Destin Charter Fishing: Extended 5-6 Hour Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
56 hour inshore fishing charter accommodates up to 6 guestsExpert guidance provided for beginners and mixed skill levelsGulf of Mexico species targeting with comfortable vessel included
When you want more than just a quick fishing trip, our extended 5-6 hour charter out of Destin gives you the real deal. Perfect for families and mixed groups where some folks are just getting their feet wet while others know their way around a rod. We head out into the Gulf of Mexico waters where the fish are biting and the action keeps coming. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work your lines and enjoy the day without feeling crowded. Captain and crew handle all the details so you can focus on what matters - putting fish in the boat.
This trip is all about giving you time to really get into the groove. Five to six hours means we're not rushing back to the dock when the bite gets hot. We'll start by heading to productive waters where the Gulf's structure holds good fish. The extended time lets us hit multiple spots if one area goes quiet, and gives everyone in your group - from the rookie to the weekend warrior - a chance to get comfortable with the gear and techniques. You'll be working with quality tackle that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait. The boat's set up for comfort too, with plenty of shade when you need a break from the Florida sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and maybe some snacks since meals aren't included, but we've got coolers with ice to keep your drinks cold.
Out here in Destin's Gulf waters, we use a mix of techniques depending on what we're targeting and where the fish are holding. Bottom fishing with live and cut bait is a go-to method for the snappers and groupers that hang around structure. We'll drift over reefs and wrecks, dropping down circle hooks loaded with squid, sardines, or whatever the fish are wanting that day. For the pelagic species like kings and amberjack, we might pull some trolling lures or work with live bait on the surface. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and will adjust tactics based on conditions and what's biting. Don't worry if you're new to this - we'll show you how to work the drag, set the hook, and fight fish the right way. The gear is sized for the species we're after, with enough backbone to handle the bruisers but still let you feel every head shake and run.
King Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and stamina. These silver bullets typically run 15-40 pounds around Destin, with the bigger fish showing up during their spring and fall migrations. They're aggressive predators that crush live bait or trolled lures, and once hooked, they make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. What makes them special is their unpredictability - one minute you're waiting for a bite, the next your rod is doubled over and line is peeling off the reel.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldozers of the reef. These powerful fish can push 50-80 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They live around wrecks and hard bottom areas, ambushing bait fish that venture too close. Summer and early fall are prime time for these bruisers. What anglers love is their never-give-up attitude - they'll use every bit of structure to try and break you off, making for an arm-burning battle that leaves you grinning and sore.
Bull Sharks bring an element of raw power that gets everyone's attention. These apex predators patrol the Gulf year-round but are most active in warmer months. They're not picky eaters and will hit both live and cut bait meant for other species. What makes a bull shark encounter memorable isn't just their size - often 6-8 feet - but their attitude. They fight dirty, using their bulk and strength to try and straighten hooks or snap leaders.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing when season is open. These ruby-colored fighters typically run 5-15 pounds and are famous for their hard initial runs and head-shaking battles. They're structure-oriented fish that live around reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. Snappers are prized not just for their fight, but because they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. Their season is highly regulated, which makes every keeper extra special.
Gag Grouper are the thinking angler's fish - they're smart, strong, and know how to use cover to their advantage. These mottled brown predators average 10-25 pounds and are masters at ducking into holes and crevices when hooked. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. What makes gags exciting is their explosive strike followed by an immediate dive for cover. It becomes a test of will - your tackle and technique versus their home field advantage.
This extended charter gives you the time and space to really enjoy what Gulf fishing is all about. Whether you're introducing someone new to the sport or just want a relaxed day where you're not watching the clock, these 5-6 hour trips deliver. The variety of species keeps things interesting, and the extra time means better odds of getting into fish even if conditions aren't perfect. Our crews know these waters and will work hard to put you on fish while keeping the atmosphere fun and educational. Ready to get out there and see what's biting? Book your charter today and get ready for a day on the Gulf you'll be talking about long after you're back on dry land.
Get ready to fish the Gulf of Mexico aboard our beautifully restored 48-foot Pacemaker sportfishing boat! This powerhouse runs on twin 450HP Cummins engines and comfortably handles up to 6 anglers at 17 knots. Whether you're casting lines for red snapper, grouper, or whatever's biting in Destin's waters, you'll have everything needed for success. The boat features a fish finder to locate your targets, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Air conditioning keeps everyone comfortable between fishing spots, and there's even a bed and toilet onboard for longer trips. Perfect for families and mixed skill levels, this 5-6 hour charter gives you plenty of time to explore different fishing grounds and techniques. Our experienced crew will guide beginners and challenge seasoned anglers alike as you work the productive waters off Destin's coast.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull Sharks are pure power in our inshore waters. These stocky fighters typically run 6-8 feet and 200-300 pounds around Destin. They patrol shallow bays, around bridges, and nearshore structure, especially during summer months when baitfish are thick. What makes bulls exciting is their aggressive nature and bulldozer-like fights - no fancy jumps, just raw strength. We typically target them with heavy tackle using cut bait like mackerel or bonito. Here's what works best: fresh eel is the secret weapon due to its high oil content and tough skin that stays on the hook. Fish it on heavy circle hooks with wire leader, and be ready for a battle that'll test your equipment.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bullies of our rocky bottoms and ledges. These chunky fighters average 15-25 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds on our offshore structure. They love hanging around reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs in 40-150 feet, especially during cooler months when they're more active. What anglers love about gags is their hard pull and excellent eating - white, flaky meat that's restaurant quality. They'll try to drag your bait straight back to their hole, so you've got to muscle them out fast. Best strategy is live pinfish or cut bait on circle hooks with 40-pound tackle. Soon as you feel that thump, lock the drag and lift hard - don't give them an inch toward structure.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldozers of our reefs. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can push 80+ pounds on our deeper wrecks and structure. You'll find them around offshore reefs, ledges, and artificial structure in 60-200 feet of water. Spring and summer provide the hottest action when they're most active. What guests love about AJs is their power - they'll drag you straight down to the bottom and make your arms burn. The meat's firm and white, great on the grill. My go-to technique is dropping live bait or heavy jigs right to the bottom, then cranking hard the second you feel that thump. Don't let them get back to their hole or you'll get broken off on the structure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silver bullets typically run 20-40 pounds, though we've landed some pushing 60+ pounds out here. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths, especially around structure and bait schools. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 70-80°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line like crazy and jump when hooked. The meat's rich and oily, perfect for smoking. Here's a local trick: rig with two hooks on a wire leader since kings love to bite the tail end of live bait. When you hook one, keep that drag tight and don't give them slack to dive into structure.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing. These crimson beauties average 2-5 pounds inshore, but we regularly see 10-15 pounders on the deeper reefs in 60-120 feet. They're structure lovers - wrecks, reefs, and ledges are prime spots. Summer season offers the best opportunities when regulations allow. What makes snappers special is their stubborn fight and table fare - firm, sweet meat that's hard to beat. They'll hug the bottom and try to cut your line on structure. Pro tip: use live or fresh-dead bait like cigar minnows or cut squid, and the moment you feel that bite, reel hard and fast to get them away from the rocks before they wrap you up.
Destin, FL