Destin Offshore Fishing Charters
164 Fishing Charters
Destin: 164 fishing charters available
Destin
• 31 ft
•
6 persons
If you're ready to get hooked on fishing in Destin, book a trip with Destin's Premier Fishing Experience on the newest and nicest boat in the fleet.
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Destin
• 28 ft
•
5 persons
Apex Charters And Rentals wishes you a warm welcome to Destin, a prime angling destination in Florida.
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Destin
• 30 ft
•
6 persons
My Chance Charters has been fishing the waters out of Destin for over 30 years and they are excited to share their vast experience with you.
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Destin
• 52 ft
•
15 persons
Book your next trip with Big John of Florida Charter Boat and find out what makes the fishing in Destin so unique.
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Destin
• 26 ft
•
6 persons
850 Charters is the highest rated guide service in Destin for a reason, Captains Matt and Jared go above and beyond every day to make the most out of every fishing trip whether in the gulf or bay.
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Destin
• 38 ft
•
6 persons
For your next trip to Destin, look no further than Always Tight Fishing Charters, a locally owned and operated charter company.
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Destin
• 46 ft
•
13 persons
Reel Legend Fishing Charters invites you to join them in the โWorldโs Luckiest Fishing Villageโ to enjoy a deep sea fishing excursion with a knowledgeable crew.
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Destin
• 33 ft
•
6 persons
Come and explore the Gulf of Mexico with Destinโs premier fishing charter โ Maximum Fishing Fun!
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Destin
• 46 ft
•
6 persons
Into The Blue is one of the most comfortable private charter yachts in Destin, Florida.
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Destin
• 36 ft
•
6 persons
Introducing Captain Dennis Hodge Jr., affectionately known as Brody.
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Destin
• 23 ft
•
6 persons
What better way to explore the โLuckiest Fishing Village in the Worldโ than with a local guide?
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Destin
• 38 ft
•
6 persons
Running angling trips out of Destin, Charter Boat Starfire invites you to check out the local fishery in style.
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Offshore Fishing in Destin
Offshore Fishing in Destin
Destin, Florida has had a rich fishing tradition for centuries, and continues to live up to its reputation as “The World's Luckiest Fishing Village." Featuring rich emerald waters and sugary white beaches, it’s a true fisherman's paradise. People often joke that Destin has more charter boats than residents, which is not so far from the truth since it attracts tens of thousands of anglers from all over the world every year. And most of them come for the biggest attraction of all – Destin offshore fishing!
What to Catch
Thanks to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the East Pass, Destin has access to a record-breaking variety of game species to catch. Destin fishing boats can take you after a plethora of Snapper (Red, Black, White, Vermillion), Grouper (Gag, Scamp, Red), Sharks (Blacktip, Tiger, Bull, Hammerhead), Amberjack, Triggerfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, King Mackerel, Cobia, Tarpon, and even Billfish and Tuna.
Red Snapper are the most popular bottom species to catch, and they are usually found in waters 30–250 feet deep, especially near natural and artificial reefs, wrecks, and other structures. When it comes to Grouper, Red and Black are among the area's favorites and can be found at reefs as well, along with Amberjack. Some of them can even reach over 150 pounds! King Mackerel swim in the open waters of the Gulf and near reefs, usually in waters no more than 250 feet deep. The farther offshore you venture out, the bigger the chances of landing Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Billfish.
Where to Go
State Waters
Numerous Destin offshore charters can take you exploring state waters up to 9 miles from coast. Unlike many other destinations, you can catch various A-listers in these warm, rich waters without having to travel to federal waters. Anywhere from 300 yards to 9 miles offshore, you could be reeling in Red, Black, and Vermilion Snapper, Spanish and King Mackerel, Grouper, Barracuda, Amberjack, Tarpon, Cobia, and even Blackfin Tuna and Sharks. Blacktip, Tiger, and Hammerhead are usually over 20 pounds, but 300-pound specimens can also be caught. The most productive state water spots are usually near numerous natural and artificial reefs and wrecks, such as Brown and Barrel Barge, sunken in around 70 feet of water, Liberty Ship Thomas Hayward, Big Spot Reef, AJ Bimini, and State Line Hole.
Destin's offshore seabed is dotted with numerous artificial wrecks and reefs, and boy, do various species love these kind of structures. There are over 400 waypoints within 10 miles of the East Pass, and that means extremely productive offshore fishing.
Reef/Wreck Fishing in Federal Waters
When you pass the state water line 9 miles from the coast, the fishing magic starts to happen. The white sandy seafloor turns dark, rocky, or muddy, and the emerald waters go blue. But most importantly, the fishing action skyrockets! Just find a federally licensed offshore charter and let it take you exploring these deep offshore waters.
Triggerfish and Amberjack (also known as the “Reef Donkey”) can be found in 60–90 feet of these waters. The farther offshore you go, the bigger the fish. If you're after big Red Snapper or Grouper, exploring some of the farther reefs is a safe bet.
One of the most well-known reef areas is the ALE artificial reef network. Consisting of 40 concrete structures, this is located 22 miles from the Eastern Pass at a depth of 125 feet. Starfish Complex, Sand Dollar Reef Complex, Destin Deepwater Concrete Reef, and Destin Vaughn Reef "Angelena B" are also well-known artificial reefs.
Further Afield
If you're aiming to go even farther offshore and fish in jaw-dropping depths for the biggest of big, Destin waters will provide for that, as well. Legendary hotspots such as the Edge, the 100-Fathom Curve, the Nipple, the Elbow, and Squiggles boast some of the best deep sea fishing this part of the world can offer.
How to Fish
- Destin offshore waters are all about bottom fishing for reef dwellers and trolling for pelagics. The best part is that many charters offer both during the same trip, so you'll get to try a variety of methods depending on the location, target species, and the captain. Many offshore trips start by using light tackle spinning gear to catch bait fish, after which you'll spend your trip trolling, bottom fishing, or spot casting. The typical Destin offshore fishing trip involves trolling for Kingfish as you head out to the reef, where you will bottom fish for Red Snapper or Triggerfish depending on the season.
- When it comes to fishing the reefs and wrecks, deep dropping and trolling are both popular methods. Deep swimming Amberjack, Grouper, and Snapper can be tempted to come to the surface if you use the right baits. Trolling over reefs and wrecks, as well as open water trolling can result in a variety of attractive species. This includes Spanish and King Mackerel, Bluefish, Bonito, Mahi Mahi, and Blackfin Tuna. You might even catch Billfish if you travel farther out.
- Both light and heavy tackle are used offshore, depending on the target species. Go for heavy tackle and big live bait to catch hard-fighting Black and Red Snapper, Shark, Grouper, Amberjack, and Cobia. When it comes to most of the reef species, you'll be using smaller bait on light tackle. This will get you a variety of Snapper (White, Lane, Vermilion), Triggerfish, Scamp Grouper, Black Seabass, and more.
- If you want to catch that trophy Red Snapper, it's recommended that you use 6.5–7' medium-heavy rods paired with conventional reels and 50–60 lb mono or 65–80 lb braided lines. Spinning gear with 65 lb braided line is also a good option when targeting Snappers and Kingfish.
- Many captains in the area sight fish for pelagics feeding on the surface by searching for bait fish and diving birds. Tarpon and Cobia are especially easy to spot due to their contrasting color to these deep waters.
When to Go
The best part of Destin offshore fishing is that every season can be a productive season, but if you're after specific species, some months are better than others. August marks the beginning of the prime season for numerous species, especially Triggerfish and Amberjack, which can be caught until the end of October.
Looking to reel in Cobia? Their migration to the area starts in late March and ends at the beginning of May, peaking in April. King Mackerel fishing starts to heat up from May onwards, while Sailfish reach their peak during late summer and can be found closer to the shore than usual.
Red Snapper fishing is strictly regulated and the season usually runs from June–July, although it’s subject to change. Triggerfish and Amberjack also have closed seasons, while Vermillion and White Snapper, Grouper, and Bonito can be caught year-round!
All these amazing species reside in different depths and what makes offshore fishing in Destin unique is the fact that you can catch all of them on the same trip – the area’s one-of-a-kind underwater structure is what makes this possible. Book a trip with any of the numerous local charter boats and find out why fishing in Destin is said to be larger than life.
Destin
4.6
/
5
Based on 29,146 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Offshore Fishing in Destin
What anglers said about Offshore Fishing in Destin
Get ready!! They have everything you want that you havenโt caught before!!
5.0
/
5
Get ready!! They have everything you want that you havenโt caught before!!
Joyce K Fishing Charters
Our captain did mention that the end of October was slowing down some of their fishing season so maybe try to go earlier in October as we went on the last day of the month.
5.0
/
5
Our captain did mention that the end of October was slowing down some of their fishing season so maybe try to go earlier in October as we went on the last day of the month.
One More Last Cast
Kraken Reels will put you on the fish. Bring the kids and build some lifelong fishing memories.
5.0
/
5
Kraken Reels will put you on the fish. Bring the kids and build some lifelong fishing memories.
Kraken Reels LLC
Spend the extra money and do 8 hrs at least because it takes 90 minutes just to get to the good areas about 60 miles off the coast or so otherwise you will be very limited on what you can vactch. I did a 4 hour one prior to this and it definitely wasn't worth it
5.0
/
5
Spend the extra money and do 8 hrs at least because it takes 90 minutes just to get to the good areas about 60 miles off the coast or so otherwise you will be very limited on what you can vactch. I did a 4 hour one prior to this and it definitely wasn't worth it
Charter Boat Daybreak
Be ready to have it canceled if youโre coming in Roctober. The sea can be bad
4.3
/
5
Be ready to have it canceled if youโre coming in Roctober. The sea can be bad
MAXIMUS
Bite might be slow on certain days as it goes with the territory but the experience is awesome.
5.0
/
5
Bite might be slow on certain days as it goes with the territory but the experience is awesome.
Flowing Water: Fish, Cruise & Tour
Wear some sunscreen, a hat and be prepared to be a little sore the next day from reeling in fish. LOL
4.3
/
5
Wear some sunscreen, a hat and be prepared to be a little sore the next day from reeling in fish. LOL
Joyce K Fishing Charters
Check the days, because since it was the day after September ended, I couldn't keep my fish.
5.0
/
5
Check the days, because since it was the day after September ended, I couldn't keep my fish.
Pelican AdventuresโShared Fishing Trips 8-25
Know what you can catch for the season and chartered time.
Understand limits of kids to pull up big fish (small-medium is not sexy but kids watching mom and dad catch everything can be awful for them).
If I take first timers, I always make sure there is a nice enclosed Air condition cabin- in case someone gets sick or if itโs too hot, especially during summer.
Iโve never had a bad time in Destin. I average 5โ6 hour trips.
5.0
/
5
Know what you can catch for the season and chartered time.
Understand limits of kids to pull up big fish (small-medium is not sexy but kids watching mom and dad catch everything can be awful for them).
If I take first timers, I always make sure there is a nice enclosed Air condition cabin- in case someone gets sick or if itโs too hot, especially during summer.
Iโve never had a bad time in Destin. I average 5โ6 hour trips.
Always Tight Fishing Charter Destin
Book your trip here on Fishingbooker.com and book at trip with Hook'D, they offer many types of trips to meet all your needs.
5.0
/
5
Book your trip here on Fishingbooker.com and book at trip with Hook'D, they offer many types of trips to meet all your needs.
Hook'D Charters โ 24'
Obviously everything concerning the weather is circumstantial, but the water temperature was good (82 degrees) and the air temperature was warm but tolerable to be on the water.
5.0
/
5
Obviously everything concerning the weather is circumstantial, but the water temperature was good (82 degrees) and the air temperature was warm but tolerable to be on the water.
Apex Charters And Rentals
I recommend you enjoy the experience & take the time to ask questions & learn how to catch those giant amazing creatures! Itโs like A big beach party and everyone is invited. So pray up, stay up and get ready for some good times! It was really enjoyable for the kids. Zachary was great at answering all the crazy questions and explaining his methods to everyone & anyone who asked at anytime. Go have fun and the sharks will come!
5.0
/
5
I recommend you enjoy the experience & take the time to ask questions & learn how to catch those giant amazing creatures! Itโs like A big beach party and everyone is invited. So pray up, stay up and get ready for some good times! It was really enjoyable for the kids. Zachary was great at answering all the crazy questions and explaining his methods to everyone & anyone who asked at anytime. Go have fun and the sharks will come!
Drop Zone Beach Shark Charters
Expect to be busy catching fish. From trolling to bottom fishing, there are plenty of opportunities for you and your group to catch your targeted species. The Captain will take care of you and make your experience worthwhile.
5.0
/
5
Expect to be busy catching fish. From trolling to bottom fishing, there are plenty of opportunities for you and your group to catch your targeted species. The Captain will take care of you and make your experience worthwhile.
King of Kings Charters
Listen to the deck hands they are very knowledgeable and will make sure you have the best experience possible.
5.0
/
5
Listen to the deck hands they are very knowledgeable and will make sure you have the best experience possible.
100 Proof Charters
4 hour trip is ideal. You can always go back out for another trip if you need more time on the water!
5.0
/
5
4 hour trip is ideal. You can always go back out for another trip if you need more time on the water!
Last Cast For Real
Lort, our Captain Jt was The best: He fulfilled every โwantโ that our fishing group wanted. Highly recommend! Love him
5.0
/
5
Lort, our Captain Jt was The best: He fulfilled every โwantโ that our fishing group wanted. Highly recommend! Love him
Dawn Patrol Charters
Would take some Dramamine the night before and the morning of , works great and no one on our trip felt ill.
5.0
/
5
Would take some Dramamine the night before and the morning of , works great and no one on our trip felt ill.
Get The Gaff Sportfishing Charters
The inshore fishing trip was great. Had non stop action for 4 hours and brought home some great tasting fish.
5.0
/
5
The inshore fishing trip was great. Had non stop action for 4 hours and brought home some great tasting fish.
One More Last Cast
The 8 hour trip is not for small children. This is a great experience for older kids and adults. The temperature is great, but storms may be experienced. Book your trip and have plans to alter the date due to storms in the area.
5.0
/
5
The 8 hour trip is not for small children. This is a great experience for older kids and adults. The temperature is great, but storms may be experienced. Book your trip and have plans to alter the date due to storms in the area.
Apex Charters And Rentals
The fishing was great and every time we dropped our hooks, we always reeled something in!
5.0
/
5
The fishing was great and every time we dropped our hooks, we always reeled something in!
Nothinโ Matters โ First Light