Destin Deep Sea Fishing For Big Groups
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target MahiMahi and tuna on offshore fishing charters27foot world cat accommodates groups up to six guestsAll fishing gear provided by experienced Southern Country crew
Looking to get your crew out on the water for some serious fishing action? This deep sea charter puts you and two buddies right in the middle of Destin's world-class offshore bite. We're talking about a 27-foot world cat that cuts through the Gulf swells like butter, getting you to the fish fast and keeping you comfortable all day long. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not just taking you fishing – they're putting you on fish. Whether you're the seasoned angler in your group or someone's never held a rod before, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps people talking for years.
Your day starts early at the marina, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on what's biting and where we're headed. The 27-foot world cat isn't just comfortable – it's built for offshore work, with plenty of deck space for three anglers to fish without getting tangled up. We're usually running 15-30 miles out, depending on where the fish are showing up on the finder and what the conditions look like. The crew handles all the rigging, baiting, and net work, so you can focus on what you came for – fighting fish. Don't worry about bringing tackle or bait; everything's provided, from the rods and reels to the cooler full of ice for your catch. Just grab your sunglasses, slather on the sunscreen, and get ready for some Gulf Coast fishing at its finest.
Out here in Destin's deep water, we're primarily trolling for the big boys. The captain runs a spread of four to six lines, mixing ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and various lures to cover different depths and attract different species. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with 30-50 pound test – serious gear for serious fish. When something hits, you'll know it. The reel screams, the rod doubles over, and it's game on. Don't be surprised if we're switching tactics throughout the day – maybe starting with trolling in the morning, then dropping down on some structure for amberjack, or working a weed line for mahi. The crew reads the water and adjusts accordingly, which is why these guys consistently put fish in the box when other boats are struggling.
Blackfin Tuna are the bread and butter of Destin offshore fishing, and for good reason. These football-shaped fighters typically run 10-25 pounds and they absolutely scream when hooked. Best time to target them is early morning or late afternoon when they're feeding near the surface. You'll usually find them around structure or temperature breaks, and they love to travel in schools. When you hook into one, there's often more where that came from. Blackfins make excellent table fare too – their dark red meat is perfect for searing or making into sashimi.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish, are what dreams are made of out here. These neon-green and yellow beauties are pure excitement from the moment they grab your bait. Bulls can push 40+ pounds, while the smaller females still put up a serious fight in the 10-20 pound range. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when we find floating debris or sargassum weed lines. Mahi are notorious for their aerial displays – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that'll have you reaching for your phone. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Greater Amberjack are the muscle cars of the deep. These bottom-dwelling bruisers can easily top 50 pounds, and they fight like they're twice that size. We typically target them around wrecks and hard bottom in 100-200 feet of water. When an AJ grabs your jig or bait, it's going straight back to the structure, and you better be ready for a tug-of-war. They're most active during the cooler months, roughly October through April, when they move up from deeper water to spawn. Fair warning – these fish will test your tackle and your arms.
Redfish might seem like an odd addition to an offshore trip, but Destin's nearshore waters hold some monster bull reds that'll surprise you. These copper-colored tanks can push 40+ pounds and they're absolute bulldogs on the line. We usually encounter them on the way in or out, working the nearshore structure and grass flats. Unlike their smaller inshore cousins, these bulls are pure power – no fancy jumps or tricks, just raw strength that'll make your drag sing. They're catch-and-release only at this size, but the photos and memories are worth their weight in gold.
This charter books up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing's hot and everyone wants a piece of the action. With space for just three anglers, you're getting a premium experience without the crowd – more fish per person, more personalized attention from the crew, and more room to work. The captain's been running these waters for years, and the 27-foot world cat is perfectly sized for small groups who want to fish hard without breaking the bank. Whether you're planning a bachelor party, celebrating a birthday, or just need to get away from it all with your fishing buddies, this trip delivers every single time. Don't wait until the last minute – the best dates go first, and you don't want to be stuck on shore wishing you were out there battling tuna and mahi.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the true tunas, usually running 20-30 pounds around here in the Gulf. They're scrappy fighters that'll test your drag and make those reels sing. We find them in deeper waters, typically 15-30 miles offshore where the water's that deep blue color. Spring through fall are prime time, especially when water temps hit that sweet spot above 68 degrees. They school up with skipjacks and love to chase bait around oil rigs and current breaks. The meat's outstanding - firm, red, and perfect for searing or sashimi. Pro tip: scale down your leader to 30-pound fluoro and use smaller hooks than you'd think. These fish have sharp eyes and will spook off heavy tackle in a heartbeat.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep - pure muscle that'll test your tackle and your stamina. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds around our offshore wrecks and reefs, but 60+ pounders aren't uncommon. We find them hugging bottom structure in 80-200 feet, especially around artificial reefs and oil rigs. Spring and summer are peak season when they're actively feeding. The fight's what gets people hooked - they'll make powerful runs straight down, trying to break you off on the structure. Heavy tackle's a must with at least 50-pound line. The meat's firm and tasty, though bigger fish can carry ciguatera. My advice: when you hook one, fight it hard and fast. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around every piece of structure down there. Live bait works best, but they'll crush a big jig too.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are absolute crowd favorites - those electric colors and acrobatic jumps make every hookup a show. These beauties average 15-30 pounds out here, but bulls can push 50+. We target them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-1000 feet of blue water. Spring through fall they're thick, especially when the water's warm and bait's moving. They're aggressive feeders that'll crush trolled ballyhoo or hit a well-placed jig. The fight's a blast - they jump, run, and put on a light show with those color changes. Plus, you can't beat the table fare - firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Here's the secret: when you hook one, leave it in the water while you get more lines out. Mahi travel in schools, and that hooked fish will keep the others around for multiple shots.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular inshore targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches but can push 40+ pounds when you get into the big girls offshore. Look for that signature black spot near the tail - it's their calling card. Around Destin, we work the shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and structure in 2-6 feet of water. Fall and spring are prime time when they're feeding heavy before and after spawning season. They fight hard with powerful runs and that classic head-shaking action that'll keep your drag screaming. The meat's excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor that grills up perfect. My go-to tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly - spook one and the whole school disappears.
Destin, FL