Big John of Florida Charter Boat

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?



Trip availability and prices

  • Private trip
    4 Hour Troll Fishing Experience
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $1,200
    We will depart the dock at 6am and troll fish with lines behind the boat. If we hook up y’all take turns reeling them in. This trip is geared for people looking for that first time experience. We typically catch King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Bonita. This a a great way to see Holiday Isle and Henderson State Beach from offshore. We will target what is in season. Four hours is not long enough to fish for Red Snapper.
    Types of fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Trolling
    Targeted fish
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Bonito
    Bonito
    Triggerfish (Gray)
    Gray Triggerfish
    Shark (Nurse)
    Nurse Shark
    Shark (Bull)
    Bull Shark
    Snapper (Vermilion)
    Vermilion Snapper
    Black Rockfish
    Black Rockfish
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Troll Fishing Experience
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $1,200
    We will depart the dock at Noon and troll fish with lines behind the boat. If we hook one you take turns reeling them in. This trip is geared for people looking for that first time experience. This a a great way to see Holiday Isle and Henderson State Beach from offshore. We typically catch King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel and Bonita. We will target what is in season. If you want to hook a shark let us know and we can try for that too!
    Types of fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Trolling
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Begginer Fishing Experience
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $1,500
    We will depart the dock at 6am and bottom fish. We typically catch Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Vermillion Snapper, Triggerfish, Black Snapper, White Snapper, Bonita and Squirrel fish. We will target what is in season. We can target Red Snapper on this trip when in season.
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Beginner Fishing Experience
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $1,500
    We will depart the dock at 6am and bottom fish. We typically catch Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Vermillion Snapper, Triggerfish, Black Snapper, White Snapper, Bonita and Squirrel fish. We will target what is in season. We can target Red Snapper on this trip when in season.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing
    In demand! Last booked: 4 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $1,800
    We will depart the dock at 6am and bottom fish. We typically catch Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Vermillion Snapper, Triggerfish, Black Snapper, White Snapper, Bonita and Squirrel fish. We will target what is in season. We can target Red Snapper on this trip when in season.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $1,800
    We will depart the dock at 12pm. We typically catch Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Vermillion Snapper, Triggerfish, Black Snapper, White Snapper, Bonita and Squirrel fish. We can target Red Snapper on this trip when in season.
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $2,400
    We will fish for Vermillion Snapper, Trigger Fish, Scamp, Almaco Jack, Amberjack and Grouper. We will troll for King Mackerel and Wahoo. We only fish what is in season.
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $2,400
    We will fish for Vermillion Snapper, Trigger Fish, Scamp, Almaco Jack, Amberjack and Grouper. We will troll for King Mackerel and Wahoo. We only fish what is in season. We head about 25 miles offshore on these trips.
  • Private trip
    10 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $3,000
    We will depart the dock at 6am and fish for Snapper, Trigger Fish, Grouper, Cobia and Amberjack. We will troll for Wahoo and King Mackerel. We can target larger fish on our longer trips. We only fish what is in season.
  • Private trip
    10 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $3,000
    We will depart the dock at 6am and fish for Snapper, Trigger Fish, Grouper, Cobia and Amberjack. We will troll for King Mackerel and Wahoo. We can get to some deeper water on these trips and target larger fish.
  • Private trip
    12 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    12 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $3,600
    We will depart the dock at 6am and fish for Snapper, Triggerfish, Grouper, Cobia and Amberjack. We will troll for King Mackerel and Wahoo. We can get to some deeper water on these trips and target larger fish than our shorter trips. We only fish what is in season.
  • Private trip
    12 Hour Destin Rodeo Competition
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    12 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Oct 31
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $3,600
    We will depart the dock at 6am and fish for Scamp Grouper, Cobia, Amberines, Almaco Jack, Black and White Snapper and Vermillion Snapper. We will troll for Wahoo and King Mackerel. We can get to some deeper water on these trips and target larger fish. (we only fish what is in season). We head about 40 miles offshore on these trips.
  • Private trip
    14 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    14 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $4,200
    We will depart the dock at 6am and fish for Snapper, Triggerfish, Grouper, Cobia and Amberjack. We will troll for Mahi Mahi and Wahoo. We can get to some deeper water on these trips and target more Pelagic Fish sich as Tuna, and Mahi Mahi (we only fish what is in season).
  • Private trip
    16 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    16 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $4,800
    We will depart the dock at 6am and fish for Vermillion Snapper, Triggerfish, Red Snapper, Grouper and Amberjack. We will troll for King Mackerel and Wahoo. We can get to some deeper water on these trips and target more and larger fish than our shorter trips.
  • Private trip
    18 Hour Mahi Mahi Tuna and Marlin
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    18 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 PM
    Price for up to 6 persons
    US $5,400
    Departure times can be adjusted We will fish for Black Fin Tuna, Marlin, Vermillion Snapper, Trigger Fish, Scamp, Almaco Jack, Amberjack and Grouper. We will troll for King Mackerel Mahi Mahi and Wahoo. We only fish what is in season.
  • Private trip
    24 HOUR Destin Rodeo Competition
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    24 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Price for up to 15 persons
    US $7,200
    6 PERSON Trip We will head offshore and target Mahi Mahi, Black Fin Tuna. Yellow Fin Tuna, Swordfish and Troll for Marlin. We will hit our bottom fishing spots too in search of Scamp Grouper, Black, White and Vermillion Snapper, Amberines and Almaco Jack. Start time can be adjusted.
  • Private trip
    24 HOUR FISHING Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    24 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Price for up to 15 persons
    US $7,200
    6 PERSON TRIP Departure times can be changed
  • Private trip
    36 HOUR Destin Rodeo Competition
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Day Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Overnight stay, liveaboard
    Price for up to 15 persons
    US $9,500
    We will head offshore and target Mahi Mahi, Black Fin Tuna. Yellow Fin Tuna, Swordfish and Troll for Marlin. We will hit our bottom fishing spots too in search of Scamp Grouper, Black, White and Vermillion Snapper, Amberines and Almaco Jack. Departure time can be adjusted. 6 people max
  • Private trip
    36 HOUR FISHING Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Day Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Overnight stay, liveaboard
    Price for up to 15 persons
    US $9,500
    6 PERSON TRIP Departure times can be adjusted.
  • Private trip
    48 HOUR FISHING Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Day Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Overnight stay, liveaboard
    Price for up to 15 persons
    US $11,500
    6 PERSON TRIP Departure time can be adjusted
  • Private trip
    72 HOUR FISHING CHARTER
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    3 Day Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Overnight stay, liveaboard
    Price for up to 15 persons
    US $13,500
    6 PERSON TRIP
There are 15 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 107 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (160)
Great trip!
Great trip!
Great trip!
+157
Angler rating
97
7
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
96%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
95%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 107 reviews
Adam S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Memories and Magic made into a Seafood Feast!”

VERIFIED   6 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing on October 5, 2024
If you’re looking for an unforgettable family adventure, Big John’s Deep Sea Fishing is IT! My kids had an absolute blast,...
Adam S. recommends Big John of Florida Charter Boat
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Mack W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great 8 Hour Guys Trip!

VERIFIED   8 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing on July 27, 2024
Our group of 7 guys had a great time while fishing on Big John of Destin! The crew was prepped and got us out on time, the...
Mack W. recommends Big John of Florida Charter Boat
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Ken L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Girls Fishing Trip

VERIFIED   6 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing on June 8, 2024
After 10 yrs of taking my two sons and a bunch of friends on the “Guys Fishing Trip” my 18 yrs old daughter asked for....
Ken L. recommends Big John of Florida Charter Boat
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Lawana B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great!

VERIFIED   6 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing on October 6, 2024
I booked a 6hr fishing trip for the men in my family while on vacation in Destin. Most of our party spent the majority of the...
Lawana B. recommends Big John of Florida Charter Boat
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Elizabeth G.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Hell of a day at sea!

VERIFIED   6 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing on August 19, 2024
We left in the middle of two storms. Rough waters. The captain did an excellent job with extremely large swells. Holding on...
Elizabeth G. recommends Big John of Florida Charter Boat
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FAQs about Big John of Florida Charter Boat

Big John of Florida Charter Boat offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $1,200 per group, additional US $120 per person after 6 guests - 4 Hour Troll Fishing Experience (4 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group, additional US $120 per person after 6 guests - 4 Hour Troll Fishing Experience (4 hours)
  • US $1,500 per group, additional US $180 per person after 6 guests - 5 Hour Begginer Fishing Experience (5 hours)
  • US $1,500 per group, additional US $180 per person after 6 guests - 5 Hour Beginner Fishing Experience (5 hours)
  • US $1,800 per group, additional US $180 per person after 6 guests - 6 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing (6 hours)
  • US $1,800 per group, additional US $180 per person after 6 guests - 6 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing (6 hours)
  • US $2,400 per group, additional US $240 per person after 6 guests - 8 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing (8 hours)
  • US $2,400 per group, additional US $240 per person after 6 guests - 8 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing (8 hours)
  • US $3,000 per group, additional US $300 per person after 6 guests - 10 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing (10 hours)
  • US $3,000 per group, additional US $300 per person after 6 guests - 10 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing (10 hours)
  • US $3,600 per group, additional US $360 per person after 6 guests - 12 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing (12 hours)
  • US $3,600 per group, additional US $360 per person after 6 guests - 12 Hour Destin Rodeo Competition (12 hours)
  • US $4,200 per group, additional US $420 per person after 6 guests - 14 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing (14 hours)
  • US $4,800 per group, additional US $480 per person after 6 guests - 16 Hour Bottom and Troll Fishing (16 hours)
  • US $5,400 per group, additional US $540 per person after 6 guests - 18 Hour Mahi Mahi Tuna and Marlin (18 hours)
  • US $7,200 per group - 24 HOUR Destin Rodeo Competition (24 hours)
  • US $7,200 per group - 24 HOUR FISHING Trip (24 hours)
  • US $9,500 per day per group - 36 HOUR Destin Rodeo Competition (2 days)
  • US $9,500 per day per group - 36 HOUR FISHING Trip (2 days)
  • US $11,500 per day per group - 48 HOUR FISHING Trip (2 days)
  • US $13,500 per day per group - 72 HOUR FISHING CHARTER (3 days)

When you book a trip with Big John of Florida Charter Boat, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Separate room with flushing toilet
  • Air Conditioning Heating
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Live Bait Well
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Multimedia System
  • Outriggers
  • Ice Box
  • Radar

Trips booked with Big John of Florida Charter Boat include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait (Depending on the length of the trip we will bait fish ? first. )
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (We do not charge for this but we do ask for a tip for our mate of 20%. )
  • First Mate (We always have a mate on the boat with our Captain, sometimes two mates. We ask for a 20% tip that covers both of them. )
  • Fishing License (We carry the license you need to fish on our boat. This does not apply to any other location. )

Big John of Florida Charter Boat offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing (Our travel miles depend on the amount of time booked. Please call for details. )
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing

Big John of Florida Charter Boat offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Big John of Florida Charter Boat include:
  • Amberjack
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Flounder
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Grouper (Scamp)
  • Grouper (Snowy)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Vermilion)
  • Tuna (Blackfin)

Your operator

Big John of Florida Charter Boat
Destin, Florida, United States
ID & license verified
107 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since May 2023
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.
Denis has been an Angler since he was 16 years old. He spent some of his time fishing the Atlantic Ocean off the Coast of Montauk, New York. The Shark fishing tournaments were his favorite. Denis fell in love with Destin in 2020 and was missing a boat. The Big John boat and business was for sale and the rest is history.
Our Team
Holly L.
Business associate
Denis L.
Captain

The fish you can target

Amberjack Amberjack
Cobia Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Flounder Flounder

What the boat is like

Boat Image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
15 persons
Boat length
52 ft
Year built
1977
Restored in
2023
Boat manufacturer
G&S
Boat type
Sportfishing

Engine model
Cummins
Powered by
2 x 450HP
Max cruising speed
20 knots

Which types of fishing are offered

Inshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Our travel miles depend on the amount of time booked. Please call for details.
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Separate room with flushing toilet
Air Conditioning
Heating
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Live Bait Well

What’s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Depending on the length of the trip we will bait fish ? first.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
We do not charge for this but we do ask for a tip for our mate of 20%.
First Mate
We always have a mate on the boat with our Captain, sometimes two mates. We ask for a 20% tip that covers both of them.
Fishing License
We carry the license you need to fish on our boat. This does not apply to any other location.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 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
We will happily accommodate children of all ages. We do recommend that you bring a life jacket to ensure perfect fit for your child.
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

How you can pay

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.
Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% 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
Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 4% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Destin right now

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