Full Day Offshore Fishing - Destin, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing targeting Mahi, Snapper, and GrouperAll fishing equipment included for up to six guestsProfessional charter service with Six Shooter Charters
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing in Destin, Six Shooter Charters delivers the real deal. This full-day trip puts you right in the heart of the Gulf's best fishing grounds, where the water runs deep blue and the fish run big. We're talking about a legitimate 8-hour fishing adventure that takes you far enough offshore to where the action gets hot and the coolers get heavy. The Emerald Coast doesn't mess around when it comes to variety, and neither do we - you'll have shots at everything from screaming mahi runs to bottom-dwelling grouper that'll test your drag system.
Your day starts early at the Destin Harbor, where you'll meet your captain and get the lowdown on conditions and game plan. We'll cruise out through the East Pass and make our way to productive offshore waters, typically ranging from 60 to 100+ feet depending on what's biting. The Gulf of Mexico off Destin is loaded with structure - natural reefs, artificial reefs, and ledges that hold fish year-round. Your captain knows these spots like the back of their hand and will put you on the fish based on current conditions, season, and what's been producing. The boat's rigged with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and ice - so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the box. Expect a mix of bottom fishing over structure and some trolling or drift fishing when the bite calls for it.
This isn't your typical inshore setup - we're talking serious offshore gear designed to handle everything the Gulf throws at you. Bottom fishing gets done with heavy conventional reels loaded with 50-80lb test, paired with stout rods that can pull big grouper and snapper off the bottom before they cut you off in the rocks. For the mahi and kings, we'll have lighter spinning gear and trolling setups ready to go. Bait varies with the season and target species - live bait like cigar minnows and blue runners work great for the pelagics, while cut bait and squid do the job on bottom dwellers. Your captain will handle rigging and re-rigging throughout the day, switching up presentations as needed. Circle hooks are standard for most applications, and we'll walk you through proper hook-setting technique if you're not familiar with them.
The Gulf waters off Destin serve up some of the most consistent offshore fishing on the entire Gulf Coast, with multiple species available year-round. Red snapper are the bread and butter when they're in season - these aggressive feeders live around structure in 60-120 feet of water and provide steady action once you locate a school. They're beautiful fish with that classic red coloration and make excellent table fare. Gag grouper are the heavyweights of the bottom fishing world, often running 10-30 pounds and fighting like freight trains once hooked. They're ambush predators that live around hard bottom and ledges, and landing a nice gag is always a highlight of any offshore trip.
When it comes to pelagics, mahi mahi steal the show with their spectacular colors and acrobatic fights. These fish travel in schools and when you find them, you can often catch multiple fish before they move on. They're excellent eating and one of the most photogenic catches you'll make. King mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system and make blistering runs - they're common around Destin's offshore waters and provide some of the most exciting action you'll experience. Yellowtail amberjack are powerful fighters that live around structure and can really put a bend in your rod, while grey triggerfish (when in season) are surprisingly strong fighters with excellent eating qualities.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing - these aggressive predators live around reefs and structure in 60-150 feet of water. They're most active during their season (typically summer months) and known for their willingness to bite and excellent table fare. A good red snapper runs 3-8 pounds on average, with some real studs pushing 10+ pounds. They fight hard initially but tire quickly, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. What makes them special is their consistent behavior - when you find a good snapper spot, you can often catch them all day long.
Gag Grouper are the muscle of the offshore world, averaging 5-15 pounds with trophy fish reaching 20-30+ pounds. These ambush predators live around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs, and they're notorious for heading straight back to the rocks when hooked. The key is stopping that first run - once you turn their head, you've got a good chance of landing them. Gags are excellent eating and considered one of the premier table fish in the Gulf. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round in deeper water.
Mahi Mahi bring the excitement factor with their incredible colors and aerial displays. These pelagic fish travel in schools around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks. They average 3-10 pounds with larger bulls reaching 15-25+ pounds. Mahi are fast-growing fish that can change colors rapidly when excited, putting on a real show both in the water and on deck. They're active year-round in warm Gulf waters but peak during spring and summer months when water temperatures are highest.
King Mackerel are speed merchants that can reach 40+ mph and make runs that'll smoke your reel. These toothy predators average 10-25 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds in Gulf waters. They're typically caught trolling but will also hit live bait around structure. Kings are known for their initial blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - they're pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. Peak season runs from spring through
This fully equipped offshore fishing boat is your ticket to landing trophy fish in the deep waters off Destin. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with everything needed for a productive day on the water - advanced fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation to the hotspots, and VHF radio for communication. The spacious deck gives all 6 guests plenty of room to fight fish, while the flybridge provides an elevated view to spot diving birds and surface activity. When you need a break from the action, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin featuring a full kitchen, refrigerator, and ice box to keep your catch fresh. The onboard shower lets you rinse off the salt spray, and there's even a bed for those who want to rest between bites. Whether you're targeting mahi mahi in the blue water or dropping for grouper and snapper on the bottom, this boat has the range and comfort to keep you fishing all day long in the productive Gulf waters.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are feisty bottom dwellers found around reefs and hard structure in 60-180 feet of water. These tough little fish average 2-5 pounds but pack a serious attitude. They're active year-round, but spring and summer provide the most consistent action. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature and willingness to bite almost anything you drop down. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. You'll find them picking at baits around snapper and grouper spots. They're notorious bait thieves with powerful jaws and sharp teeth. The trick is using small, tough baits like squid chunks that won't fall off easily. My local tip: when you feel them pecking at your bait, don't set the hook immediately. Let them take it and run a few feet, then reel fast. They're competitive fish, so chumming helps get them fired up.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are surface-dwelling speedsters that average 15-30 pounds and put on an amazing aerial show when hooked. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water, usually 20-100 feet deep. Late spring through fall is peak season when they migrate through our area. What guests love is their brilliant colors and acrobatic jumps - they're like underwater rainbows that go airborne. The meat is top-notch, firm and mild-flavored. They're aggressive feeders that travel in schools, so where you catch one, there's usually more. They love flying fish and anything that moves fast on the surface. My tip: once you hook one, leave it in the water while you get more lines out. The hooked fish will keep the school around, and you can often catch several before they move on. Ballyhoo and small lures work great.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are bottom dwellers that live around hard structure in 80-200 feet of water. These fish average 2-8 pounds but can grow much larger. They're found year-round, but summer and fall fishing is typically best when they're most active. What guests love is the steady action and excellent table fare - snapper has some of the best-tasting white meat you'll find. They fight hard for their size, making multiple runs toward the bottom. You'll find them on reefs, wrecks, and ledges where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. The key is getting your bait down to them quickly with enough weight. My local tip: use circle hooks with fresh cut bait like squid or cigar minnows, and don't horse them up too fast or they'll throw the hook.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are ambush predators that hang around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 60-150 feet of water. These fish typically run 5-20 pounds, with larger ones possible. They're most active during cooler months from fall through early spring. What makes them a favorite is their bulldogging fight - once hooked, they'll try to dive straight back to their hole. The meat is fantastic, firm white flesh that's perfect for grilling. You'll find them near any structure where they can hide and ambush prey like crabs, shrimp, and small fish. They're notorious bait stealers with those crushing jaws. My advice: use heavy tackle, keep your drag locked tight, and pull them away from structure immediately. Live pinfish or large chunks of squid work best. Don't give them an inch or they'll break you off.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that cruise the Gulf in 40-150 feet of water, usually around structure or baitfish schools. These fish average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds. Summer through fall is prime time when they're most active in our warm waters. What guests love is the blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - kings are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. The meat is good eating with high oil content, perfect for grilling or smoking. You'll find them trolling along drop-offs, around rigs, and wherever there's current and bait. They have razor-sharp teeth and will cut through regular line instantly. My go-to setup: wire leader with live bait rigged on two hooks - one through the nose, one free-swinging in back. Kings love to bite the tail end of bait fish.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail Amberjack are powerful fighters that'll test your tackle and technique. These fish average 15-25 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds if you're lucky. You'll find them around deep reefs, wrecks, and structure in 100-200 feet of water. They're strong swimmers that love to dive back toward cover when hooked. Spring through fall are prime seasons when water temps warm up. What makes them special is that amazing fight - they'll pull drag and make long runs. The meat is excellent, especially popular for sushi. My tip: use heavy tackle and don't let them get their head down. Keep steady pressure and work them up from the bottom quickly. They'll eat just about any bait, but live sardines or mackerel work best. Once you hook one, be ready for a real battle.
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