Full Day Private Inshore Fishing in Destin Harbor
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday private charter targeting diverse inshore Gulf speciesExpert Captain Alex Hare provides guidance and all equipmentModern 26ft vessel accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably
Looking for a fishing charter that gives you the whole day to really dial in on some fantastic Gulf species? Captain Alex Hare and Silver King Charters have you covered with this top-rated 8-hour private inshore experience departing right from Destin Harbor. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – you'll have plenty of time to work different spots, adjust techniques, and really get into the rhythm that produces consistent hookups. The 26-foot Tobia is built for comfort and fish-finding, powered by a reliable Yamaha 250hp that gets you to the hot spots quickly and safely. All your tackle, bait, and licenses are handled, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat.
This charter runs a full 8 hours, which means you're getting the kind of time most anglers dream about. Captain Alex knows these inshore Gulf waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on structure, wrecks, and natural bottom that consistently holds fish. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is the flexibility – if one area isn't producing, you've got time to move and adapt. The Tobia handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, though many folks prefer smaller groups for more personalized attention and better fishing rotation. You'll launch from Destin Harbor, one of the most convenient and well-equipped harbors on the Gulf Coast, with easy parking and all the amenities you need. The boat's equipped with quality fish finders and GPS, so Captain Alex can put you right on top of productive bottom and structure.
Captain Alex runs a versatile operation that adapts to what the fish are doing on any given day. You'll likely work a combination of bottom fishing over structure for grouper and snapper, along with trolling and drift fishing for the pelagic species like kings and Spanish mackerel. The tackle provided is perfectly matched to these Gulf Coast species – medium to heavy conventional setups for bottom fishing, and lighter spinning gear when the situation calls for finesse. Live bait is often the key out here, and the captain keeps a good supply of cigar minnows, pinfish, and other local favorites that these fish can't resist. When the kings are running, you might find yourself pulling planers or downriggers to get baits down to the right depth. The beauty of fishing these inshore Gulf waters is the variety – you could be fighting a bulldogging gag grouper one minute and screaming drag on a king mackerel the next.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast fishing, and for good reason. These torpedo-shaped speedsters can stretch 20 to 40 pounds or more, and when they hit your bait, you'll know it immediately. Kings love structure and bait schools, making them perfect targets for this type of inshore charter. They're most active during the warmer months from spring through fall, and they fight like nothing else – long runs, acrobatic jumps, and enough power to test your drag system. Captain Alex knows how to position baits at the right depths where these fish cruise, and landing a good king is something every angler remembers.
Red snapper might be the most sought-after bottom fish in the Gulf, and these inshore waters hold some real quality fish. Reds are smart and structure-oriented, often holding tight to wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom areas. They typically run 5 to 15 pounds in these waters, with occasional larger fish that really test your tackle. The snapper season has specific regulations that change yearly, but when they're open, there's nothing quite like the steady thump-thump of a good red fighting on the way up from 60 feet of water. These fish are also fantastic table fare, making them a customer favorite for charter fishing.
Spanish mackerel are the perfect action fish when you want consistent hookups and fun fights on lighter tackle. These smaller cousins of the king mackerel rarely exceed 3 to 4 pounds, but they make up for size with numbers and attitude. Spanish macks are aggressive feeders that hit fast-moving baits and lures, providing steady action throughout the trip. They're excellent for newer anglers or anyone who wants to stay busy, and they're also great bait for larger predators when cut fresh. Spring through fall sees the best Spanish mackerel fishing, and they often school up in areas with baitfish activity.
Gag grouper represent the heavyweight division of inshore bottom fishing. These powerful fish can push 20 pounds or more and are known for their bulldogging fights and immediate runs toward structure when hooked. Gags are ambush predators that lurk around ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottom, waiting to inhale anything that looks like an easy meal. They're incredibly strong for their size and will test both your tackle and technique. The key to grouper fishing is getting them away from structure quickly after the hookset, and Captain Alex will coach you through the process. Like red snapper, gag grouper have specific seasons and regulations, but they're always a prized catch when available.
An 8-hour private charter with Silver King Charters gives you the time and flexibility to really experience what Gulf Coast fishing is all about. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or a group wanting to try different techniques throughout the day, Captain Alex has the knowledge and equipment to make it happen. The all-inclusive pricing covers everything you need – tackle, bait, licenses, and expert guidance – so you can focus entirely on fishing. With rates starting at $1,800 for up to 4 guests and scaling up for larger groups, you're getting world-class fishing at a competitive rate. Don't wait too long to secure your dates, especially during peak season when these longer trips book up fast. Contact Silver King Charters today and get ready for a day of
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are tough fighters that'll test your gear and your arm strength. These mottled gray fish average 20-25 inches but can reach 50+ pounds around deeper structure. They hang around rocky bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 80-200 feet of water, though juveniles come shallower. Best fishing is fall through spring when they're more active. What guests love is the battle - gags will try to drag your bait straight back to their hole, so you better be ready to horse them up. The white meat is fantastic eating, some say better than red snapper. Local secret: once you hook one, keep that drag locked tight and your rod tip low. Don't give them any slack or they'll find the nearest ledge to break you off.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that'll give you a real battle once hooked. These silver speedsters typically run 20-30 pounds around Destin, but we see plenty in the 40+ range during peak season. They cruise open water from 40-150 feet deep, often following bait schools near drop-offs and structure. Best fishing happens spring through fall when water temps hit 70-80°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they're about as fast as wahoo and will test your drag system. The meat's rich and great smoked or grilled. Pro tip: use a wire leader and keep that drag tight when they hit - give them an inch and they'll dive straight for the nearest structure to cut you off.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of Gulf bottom fishing, and for good reason. These bright red fish average 15-20 inches but can push 30+ pounds on a good day. They live around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water, making them perfect for our 8-hour trips. Season runs June through August, and the fight is worth the wait - they'll pull hard for cover the second you hook up. The meat is white, flaky, and absolutely delicious any way you cook it. Here's a local trick: once you find fish, stay put and work the same spot thoroughly. Snapper travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Keep your bait right on bottom and be ready for that classic snapper thump.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect for anglers who love fast action and great table fare. These sleek fish with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and school up in huge numbers during spring and fall. They cruise near-shore waters, around grass flats, and near structure in 10-40 feet of water. What makes them fun is the constant action - when you find a school, you can catch dozens. They hit hard for their size and make decent runs on light tackle. The meat is mild and excellent grilled or smoked. Best tip I can share: use small silver spoons or jigs and cast ahead of the school, then retrieve fast. They're aggressive feeders but spook easily, so stay quiet and keep your distance when you spot them busting bait.
Destin