Tailslide Sportfishing 

5.0
(59 reviews)
 
Federally permitted
•
vob.svg 
Veteran Owned
 Miracle Strip Parkway Southwest 348, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, United States–

Tailslide Sportfishing 

Fort Walton Beach, FL, United States
–
25 ft
6
5.0
(59 reviews)

I'm Captain Will, Born and raised in Florida, I'm a Navy Veteran that has been taking boats offshore since I was 15, From tournament Kingfishing to chasing Tuna in the northeast Canyons and everything in between.

I bought my first boat while still living in the barracks in Virginia Beach, and haven't slowed down since. If you want to chase big fish or just enjoy the sights the panhandle has to offer look no further.

The boat is a KenCraft 235 with twin 200s and the best in electronics, with RADAR and Spotlock. Outriggers for trolling. I have bean bags for those who want a comfortable seat for transits. Boat has a fully controlled second station and a stereo system. I provide gear but if you have a favorite rod and reel that is up to the type of fishing feel free to bring it.

It is BYOB. Please no spray sunscreen, it kills baitfish. Large coolers shall be left in cars to save space on the boat. I recommend 4 anglers but will take up to 6 in very good conditions or if we are staying inshore. Please wear closed toed shoes, crocs are good as well.

I'm Captain Will, Born and raised in Florida, I'm a Navy Veteran that has been taking boats offshore since I was 15, From tournament Kingfishing to chasing Tuna in the northeast Canyons and everything in between.

I bought my first boat while still living in the barracks in Virginia Beach, and haven't slowed down since. If you want to chase big fish or just enjoy the sights the panhandle has to offer look no further.

The boat is a KenCraft 235 with twin 200s and the best in electronics, with RADAR and Spotlock. Outriggers for trolling. I have bean bags for those who want a comfortable seat for transits. Boat has a fully controlled second station and a stereo system. I provide gear but if you have a favorite rod and reel that is up to the type of fishing feel free to bring it.

It is BYOB. Please no spray sunscreen, it kills baitfish. Large coolers shall be left in cars to save space on the boat. I recommend 4 anglers but will take up to 6 in very good conditions or if we are staying inshore. Please wear closed toed shoes, crocs are good as well.

William Billingsley
Captain
William Billingsley
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
4 Hour Trip nearshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Spanish Mackerel
Bonito
US $650
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Trip – Wreck&Reef
In high demand Last booked: 4 days ago
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+5
US $750
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8 Hour Trip – Reef&Wreck
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+3
US $950
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8hr Wahoo/Mahi Trolling
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Wahoo
US $1,200
Entire boat: up to 4 people
12 Hour Trip – Long Range Bluewater
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
12 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Blue)
Marlin (White)
Sailfish
+3
US $1,600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
59 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (166)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
92%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
100%
Caught fish

Reviews (59)

  • Andrew Hannan
    Andrew Hannan
    us
    Kentucky, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    Went above and beyond to find the biggest catch!

    5 Hour Trip – Wreck&Reef on September 20, 2026 • 4 adults

    Captain will was a great guide best ive had in my charter experiences so far, my family I took with me on the charter were burning the fish up got a bag full of vermillion snapper, a bag of red snapper, and a few fillets of trigger fish. unlike the rest of my family i hadnt caught much the duration of the trip he went out of his way to put me onto some big schooling amber jack, ended up catching two beast of a fish was the most thrilling fight ive had yet with any fish. I thank him for showing me and my family to a wonderful and exciting time we will definitely be back to book with tailslide sportfishing!

  • JACOB ANDERSON
    JACOB ANDERSON
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    By far the Best

    8hr Wahoo/Mahi Trolling on August 28, 2026 • 4 adults • 1 child

    i have done several chartered fishing trips in various areas in the gulf and Atlantic. With out a doubt our Captian Will took us out and really catered to everyone at a level that is far above and beyond what i have seen in the past. Storms in this area have proven to be somewhat unpredictable and we did have a nasy storm pop up on us that forced us to come in a bit and change the way we were fishing. Because of how prepared he was, we were able to add to our catch! 2 wahoos, 1 mahi mahi and a few vermilion snappers were kept and we caught a fer amber jacks and a black finned shark that were not in season. In addition to our catch I need to mention that this is the first charter i have ever used that i did not have to go through and finish cleaning the meat. He took our meat and meet up with me later with our catch completeely ready to cook. I can not say enough about how well this trip was and how much it ment to us! We will be returning!

  • Rebecca Hill
    Rebecca Hill
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Best Fishing Trip Ever!

    5 Hour Trip – Wreck&Reef on August 10, 2026 • 4 adults

    My husband and I, along with our two grown kids (19 & 22), had an amazing 5-hour fishing trip with Captain Will. He was fantastic, knowledgeable, and made sure everyone had a great time. We caught a lot of fish and a great variety, making it such a fun experience and a highlight of our vacation. Will also recommended The Shack when we asked where to have our fish prepared for lunch… great suggestion Will, our catches were amazing! It was the perfect day. We highly recommend Captain Will’s charter and can’t wait to come back! 🎣🌊☀️ - The Hill Family

  • Aaron Stevenson
    Aaron Stevenson
    Repeat angler
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    We Wore Them Out!

    8 Hour Trip – Reef&Wreck on August 24, 2026 • 4 adults

    1st thing I told Cptn Will is we didn't care what we caught as long as we could hopefully fill the cooler. This is not an easy thing to do in August, with it being so hot, but we did just that! We limited out on vermillion snapper. If it wasn't for so many regulations, we could have filled 2 coolers! We caught probably 30 plus trigger fish that we sadly couldn't keep. Loved this trip and WILL be in touch with WILL again! 😁

  • Patrick Gordon
    Patrick Gordon
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Will rocks!

    8 Hour Trip – Reef&Wreck on September 14, 2026 • 2 adults

    Today was unforgettable, Captain Will is an absolute gentleman. He was extremely attentive to all of us making sure everone had fresh baits all day long, and also had helpful tips and tricks for everyone to ensure we kept getting bit all day, and we did! We caught fish everywhere Captain Will took us. We couldnt have asked for a better person to show is the gulf. 10/10 Would recommend :)

  • Douglas Pluth
    Douglas Pluth
    Repeat angler
    us
    Missouri, US
    Member since 2022
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    We REALLY had a great trip !

    5 Hour Trip – Wreck&Reef on September 28, 2026 • 4 adults

    Caught snappers and had a real blast with schools of amberjack on top water chugger lures. They weren't the targeted fish but there they were so lots of action.! Can't wait to go with Captain William again !

  • Robert Cyr
    Robert Cyr
    us
    Connecticut, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    May fishing trip

    5 Hour Trip – Wreck&Reef on May 19, 2026 • 2 adults

    everything was as it was supposed to be we had a great Captain his boat was set up nice the weather was perfect I only recommend you check which fish are in season according to what you'd like to catch and keep I like the experience of catching our bait on the way out nice tour the bay on the way out great trip thanks Captain William

  • Josh Hewiett
    Josh Hewiett
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2023
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Incredible Trip

    8hr Wahoo/Mahi Trolling on April 11, 2026 • 2 adults

    We went out with Captain Will on the Mahi/Wahoo trolling trip. Its a little early for these fish, but Will knew exactly where to go. We caught our limit of Mahi (10 each), plus some Jacks and a nice Cobia! Will was great with my 13 year old son and taught him a ton. I’ve been on half a dozen guided fishing trips and Will was easily one of, if not the very best. I will absolutely use him again and recommend him to anyone in thr Destin/Fort Walton area. Thanks again Will!

  • Alex Smart
    Alex Smart
    us
    Indiana, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    HUGE Snapper!!!!!

    8 Hour Trip – Reef&Wreck on April 14, 2026 • 3 adults

    Had an amazing day with Capt. Will! He was ready to go when we pulled up to the dock early. We stopped on the way out and reeled in some bait, then got right to one of the best days of fishing we’ve ever had. We absolutely killed the snapper all day, hauling in multiple fish that would be your new PB red snapper. Caught a few fish worth mounting. We will be back to fish with tailside for sure. Book the reef trip! Thanks again Will!

  • Wayne Perkins
    Wayne Perkins
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip for a family of 4

    5 Hour Trip – Wreck&Reef on August 5, 2026 • 4 adults • 1 child

    Captain Will was great. There were great communications with him prior to our trip. The boat is the perfect size and well equipped. Will did a great job explaining everything. When we come back into town we will definitely use him again.

Rating

5.0
59 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (166)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
92%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (59)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 59 reviews
Charles Hannan
Charles Hannan
us
Kentucky, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Went above and beyond to find the biggest catch!
5 Hour Trip – Wreck&Reef on September 20, 2026 • 4 adults

Captain will was a great guide best ive had in my charter experiences so far, my family I took with me on the charter were burning the fish up got a bag full of vermillion snapper, a bag of red snapper, and a few fillets of trigger fish. unlike the rest of my family i hadnt caught much the duration of the trip he went out of his way to put me onto some big schooling amber jack, ended up catching two beast of a fish was the most thrilling fight ive had yet with any fish. I thank him for showing me and my family to a wonderful and exciting time we will definitely be back to book with tailslide sportfishing!

Reported catch:
Amberjack
Red Snapper
Gray Triggerfish
Vermilion Snapper
JACOB ANDERSON
JACOB ANDERSON
us
Wisconsin, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
By far the Best
8hr Wahoo/Mahi Trolling on August 28, 2026 • 3 adults • 1 child

i have done several chartered fishing trips in various areas in the gulf and Atlantic. With out a doubt our Captian Will took us out and really catered to everyone at a level that is far above and beyond what i have seen in the past. Storms in this area have proven to be somewhat unpredictable and we did have a nasy storm pop up on us that forced us to come in a bit and change the way we were fishing. Because of how prepared he was, we were able to add to our catch! 2 wahoos, 1 mahi mahi and a few vermilion snappers were kept and we caught a fer amber jacks and a black finned shark that were not in season. In addition to our catch I need to mention that this is the first charter i have ever used that i did not have to go through and finish cleaning the meat. He took our meat and meet up with me later with our catch completeely ready to cook. I can not say enough about how well this trip was and how much it ment to us! We will be returning!

Rebecca Hill
Rebecca Hill
us
Illinois, US
Member since 2024
5.0
Verified
Best Fishing Trip Ever!
5 Hour Trip – Wreck&Reef on August 10, 2026 • 4 adults

My husband and I, along with our two grown kids (19 & 22), had an amazing 5-hour fishing trip with Captain Will. He was fantastic, knowledgeable, and made sure everyone had a great time. We caught a lot of fish and a great variety, making it such a fun experience and a highlight of our vacation. Will also recommended The Shack when we asked where to have our fish prepared for lunch… great suggestion Will, our catches were amazing! It was the perfect day. We highly recommend Captain Will’s charter and can’t wait to come back! 🎣🌊☀️ - The Hill Family

Reported catch:
Amberjack
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Red Snapper
Red Grouper
+2
Aaron Stevenson
Aaron Stevenson
Repeat angler
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2026
2 trips
5.0
Verified
We Wore Them Out!
8 Hour Trip – Reef&Wreck on August 24, 2026 • 4 adults

1st thing I told Cptn Will is we didn't care what we caught as long as we could hopefully fill the cooler. This is not an easy thing to do in August, with it being so hot, but we did just that! We limited out on vermillion snapper. If it wasn't for so many regulations, we could have filled 2 coolers! We caught probably 30 plus trigger fish that we sadly couldn't keep. Loved this trip and WILL be in touch with WILL again! 😁

Reported catch:
Gray Triggerfish
Vermilion Snapper
Amberjack
Red Snapper
Patrick Gordon
Patrick Gordon
us
Florida, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Captain Will rocks!
8 Hour Trip – Reef&Wreck on September 14, 2026 • 2 adults

Today was unforgettable, Captain Will is an absolute gentleman. He was extremely attentive to all of us making sure everone had fresh baits all day long, and also had helpful tips and tricks for everyone to ensure we kept getting bit all day, and we did! We caught fish everywhere Captain Will took us. We couldnt have asked for a better person to show is the gulf. 10/10 Would recommend :)

Reported catch:
Amberjack
Red Snapper
Gray Triggerfish
Vermilion Snapper

FAQs about Tailslide Sportfishing

Tailslide Sportfishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $650 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip nearshore (4 hours)
  • US $750 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Wreck&Reef (5 hours)
  • US $950 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 8 Hour Trip – Reef&Wreck (8 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group, additional US $200 per person after 4 guests - 8hr Wahoo/Mahi Trolling (8 hours)
  • US $1,600 per group, additional US $200 per person after 4 guests - 12 Hour Trip – Long Range Bluewater (12 hours)
When you book a trip with Tailslide Sportfishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Camping style toilet in enclosed console.
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Flybridge
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Tailslide Sportfishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (I will set Pinfish traps the night before. We can also catch bait we encounter on the way. )
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Cleaning is included. Small catches can be cleaned quickly at the boat. I will take large catches back to my cleaning station and allow you to pick up your fillets when they are ready. If you prefer to clean your own, let me know and bring a large cooler.)
  • Drinks (bottled water and Gatorade will be provided )
  • Fishing license (Don't worry about a fishing license, you will be covered under the captains. )
Tailslide Sportfishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (For wreck and reef we will likely fish several spots within 20 miles of the Destin pass. For Bluewater trips we can go as far as 80nm offshore.)
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Tailslide Sportfishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Spearfishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Tailslide Sportfishing include:
  • Amberjack
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Sailfish
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Vermilion)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Tuna (Blackfin)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

William Billingsley
William Billingsley
Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States
ID & license verified
59 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since March 2025
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.
Captain Will has been navigating the waters off the Panhandle since childhood. Originally an avid shore and pier fisherman. He fine tuned his skills in the Navy and as a DoD contractor navigating tight waterways under the cover of darkness. While stationed in Virginia Beach he commonly transited the most dangerous inlets in America; Oregon and Hatteras inlet to pursue pelagics in the turbulent waters. After service he opted to move back to the warm familiar waters of the Gulf coast where he could fish year round.
William Billingsley
William Billingsley
Fully verified
US veteran
Angler's Choice
59
reviews
2025
member since
~1h
response
Captain Will has been navigating the waters off the Panhandle since childhood. Originally an avid shore and pier fisherman. He fine tuned his skills in the Navy and as a DoD contractor navigating tight waterways under the cover of darkness. While stationed in Virginia Beach he commonly transited the most dangerous inlets in America; Oregon and Hatteras inlet to pursue pelagics in the turbulent waters. After service he opted to move back to the warm familiar waters of the Gulf coast where he could fish year round.

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Sailfish
Sailfish
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Wahoo
Wahoo
Amberjack
Amberjack
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)

Real catches by this captain

  • We REALLY had a great trip !
    Douglas P.
    Douglas P.
  • Went above and beyond to find the biggest catch!
    Andrew H.
    Andrew H.
  • Captain Will rocks!
    Patrick G.
    Patrick G.
  • fishing experience
    Michael B.
    Michael B.
  • By far the Best
    JACOB A.
    JACOB A.
  • We Wore Them Out!
    Aaron S.
    Aaron S.
  • Best Fishing Trip Ever!
    Rebecca H.
    Rebecca H.
  • Great trip for a family of 4
    Wayne P.
    Wayne P.
  • awesome trip
    Jose S.
    Jose S.
  • great trip.
    Hess A.
    Hess A.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
25 ft
Year built
2004
Boat manufacturer
KenCraft
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
2 x 200HP
Max cruising speed
35 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

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

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Camping style toilet in enclosed console.
GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Outriggers
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
I will set Pinfish traps the night before. We can also catch bait we encounter on the way.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Cleaning is included. Small catches can be cleaned quickly at the boat. I will take large catches back to my cleaning station and allow you to pick up your fillets when they are ready. If you prefer to clean your own, let me know and bring a large cooler.
Drinks
bottled water and Gatorade will be provided
Fishing license
Don't worry about a fishing license, you will be covered under the captains.

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.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
kids are welcome, children under 6 must wear a lifejacket while underway. please inform the captain if children will be joining.
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 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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
 Bank transfer

What’s biting in Fort Walton Beach right now

AmberjackAmberjack
CobiaCobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
SailfishSailfish
Snapper (Red)Snapper (Red)
Snapper (Vermilion)Snapper (Vermilion)
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Tuna (Blackfin)Tuna (Blackfin)
Tuna (Yellowfin)Tuna (Yellowfin)
WahooWahoo

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