World-Class Tuna & Billfish Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore fishing trip targeting tuna, sailfish and marlinHighspeed trolling covers 4060 miles of prime fishing watersExpert crew guides guests to multiple wrecks and reefs
When you're ready to get serious about big game fishing, RAD-I-Kal Charters delivers the kind of offshore adventure that separates weekend warriors from dedicated anglers. This 12-hour deep-sea expedition takes you 40-60 miles into the Gulf's most productive blue water, where yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and marlin patrol the thermoclines and current breaks. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, running a tight operation that maximizes your time on the fish while keeping things comfortable for up to 5 anglers. You're not just booking a fishing trip – you're investing in a full day of serious offshore angling where trophy fish are the norm, not the exception.
Your day starts early with a pre-dawn departure from Destin Harbor, giving you the full 12 hours to work the best water when fish are most active. The boat runs hard to reach the prime fishing grounds, covering serious distance to hit multiple wrecks, artificial reefs, and blue water structure throughout the day. Expect a mix of high-speed trolling for pelagics and targeted fishing around bottom structure where baitfish congregate. The crew handles all the heavy lifting – rigging lines, managing the spread, and coaching you through fights with fish that can easily top 100 pounds. Weather permitting, you'll work everything from 200-foot wrecks to 1,000+ foot blue water, adapting tactics based on what's biting and where the action is hottest. This isn't a casual half-day trip; it's a committed offshore mission designed for anglers who want to target the Gulf's premier gamefish.
The boat runs a professional spread with multiple trolling lines at varying depths, using a combination of ballyhoo, squid, and artificial lures to cover the water column effectively. High-speed trolling keeps you moving between productive areas while presenting baits at the speeds that trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics like tuna and billfish. When working structure, the crew switches to live bait presentations and heavy tackle suited for pulling big fish away from cover. All rods and reels are tournament-grade equipment capable of handling everything from 50-pound yellowfin to 200-pound marlin. The captain uses electronics to locate bait schools, temperature breaks, and structure, then positions the boat for maximum effectiveness. Circle hooks are standard for conservation, and the crew is experienced in proper release techniques for billfish. You'll learn proper fighting techniques, pumping and winding methods, and how to work with the crew during extended battles with trophy-class fish.
Yellowfin tuna are the bread and butter of Destin's offshore fishery, with fish ranging from 30-pound "footballs" to 150+ pound giants that will test your endurance and tackle. These fish are most active during summer and fall months when water temperatures peak and baitfish are abundant along the shelf edge. Yellowfin are prized for their incredible speed, powerful runs, and excellent table fare – there's nothing quite like the initial screaming run of a big yellowfin peeling line off a reel. They typically feed in schools, so when you find one, you'll often find many, leading to non-stop action that keeps every angler on the boat busy.
Atlantic sailfish patrol these waters year-round but peak during cooler months when they migrate through the Gulf in impressive numbers. These acrobatic billfish are famous for their spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. Sailfish average 6-8 feet long and provide some of the most visually exciting fishing you'll experience. The crew follows strict conservation practices, with most sailfish released alive to fight another day. Their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and electric blue colors make them one of the most photogenic catches in offshore fishing.
White marlin are the smaller cousins of the legendary blue marlin but pack just as much attitude into their 50-80 pound frames. These fish are incredibly aggressive feeders and acrobatic fighters, often tailwalking across the surface when hooked. Spring and summer offer the best opportunities, when white marlin follow bait migrations through the Gulf. They're considered among the most sporting fish in the ocean, combining speed, jumping ability, and stamina in a package that challenges even experienced anglers. White marlin are also excellent candidates for release, contributing to the sustainable fishery that keeps this experience available for future generations.
Blackfin tuna round out the target species list, offering consistent action throughout most of the year. These smaller tunas, typically 10-30 pounds, make up for their size with aggressive feeding behavior and excellent eating quality. Blackfin often school with other pelagic species, serving as an indicator that bigger fish are in the area. They're perfect for warming up your arms before tangling with larger gamefish, and their willingness to bite makes them a reliable backup when other species are finicky. Many anglers consider blackfin tuna to have superior flavor compared to their larger yellowfin cousins.
This level of offshore fishing doesn't come around every day, and RAD-I-Kal Charters has built their reputation on delivering consistent results in Destin's competitive charter scene. The 12-hour format gives you the time needed to properly work multiple areas and species, something impossible on shorter trips. With space for only 5 anglers, you're guaranteed personal attention from the crew and plenty of room to fight fish without feeling crowded. The Gulf of Mexico's offshore fishery is world-renowned for good reason – this is where serious anglers come to test themselves against some of the ocean's premier gamefish. Don't settle for inshore action when you can experience the real deal in deep water where trophy fish roam.
This 45-foot Hatteras sportfisher is your ticket to serious offshore action in the Gulf waters around Destin. Built for those deep-water runs where the big fish live, she's equipped with everything you need for a productive day chasing tuna, sailfish, and marlin. The fish finder will help locate schools while the GPS keeps you on the productive spots your captain knows best. When the Florida sun gets intense, duck inside for air conditioning and catch the game on TV between bites. The radar ensures safe navigation even when weather moves in, and VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and marine services. With room for 5 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rods without getting tangled up. The onboard facilities mean you can stay comfortable during those long offshore sessions when the fish are biting. This boat handles the Gulf chop well and gets you to the fishing grounds quickly, so you spend more time with lines in the water and less time traveling.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the showboats of the billfish world, famous for their massive dorsal fin and lightning-fast runs. Most average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, though 100-pounders aren't rare. They patrol the upper 60 feet of blue water, hunting baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges. Winter months bring the best action when they migrate through our Gulf waters following warm currents. What makes them special? Pure athletics - they'll jump repeatedly, dive deep, then come back up tail-walking across the surface. It's a visual fight that gets everyone on the boat excited. They're also one of the fastest fish in the ocean. When one shows behind your spread, slow the boat down and give it time to commit. Once hooked, keep steady pressure but let it make those initial jumps.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the smallest tuna we target, but don't let size fool you - they punch way above their weight class. Most run 15-25 pounds with dark bodies and that signature gold stripe along their sides. They school up near the continental shelf in 100-400 feet of water, often mixed with skipjacks. Fall through spring is prime time when they move into our warmer Gulf waters. These fish are fierce fighters with incredible stamina, plus they make outstanding table fare - some say better than yellowfin. They're also great for getting kids or new anglers into tuna fishing without the massive tackle requirements. Pro tip: scale down your leaders to 30-pound fluorocarbon and use smaller circle hooks. Blackfin have sharp eyes and will turn away from heavy tackle that bigger tunas ignore.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are the smaller billfish in our waters, averaging 60-80 pounds and stretching up to 9 feet. They cruise the deep blue water near underwater canyons and drop-offs, hunting schools of flying fish and small tunas. These apex predators are built for speed and can leap clear out of the water when hooked. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when water temps hit 75-80°F. What draws anglers? The acrobatic fight - they'll jump, dive, and make long runs that'll test your tackle and endurance. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive bill and blue-black coloring. When trolling ballyhoo, don't watch the bait - watch the water around it. White marlin are sneaky and will appear out of nowhere to strike.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the speed demons of the tuna family, hitting 50 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies. Most run 60 pounds, but giants over 200 pounds show up. You'll find them in the upper 300 feet of blue water, especially around wrecks and temperature breaks 40-60 miles out. They're warm-blooded, so they stay active year-round here in the Gulf. What makes them special? Pure power and some of the best eating fish in the ocean - perfect for sushi or grilling. When trolling, watch for that bright yellow dorsal fin cutting the surface. My tip: when you hook one, let it make its first screaming run before applying serious pressure. These fish can pull drag for what feels like forever, but that's exactly why people love chasing them.
Destin