Big John of Florida Deep Sea Fishing

4.9/5 (222 reviews)

Federally permitted

Harbor Boulevard 314, Destin, FL 32541, United States–

Big John of Florida Deep Sea Fishing

Federally permitted

4.9/5 (222)

•

Angler's Choice

Harbor Boulevard 314

Destin, FL, United States

Trips & prices Targeted species Boat info What's biting What's included Contact captain

Trips & prices What's included Targeted species Boat info Reviews Contact captain

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Book your next trip with Big John of Florida Charter Boat and find out what makes the fishing in Destin so unique. With our Captain at the helm, you’re in knowledgeable and experienced hands.

These waters are known for Amberjack, Cobia, Flounder, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Goliath Grouper, Gag Grouper, Red Grouper, Scamp Grouper, Snowy Grouper, Red Snapper, Vermilion Snapper, Blackfin Tuna, and more – with any luck, it won’t be long before "Fish on!"

On these trips, you can expect to troll and bottom fish.

You’ll be dropping lines from a 52’ Offshore sport fishing with a capacity for 15 passengers. It comes with outriggers, downriggers, and everything else you need for a productive day on the water. There’s a toilet on board for your convenience.

Rods, reels, and tackle are included, along with lures. Live bait is available, but it’s good to ask about this so you know if you’ll be catching it yourself.

Trips are run with the help of a First Mate. Mates often work for tips and it’s customary to offer them a 20% tip.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, so all you have to do is show up ready for a good time! Have in mind that you may release some fish due to regulations. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.

It’s always wise to bring sunscreen (non-spray), sunglasses, and bottled water. If you’d like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but you should avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Your trip with Big John of Florida Charter Boat is just a click away, so why not make it happen?

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5

out of 5 stars from 222 reviews

See details

Boat

4.9/5

Crew

4.9/5

Experience

4.8/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (281)

+278

Anglers claimed

Good experience

96%

Appropriate for children

92%

Friendly captain

97%

Satisfied with the boat

98%

Recommend this charter

96%

Caught fish

97%

Showing 1 - 5 of 222 reviews

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Showing: 5 of 222 reviews

Andrew Greathouse

5.0

Verified

New

Great outing w the fam!

4 Hour Beginner Troll Fishing on October 16, 2025 • 2 adults • 4 children

We’re beginners in every sense of the word, but our family of six had a great time w this boat and crew. We probably caught 10 fish on our 4-hour trip, five keepers (fish tacos were awesome tonight!). Matt and Jordan taught us a ton and were great hosts, and the captain gave us a smooth ride…the day was topped off by a surprise stop into the rodeo where our 3 youngest got to officially weigh in. We all loved it and had a great time.

Response from Captain

October 23, 2025

Andrew thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. We had a great time with y’all. We know you have many options in Destin and thank you for fishing with Team Big John.

Jennifer Porath

5.0

Verified

Outstanding fishing trip!

6 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing on September 28, 2025 • 4 adults

We had a wonderful fishing trip on a Big John boat! Jordan , our crew mate, was amazing! He was helpful and supportive to those new to fishing We loved the bigger boat with the indoor area and large, functional bathroom We caught a lot of fish which Jordan cleaned for us We ate some of it right after the trip across the way at the Harbour Tavern nearby It was fun to eat our catch as blackened fish tacos Definitely recommend for serious fishers or those just out to have fun!

Reported catch:

Response from Captain

September 30, 2025

Hi Jennifer and thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a nice review. The 5 ⭐️ star is always the goal and it makes our day when this happens. The Harbor Tavern is one of our favorite places and we are so glad you got to have a hook and cook there. Thanks for fishing with Team Big John.

Jason Sandlin

5.0

Verified

5 Stars for sure!

6 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing on March 21, 2025 • 4 adults • 2 children

Big John’s Fishing Charters is absolutely top-notch! The Captain and crew were the best we’ve ever experienced—so engaged, helpful, and genuinely fun to be around. They made the trip an absolute blast from start to finish. We had two teenage boys with us who can’t stop talking about all the fish we caught—they’re already begging to go back! We caught an impressive amount of fish, and the crew made sure everyone was involved and having a great time. If you’re in Destin and looking for an unforgettable fishing adventure, I highly recommend Big John’s. We will definitely be booking with them again!

Response from Captain

March 23, 2025

Jason, we had so much fun 🤩 with you guys. We know you have many options in Destin and thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5 star ⭐️ review. That is always our goal. #fishonbigjohn #bigjohndeepseafishjng

Brian Ritter

5.0

Verified

Best of the best

7 Hour Bottom and Troll Fish on May 30, 2025 • 2 adults

My wife and I do 3 or 4 charters a year and Big John takes the cake! The crew was absolutely amazing at meeting my wife and I at each of our skill levels. They know their spots and we caught fish at every spot we stopped. The boat is comfortable and air conditioned inside if someone needs a break. We will 100% fish with these guys again. Book the longer tours if you can, we caught better fish the further out we went!

Reported catch:

Response from Captain

June 2, 2025

Brain, wow thank you 😊 so much for this amazing review. You guys did fantastic! The 5 star ⭐️ is always the goal and it makes our day when this happens.

Jeff Gueller

5.0

Verified

Fabulous day - tons of fish

7 Hour Bottom and Troll Fish on May 14, 2025 • 6 adults

Our group at the seven hour tour to get to some deeper water and some bigger fish. Trip was amazing We’ve done several fishing trips from Destin but the big John boat was the best. Being bigger it rides rides smooth in the waves. Lots of space. Also, the crew in the equipment is top notch. We would absolutely book them again. Next time we might do the eight hour and even go out deeper.

Reported catch:

Response from Captain

May 17, 2025

Thanks so much for this awesome review. We had a super fun day with y’all and hope to see you back Jeff.

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November 2025

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2 adults • 0 children

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4 Hour Beginner Troll Fishing