Expert Gulf Fishing Adventures with Captain Patrick
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore Gulf fishing adventure with Captain PatrickTarget Wahoo, Redfish, Groupers with expert local guidancePremium vessel accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably
Looking for a serious day on the water? Captain Patrick and the crew at Testify Charters know exactly where the fish are biting in Destin's Gulf waters. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full 8-hour commitment to putting fish in the boat. You'll head out into the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico aboard a well-maintained vessel that's built for comfort and performance. With room for up to 6 anglers, this charter strikes the perfect balance between having enough room to fish comfortably and keeping the group small enough for personalized attention. Captain Patrick's been working these waters for years, and his local knowledge shows in the cooler at the end of the day.
Your day starts early – that's just how serious Gulf fishing works. Captain Patrick will have you targeting prime fishing spots where the big boys hang out, from offshore structure to natural ledges that hold fish year-round. The Gulf of Mexico off Destin is famous for its variety, and you'll be fishing in depths that range from 60 feet out to 200+ feet, depending on what's biting and where the action is hottest. This charter focuses on bottom fishing and trolling techniques that consistently produce results. You'll spend your time working productive spots rather than burning fuel running all over the Gulf. The captain's approach is methodical – he knows when to stay put on a hot bite and when to make moves to find the fish. With 8 hours on the water, there's plenty of time to work different areas and adapt to conditions as the day unfolds.
This trip combines the best of both worlds – bottom fishing for the heavyweights like grouper and snapper, plus trolling for the speedsters like wahoo and king mackerel. You'll be using circle hooks and heavy tackle when dropping down for bottom fish, with baits that include live pinfish, cigar minnows, and cut bait that drives these Gulf species crazy. For the trolling action, Captain Patrick runs a spread of lures and ballyhoo that's proven to produce strikes from pelagic species cruising the blue water. The boat is rigged with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from 10-pound kings to 50-pound grouper. If you're bringing your own gear, medium to heavy action rods in the 6-7 foot range work great for bottom fishing, while longer rods help with the trolling spread. The captain provides all the terminal tackle, weights, and lures – you just need to show up ready to fish. Ice and fish cleaning are included, so your catch goes home in prime condition.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and Destin's waters are loaded with them. These crimson fighters typically run 5-15 pounds in our area, though 20+ pounders show up regularly on the right spots. They're structure-oriented fish that live around artificial reefs, natural ledges, and wrecks in 80-150 feet of water. What makes red snapper so special is their combination of fight and flavor – they'll test your drag on the way up, then provide some of the best table fare in the Gulf. Peak season runs from June through August when federal waters are typically open, but state water fishing can extend the opportunities.
Gag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, and they fight like it. These guys average 10-25 pounds in our waters, with genuine trophy fish over 30 pounds always a possibility. Gags are ambush predators that live in caves and ledges, and they'll try to cut you off in the rocks the second you hook them. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, making them perfect targets for winter fishing when other species slow down. The key to gag grouper is keeping them out of structure – once you feel that thump, you've got to turn their head and get them coming up.
Scamp grouper might be smaller than their gag cousins, but pound-for-pound they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the Gulf. Most scamps run 3-8 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. They prefer deeper water than gags, typically 120+ feet, and they're notorious for their acrobatic fights. Scamps are available year-round but seem to bite best during spring and fall transitions. What really sets scamp apart is their incredible eating quality – many charter captains consider them the best-tasting fish in the Gulf.
King mackerel are the speedsters of this fishery, and when they're running, the action is fast and furious. Destin kings typically range from 15-40 pounds, with smoker kings over 50 pounds showing up during peak migration periods. These fish are built for speed, and their initial runs will have your reel screaming. Kings are most abundant from April through October, with the biggest fish typically showing up during spring and fall migrations. They're perfect trolling targets, and Captain Patrick knows how to put together a spread that gets their attention.
Wahoo are the ultimate prize for many Gulf anglers – a fish that combines blazing speed with incredible eating quality. These torpedo-shaped predators can exceed 50 mph, and their strikes are legendary for their violence. Most Gulf wahoo run 20-60 pounds, and they're available year-round with peaks during cooler months. What makes wahoo special is their unpredictability – you might catch one on the first pass over a spot, then not see another all day. When they do bite, though, you'll know it instantly. Their razor-sharp teeth mean wire leaders are essential, and their speed means your drag better be set right.
This 8-hour Gulf fishing trip with Testify Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – quality time on productive water with a captain who knows
Captain Patrick's 34-foot Hatteras sportfisher is your gateway to serious Gulf fishing action off Destin's legendary waters. This restored 2017 beauty packs twin Cummins engines delivering 370 horses, cruising at a steady 14 knots to get you out to the productive waters where wahoo, redfish, and grouper are waiting. The boat's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - advanced fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus an icebox and fridge to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. When you need a break from battling fish, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin featuring a full kitchen, bed, and head. The flybridge gives you that commanding view of the Gulf while you're working the waters. Built for up to six anglers, this classic sportfisher combines old-school fishing boat reliability with modern comforts, making those long 8-hour trips comfortable while you chase trophy fish in the deep Gulf waters off the Emerald Coast.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - stocky, powerful fish that'll test your gear and your arms. Most run 15-25 inches, but we regularly see 30+ pounders that'll make you work. They love hanging around rocky bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. Fall and winter months are prime time when they're more active and feeding heavy. What guests love about gags is the fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight back to their hole. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling. All gags start as females and turn male as they get bigger, which is pretty cool. Pro tip: when you hook one, lock that drag down and keep your rod tip low. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the nearest rock pile.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are pure speed and power. These silver rockets average 15-30 pounds but can top 50+ pounds, and they're fast enough to peel line like crazy. We find them in 40-150 feet, often around structure, bait schools, or temperature breaks. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're migrating through our waters. What makes Kings special is their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag and your reflexes. They're also great eating when prepared fresh, though the bigger ones can have higher mercury content. We typically target them by trolling with spoons, live bait, or cigar minnows. Pro tip: always use a wire leader because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly. When trolling, keep your speed up around 6-8 knots - Kings like fast-moving baits.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the classic bottom fish that every angler wants to tangle with. These pink-to-red beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, but the big ones can hit 35+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around structure in 30-200 feet - wrecks, reefs, ledges, anywhere they can ambush prey. May through October is prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. What makes them special? They fight hard, diving for cover and testing your drag. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - mild, nutty, perfect for the table. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack. They'll try to cut your line on structure, so once you've got them hooked, start cranking and don't let up.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp Grouper are the hidden gems of the grouper family - what many locals call "Captain's Meat" because they're so good on the table. These brown and tan beauties average 4-6 pounds but can reach 30+ pounds. You'll find them around ledges, wrecks, and rocky structure in 75-300 feet, though they move shallower during spawning season from February through May. What makes scamps special is their incredible taste - many say they're the best-eating grouper out there. They're also tough fighters despite their size, and they're slow but strong swimmers that'll give you a real battle. Like other groupers, they start female and turn male as they age. Local tip: use live pinfish or cigar minnows and fish them right on the bottom. When you get a bite, set the hook hard and keep steady pressure.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf - one of the fastest fish in the ocean hitting 60+ mph. These silver torpedoes with blue stripes typically run 3-5 feet and 30-80 pounds. We find them in open water around floating debris, oil rigs, and color changes, usually within a few miles of shore. Best fishing is July through November when water temps are right. What guests love about wahoo is the explosive strike and screaming runs - they'll take line faster than almost any fish. Plus, they're incredible on the table with white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. They've got razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. Local secret: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with bullet-head lures or rigged ballyhoo works best. When you get bit, hold on tight - that first run is something else.
Destin