12 Hour Offshore Trip - Destin, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targets multiple fish speciesAll fishing gear and licenses included with charterSixperson capacity boat operated by Six Shooter Charters
When you're ready to get serious about fishing the Gulf, this 12-hour offshore charter with Six Shooter Charters is exactly what you've been looking for. We're talking about a full day on the water targeting some of the most sought-after species in Destin's productive waters. With everything included except your lunch, you'll spend the day working the deep blue for red snapper, grouper, king mackerel, amberjack, mahi mahi, and cobia. It's a top-rated experience that gives you the time you need to really get into the fish and make the most of what these Gulf waters have to offer.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Twelve hours gives you the opportunity to cover serious ground and fish multiple spots throughout the day. We'll start early, heading out to the deep water structure where the big boys live. The Gulf off Destin is loaded with artificial reefs, natural bottom, and oil rigs that hold incredible numbers of fish year-round. You'll be fishing with a maximum of six anglers, so there's plenty of room to spread out and work your lines without getting tangled up with your buddies. All your fishing gear and licenses are covered, though keep in mind there might be an additional fuel surcharge depending on how far we need to run to find the best bite. The boat is equipped with everything you need to land fish, from heavy tackle for the big amberjack to lighter setups for the mahi when they're schooled up and feeding.
We'll be using a mix of techniques throughout the day, depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. Bottom fishing with heavy weights and circle hooks is the bread and butter for snapper and grouper around the structure. We're talking about 60-80 feet of water in most spots, so you'll feel every head shake and run these fish make. When we find schools of mahi or cobia cruising the surface, we'll switch to trolling or sight fishing with live bait and artificials. King mackerel respond well to slow trolling with live bait or pulling spoons and diving plugs along the temperature breaks. The tackle is sized right for each species - you won't be fighting a 20-pound king on ultralight gear, but you also won't be horsing in smaller fish on heavy bottom rigs. The crew knows how to read the conditions and adjust techniques throughout the day to keep you on fish. We carry plenty of tackle options, from conventional reels spooled with 30-50 pound test for bottom fishing to spinning gear for the lighter presentations when the situation calls for it.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and Destin's waters hold some real slabs. These fish average 3-8 pounds but we regularly see snappers pushing 15-20 pounds come over the rail. They're structure-oriented fish that hold tight to reefs and wrecks, and they'll test your drag when hooked. The best action typically runs from late spring through early fall, though we catch them year-round. What makes red snapper special is their fight - they'll make strong runs toward the bottom, trying to cut you off in the structure.
Gag grouper are another favorite target that call the Gulf's hard bottom home. These fish can reach impressive sizes, with 20-30 pounders not uncommon on our longer trips. Gag are notorious for their initial run straight back to the rocks when hooked, so you need to turn them quick and keep steady pressure. They're most active during cooler months, making fall and winter some of the best times to target them. The thrill with grouper fishing is never knowing if you've hooked a 5-pounder or a 50-pounder until you see color.
King mackerel bring speed and acrobatics to your fishing day. These fish are built for speed, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Kings average 10-30 pounds in our area, but 40-50 pound smokers show up regularly. They're most active during warmer months and respond well to live bait presentations and high-speed trolling. When you hook a big king, get ready for searing runs and spectacular jumps that'll have everyone on deck watching the show.
Greater amberjack are the bullies of the reef, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. These fish commonly reach 30-60 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They live around deep structure and oil rigs, making powerful runs that test your tackle and your arm strength. Amberjack are year-round residents, though they're most aggressive during warmer months. The challenge with these fish is keeping them away from the structure - they know exactly where to go to break you off.
Mahi mahi bring tropical colors and cooperative attitudes to Gulf fishing. These gorgeous fish travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. They average 5-20 pounds, with bull mahi reaching 30-40 pounds. Mahi are most common during summer months and are often found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks. They're acrobatic fighters that jump and tail-walk across the surface, making for great photos and even better table fare.
Cobia are the wildcards of Gulf fishing - you never know when one will show up. These brown sharks of the reef are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you'll remember forever. They range from 20-50 pounds typically, with fish over 60 pounds possible. Cobia are most active during spring and fall migrations, and they're strong fighters that make long, powerful runs. They're also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
A 12-hour offshore charter
This fully-equipped offshore fishing boat is perfect for your 12-hour Destin adventure targeting Mahi Mahi, Grouper, Snapper, Amberjack, and Mackerel. The vessel features a spacious flybridge for commanding water views and fish-spotting, plus professional-grade electronics including GPS, radar, VHF radio, and fish finder to locate the best fishing grounds. Stay comfortable all day with air conditioning, a full galley kitchen, and cold storage including both ice box and refrigerator for your catch. The boat sleeps 6 guests and includes a private head with shower, making those long offshore runs more enjoyable. All fishing tackle and licenses are provided - just bring your appetite for reeling in Gulf Coast favorites. Additional fuel costs may apply depending on fishing locations.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that cruise just under the surface looking like small sharks until you get a good look at that flat head and brown coloring. These fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ in our waters. Spring migration from March through May is peak season when they move through in big numbers, hitting shallow reefs, buoys, and structures in 20-80 feet of water. What makes them exciting is the sight fishing - you'll actually see them swimming around before you cast. They're aggressive feeders and incredible table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and shark. The fight is strong and steady, not flashy but determined. Local secret: throw a bucktail jig or large crab imitation right in front of their nose. Cobia are curious and will often follow the boat, giving you multiple chances to get them to bite.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are probably the most colorful fish you'll see on our trips - brilliant gold and electric blue that puts on a real light show when they're brought to the boat. These fast-growing fish average 15-25 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, usually in blue water from 100-600 feet deep. Spring through fall offers the best fishing when they're chasing flying fish and squid near the surface. Guests love them for their spectacular jumps and the fact that where you find one, you'll often find a school. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality - mild and sweet. Here's what works: when you hook one, leave it in the water and get more lines out fast. Mahi are curious and will often stay around to see what's happening, giving you shots at multiple fish from the same school.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are one of our most popular targets because they're basically underwater bulldogs. These stocky fighters average 20-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds if you're lucky. Look for them around hard bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 80-150 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active and feeding. Males are darker with that distinctive reticulated pattern on the dorsal fin, while females show more of a marbled gray look. What guests love most is the incredible fight - they'll make powerful runs straight for the bottom trying to cut you off in the rocks. The meat is outstanding too, firm white fillets that cook up beautifully. Here's the key: once you hook one, lock that reel down tight and keep them coming up. Give them slack and they'll find a hole to break you off every time.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bruisers of the wreck and reef scene, averaging 30-40 pounds with some real giants pushing 60+ pounds. These blue-gray powerhouses love deep structure - think 100-300 feet around wrecks, oil rigs, and steep drop-offs. Spring spawning season from April through June gives us the hottest action, but they bite year-round in our warm Gulf waters. What makes them special is that amber stripe and the incredible fight they put up. They'll make long, powerful runs that'll test your tackle and your arms. The meat is excellent - firm and meaty, though larger fish can carry ciguatera so we usually keep the smaller ones for the table. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep that fish moving up and don't let it get back to the structure. They know every nook and cranny down there and will wrap you up in a heartbeat.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are pure speed demons that'll test your reflexes and your drag system. These sleek predators cruise the 40-150 foot range, and the bigger ones often push 30-50 pounds - females get considerably larger than males. Spring through fall gives us the best fishing when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80 degrees. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll have you scrambling to keep up. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for grilling or smoking. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from live bait to spoons and jigs. Here's a local trick: rig two hooks on a wire leader - one in the bait's nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of their prey, so that stinger hook will save you a lot of cut-offs.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the Gulf's most famous bottom fish for good reason. These bright red beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some pushing 20+ pounds out in deeper water. They hang around structure - reefs, wrecks, and rock piles - typically between 60-200 feet deep. The cooler months from October through March give us the best action when they're feeding heavy before spawning season. What makes them special? They fight hard, diving straight for cover when hooked, and the meat is absolutely top-shelf - firm, sweet, and perfect for the grill. Pro tip: use a heavy sinker to get your bait down fast and keep steady pressure once hooked. They'll try to cut your line on anything sharp they can find.
Destin