Half Day Fishing with Six Shooter Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesCaptain Dougy provides all necessary fishing equipment onboardSixperson capacity charter operating from Destin waters
Captain Dougy knows these Destin waters like the back of his hand, and his half-day trips pack serious fishing action into a perfect morning or afternoon on the Gulf. Whether you're squeezing in some lines between beach days or looking to introduce the family to what makes this area a world-class fishing destination, this top-rated charter delivers the goods without eating up your entire vacation day.
You'll meet Captain Dougy at the dock ready to fish – no need to stress about tackle boxes or bait because everything's provided. The boat holds up to six anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families or small groups who want that personal touch you won't get on the bigger head boats. Dougy runs a clean operation and knows exactly where the fish are biting based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns. Most half-day trips head out to the nearshore reefs and structure where the action stays consistent. Don't be surprised if you're hooked up within the first hour – these Destin waters are that good. The vibe stays relaxed but focused, with plenty of coaching for beginners and challenges for experienced anglers.
Captain Dougy runs a variety of techniques depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Bottom fishing with live and cut bait produces most of the snapper and grouper action, especially around the artificial reefs and natural ledges scattered throughout the area. When conditions allow, you'll also try some trolling for kings and mahi, pulling spread of ballyhoo and lures at different depths to cover water and locate schools. The boat's rigged with quality conventional reels spooled with appropriate line weights for the target species – typically 20 to 40-pound test depending on what you're after. Circle hooks are standard for most bottom fishing to improve release rates, and Dougy keeps a good selection of sinkers to match the current and depth. All rods are matched to the fishing style, from lighter spinning gear for smaller species to heavier conventional setups when big grouper or cobia show up.
Red Snapper remain the crown jewel of Destin fishing, and these reefs hold some beautiful fish. They typically run 15 to 25 pounds with occasional larger specimens that'll test your drag system. Snapper are structure-oriented and feed aggressively on squid, cigar minnows, and cut bait. The best action usually happens during federal season, but when they're biting, you'll understand why anglers travel from across the country to target them here. Their fighting style involves powerful runs toward structure, making every hookup a real battle.
Gag Grouper provide the muscle on these trips, with fish commonly reaching 20 to 30 pounds. They inhabit the same reefs as snapper but tend to hold tighter to structure and ambush prey from ledges and holes. Gags hit hard and immediately try to get back to their rocky hideouts, so setting the hook and applying pressure quickly is crucial. Spring and fall produce the most consistent action, and their excellent table fare makes them a customer favorite.
King Mackerel patrol these waters year-round but peak during spring and fall migrations. These speed demons can reach 30 to 50 pounds and provide some of the most exciting fights you'll experience. Kings typically hit trolled baits at moderate speeds and immediately launch into blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their incredible speed makes them a blast to battle on appropriate tackle.
Grey Triggerfish might surprise you with their tenacity and excellent eating quality. These reef dwellers have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, and they'll readily take cut bait and small jigs. Triggers typically run 2 to 5 pounds but fight much larger than their size suggests. They're abundant on most reef structures and provide steady action when other species are finicky.
Mahi Mahi represent the wild card catch that can turn a good trip into a great one. These gorgeous fish show up around floating debris, weed lines, and schools of baitfish, typically running 10 to 25 pounds with occasional bulls reaching 40-plus. Mahi are incredibly acrobatic fighters known for their spectacular jumps and brilliant colors. They often travel in schools, so hooking one frequently leads to multiple catches.
Cobia cruise these waters as solitary hunters, often following rays and sharks while searching for crabs and small fish. These brown sharks, as locals sometimes call them, can reach impressive sizes of 30 to 50 pounds and provide stubborn, powerful fights. Cobia respond well to live bait and jigs, and their curious nature sometimes brings them right to the boat for sight fishing opportunities.
Captain Dougy's half-day trips offer the perfect balance of serious fishing and vacation flexibility. You'll experience why Destin earned its reputation as the World's Luckiest Fishing Village while still having time for other activities. The combination of experienced guidance, quality equipment, and productive fishing grounds makes this a smart choice for anyone wanting to test these renowned waters. Remember that fuel surcharges may apply depending on current prices and fishing locations, but the value remains solid for the quality of fishing you'll experience. Book your spot with Six Shooter Charters and get ready to see why local anglers and visitors alike keep coming back to these productive Gulf waters.
Jump aboard this well-equipped motorboat for your half-day fishing adventure in Destin's productive inshore waters. Captain Dougy's 6-person vessel comes loaded with everything you need to target Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Grouper, and Mackerels. The boat features a reliable fish finder to locate schools, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and radar for safe passage. Stay comfortable with onboard air conditioning while you wait for that next bite. Between fishing action, grab cold drinks from the refrigerator or ice box. VHF radio keeps you connected, and the multimedia system adds entertainment during travel time. This boat goes beyond basics with a flybridge for elevated views, plus full amenities including bed, shower, toilet, and kitchen for longer comfort. All tackle and fishing gear provided - just bring yourself and get ready to fill the cooler. Additional fuel costs may apply depending on how far we chase the fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the gold standard of Gulf fishing - those bright red beauties that turn every angler into a grinning photo op. Most of what we catch runs 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, but don't be surprised if something bigger shows up. They live on hard bottom structure in 30-200 feet, loving reefs, wrecks, and rocky ledges where they can ambush prey. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when they're most active. These fish put up a solid fight and dive straight for cover when hooked, so keep steady pressure. The meat is absolutely top-shelf - sweet, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: use circle hooks with fresh cut bait and drop it right to the bottom. When you feel that tap-tap-tap, don't jerk - just reel steady and let the circle hook do its work.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter out here - bright gold, green, and blue that lights up like neon when they're hooked. These surface cruisers average 15-30 pounds and grow fast in our warm Gulf waters. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks where they hunt flying fish and small bait. Late spring through early fall brings the best action when they're most abundant. What makes mahi so special is their aerial show - they'll jump, dive, and change colors throughout the fight. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality and cooks beautifully. They're usually found in schools, so when you hook one, keep lines in the water. Pro tip: troll ballyhoo or small lures near any floating objects you see. Once you hook up, leave the fish in the water as long as possible - the others will stick around for more shots.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these chocolate-colored bruisers will fool you every time they cruise by. Most run 20-50 pounds, but 70+ pounders show up regularly around here. They're loners who hang around buoys, reefs, and structure in 30-100 feet, often cruising just under the surface. Spring migration brings the best action, but summer fishing around structure stays solid. What makes cobia special is their size, fight, and incredible table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. The key is using heavy tackle and keeping steady pressure - they're strong and will test your gear. Pro tip: when you see one following the boat, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose. They rarely refuse a well-presented jig.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are the crafty little thieves of the reef system. These tough-skinned characters average 12-17 inches and make up for their size with attitude. You'll find them around hard bottom, ledges, and structure in 30-180 feet where they pick at crabs and smaller baitfish. They're year-round residents, but summer and fall fishing is most consistent. What guests love about triggers is their scrappy fight and how they test your patience - they'll nibble and steal bait all day if you let them. The meat is firm and tasty, worth the effort to catch them. They have small mouths and sharp teeth, so small hooks and tough baits work best. Here's a trick: when you feel those light taps, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and start moving off, then reel steadily to keep constant pressure.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bullies of the reef, and they fight like it. These chunky bottom-dwellers average 20 inches but can push 3 feet and 35+ pounds if you're lucky. You'll find them around hard structure - reefs, ledges, and wrecks in 40-150 feet of water. They love hiding in holes and under overhangs, waiting to ambush anything that swims by. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What makes gags special is their pure power - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their hole. The meat is firm, white, and excellent eating. Here's the key: use heavy tackle and don't let them get their head down after the hookup. Keep that rod tip up and reel fast to pull them away from structure before they cut you off on the rocks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are pure speed demons that'll test your reflexes and your drag system. These silver bullets average 20-30 pounds but can hit 50+ when conditions are right. Look for them in 40-150 feet around structure, temperature breaks, and baitfish schools. Spring through fall brings the best action as they migrate through our waters following the warm currents. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - they'll strip line like nobody's business. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. Trolling is the most productive method, but live bait fishing around structure works great too. Pro tip: use a wire leader and two hooks - one through the nose, one free-floating behind. Kings often hit the tail end of bait first, and that trailing hook will nail them.
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