Destin Offshore Fishing: Bonito, Mahi & Wahoo
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore trolling trips targeting bonito, mahi mahi, and wahooProfessional charter accommodates up to 6 guests in Destin watersYearround deepsea fishing opportunities with RADIKal Charters
When you're ready to experience what makes Destin the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," RAD-I-Kal Charters delivers exactly what you're looking for. Our half-day trolling trips put you right where the action happens—offshore in the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, chasing some of the most sought-after pelagic species swimming these waters. You'll spend your morning or afternoon targeting bonito, mahi mahi, and wahoo while soaking up the Florida sunshine and breathing in that salty Gulf breeze. With a maximum of six anglers on board, you get the personal attention and elbow room that makes all the difference when the lines start screaming.
Picture this: you're cruising out of Destin Harbor in the pre-dawn light, watching the coastline shrink behind you as we head to the productive offshore waters. Within 30-45 minutes, we'll be setting lines in 100-300 feet of water where the real magic happens. This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip—we're covering ground, pulling lures through the water column, and hunting for aggressive pelagic fish that love to chase bait. The vibe is relaxed but ready. You'll have time to chat with your fellow anglers, grab some photos of the beautiful Gulf, and keep your eyes peeled for that telltale bend in the rod tip. When a fish hits, everyone knows it. The drag starts singing, the captain starts shouting instructions, and your adrenaline kicks into high gear. Half-day trips give you the perfect taste of offshore fishing without the commitment of a full day, making it ideal for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants to be back at the dock in time for a late lunch.
Trolling is an art form, and our captains have it dialed in. We run a spread of four to six lines at different depths and distances, using a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, spoons, and diving plugs to cover the water column. The key is varying your presentation—some lines run shallow, others dive deep, and we adjust our speed based on what the fish are telling us. We're constantly watching the sonar for bait schools, temperature breaks, and structure that holds fish. When we mark something good, we'll make multiple passes to work the area thoroughly. The rods are set in holders along the gunwale, and we teach you how to watch for strikes and properly fight fish from the chair. Don't worry about bringing tackle—we've got all the gear you need, from heavy spinning reels to wire leaders that can handle wahoo teeth. Our tackle is tournament-grade and maintained religiously because when you hook into a 40-pound mahi or a screaming wahoo, equipment failure isn't an option.
Atlantic bonito are often the first fish to hit your spread, and they're perfect warm-up acts for the main event. These torpedo-shaped speedsters typically run 3-8 pounds and fight way above their weight class. Bonito are most active during the cooler months, from October through March, when they school up in massive numbers offshore. They're fantastic table fare when bled and iced immediately—their dark, rich meat is perfect for sashimi or grilled steaks. What makes bonito so fun is their willingness to bite and their blistering runs. When you hook one, expect multiple jumps and screaming drag.
Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of offshore trolling, and Destin's waters produce some beauties. These gorgeous fish with their electric blue and gold colors are most abundant from April through September, though we catch them year-round. Bulls can push 30-40 pounds, while smaller schoolies typically run 5-15 pounds. Mahi are notorious for their spectacular aerial displays—they'll jump, tail-walk, and throw the hook if you give them slack line. They're also one of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or blackened preparations. The key with mahi is keeping steady pressure and being ready for their next move.
Wahoo are the ultimate prize for many offshore anglers, and for good reason. These fish are pure speed and power, capable of hitting 60 mph and making runs that will test your drag system and your nerves. Wahoo fishing peaks during the winter months, from November through February, when they move through Destin's waters in good numbers. They typically range from 15-50 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 60-plus. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their initial run is legendary—they'll peel off 100-200 yards of line before you know what hit you. Wahoo meat is firm and mild, similar to king mackerel but without the oily taste. Landing one is a badge of honor that'll have you talking for years.
Half-day trips book up fast, especially during peak season and weekends, so don't wait until the last minute. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, but honestly, there's never a bad time to go fishing in Destin. Water temperature, weather conditions, and fish migration patterns change constantly, which is why having an experienced captain makes all the difference. We know where to go when the conditions are right, and we're not afraid to run and gun until we find the bite. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or a first-timer ready to experience what offshore fishing is all about, this trip delivers. Pack your sunscreen, bring your appetite for adventure, and get ready to see why anglers from around the world make the pilgrimage to fish these waters. The Gulf of Mexico is calling—time to answer.
Meet your fishing command center for the day – a spacious 45' Hatteras Sportfish that's built to handle Destin's legendary offshore waters. This boat comes loaded with everything you need to track down bonito, mahi mahi, and wahoo in the Gulf. The fish finder will help locate schools while the GPS and radar keep you on course to the hottest fishing spots. When you need a break from the action, cool off with onboard air conditioning or catch up on the game with TV entertainment. The VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats sharing intel on where fish are biting. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out along the rails without tangling lines. The onboard facilities mean you can stay out longer chasing that perfect catch. Whether you're trolling for fast-moving wahoo or working structure for mahi, this sportfish has the range and comfort to make your Gulf fishing adventure productive and enjoyable.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are like the hyperactive cousins of the tuna family, averaging 8-12 pounds and capable of hitting 40 mph. These silver bullets with dark stripes travel in large schools that feed right on the surface, making them easy to spot when birds are working. They prefer our cooler months here in the Gulf, though they're not as common as on the Atlantic side. What guests love is the nonstop action - once you find a school, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. While they're super oily and not great table fare in the States, they make fantastic live bait for bigger game. Here's the trick: watch for diving birds and those telltale dorsal fins cutting the surface like mini sharks. Throw small metal jigs or soft plastics right into the chaos.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy - those electric blues and golds that light up like a neon sign when they're fired up. Most run 15-29 pounds around here, and they're suckers for anything floating. We find them under sargassum weed lines, around debris, even trailing our boat. Best fishing happens in warmer months when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. Guests go crazy for mahi because they jump, fight hard, and taste amazing - firm white meat that grills perfectly. They're also curious fish that'll swim right up to the boat, giving everyone great photo ops. My go-to move is looking for frigate birds working floating grass lines. Troll ballyhoo or colorful lures right along the edge, and make that bait skip - they love chasing flying fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these sleek predators can hit 60 mph and typically run 3-5 feet long around Destin. You'll find them in open water, often near our oil rigs and drop-offs where they hunt squid and smaller fish. July through November gives us the best action when they're most active in our Gulf waters. What makes wahoo special is that lightning-fast initial run when hooked - they'll peel line like nothing else. Plus, the meat is top-shelf eating with that delicate, flaky texture locals call "poor man's tuna." Pro tip: we run wire leaders and troll fast around 12-15 knots with diving lures. When you see that distinctive blue-striped torpedo come up behind the boat, get ready for a fight that'll test your drag system.
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