Apex Charters And Rentals 

4.9/5 (349 reviews)
 
State licensed
 4603 Legendary Marina Drive, Destin, FL 32541, United States
You may qualify for a Loyalty Program discount with Apex Charters And Rentals. To check if you can use a Loyalty Program discount for your selected dates, please sign in.

Apex Charters And Rentals wishes you a warm welcome to Destin, a prime angling destination in Florida. Join Captain James Scott in exploring waters both near and off the shore and have a fishing trip you’ll remember for a long time. There are lots of lovely species to catch and the captain’s an expert, so just pick a day and book your next sea adventure!

Your trip starts on a 28’ Sailfish center console, a boat that has enough space to carry 5 guests. It runs on two 150 HP Yamaha engines, uses full-featured navigation electronics, and is equipped with downriggers, snorkeling gear, and a livewell. The boat’s also got a toilet, wireless trolling motor, and a multimedia system.

Some of the many prized species you can go after include Mahi Mahi, Almaco Jack, Amberjack, cobia, wahoo, king mackerel Pompano, and Snapper. You’ll use both heavy and light tackle to catch, with plenty of techniques to choose from. Try your hand at bottom and deep sea fishing, trolling, jigging, drift fishing, as well as handline fishing. You’re free to keep your catch and kids are more than welcome to come on board.

When it comes to things you’ll need for the trip, just make sure you pack some food and drinks and the captain will take care of everything from gear to licenses to catch cleaning.

Join in and have a trip of your life with Apex Charters And Rentals!

James Scott

Captain

James Scott

17 years of experience
 ID & credentials verified
 responds within an hour

Most popular features:

 Fishing License
 Live Bait
 You Keep Catch
 Catch cleaning & filleting
 Toilet
 Child Friendly
 Rods, reels & tackle

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Almost there...
4 Hour Trip – Offshore (AM)

 In demand! Last booked: 5 days ago

FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip (Mon)
Price for 2 people
US $725 
Short notice 4hr PM snapper/mahi
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Jul 31 (Sun)
Price for 2 people
US $850 
6 Hour Trip – Offshore

 In demand! Last booked: 4 days ago

FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Price for 2 people
US $975 
8 Hour Trip – Going Big

 In demand! Last booked: 4 days ago

FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Price for 2 people
US $1,125 
There are 104 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 349 reviews
Boat
5.0/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (470)

Fishing with James
Great Day of Fishing!
Great Day of Fishing!
+467

Angler rating

334
13
2
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

96%

Appropriate for children

91%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

98%

Caught fish

89%

Showing 1 - 5 of 349 reviews
JOSUE R.
JOSUE R.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

An Unforgettable Deep Sea Adventure!

VERIFIED
NEW

6 Hour Trip – Offshore on June 20, 2025

We just had an absolutely incredible time deep-sea fishing with Captain James! From start to finish, it was a 5-star experience. Even with two people in our group who had never been on a fishing boat before, our guide was phenomenal—patient, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel comfortable and excited. The fishing itself was fantastic! We reeled in a great variety of fish, including some beautiful mahi-mahi, bonitos, and monster red snapper. The highlight, though, was definitely spending a couple of hours battling a monster shark! It was an absolute thrill and something we'll never forget. If you're looking for an awesome deep-sea fishing trip, whether you're a seasoned angler or a complete novice, we highly recommend Apex Charters. You won't be disappointed!

We just had an absolutely incredible time deep-sea fishing with Captain James! From start to finish, it was a 5-star experience. Even with two people in our group who had never been on a fishing boat before, our guide was phenomenal—patient, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel comfortable and excited. The fishing itself was fantastic! We reeled in a great variety of fish, including some beautiful mahi-mahi, bonitos, and monster red snapper. The highlight, though, was definitely spending a...  

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 JOSUE R. recommends Apex Charters And Rentals
James Scott
James Scott (The Captain)
Replied on June 21, 2025
Your group was awesome. Alots of fish and a battle with a large shark on 60lbs mono leader. It was a grind but you got it to the boat. Very good trip and I had a lot of fun with you guys. Thanks for an awesome review. Captain James

Jeremy A.
Jeremy A.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great Day of Fishing!

VERIFIED
NEW

6 Hour Trip – Offshore on June 25, 2025

My 2 sons (15 & 17) and I went out with Captain James and his wife. It was a beautiful day, some fairly rough seas to start off but got better as the morning went on. The bottom bite was very slow but Captain James was able to put us on the Mahi and we tagged out. Went home with a freezer full of fish! Captain James was great with updating us on what we were going to do and how we were going to do it. We will definitely be back next year, we had an absolute blast!

My 2 sons (15 & 17) and I went out with Captain James and his wife. It was a beautiful day, some fairly rough seas to start off but got better as the morning went on. The bottom bite was very slow but Captain James was able to put us on the Mahi and we tagged out. Went home with a freezer full of fish! Captain James was great with updating us on what we were going to do and how we were going to do it. We will definitely be back next year, we had an absolute blast!  

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 Jeremy A. recommends Apex Charters And Rentals
James Scott
James Scott (The Captain)
Replied on July 9, 2025
Awesome day on the water. Little bumpy but we were able to make a day of it. Can't wait until our next trip out. Captain James

Brian S.
Brian S.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Makes everything look easy

VERIFIED
NEW

8 Hour Trip – Going Big on June 22, 2025

Captain James turned a good day into a great one! We appreciated his easy going attitude and patience, and he got us right on the fish each time. We also had the pleasure to pull in a 65-70# cobia that took three men to get in the boat! His excitement rivaled our own, which made the trip all the more fun. I hope to give him business in the future.

Captain James turned a good day into a great one! We appreciated his easy going attitude and patience, and he got us right on the fish each time. We also had the pleasure to pull in a 65-70# cobia that took three men to get in the boat! His excitement rivaled our own, which made the trip all the more fun. I hope to give him business in the future.  

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 Brian S. recommends Apex Charters And Rentals
James Scott
James Scott (The Captain)
Replied on June 25, 2025
Congratulations on a once in a life time monster cobia. Awesome trophy fish plus one of the best tasting fish in the gulf. Thank you so much for an awesome review. Hope to see you next summer to get back out and see what else we can bring to the boat. Captain James

Tom F.
Tom F.
4.7/5

Experience:

4.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Early season adventure!

VERIFIED

6 Hour Trip – Offshore on February 5, 2025

My wife and I booked a trip in early February 2025. Many fish were out of season like the Red Snapper and Mahi Mahi. We did catch about 4-19 inch grouper that we had to let go because they were too small. We also caught about 6, 15 inch to 24 inch red snapper we had to let because they were out of season. We caught a Bonita, a Big Skate stingray and a Moray Eel that the Captain did not want on his boat. We did catch a couple of Vermillion Snapper that we had for dinner! The additional surprise part of the trip was the jumping and “wake surfing” Dolphin, the sun bathing sea turtle and Man-O-War jellyfish! Captain James made it not only a fishing trip but a sea adventure as well. Overall a 5 Star adventure!

My wife and I booked a trip in early February 2025. Many fish were out of season like the Red Snapper and Mahi Mahi. We did catch about 4-19 inch grouper that we had to let go because they were too small. We also caught about 6, 15 inch to 24 inch red snapper we had to let because they were out of season. We caught a Bonita, a Big Skate stingray and a Moray Eel that the Captain did not want on his boat. We did catch a couple of Vermillion Snapper that we had for dinner! The additional...  

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 Tom F. recommends Apex Charters And Rentals
2 persons find this review helpful
James Scott
James Scott (The Captain)
Replied on March 4, 2025
Thanks for a great review, we definitely need to get back out and give it another go. It was a pleasure to send the day on the water with you. Captain James

Kenney H.
Kenney H.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Fantastic Trip!

VERIFIED

6 Hour Trip – Offshore on February 11, 2025

We were a little concerned we might not have a lot of luck because we were visiting in February, but we were wrong. The captain put us on fish all day, and not just some fish, but big fish! I highly recommend Apex and Captain James, we had a great day! He moved us from one spot to the next to keep the bite going all day until our arms were sore from fighting big fish up from the depths. Photos tell the story, but there are too many to post. Book with Apex, you won’t regret it!

We were a little concerned we might not have a lot of luck because we were visiting in February, but we were wrong. The captain put us on fish all day, and not just some fish, but big fish! I highly recommend Apex and Captain James, we had a great day! He moved us from one spot to the next to keep the bite going all day until our arms were sore from fighting big fish up from the depths. Photos tell the story, but there are too many to post. Book with Apex, you won’t regret it!  

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 Kenney H. recommends Apex Charters And Rentals
2 persons find this review helpful
James Scott
James Scott (The Captain)
Replied on March 4, 2025
Thanks for a great review, we definitely need to get back out and give it another go. It was a pleasure to send the day on the water with you. Captain James

...

FAQs about Apex Charters And Rentals

What are the trip rates for Apex Charters And Rentals?

Apex Charters And Rentals offers the following trips to customers:

  • US $725 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Offshore (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $850 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - Short notice 4hr PM snapper/mahi (4 hours)
  • US $975 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Offshore (6 hours)
  • US $1,125 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - 8 Hour Trip – Going Big (8 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Apex Charters And Rentals?

When you book a trip with Apex Charters And Rentals, you can expect the following amenities onboard:

  • Toilet Inclose restroom with fresh water sink.
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Multimedia System
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Outriggers
  • Radar
What's included in the trip price with Apex Charters And Rentals?

Trips booked with Apex Charters And Rentals include:

  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait (Bait is included in the price. If the bait guys are out on the water, i buy bait. If not, we will catch our bait on the way out.)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Cleaning and filleting is incuded in the price.)
  • Fishing License (FL state fishing permits are included in the price. The charter license covers all passengers for the fishing.)
What types of fishing does Apex Charters And Rentals offer?

Apex Charters And Rentals offers the following types of fishing:

  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing (We are a state charter boat. We mainly stay in state water and runs east to west up to 25 miles. Some federal water trolling is also permitted. )
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
What fishing techniques does Apex Charters And Rentals offer?

Apex Charters And Rentals offers the following fishing techniques:

  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Drift Fishing
  • Handline
  • Deep Sea Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Apex Charters And Rentals?

Top targeted fish species with Apex Charters And Rentals include:

  • Amberjack
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Jack (Almaco)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Shark (Bull)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Vermilion)
  • Triggerfish (Gray)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

James Scott

Destin, Florida, United States

8 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
349 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since March 2021
angler's choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

Captan James is a longtime angler with a great personality. He loves working outdoors and has a desire to always improve. Charters are extremely work-intensive but can also be very rewarding. He loves to see smiles on his clients' faces, especially the kids. The captain lived in the Philippines for 5 years where he honed his fishing skills. He has the knowledge and the drive to make sure each trip is successful. His main goal is safety first, and a great adventure as a close second.

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Almaco Jack
Almaco Jack
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Bull Shark
Bull Shark
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Gray Triggerfish
Gray Triggerfish
Wahoo
Wahoo

What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
5 persons
Boat length
28 ft
Year built
2019
Boat manufacturer
Sailfish
Boat type
Center console

Engine model
Yamaha twin 150s
Powered by
2 x 150HP
Max cruising speed
42 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing

Nearshore Fishing

Offshore Fishing

We are a state charter boat. We mainly stay in state water and runs east to west up to 25 miles. Some federal water trolling is also permitted.

Reef Fishing

Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle

Heavy Tackle

Bottom Fishing

Trolling

Jigging

Drift Fishing

Handline

Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet

Inclose restroom with fresh water sink.

GPS

Fishfinder

Live Bait Well

Multimedia System

Wireless Trolling Motor

Outriggers

Radar

What’s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle

Live Bait

Bait is included in the price. If the bait guys are out on the water, i buy bait. If not, we will catch our bait on the way out.

Lures

Catch cleaning & filleting

Cleaning and filleting is incuded in the price.

Fishing License

FL state fishing permits are included in the price. The charter license covers all passengers for the fishing.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child Friendly

No real age limit, we only ask they are big enough to sit in the seat area on their own. We provide lifejackets for all kids 12 and under.

You Keep Catch

Catch and Release Allowed

How you can pay

Book with 30% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 30% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Destin right now

AmberjackAmberjack
CobiaCobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)Snapper (Red)
Snapper (Vermilion)Snapper (Vermilion)
Triggerfish (Gray)Triggerfish (Gray)
WahooWahoo
104 people are looking at this charter.