Full-Day Destin Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesTrolling and bottom fishing techniques for diverse catchesAll fishing equipment included with sixguest capacity
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, this 8-hour charter with Strike Zone Charters delivers the goods. We're talking about a full day on the water targeting some of Destin's most sought-after species, from hard-fighting King Mackerel to acrobatic Mahi Mahi. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip gives you plenty of time to work both the trolling spread and drop down on the bottom structure where the big fish hang out. All your tackle and gear comes included, so you can focus on what matters most - putting fish in the box.
Your day starts early at the Destin harbor, where you'll meet your captain and crew who know these waters like the back of their hand. We'll head out past the jetties and into the emerald green Gulf waters, where the real action begins. The first few hours typically involve setting up a trolling spread with a mix of live bait, dead bait, and artificials to cover different depths and attract various pelagic species. Once we hit productive water, you'll see why Destin has earned its reputation as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village." The second half of your trip focuses on bottom fishing over structure, ledges, and artificial reefs where Triggerfish, Amberjack, and other reef species congregate. Expect to move around several spots throughout the day as your captain reads the conditions and follows the bite.
This charter combines two proven methods that consistently produce fish in Destin waters. Your trolling spread will include a variety of baits and lures designed to mimic the baitfish that pelagic species feed on. We're talking ballyhoo, cigar minnows, and proven artificials like spoons and diving plugs pulled at different speeds and depths. The crew handles all the rigging, so you can concentrate on fighting the fish when they hit. When it's time to switch to bottom fishing, we'll anchor up or drift over structure using heavy tackle capable of pulling big Amberjack and Grouper up from 80-150 feet of water. Circle hooks, heavy sinkers, and fresh cut bait are the name of the game here. The crew will show you the proper technique for dropping down, detecting bites, and fighting fish that want nothing more than to bury you in the rocks.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of Destin offshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver bullets can stretch 30-50 inches and put up a fight that'll test your drag and your arms. They're most active during the cooler months from fall through early spring, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. Kings love to hit fast-moving baits on the troll, and when they do, you'll know it immediately. The initial run is legendary, and they'll jump, tail-walk, and do everything possible to throw your hook. Grey Triggerfish might not be the prettiest fish in the Gulf, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter. These bottom dwellers have a mouth full of teeth designed to crush shellfish and coral, so they'll test your tackle and your patience. They're typically found around hard bottom and structure in 60-120 feet of water, and when they're biting, you can load the boat.
Atlantic Bonito are speed demons that provide non-stop action when you find a school. These smaller members of the tuna family rarely exceed 10 pounds, but they make up for size with pure athleticism. They travel in large schools and feed aggressively on small baitfish, making them perfect targets for light tackle trolling. Greater Amberjack are the bullies of the reef, capable of reaching 50+ pounds and testing every knot in your tackle box. These bruisers live around wrecks, ledges, and artificial reefs where they ambush passing baitfish. When you hook a big AJ, the first run is straight down, and you'll understand why they're called "reef donkeys." Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish, are the most colorful catch you'll encounter offshore. These golden beauties are acrobatic fighters that leap clear of the water when hooked. They're typically found around floating debris, sargassum weed lines, and temperature breaks where they feed on flying fish and small baitfish.
An 8-hour offshore charter gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Destin's Gulf waters have to offer. You're not rushing to get back to the dock when the fish start biting, and you have time to work both trolling and bottom fishing techniques that target different species. Strike Zone Charters provides all the equipment you need, from heavy tackle for Amberjack to light spinning gear for Bonito. Bring your sunscreen, snacks, and drinks for the day, and get ready to see why anglers travel from all over the country to fish these waters. The Gulf of Mexico off Destin is home to some of the most diverse and productive fishing on the planet, and this charter puts you right in the middle of it all. Book your trip and get ready to make some memories that'll have you planning your next offshore adventure before you even get back to the dock.
Get ready to fish the productive waters of Destin aboard this fully-equipped 6-passenger sportfisher! This offshore machine comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - radar and GPS to navigate to the hot spots, plus a quality fish finder to locate schools of Mahi, Bonito, Mackerel, and Triggerfish lurking in the Gulf depths. The spacious flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting birds and bait activity, while the air-conditioned cabin offers a cool break from the Florida sun during your 8-hour adventure. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard ice box and refrigerator, grab snacks from the kitchen, and use the head when nature calls. With a comfortable bed for quick power naps between bites and a multimedia system for entertainment during slower periods, this boat handles both serious trolling runs and bottom fishing sessions with ease. All fishing gear included - just bring your appetite for Gulf action!
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 40 mph when they're fired up. These silver torpedoes with dark racing stripes average 8-12 pounds and school up in massive numbers during spring and fall migrations. You'll spot them feeding on the surface, dorsal fins cutting through like mini sharks, often with birds diving overhead. They're pelagic fish that prefer temps in the 60s, rarely found in the Gulf but common along the Atlantic coast. While they're not table fare here, they put up a wild fight on light tackle and make great live bait for bigger game. Watch for bird activity - that's your best clue to find feeding schools.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most beautiful fish we catch - bright gold and electric blue that puts on a color show when boated. They average 15-29 pounds but the bulls can push 40+. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water, usually spring through fall when water temps warm up. What makes them special is the combination of stunning looks, acrobatic fights with jumps and runs, plus excellent eating - firm white meat that's perfect grilled. They're surface dwellers that love commotion. Local tip: once you hook one, keep a second rod ready with ballyhoo - where there's one mahi, there's usually more, and they get excited seeing their buddy hooked.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjacks are the bruisers of offshore structure, averaging 39 pounds but capable of hitting 6 feet and really testing your tackle. These bluish-grey powerhouses with that distinctive amber stripe live around wrecks, reefs, and ledges in deeper water. Spring spawning season gives us the best action, especially April and May. What guests love is the raw power - they'll drag you straight down into the structure if you let them. The meat quality is excellent, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. My advice: use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound test, and crank them up fast and hard right from the hookset. Give them time to think, and they'll wrap you around structure.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are tough customers that hang around hard bottom, ledges, and offshore reefs in 40-180 feet. They average 12-17 inches but can push 2 feet and 13 pounds. These guys have leather-tough skin and razor teeth that'll cut through sea urchins like butter. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're most active. What makes them fun is their personality - they're curious and aggressive, but also sneaky bait stealers. The meat's actually pretty good eating. Pro tip: use squid chunks about an inch wide since it stays on the hook better. When you feel that first nibble, don't set the hook yet - they like to pick at bait before committing.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fish in these waters, running around 30 pounds on average with the big girls pushing 90+. We find them trolling in 40-150 feet, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that 68-84 degree sweet spot. These fish put up a serious fight - they'll make long screaming runs that test your drag and stamina. The meat's decent but has high mercury levels. Here's a local trick: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait. Put one hook in the bait's nose, let the second dangle near the tail since kings love to hit from behind.
Destin, FL