottom rigs for grouper to wire leaders for toothy kings.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the nearshore waters, and Destin's population is legendary among Gulf Coast anglers. These fish typically run 15-40 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 50-plus. Spring and fall offer the best action when kings move through in schools, following bait along the coast. What makes them special is the explosive strike and blistering runs that test your drag and reflexes. They'll hit fast-trolled baits, live bait, or even vertical jigs when they're feeding aggressively.
Mahi mahi bring tropical flair to Destin's nearshore scene, though they're more of a seasonal visitor when conditions align. These fish average 10-25 pounds but make up for size with stunning colors and acrobatic fights. Mahi are opportunistic feeders that often show up around floating debris or weed lines, and they're notorious for traveling in schools. Hook one, and there's a good chance more are nearby. Their firm, white meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, using their broad tails and powerful bodies to test every ounce of your tackle. These fish commonly reach 40-80 pounds around Destin's nearshore structure, and they fight dirty - diving straight back to the reef to try cutting your line. Summer months offer the most consistent action, though regulations often include seasonal closures, so timing matters. Landing a big AJ is a true test of angling skill and endurance.
Cobia are the wanderers, often appearing when you least expect them but most need the excitement. These brown sharks of the fishing world cruise reefs and open water, reaching 30-50 pounds with surprising regularity. Spring brings the best cobia fishing as they migrate along the coast, often following rays or sharks. They're curious fish that will investigate the boat, giving skilled anglers opportunities for sight fishing with live baits or jigs.
Red snapper remain the king of Destin's reef fishing scene, despite heavy regulations that limit seasons and bag limits. These fish typically run 5-15 pounds nearshore, with occasional larger specimens that make your day. Snapper are structure-oriented and aggressive feeders, but they're also smart enough to test your skills. Their excellent table fare and challenging nature make them the most sought-after species on most trips, and Captain Ben knows the productive spots where legal-sized fish hold year-round.
This 6-hour nearshore trip hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing without the commitment of a full-day adventure. The 9 AM departure means you can fish hard through the morning bite, enjoy lunch afterward, and still have evening plans. With only four spots available and Captain Ben's reputation for putting guests on fish, this customer favorite books up quickly during peak seasons. Whether you're introducing kids to saltwater fishing, planning a guys' trip, or just want to get out on the Gulf without the early wake-up call, this charter delivers the goods. The included fish cleaning service means you'll head home with a cooler full of fillets ready for the grill, and the memories of a day well spent on some of the Gulf's most productive waters.
Hit the Gulf waters aboard this smooth-riding 26' Twin Vee center console catamaran, built to handle nearshore conditions with ease. Twin 150HP Suzuki engines power you to productive fishing spots up to 9 miles out, while the catamaran hull design keeps things comfortable even when the seas pick up. Captain Ben has this boat dialed in for Destin fishing - GPS and fishfinder help locate the best reefs and structure, outriggers are ready for trolling action, and the livewell stays stocked with fresh bait. The boat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably, with an icebox for your drinks and snacks, plus a wireless trolling motor for those times you need to position quietly over a hot spot. There's even a toilet onboard for longer trips. Everything's included - tackle, bait, licenses, fuel, water, and fish cleaning - so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the cooler.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that look like sharks cruising just under the surface. These brown, torpedo-shaped fish average 30-50 pounds and can hit 80+ pounds. They patrol shallow reefs, buoys, and structure in 20-60 feet during spring migration, then spread out to deeper water. April through June is prime time when they're moving through our area to spawn. What makes them special is they're visual feeders you can sight-cast to, plus they're aggressive and great table fare - firm, white meat that grills perfectly. They're curious fish that'll follow the boat, giving you multiple shots. My go-to technique is a bucktail jig in any color, 4-8 ounces depending on depth. When you spot one, get the bait in front of them and work it slowly - they like to inspect before they strike.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the reef. These bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds, and they'll use every ounce to try and break you off in the rocks. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Spring through early summer is peak season when they move shallow to spawn. What guests love is the raw power - they make deep, stubborn runs straight for cover. The meat is firm and excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Here's what works: drop a live pinfish or cigar minnow right to the bottom near structure, then hold on tight. Once hooked, you've got about 10 seconds to turn their head before they reach cover. Use heavy tackle - 50+ pound line minimum - because these fish don't give up easy.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf. These silver rockets typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen 50+ pounders that'll test your arms. They cruise the nearshore waters from 40-150 feet deep, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall are prime time when they're actively feeding on the surface. What makes them special is that blistering first run - they'll peel line like nothing else and jump clear out of the water. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. Here's a local trick: when trolling, make your bait skip on the surface to mimic flying fish. Use a wire leader with two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing back, because Kings love to hit baits from behind.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fighters you'll find out here. These golden beauties average 15-29 pounds and put on a light show when they come out of the water - bright blues, greens, and golds that fade once they're boated. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water. Summer months are best when they're following the warm water north. What makes them a favorite is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump repeatedly and make long runs. Plus, the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the Gulf. Local tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water a bit longer if possible. Mahi often travel in small schools, so that first fish might call in others. Look for floating sargassum or any debris - that's where they hang.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing. These crimson beauties typically run 2-8 pounds in our nearshore waters, though bigger ones lurk around the deeper reefs. They hug hard bottom structure, wrecks, and artificial reefs in 60-120 feet of water. Summer is red snapper season when regulations allow - usually June through July. What guests love is the steady action and fantastic table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're scrappy fighters that'll dive for cover when hooked. The key is getting fresh bait down to the bottom fast - they're competitive feeders. Use a knocker rig with cigar minnows or cut bait, and fish right on the structure. Keep your drag tight because once they feel the hook, they'll head straight for the rocks to cut your line.
Destin, FL