10-Hour Private Inshore Gulf Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full 10hour private charter maximizes fishing opportunitiesExpert Captain Alex Hare provides guidance and all equipment26ft Tobia vessel accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably
When you're serious about putting fish in the boat, Captain Alex Hare's 10-hour private charter gives you the extended time on the water that makes all the difference. This isn't just another half-day trip – it's a full commitment to chasing whatever's biting in the Gulf waters around Destin. You'll launch from Destin Harbor aboard the 26ft Tobia, powered by a reliable Yamaha 250hp that gets you to the fish fast and keeps you there all day. With everything included – tackle, bait, licenses, and local expertise – you can focus on what matters most: hooking up with some of the Gulf's finest game fish.
Ten hours gives Captain Alex the flexibility to adapt your trip based on conditions, seasons, and what's running hot. You might start the morning working structure for grouper, then shift to trolling for kings when the bite picks up mid-day. The beauty of this extended charter is that you're not rushing back to the dock when things get good. The 26ft Tobia handles the Gulf swells with ease, giving you a stable platform whether you're bottom fishing or fighting a screaming king mackerel on the surface. With room for up to six anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out and work different techniques simultaneously. Captain Alex reads these waters like a book – he knows where the red snapper stack up, which ledges hold the biggest gag grouper, and when the Spanish mackerel are most likely to fire up on the flats.
This charter runs the full spectrum of Gulf Coast fishing techniques. You'll likely start with bottom rigs targeting structure and artificial reefs where red snapper and grouper congregate. Captain Alex sets you up with circle hooks and appropriate weights to get your bait down in the current. When it's time to target pelagics like king mackerel, you'll switch to trolling spreads with planers, downriggers, or simple flat lines depending on conditions. The boat carries both spinning and conventional tackle matched to each species – medium-heavy setups for snapper, stout gear for big grouper, and screaming reels for kings that can peel off 200 yards in seconds. Live bait, cut bait, and artificials all have their place, and Captain Alex knows exactly when to deploy each option. The 250hp Yamaha gives you the range to hit multiple spots throughout the day, from nearshore structure to deeper Gulf waters where the big fish roam.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and Destin's waters hold some true giants. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 40+ pounds and will test every knot in your rig. Kings are most active during the warmer months, typically May through September, when they follow baitfish into the area. What makes them so exciting isn't just their size – it's their explosive strikes and blistering runs that can empty a reel in heartbeats. Captain Alex knows the depth breaks and temperature changes where these fish hunt, and watching a big king crash a trolled bait is pure adrenaline.
Red snapper remain the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and for good reason. These crimson-colored fighters are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish you'll encounter on structure. During the federal season (typically June and July), Destin's artificial reefs and natural bottom produce snapper in the 5-20 pound range, with occasional true giants pushing 25+ pounds. What anglers love about snapper fishing is the combination of technique and power – you need finesse to get them to bite, then muscle to winch them off the bottom before they cut you off in the rocks.
Spanish mackerel provide fast-paced action when you need a break from the heavier tackle. These smaller cousins of the king mackerel are absolute lighting on light tackle, typically running 1-4 pounds but making up for their size with aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're most abundant in spring and fall, often schooling in massive numbers over grass flats and around baitfish. What makes Spanish mackerel special is their willingness to eat – when you find a school, you can literally catch them on every cast until your arms give out.
Gag grouper represent the ultimate bottom fishing challenge in these waters. These bruising fish inhabit the rockiest, snarliest bottom structure where they ambush prey and test your drag system. Gags typically range from 5-25 pounds in Destin waters, with their mottled coloration providing perfect camouflage against the rocky bottom. What separates gag grouper fishing from other bottom species is the chess match involved – they're smart, structure-oriented fish that require precise boat positioning and quick reflexes to pull them away from their holes before they cut your line.
A 10-hour charter represents serious value for dedicated anglers who want to maximize their time on the water. At $2,250 for up to four guests, you're getting world-class fishing with a top-rated captain who knows these Gulf waters inside and out. The extended trip length means you're not watching the clock when the bite gets hot – you can stay with productive schools and work multiple spots throughout the day. Captain Alex's local knowledge and the Tobia's fish-fighting capabilities give you the best shot at checking multiple species off your list in a single trip. When you factor in all the included gear, bait, and licenses, plus the fuel to run these Gulf waters for ten solid hours, this charter delivers exceptional value for serious fishing enthusiasts ready to experience what Destin's offshore waters have to offer.
Hit the Gulf waters aboard this dependable 26ft Tobia center console, rigged and ready for serious fishing action. Powered by a smooth Yamaha 250hp 4-stroke, she cuts through the inshore waters with confidence while keeping your group of up to 4 anglers comfortable during those long fishing days. The spacious layout gives everyone room to work their lines without crowding, plus you've got an onboard icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Modern electronics including GPS and fish finder help locate the hotspots, while the VHF radio keeps you connected. The stable platform handles Gulf conditions well, making it easier to fight those feisty redfish, trout, and snapper. With a convenient head onboard, you can focus on what matters most - putting fish in the cooler during your full day on the water.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, averaging 5-15 pounds with some reaching 30+ pounds. These mottled gray fighters live around rocky bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-200 feet of water. Fall through spring offers prime fishing when they move shallower to feed. What makes gags special is their incredible strength - they'll try to pull you straight down into the rocks the moment they're hooked. The firm white meat rivals any restaurant fish. Here's the key to landing them: the second you feel the bite, lock your drag and horse them up immediately. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap your line around structure and break you off. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and keep that rod tip low for maximum pulling power.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, typically running 20-40 pounds with some pushing 60+ pounds. These silver bullets cruise in 40-150 feet of water along ledges, structure, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when baitfish are thick. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll scream off 200 yards of line in seconds, making your reel sing. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. Here's a local trick: when trolling, use a wire leader with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to bite the tail end of live bait, so that stinger hook will save you from a lot of cut-offs when they flash those razor teeth.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, averaging 3-8 pounds with trophy fish pushing 20+ pounds. These crimson beauties live around hard bottom, artificial reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Summer season brings the best action when they're actively feeding before moving deeper in winter. What makes snapper fishing addictive is their bulldog fight - they'll try to wrap your line around every piece of structure they can find. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality and tastes even better fresh off the boat. Pro tip from years of guiding: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast. Don't give them time to think or they'll dive straight into the nearest ledge and cut you off on the rocks.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect for anglers who love fast action and great eating. These silver speedsters typically run 2-4 pounds and travel in schools near the surface around grass flats, jetties, and nearshore structure in 10-40 feet of water. Spring through fall provides consistent fishing, especially on moving tides. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make blistering runs despite their smaller size. The light, flaky meat is excellent smoked or grilled. Local secret: when you find diving birds or bait splashing on the surface, throttle down and cast small spoons or jigs into the mayhem. Spanish mackerel school up to feed, so where you catch one, you'll usually find plenty more willing to bite.
Destin