Full Day Offshore Fishing - Destin, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting Mahi, Snapper, Grouper, MackerelsAll fishing equipment included for up to 6 guestsProfessional charter service with Six Shooter Charters in Destin
When you're looking for a serious day of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, Six Shooter Charters delivers exactly what experienced anglers and newcomers alike want from Destin's legendary waters. This full-day offshore adventure puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds, where the continental shelf drops off and big fish patrol year-round. You'll spend quality time targeting premium species like mahi mahi, red snapper, grouper, and king mackerel while enjoying the company of up to 5 other anglers in your group. The charter includes all your fishing gear, so whether you're traveling light or just prefer to fish with quality equipment that's properly maintained, we've got you covered. Keep in mind there might be an additional fuel surcharge depending on how far offshore we need to run to find the best bite, but trust me - when you're hooked up to a bull mahi or a monster red snapper, you'll understand why it's worth every penny.
Your full day starts early, usually around sunrise when the fish are most active and the Gulf is at its calmest. We'll head out from Destin's harbor and make our way to productive offshore structure - could be natural bottom, artificial reefs, or oil rigs depending on what's been producing lately. The beauty of a full day trip is flexibility; we're not rushing back to the dock after just a few hours. If the snapper bite is hot on one spot, we can work it thoroughly. If the mahi are scattered and we need to cover water, we've got time to do it right. You'll experience different fishing techniques throughout the day as we target various species. The morning might start with bottom fishing for snapper and grouper around structure, then transition to trolling for pelagic species like mahi and kings as the day progresses. Weather conditions and seasonal patterns play a big role in our game plan, but having a full day gives us options to adapt and maximize your success on the water.
We run a variety of fishing methods depending on what species we're targeting and what's working best that day. For bottom fishing, we'll anchor up or drift over productive reefs and structure using conventional tackle with circle hooks - this is where you'll connect with red snapper, gag grouper, and triggerfish. The key is getting your bait down quickly through the smaller fish to reach the quality bottom dwellers. When we're hunting mahi mahi and king mackerel, we'll switch to trolling with a spread of lures, ballyhoo, and sometimes live bait if we can catch it. The trolling gear includes outriggers and downriggers to cover different depths and present baits naturally. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided - we maintain Penn and Shimano reels paired with quality rods that can handle everything from 15-pound kings to 40-pound amberjack. Circle hooks are standard for most applications since they're required for snapper and grouper, plus they significantly improve fish survival if you need to release anything. We carry a full selection of weights, leaders, and terminal tackle to handle whatever conditions we encounter offshore.
Red snapper remains the crown jewel of Destin offshore fishing, and these fish are absolutely gorgeous with their bright red coloration and aggressive strikes. They typically run 8-15 pounds in our local waters, though we see plenty of bigger breeding-size fish that have to go back. Snapper season usually runs from June through July, and during open season, these fish are incredibly cooperative around structure in 80-120 feet of water. What makes them so exciting to catch is their initial powerful run when hooked, followed by that characteristic head-shaking fight as you bring them up from the depths.
Gag grouper are another favorite target, especially during the cooler months from November through March when they're most active in our area. These fish are ambush predators that lurk around ledges and structure, and when a quality gag hits your bait, you know it immediately. They make a powerful run straight for the bottom, trying to get back into their rocky hideouts. Gags typically range from 5-20 pounds, with the bigger fish being incredibly smart and challenging to land. They're excellent table fare and put up a memorable fight that keeps anglers coming back.
Mahi mahi bring pure excitement to any offshore trip with their spectacular colors and acrobatic fights. These fish show up year-round in our Gulf waters but are most abundant from April through September. They're fast-growing fish that typically weigh 10-30 pounds, though we occasionally see bigger bulls pushing 40-50 pounds. What makes mahi fishing so addictive is their tendency to travel in schools - when you find one, there are usually more nearby. They'll hit trolled baits aggressively and immediately start jumping and tail-walking across the surface.
King mackerel are the speed demons of our local waters, capable of blistering runs that will test your drag system and your arms. These fish are most active during the warmer months and typically range from 15-40 pounds, though trophy fish over 50 pounds are caught regularly. Kings are aggressive predators that will hit both live and dead baits, and their initial run is absolutely devastating. They're also excellent eating when prepared fresh, making them a favorite target for both sport and the dinner table.
Yellowtail amberjack provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience in Gulf waters, with fish commonly reaching 30-60 pounds around our local structure. These powerful fish are available year-round but are most active during spring and fall months. When a big amberjack hits your bait near bottom structure, get ready for a long, grinding battle as they use their strength and the current to try to break you off.
Grey triggerfish might be smaller than our other target species, but they make up for size with attitude and excellent eating quality. These fish are abundant around structure during their open season and provide
This fully equipped offshore fishing machine is your ticket to landing trophy fish in the deep waters off Destin. Built for serious anglers, she comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the Gulf - professional fish finder to locate the hotspots, GPS navigation to get you there fast, and VHF radio to stay connected. The spacious cockpit handles up to 6 fishermen comfortably while you battle Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, Grouper, and King Mackerel in the blue water. When you need a break from fighting fish, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin featuring a full kitchen, refrigerator stocked with ice-cold drinks, and even a shower to rinse off the salt. The flybridge gives your captain the perfect vantage point to spot diving birds and feeding fish. With radar for those afternoon squalls and a comfortable bed if someone needs rest, this boat handles everything the Gulf throws at you. All fishing gear included - just bring your appetite for adventure and cooler space for your catch.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are scrappy little fighters with serious attitude. Most run 1-3 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-180 feet, usually hanging close to structure. Summer and early fall are best when they're most aggressive. What guests enjoy is their willingness to bite and that surprisingly strong fight - they'll pull drag and make runs like a much bigger fish. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the deal with triggers: they're bait stealers with sharp teeth, so use small hooks and cut squid or shrimp. When you feel them pecking at the bait, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them take it and start swimming away, then reel fast to keep tension.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are absolutely beautiful fish that put on a show both in the water and on the boat. They typically run 10-30 pounds, with bulls occasionally hitting 40+. 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 move through our waters. What makes them special is those amazing colors - bright gold and green that flash like neon when they jump. They're also fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat. The key to mahi is speed - when we find a school under debris, you've got about 20 minutes before they scatter. Use light tackle with live bait or colorful lures, and keep one fish in the water while you catch the others. They're curious and will stick around to check on their buddy.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and for good reason. Most fish we catch run 2-8 pounds, but don't be surprised if we hook into a 15+ pounder. They live on hard bottom structure - natural reefs, artificial reefs, and oil rigs in 60-200 feet. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're most active. What guests love is the solid fight they put up and that sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. These fish are smart though - they'll inspect your bait before committing. My go-to tip: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, drop it to the bottom, then reel up about two cranks. Keep just enough tension to feel the bite, but don't set the hook - let the circle hook do its job.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are ambush predators that'll give you a serious arm workout. Most run 5-15 pounds, but we regularly see 20+ pound fish that feel like deadweight when they clamp down. They hang around rocky structure, ledges, and wrecks in 40-120 feet, waiting to pounce on anything that looks like dinner. Fall and winter are peak season when they're more active. What makes them fun is that initial hit - it's like hooking a freight train, then they try to drag you straight into the rocks. The meat's fantastic too, firm white fillets that taste great any way you cook them. Here's the key: when you feel that thump, lock down your drag and horse them up immediately. Give them even a second to think about it, and they'll wrap you around the structure every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are pure speed demons that'll peel line off your reel in seconds. These fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds when we find the big schools. They cruise open water from 40-150 feet, often following temperature breaks and baitfish schools. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when the water hits that 70-75 degree sweet spot. What makes them special is that blistering first run - nothing else moves that fast underwater. Plus, they're excellent eating if you bleed them immediately. The trick with kings is using a wire leader and slow-trolling live bait or spoons at 6-8 knots. When one hits, don't try to stop that first run - let them go, then work them back. Fighting them too hard early just tears the hook out of their soft mouths.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail Amberjack are powerful fighters that'll test your tackle and endurance. These fish typically run 15-25 pounds, though we occasionally hook into 40+ pounders that make your arms burn. You'll find them around deeper structure - wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60-150 feet of water. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What makes them special is that incredible fight - they'll make long, hard runs trying to get back to cover. The meat's excellent too, prized for sashimi. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it. Let it run, then pump and wind. If you try to muscle them up too fast, they'll dive straight into the structure and cut you off every time.
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