12-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Charter Fort Walton
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesExpert charter service accommodates up to 4 guestsTarget Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Grouper, and King Mackerel
When you're talking about serious offshore fishing in Fort Walton Beach, Taz's Excursions knows how to put you on the fish. This 12-hour deep sea charter takes you and three buddies way out into the Gulf where the big boys live – we're talking prime waters where Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, King Mackerel, and monster Grouper call home. Fort Walton's location gives us quick access to some of the Gulf's most productive fishing grounds, and with a full day on the water, you'll have plenty of time to work different spots and techniques until you find what's biting.
This isn't your typical half-day tourist trip – we're heading out before dawn and staying until we've worn out our welcome with the fish. Captain Taz runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed, so whether you're a seasoned angler or still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, you'll feel right at home. We'll be running anywhere from 20 to 60 miles offshore depending on conditions and where the bite's been hot. The Gulf of Mexico off Fort Walton Beach offers incredible structure – from natural reefs to oil rigs to wrecks – and each spot holds different species. You'll spend time working ledges for Snapper and Grouper, trolling the open blue water for Mahi and Kings, and maybe even sight-casting to Cobia if we spot them cruising near the surface. With 12 hours out there, we can hit multiple spots and really dial in what's working best that day.
Taz's boat comes rigged with everything you need – heavy conventional reels spooled with braided line for bottom fishing, lighter spinning gear for when the Mahi get finicky, and trolling rods ready to pull Kings and Wahoo. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what we're targeting. For the Grouper and Snapper, we're talking heavy jigs and live bait on the bottom – chicken rigs work great when the bite's on fire. When we're hunting Mahi Mahi, we'll troll ballyhoo behind the boat until we find a school, then switch to spinning gear and cast jigs or live bait into the frenzy. King Mackerel love a slow-trolled live bait or a well-presented dead bait on a stinger rig. The captain provides all tackle, but if you've got favorite lures or rods you like to throw, bring them along. The Gulf's structure here is incredible – ledges drop from 60 feet to 200 feet in a matter of yards, creating perfect ambush spots for predators.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and Fort Walton's waters consistently produce fish in the 20 to 40-pound range. These speed demons hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Best action usually comes from April through October, with peak season hitting during summer months when the water temperature climbs above 75 degrees. Kings love structure and bait schools – we'll work the edges of reefs and around oil rigs where they ambush schools of cigar minnows and blue runners. What makes them so popular with anglers is that explosive initial run – when a big King eats your bait, you'll know it instantly.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as the locals call them, are pure gold when you find them. These gorgeous fish travel in schools and put on an aerial show that's second to none. Peak season runs from May through September, with the biggest fish – bulls in the 30 to 50-pound range – showing up around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks in deeper water. Once you hook into a school, the action can be non-stop. They're aggressive feeders and will hit everything from ballyhoo to jigs to live bait. The meat's incredible too – firm, white, and perfect for the dinner table.
Red Snapper fishing in the Gulf is legendary, and for good reason. These ruby-colored fighters inhabit hard bottom and structure from 60 to 200 feet deep. Snapper season typically runs from June through July in federal waters, with specific dates set by NOAA each year. When they're biting, it's fast and furious – drop a chicken rig with cut bait to the bottom and hang on. Keeper Reds run 16 inches and up, but the average fish here runs 3 to 8 pounds with occasional doormat-sized fish pushing 15 pounds or better.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of the reef. These bottom-dwelling bruisers can exceed 20 pounds and fight like freight trains once hooked. Peak season runs from October through December in federal waters, but we catch them year-round on deeper structure. Gags are ambush predators that lurk in caves and undercuts, so you need heavy tackle and the skill to turn them before they cut you off on the rocks. Live bait works best – a struggling pinfish or grunt dropped right into their lair is hard to resist.
Cobia are the wild cards of Gulf fishing – these brown sharks (as some folks call them) cruise near the surface around buoys, rigs, and floating debris. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest fish through our area, with some Cobia pushing 40 pounds or more. They're sight-fishing at its finest – when you spot that brown torpedo cruising near the boat, it's game on. Cast a jig or live bait ahead of them and watch them track it down. They fight dirty too, using their broad tail and powerful body to bulldoze toward any structure they can find.
A 12-hour offshore charter with Taz
Jump aboard this well-equipped motorboat built for serious offshore fishing in the Gulf waters around Fort Walton Beach. With room for up to 4 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a productive 12-hour charter targeting Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, King Mackerel, Grouper, Amberjack, Cobia, and Bonito. The fish finder will help locate schools and structure while GPS keeps you on productive spots. Radar ensures safe navigation even when weather moves in. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh, and the head means no cutting trips short. Perfect setup for a long day chasing pelagics and bottom fish in the deeper waters off the Emerald Coast.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing - bright red fish that average 1-2 feet but can push 35+ pounds. They live around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 30-620 feet of water, with bigger fish typically deeper. Summer season during their spawning period offers the hottest action. What makes them special is that bulldog fight - they'll try to cut you off in the rocks every time. The white, flaky meat with that sweet, nutty flavor is restaurant quality. These fish are smart and structure-oriented. My tip: use circle hooks with live pinfish or fresh squid, keep that drag locked tight, and horse them up fast. Give them time to think and they'll wrap you around every piece of structure down there.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that look like sharks until you see that flat head and brown coloring. These bruisers average around 6 feet and can push 100+ pounds. They hang around structure like wrecks, buoys, and oil rigs, usually in 30-70 feet of water, though we sometimes spot them cruising the surface. Spring migration and summer months are prime time. Guests love them because they fight like freight trains and make outstanding table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They're curious fish that'll often come check out the boat. Here's the trick: when you see one, cast a bucktail jig past them and work it back slowly. Don't spook them with a direct hit - let them find the bait naturally.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGags are the bulldogs of the reef - stocky, gray fish with marbled patterns that average 20 inches but can reach 57 inches and 80 pounds. They live around rocky bottom, reefs, and wrecks where they can ambush prey. Cooler months often produce better fishing when they're more active. What guests love is that initial strike and powerful fight as they try to get back to their hole. The meat is excellent - firm, white fillets that grill beautifully. These fish are ambush predators that hate leaving cover. Here's what works: drop live pinfish or cut bait right on the structure, keep your drag cranked tight, and be ready to muscle them up immediately. Let them get their head down and they'll disappear into a cave every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+. These silver torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth cruise depths from 40-150 feet, often around structure and drop-offs. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What makes them special is that blistering first run - they'll strip line like nothing else out here. The meat's rich and flaky when prepared right. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait - one through the nose, another trailing behind. Kings love hitting the back half of their prey, so that second hook saves a lot of missed strikes.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish we target, flashing gold and electric blue until they hit the deck. These surface swimmers average 15-29 pounds and love hanging under floating debris or weed lines in warm water. Spring through early fall brings the best fishing when they're most active. What guests love is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show. Plus, the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the ocean. They're curious fish that often travel in small groups, so where you find one, there's usually more. My advice: keep your baits skipping on the surface like flying fish - that movement drives them crazy and triggers aggressive strikes.
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