12-Hour Deep Sea Fishing - Destin, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore charter targets multiple Gulf speciesAll fishing gear and licenses included with charterSix-person capacity boat accommodates small groups
Looking for a full day of serious fishing action in the Gulf? Six Shooter Charters delivers exactly what you're after with this 12-hour offshore adventure out of Destin. We're talking about a proper fishing trip here - no rush, no shortcuts, just time to work the water and fill the cooler. With all your gear, licenses, and tackle included, you just show up ready to fish. Fair warning though - keep an eye out for potential fuel surcharges depending on how far we need to run to find the bite.
This isn't your typical half-day charter. When you commit to 12 hours with us, you're getting the full Gulf experience. We'll be targeting everything from Red Snapper and Gag Grouper to screaming King Mackerel and hard-fighting Amberjack. The beauty of a long day like this is we can adapt to what's biting - if the bottom fish are slow, we'll switch gears and troll for pelagics. If the reef is on fire, we'll stay put and load the boat. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and with a 6-angler max, everyone gets plenty of rod time. Pack your patience and your appetite for fish - you'll need both.
We run a mixed bag approach on these 12-hour trips, which means you'll get to experience different fishing styles throughout the day. For bottom fishing, we're dropping heavy tackle with circle hooks to target grouper and snapper around structure. When we switch to pelagic mode, we'll have the trolling spread out - ballyhoo, spoons, and diving plugs working behind the boat to pull in Mahi and Kings. The Amberjack fishing usually happens over wrecks and hard bottom, so expect some serious arm-burning action when these bruisers grab hold. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided, but if you've got favorite lures or lucky gear, bring it along. Our crew will have you rigged up properly no matter what's on the menu.
Red Snapper remain the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and during open season, these ruby-red fighters are what dreams are made of. They're structure-oriented fish, so we'll be working ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs where they stack up. Most of our Snappers run 3-8 pounds, but don't be surprised when a 15-pounder nearly spools you. They fight hard all the way to the boat and taste even better on the plate. Gag Grouper are the muscle of the bottom fish world - these guys live in holes and caves along the reef, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. They're masters at diving straight back to their hole, so keeping them off the bottom is key. Our Gags typically range from 5-20 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 30-plus.
King Mackerel are pure adrenaline on the trolling spread. These silver bullets can hit 40+ mph and will test your drag system to the limit. Spring through fall is prime time, and our Kings range from 15-40 pounds with the occasional smoker pushing 50. They're incredible table fare when handled properly - bleeding and icing immediately makes all the difference. Greater Amberjack are the gym rats of the Gulf, living over wrecks and hard bottom in 80-200 feet of water. These brutes will work you over, with most fish ranging 20-50 pounds. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall fishing tends to be most productive.
Mahi Mahi are the wildcards that can make any trip special. These colorful speedsters travel in schools and when you find them, it's game on. They're attracted to floating debris, weed lines, and structure, and they'll absolutely destroy a properly presented bait. Our Mahi range from 5-25 pounds, with the bulls putting on an aerial show you won't forget. Cobia are the opportunistic cruisers that show up when you least expect them. These chocolate-brown fighters are curious fish that will follow the boat and investigate commotion. They're excellent eating and strong fighters, typically running 20-40 pounds in our area.
A 12-hour charter isn't something you book on a whim - it's a commitment to serious fishing with serious results. Six Shooter Charters has built a reputation on putting anglers on fish, and this full-day format gives us the flexibility to make it happen regardless of conditions. With everything provided except your lunch and drinks, all you need to bring is sunscreen, a cooler for your catch, and the stamina for a full day of Gulf fishing. Space is limited to 6 anglers max, so the boat never feels crowded and everyone gets prime fishing time. Ready to see what a real day of Destin fishing looks like? Give us a call and let's get you on the calendar.
Our fully-equipped offshore fishing boat is built for serious anglers heading into Destin's deep waters. This 6-person motorboat comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day chasing Mahi, Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack. The fish finder and GPS will help locate the hottest spots, while the radar keeps you safe when conditions get sketchy. Stay cool between strikes with A/C, grab cold drinks from the fridge, and use the full kitchen to prep fresh catches. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting birds and bait schools. When you need a break from fighting fish, there's a comfortable bed, shower, and head onboard. VHF radio keeps you connected, and the ice box ensures your catch stays fresh for the trip back to the dock. All fishing gear and licenses included.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks when you first spot them. These brown, torpedo-shaped fish average 30-50 pounds but can reach 100-plus. They're loners, cruising around shallow reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-100 feet of water. Spring and early summer during spawning season is when we see most of them. What makes them exciting? They're sight-fishing targets that will eat almost anything you throw at them, and they fight hard with deep, powerful runs. The table fare is outstanding - firm, white meat that rivals any fish. We usually sight-cast with bucktail jigs or live bait. Key tip: approach them slowly and don't spook them - they're curious but easily spooked by boat noise.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter out here. They average 15-30 pounds and put on an amazing color show when brought to the boat - gold, green, and electric blue. We find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in blue water, usually 100+ feet deep. Spring through fall is prime season when they're abundant. What makes them special? They jump, tail-walk, and fight like crazy, plus they're some of the best eating fish around - mild, sweet, and perfect for any cooking style. We troll ballyhoo or look for floating objects where they hang. Pro tip: when you hook one, watch for others nearby - they often travel in small schools.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are serious fighters that'll test your arms. Most run 20-30 pounds, but we catch plenty over 40. These guys love hanging around structure - reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 60-300 feet. Spring and fall are prime time when they're more active. What sets them apart? The moment you hook one, they'll try to drag you straight to the bottom and wrap your line around anything they can find. The meat is fantastic - firm white fillets that grill perfectly. They're not picky eaters, taking live bait, cut squid, or jigs. Pro tip: keep your drag locked tight and pull hard right away. Give them an inch and they'll find a hole to hide in.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the Gulf - pure muscle that'll wear you out fast. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds, with some real tanks over 80. They live around deep structure - wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 100+ feet of water. Spring through summer is best when they're most active. What draws people to them? The fight is legendary - they'll pull straight down with incredible power and never give up. The meat is excellent too, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. We use heavy tackle with live bait or big jigs. Local secret: the moment you hook one, crank down that drag and horse them up fast. Let them get their head down and they'll take you into the structure every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are pure speed demons that'll peel line off your reel like nothing else. Most average 20-40 pounds, but the big females can hit 60-plus. We find them in 40-150 feet of water, usually around temperature breaks and bait schools. Spring through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavy before winter. What makes them special? That first run is something else - they'll scream drag and make multiple blistering runs. Plus, they're great on the table with firm, flaky meat. We troll with live bait or spoons most of the time. Here's the key: use a wire leader and double-hook your live bait - they love to bite the tail first.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These bottom dwellers average 1-2 feet and 8-10 pounds, but we've seen some real monsters over 20 pounds. They hang around structure in 30-200 feet of water - reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom. The best bite is usually spring through fall when water temps are right. What makes them special? They put up a solid fight and are hands-down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Their firm, sweet white meat is perfect for any recipe. Here's a local tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the rocks. They'll try to cut your line every time.
Destin