5.0(3 Reviews)Extended Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Destin
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targeting tuna, cobia, and amberjackMorning or afternoon departures accommodate flexible schedulesAll gear, bait, and licenses provided by experienced captain
Captain Bernie and his crew at Windwalker II Charters know how to put you on fish in the Gulf of Mexico. This six-hour offshore charter gives you serious time to work some of the most productive fishing grounds along the Emerald Coast. Whether you're rolling out of bed for a dawn departure or prefer an afternoon start, you'll be targeting heavy-hitters like albacore tuna, greater amberjack, cobia, and whatever else is biting that day. With everything from gear to licenses covered, you just need to show up ready to fish. The boat holds up to six anglers, making it perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to get away from the crowds and into some real Gulf action.
Your day starts at the Destin Harbor, where you'll meet Captain Bernie and First Mate Mark before heading out to the blue water. The ride out gives you time to get your sea legs and talk strategy for the day. These guys know the Gulf like their backyard - from the nearshore structure where amberjack stack up to the deeper waters where tuna cruise. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels suited for everything from finicky cobia to hard-fighting jacks. You'll work different depths and techniques throughout the trip, giving everyone on board a chance to get bent. The crew handles all the technical stuff - rigging lines, working the fish finder, and making sure you're in the right spot when the bite turns on. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing; they'll walk you through everything and keep you hooked up all day.
Offshore fishing in Destin means adapting to what the Gulf gives you on any given day. The crew runs a mix of trolling and bottom fishing depending on conditions and what's moving through the area. For tuna and cobia, you'll likely be pulling lures or working live bait in the water column. When targeting amberjack and snapper, it's all about getting down to the structure with heavy tackle and fresh cut bait. The boat carries everything from light spinning gear for smaller species to heavy conventional reels that can handle the big boys. Circle hooks are standard for most applications, and the crew keeps a variety of weights, leaders, and terminal tackle to match whatever you're after. They'll adjust the approach throughout the day based on what's working - one minute you might be jigging over a wreck, the next you're watching lines scream off the reels as a school of tuna moves through.
"Bernie and Mark handled our younger group with care; really appreciated the charter. Crew helped us make it through a big storm and kept the kids involved the whole time. Fish on!!!" - Michael
"Our group, made up mostly of beginners and kids, had an incredible time fishing with Windwalker II Charters in Destin, Florida. Captain Bernie got us right on the fish, while First Mate Mark worked nonstop across the deck—baiting hooks, unhooking catches, and keeping the kids engaged. The kids had an absolute blast, and Mark's patience and energy made the experience enjoyable for everyone." - Kris
"Great time fishing and put us on fish at every spot. Great variaty of fish we got to keep ans get cooked up at AJs" - Patrick
Mahi mahi are the poster fish of Gulf fishing, and for good reason. These brilliant gold and green fighters love structure and current breaks, often traveling in schools that can keep your lines busy for hours. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from smaller schoolies to bull dolphins pushing 30 pounds. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from trolled ballyhoo to live pilchards, and their aerial displays make every hookup a show. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Greater amberjack are the muscle cars of the reef. These fish live around wrecks and hard bottom, ambushing anything that ventures too close to their territory. They'll test your tackle and your back with their powerful runs straight for the bottom. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with fish commonly reaching 40-60 pounds. The bigger ones require serious gear and technique to turn away from structure, but landing a quality AJ is always a badge of honor among Gulf anglers.
Crevalle jack might not win beauty contests, but they make up for it with pure fight. These silver bullets roam the Gulf in schools, creating feeding frenzies that attract everything from birds to bigger predators. They're year-round residents that hit both live and artificial baits with authority. A good jack will burn drag and test your arms, making them perfect for anglers who want action over table fare.
Cobia are the wanderers of the Gulf, cruising solo or in small groups around structure, floating debris, and even following rays and sharks. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are curious fish that often approach the boat for a close look. Spring migration brings the best numbers, but resident fish stick around all year. They're strong fighters that make long runs and excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for serious Gulf anglers.
Red snapper remain the king of Gulf bottom fishing, despite the limited season. When they're open, these crimson fighters stack up on reefs and wrecks, providing fast action for anglers who can get their baits down quickly. They're smart fish that require sharp hooks and quick reflexes, but a cooler full of red snapper represents the gold standard of Gulf fishing success.
Albacore tuna bring the speed and endurance that make offshore fishing addictive. These silver bullets travel in schools, following bait and temperature breaks throughout the Gulf. Summer and fall offer the most consistent action, with fish averaging 15-30 pounds of pure muscle. They're line-shy and require finesse, but when you hook up, get ready for scre
Your offshore fishing adventure starts aboard our well-equipped motorboat, built to handle the Gulf waters where tuna and amberjack roam. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - GPS to navigate the prime fishing spots, fish finder to locate schools beneath the surface, and VHF radio for safe communication on the water. The flybridge gives your captain a commanding view to spot diving birds and surface activity that signals feeding fish below. With comfortable seating for up to 6 anglers and an onboard head for convenience during those long battles with Gulf species, you'll have everything needed for a productive day on the water. The boat's design handles the offshore swells smoothly, letting you focus on working your lines instead of fighting seasickness. Whether you're targeting fast-moving albacore or wrestling with powerful amberjack around structure, this vessel puts you in position to make the most of Destin's incredible fishing opportunities.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are the smaller cousins in the tuna family, typically running 18-25 inches and 20-45 pounds. These bullet-shaped speedsters travel in massive schools in deep, offshore waters where blue water meets the continental shelf. We target them from spring through fall when water temperatures are right. What makes albacore special is their incredible speed and the fact they never stop moving - they need constant motion to breathe. Plus, they're the only tuna that can legally be called "white meat tuna" - excellent eating. The fight is all about speed and endurance. When you find a school, trolling with cedar plugs or tuna feathers works best, keeping lures 50-90 feet behind the boat. Here's the critical part: if that first fish gets away, the whole school often disappears, so make sure your tackle is in perfect shape before you start.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that average around 30-50 pounds and look like brown sharks cruising near the surface. We find them around reefs, wrecks, and floating debris in 30-70 feet of water, often just under the surface where you can sight-fish for them. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, especially during their spawning season. What makes cobia special is they're usually loners, so each fish is a prize. They fight hard with powerful runs and make excellent table fare - some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, white meat. Since they're curious fish, they'll often come check out the boat. Here's the key: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig well ahead of where it's swimming and work it back slowly. Don't cast right on top of them or you'll spook them every time.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bullies of inshore and offshore waters, typically running 3-5 pounds but capable of much more. These brassy-green fighters love chasing schools of bait fish around structures, weed lines, and current breaks. Look for diving birds - that's your best sign that jacks are pushing bait to the surface. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months. What guests love about jacks is their aggressive nature and stubborn fight - they'll pull drag and wear you out. They're not great table fare, but they're pure fun on lighter tackle. Pro tip: when you find a school feeding on top, cast past them and retrieve your lure fast through the action. Silver spoons and topwater plugs work magic, and don't be surprised if you smell something like watermelon when they're feeding heavily.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bruisers of the Gulf, averaging around 39 pounds but capable of reaching 6 feet and serious weight. These bluish-grey fighters with that distinctive amber stripe love structure - wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 60-200 feet of water. April and May during spawning season offer some of the best fishing, but they're around year-round. What makes them special is their sheer power - they'll test your tackle and your arms with deep, bulldogging runs. The meat is excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. My advice: bring heavy gear and don't be afraid to really lean on them early in the fight. If you give them too much line, they'll wrap you around the structure and it's game over. Metal jigs and live bait both work great.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here. They average 15-29 pounds and put on a real color show - brilliant golds, blues, and greens that flash like a light display when they're brought to the boat. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deeper offshore waters. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps warm up. These fish are aggressive feeders and will absolutely demolish a well-presented bait. The meat is fantastic - firm, white, and mild-tasting, making them a favorite for the dinner table. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled for others. Mahi often travel in small schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Work the area thoroughly before moving on.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, typically running 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though they can reach 35 pounds or more. These bright red fighters live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 30-200 feet of water. The federal season usually runs June through July, making those summer trips prime time. What makes snapper special is they're both a great fight and outstanding table fare - mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. They're true warriors that will try to cut your line on structure, so you need to muscle them up quickly. My go-to setup is heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh cut bait like cigar minnows or squid. The trick is getting your bait right to the bottom where they live, then being ready for that initial run toward cover when you hook up.
5.0 out of 5.0Bernie and Mark handled our younger group with care; really appreciated the charter. Crew helped us make it through a big storm an...
Our group, made up mostly of beginners and kids, had an incredible time fishing with Windwalker II Charters in Destin, Florida. Ca...
Great time fishing and put us on fish at every spot. Great variaty of fish we got to keep ans get cooked up at AJs
Destin, FL