Gulf Fishing Adventure with Testify Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
4hour Gulf fishing trip targeting Wahoo, Redfish, and GrouperCaptain Patrick provides local expertise and fully equipped vesselSmall group experience accommodates up to 6 guests maximum
Captain Patrick knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during this action-packed 4-hour charter out of Destin. When you step aboard our well-rigged boat, you're not just booking a fishing trip – you're getting access to decades of local knowledge and prime offshore spots that consistently produce trophy catches. We keep our groups small at 6 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from the captain.
Your day starts early at the marina where Captain Patrick will brief you on the game plan based on current conditions and what's been biting lately. The Gulf of Mexico off Destin offers some of the most productive fishing grounds on the entire Gulf Coast, and we'll be targeting structure, ledges, and current breaks where the big fish hang out. The boat comes fully equipped with top-shelf tackle, live bait wells, and all the gear you need to tangle with everything from screaming wahoo to bottom-dwelling grouper. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license, sunscreen, and drinks – we've got the rest covered. The captain will position you over productive spots and coach you through fighting techniques, especially when you hook into something that wants to take you to the cleaners.
We run a combination of trolling spreads and bottom fishing techniques depending on what's most productive that day. When we're pulling baits, expect to see a full spread of high-speed trolling lures designed to trigger strikes from wahoo and king mackerel as we cover water between spots. The captain uses downriggers and planer boards to present baits at different depths and distances from the boat, maximizing your chances of hooking up. For bottom fishing, we'll anchor or drift over structure using circle hooks and heavy sinkers to get your bait down to where the snapper and grouper live. Live bait is king out here – we'll have plenty of cigar minnows, blue runners, and pinfish in the wells to tempt even the most finicky fish. The captain will adjust tactics throughout the trip based on what's working, and he's not shy about moving spots if the action slows down.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and when they're in season, these crimson beauties provide world-class action. They typically run 5-15 pounds in our area, though trophy fish over 20 pounds show up regularly. Snapper are structure-oriented fish that live around artificial reefs, natural ledges, and oil rigs. They're aggressive feeders but can be finicky about presentation – the captain knows exactly how to rig your baits to get them fired up. The fight is pure bulldogging power, and they're absolutely delicious on the table.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that provide non-stop action, especially during spring and fall migrations. These silver rockets typically weigh 1-3 pounds but make up for size with pure aggression and acrobatic fights. They'll hit trolled spoons, small jigs, and live bait with reckless abandon. Spanish macs are perfect for kids and new anglers because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Peak season runs from March through November, with the hottest action during the cooler months.
Scamp Grouper are one of the most prized bottom fish in the Gulf, and they're absolute bulldogs when hooked in deep water. These spotted beauties typically run 3-8 pounds but can grow much larger. Scamps prefer rocky bottom and structure in 80-200 feet of water, where they ambush baitfish and crustaceans. They're notorious for heading straight to the rocks when hooked, so you need heavy tackle and quick reflexes. The meat is incredibly sweet and flaky – many anglers consider scamp the best eating fish in the Gulf.
King Mackerel are the ultimate trophy fish for many Gulf anglers, with fish over 30 pounds caught regularly in our area. These silver bullets are built for speed and endurance, capable of screaming runs that will test your drag system and fighting skills. Kings are most active during spring and fall when they migrate along the coast following bait schools. We target them with live bait, trolled baits, and slow-trolled dead bait around structure and current breaks. The fight is pure adrenaline – long runs, jumping, and head-shaking that will leave your arms burning.
Wahoo Fish are the sports cars of the ocean, capable of speeds over 60 mph and equipped with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through wire leaders. These blue-water speedsters typically show up in 100+ feet of water and are most active during cooler months. Wahoo strikes are violent and instant – one second you're trolling along, the next your reel is screaming as line disappears at an alarming rate. They're perfect for high-speed trolling with large lures and are considered one of the best eating fish in the ocean. A 20-pound wahoo will give you a fight you'll never forget.
Captain Patrick's 4-hour Gulf trips are consistently rated among the best fishing experiences in Destin, and prime dates fill up fast during peak season. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add to your trophy collection or a family wanting to introduce kids to offshore fishing, this charter delivers the goods. The combination of the captain's local expertise, top-notch equipment, and productive fishing grounds makes for a day on the water you'll be talking about for years. Book your trip today and get ready to experience why Testify Charters has built such a solid reputation among serious anglers and weekend warriors alike.
Jump aboard our beautifully restored 34-ft Hatteras sportfishing boat and get ready to chase some serious Gulf fish! This classic vessel packs twin Cummins engines delivering 370 horsepower to get you out to the productive waters where wahoo, redfish, and grouper are waiting. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines while staying comfortable with onboard A/C, a full kitchen, and even a bed for those who need a quick rest between bites. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting bait schools and diving birds, while our fish finder and GPS ensure we're always positioned over the best structure. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and your drinks cold in the fridge as we cruise at a smooth 14 knots to Captain Patrick's proven honey holes in the emerald Gulf waters.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are pure adrenaline on a fishing line. These torpedo-shaped fighters average 15-30 pounds but can easily hit 50+ pounds when conditions are right. They patrol open water from 40-150 feet deep, often around baitfish schools, temperature breaks, and structure. Spring and fall are money time when they're migrating through our area. What guests love is the screaming runs - kings will peel drag like few other fish. They're also solid table fare with rich, flaky meat. Peak season runs March through May and September through November. Here's the deal: rig with two hooks on a wire leader - kings love to bite bait in half, and that trailing hook saves the day. Troll fast with live bait or spoons, and keep that drag set right. They'll test it.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the gold standard of Gulf fishing - these crimson beauties average 2-8 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds on a good day. They hang around hard bottom structure, wrecks, and reefs in 60-200 feet of water, especially during summer months when they're most active. What makes them special isn't just the fight - though they'll test your drag when they bolt for cover - it's that incredible table fare. Sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Spawning season runs May through October, so that's prime time. Here's a local trick: when you feel that thump, don't set the hook right away. Count to three, then lift firm. Snapper often mouth the bait first, and patience gets more fish in the boat.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp Grouper might be the best-tasting fish swimming in these Gulf waters. They're smaller than their grouper cousins, usually 3-8 pounds, but pack serious attitude. You'll find them around rocky ledges, wrecks, and reefs in 75-300 feet of water. They come shallower during spring spawning season, which is your best shot at them. What makes scamp special is that incredible fight - they're bulldogs that'll test your tackle - and table quality that's off the charts. Sweet, firm white meat that locals call "captain's choice" for good reason. Best months are March through May when they move up to spawn. Pro tip: use circle hooks and fish right on the bottom with live pinfish or cigar minnows. Once hooked, keep steady pressure or they'll cut you off in the rocks.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll put a serious bend in your rod. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds but can push 8 pounds when you find the right school. They cruise the surface waters from spring through fall, especially around baitfish schools near structure or drop-offs. The fight is electric - they make blistering runs and jump like crazy. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. Peak season here is April through October when water temps warm up. My go-to tip: use a small wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - their razor teeth will cut regular line in a heartbeat. When you hook one, there's usually more around, so get your bait back down quick.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the Gulf's ultimate speed machine - think of them as underwater rockets with teeth. These sleek predators average 20-40 pounds but can push 80+ when you hit the jackpot. They cruise open water near the surface, often around floating debris or color changes in 60-200 feet. Best action happens during cooler months, October through March, when they move through our area. What makes wahoo special is that explosive strike followed by blistering runs - they'll smoke your drag at 60 mph. Plus, the meat is outstanding - white, flaky, and sweet. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best with wire leaders since their razor teeth cut everything else. Pro tip: when one hits, immediately drop back another bait - they often travel in small groups.
Destin