Big Game Fishing Adventure in Destin Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
24hour offshore fishing targeting swordfish, sailfish, and marlinDeparts evening, travels 80100 miles into Gulf watersAccommodates 6 guests with food and licensing included
Captain Jerrad and the RAD-I-Kal Charters crew know exactly what serious anglers are after – those monster pelagics that make your drag scream and your arms burn. This 24-hour offshore adventure takes you deep into the Gulf of Mexico, where swordfish, marlin, and sailfish cruise the blue water currents. We're talking about a legitimate big game fishing trip, not some half-day tourist run. You'll cover 80-100 miles of open water to reach the prime fishing grounds where these apex predators hunt. With just 6 anglers max, you get plenty of rod time and personal attention from a captain who lives for putting clients on fish of a lifetime.
This isn't your typical dawn patrol fishing trip. We shove off in the evening, giving you time to settle in and get your sea legs during the long run offshore. The boat cuts through Gulf waters as the sun sets, and by the time we reach the fishing grounds, you're primed for action. Captain Jerrad has spent years learning these offshore waters, reading water temperature breaks, current edges, and bait schools that hold the big fish. The 24-hour format gives us serious flexibility – we can adjust tactics based on what the fish are doing, whether that's deep dropping for swords in the dark or trolling the blue water for marlin when the sun comes up. All your meals are covered, so you can focus entirely on fishing. The boat stays positioned over productive water, and we work multiple techniques to maximize hookups.
We run heavy tackle designed specifically for these bruiser fish – 50 and 80-pound class rods paired with high-capacity reels loaded with quality line. For swordfish, we'll be deep dropping with electric reels, sending baits down 1,500+ feet where these monsters cruise in the dark. The spread includes whole squid and chunks of bonito rigged on circle hooks with heavy leaders. When targeting marlin and sailfish, we switch to trolling mode with outriggers running a mix of ballyhoo, mullet, and high-speed lures. The key is covering water and presenting baits at different levels in the water column. Captain Jerrad reads the electronics constantly, marking bait schools and temperature breaks that concentrate gamefish. Circle hooks are mandatory for billfish – they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and dramatically improve release survival rates.
The Gulf of Mexico off Destin produces some of the most consistent big game fishing on the planet. Atlantic sailfish show up in good numbers, especially during cooler months when they're following baitfish migrations along the continental shelf. These acrobatic fighters average 40-80 pounds and put on spectacular aerial displays that'll have you scrambling for the camera. Blue marlin are the holy grail – true giants that can push 300-500 pounds or more. They're ambush predators that crush trolled baits with devastating power. White marlin are smaller but incredibly aggressive, often teasing baits before committing to a strike. Swordfish are the night shift workers, feeding in deep water after dark. These prehistoric-looking fish can weigh several hundred pounds and fight with surprising endurance for their size. The diversity of species means you're never just targeting one type of fish – the Gulf serves up variety that keeps every angler engaged.
Atlantic Sailfish are pure electricity when they grab a bait. These fish hunt in loose schools along current edges, feeding on ballyhoo, flying fish, and small tunas. Peak season runs from November through March when water temperatures drop and baitfish concentrate. What makes sailfish special is their speed and aerial ability – they can hit 60+ mph and launch themselves completely out of the water multiple times during a fight. Most sailfish we encounter run 6-8 feet long and fight way above their weight class.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate prize for serious offshore anglers. These apex predators cruise deep blue water hunting for tuna, dolphin, and other large prey. Summer months produce the most consistent action, though big blues can show up any time conditions are right. A hooked blue marlin is pure chaos – they make blistering runs, jump repeatedly, and test every piece of tackle on the boat. Fish over 400 pounds aren't uncommon in these waters, and the Gulf of Mexico produces some legitimate granders every season.
White Marlin are the smaller cousins of blues but pack incredible attitude. They're curious fish that often follow baits for long distances before striking. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall. Whites average 50-100 pounds but fight with the heart of much larger fish. They're known for multiple jumps and long runs that test an angler's endurance. Many consider white marlin the most beautiful billfish species with their bright colors and streamlined build.
Swordfish are the night hunters that most anglers never get a shot at. These deep water specialists feed primarily after dark, rising from depths of 1,000+ feet to hunt in shallower water. We target them with deep dropping techniques using heavy weights and electric reels. Swords are incredibly powerful fish with broad tails built for sustained speed. They don't jump like billfish but make long, powerful runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line. The best swordfish bite happens during new moon phases when darkness is complete.
Captain Jerrad and RAD-I-Kal Charters offer the real deal for anglers serious about big game fishing. This 24-hour format gives you legitimate shots at fish most anglers only dream about. The Gulf of Mexico produces world-class fishing year-round, and having an experienced captain who knows these waters makes all the difference. With all meals included and a maximum of 6 anglers, you get the personal attention and rod time needed to connect with trophy fish. These trips
Get ready to chase big game aboard our 45-foot Hatteras sportfisher! This serious fishing machine is built to handle the deep Gulf waters where swordfish and marlin roam. With room for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for success - high-end fish finders to locate your targets, GPS and radar for safe navigation, and VHF radio to stay connected. When you're not fighting fish, kick back with onboard entertainment and A/C to beat the Florida heat. The comfortable cabin includes a head for those long offshore runs. Captain Jerrad will push out 80-100 miles into blue water where the real monsters live. This boat handles rough seas like a champ and gives you the stable platform needed to land fish of a lifetime. Perfect for serious anglers ready to test their skills against some of the ocean's most powerful predators.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of the Gulf, hitting 20-30 mph with that massive dorsal fin cutting through the water. These beautiful blue-gray fish average around 7 feet and 50 pounds, though we've seen bigger ones out there. They cruise the surface waters between 30-65 feet, perfect for our offshore runs. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80°F. What makes them special? Pure acrobatics - they'll jump, dive, and put on a show that'll have you grinning for weeks. They change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks during the fight. Pro tip: when you see that sail come up behind your bait, don't get too eager. Let them eat before you set the hook, or they'll just slap at it with that bill and disappear.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the giants we chase in the deep Gulf waters, with females reaching 1,000+ pounds and stretching over 15 feet. Males stay smaller around 300 pounds, but they all pack serious power. These cobalt-blue bruisers live in the open ocean 80-100 miles out where we fish, roaming warm currents and drop-offs. Summer months bring the best chances as they follow the warm water through our area. What draws folks back? It's the ultimate big game fight - pure strength, long runs, and amazing jumps that'll test every piece of your gear. The meat's fantastic too, though watch the mercury levels. Here's a key tip: when trolling for blues, run your baits deeper than you think. They often cruise 100+ feet down during the day, so don't be afraid to get those lures down in the water column where they're hunting.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the night shift predators we target on our deep water trips, averaging 9 feet and 400 pounds with that distinctive flat bill. These bronze-colored fighters live in 1,000+ foot depths during the day, coming up to 300-400 feet at night to feed. We fish them year-round in the Gulf, but summer and fall nights produce the most consistent action. What makes swordfish special? They're incredibly strong, make long powerful runs, and the meat is absolutely top-notch eating. Plus, there's something magical about hooking into a giant in complete darkness. The fight is different too - less jumping, more bulldogging power that'll test your back and tackle. My go-to technique: we drop squid baits on heavy leads with lights attached. The key is patience - sometimes it takes hours between bites, but when that rod doubles over at 2 AM, it's worth every minute of waiting.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite Marlin are the smaller cousins in the billfish family, typically running 80-150 pounds and 6-8 feet long. These silver-sided fighters love the same deep Gulf waters we fish for the big blues, but they're way more aggressive on the bite. They hunt around underwater structure and current breaks, often showing up when you least expect it. Spring and early summer give us our best shots at whites when they're moving through following baitfish schools. What makes them special? They're scrappy fighters with serious attitude - pound for pound, they'll give you more action than their bigger relatives. The jumping and bill-shaking is pure theater. Here's the deal with whites: watch your spread carefully because they'll come in hot and fast, often attacking multiple baits. When one shows up, keep your other lines ready - where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Destin