Destin Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
5hour offshore charter targets amberjack, redfish, and mahi mahiExpert crew provides guidance for beginners and experienced anglersPrivate boat accommodates up to 3 guests from Destin waters
Get ready for some serious offshore action with Southern Country Charters' five-hour deep sea fishing adventure in Destin. This isn't your typical dock fishing – we're talking about heading out to the deep blue where the big fish live. Our experienced crew knows these Gulf waters like the back of their hand, and they're pumped to put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod. With space for up to three anglers, this is the perfect setup for a small group looking to experience world-class fishing without the crowded boat feel. Pack your cooler with drinks and snacks because we're staying out there until the fish stop biting.
Your day starts early at the harbor where you'll meet Captain and crew who've been working these waters for years. The boat heads out past the jetties into the emerald waters of the Gulf, usually running 15-30 miles offshore depending on where the fish are holding. You'll cruise over structure, artificial reefs, and natural bottom that attracts the pelagic species Destin is famous for. The vibe is relaxed but focused – this crew takes pride in putting clients on fish and they've got the local knowledge to make it happen. Expect to see dolphins, sea turtles, and maybe even some flying fish on the ride out. The Gulf can serve up different conditions, but that's part of what makes offshore fishing so rewarding when everything comes together.
We're rigged and ready with quality offshore tackle that can handle anything from schoolie mahi to bull amberjack. The boat carries a full spread of rods from medium-heavy spinning setups to heavy conventional gear for the bigger fish. Most of the fishing happens with live bait when we can get it, but we also run artificials like jigs and plugs when the bite calls for it. You'll be fishing structure using bottom rigs for amberjack and working the surface and mid-column for mahi when we find floating debris or weedlines. The crew handles all the rigging and net work, but they're happy to teach you the techniques if you want to learn. Circle hooks are standard for conservation, and we follow all FWC regulations to keep these fisheries healthy for future trips.
Mahi mahi, also called common dolphinfish, are hands-down one of the most exciting fish to catch in the Gulf. These fish are pure muscle and acrobatics once hooked, often jumping clear out of the water multiple times during the fight. They travel in schools around floating debris, sargassum weed, or any structure in open water. Spring through fall offers the best mahi action, with fish ranging from schoolies around 10 pounds up to bull dolphins pushing 40-plus pounds. What makes mahi so special is their aggressive feeding behavior – when you find one, there's usually more in the area, leading to those epic multiple hookups that get everyone on the boat fired up.
Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef and structure fishing scene around Destin. These fish live on artificial reefs, wrecks, and natural hard bottom, and they fight like freight trains once hooked. AJ's can range from 20-pound teens up to genuine monsters over 60 pounds that will test your tackle and your back. The best amberjack fishing typically runs from late fall through early spring when the fish are most aggressive. What gets anglers hooked on amberjack fishing is the initial run – these fish head straight for the bottom when hooked, and it's a pure test of will between angler and fish. They're also excellent table fare when prepared properly, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the feast.
This five-hour deep sea charter delivers the complete Destin offshore experience without breaking the bank or taking up your entire day. Southern Country Charters has built their reputation on consistent fish production and top-rated customer service that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The three-person capacity means you get personalized attention from the crew and plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Weather and fish patterns change constantly, so booking in advance gives you the best shot at prime dates when conditions align. Don't sleep on this opportunity to fish some of the Gulf's most productive waters with a crew that knows how to make it happen – your next trophy catch is waiting offshore.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the Gulf - thick-bodied bruisers that'll test your arms and your tackle. These fish average around 39 pounds but can push well over 50, with that distinctive amber stripe running down their bluish-grey sides. You'll find them hanging around structure like wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 80-200 feet of water, especially during cooler months from fall through early spring. What gets people hooked on amberjack fishing is that raw power - they'll make long, punishing runs straight down to the bottom and fight you every inch of the way up. The meat's excellent too, firm and white when prepared right. We use heavy tackle with 50+ pound line because these fish don't mess around. Here's the key: drop a live bait or heavy jig right to the bottom near structure, then be ready - when an amberjack hits, it's game on and you better hold tight.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here, with brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real color show when they come out of the water. These guys typically run 15-29 pounds and about 39 inches, though we've seen some real bulls push bigger numbers. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in the deeper blue water. Spring through fall gives us our best action when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. What makes mahi special is their aggressive nature - they'll hit trolled ballyhoo or squid like a freight train and give you a wild aerial fight with jumps and runs. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with that mild, sweet white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water for a minute - its buddies will often stick around for multiple hookups.
Destin, FL