Destin Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Destin Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Best Deep Sea Fishing Charters in Destin
Best Deep Sea Fishing Charters in Destin
Destin: 125 fishing charters available
850 Charters โย 26'
Destin
• 26 ft
•
5 persons
Looking for epic fishing battles and a family fishing trip with plenty of comfort and style?
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Lonestar Fishing Charters
Destin
• 32 ft
•
6 persons
WE HAVE A SEAKEEPER! A seakeeper is a gyrostabilizer that counterbalances the boat and prevents it from rocking in the waves.
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Always Tight Fishing Charter Destin
Destin
• 33 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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Hound Dog Fishing Charters
Destin
• 40 ft
•
6 persons
AboutUs
Captain Taylor Waterfield is a United States coast guard certified captain who was born and raised in Destin Florida.
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Fish Excursion Fishing Charters
Destin
• 25 ft
•
4 persons
Fish excursion Fishing Charters invites you to spend a fun day on the water and make memories fishing the lovely waters of Florida.
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Get The Gaff
Destin
• 26 ft
•
6 persons
Throughout the year, Get The Gaff offers a range of fishing opportunities in the gulf, bays, bayous, inshore, as well as taking you nearshore for some more extreme game fishing.
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Karma Charters LLC
Destin
• 29 ft
•
6 persons
Come and discover why Destin, FL, is known as the โLuckiest Fishing Village in the Worldโ with Karma Charters LLC.
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Living Right Fishing Charters
Destin
• 22 ft
•
4 persons
Let Living Right Fishing Charters take you on a reel screaming adventure in the Gulf of Mexico and the Santa Rosa Sound!
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Deep Sea Fishing in Destin
Deep Sea Fishing in Destin
Famous as ‘The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,’ it's no surprise that the deep sea fishing Destin has on its doorstep is something special. This is one of the closest ports to blue water in the Gulf of Mexico, and the 150 strong charter boat fleet is primed and ready to show you what lies beneath the surface.
Destin charter boats might be famous for bottom fishing for Red Snapper, but go on a deep sea fishing trip and you’ll find that there’s a lot more to be done in these parts. Whether it’s deep dropping for Golden Tilefish, Snowy Groupers, and Yellow Edge Groupers, getting out the LEDs and glow sticks for deep water Swordfish, or trolling for pelagics, this is some of the most exciting deep sea fishing you can find... well, pretty much anywhere.
Top Fishing Hotspots
The Edge
Bring up the topic of offshore fishing in Destin and you’ll hear ‘The Edge’ dropping into the conversation pretty early on. This refers to the edge of the Continental Shelf, which comes closer to this part of the Panhandle than anywhere else in the Gulf of Mexico. You thought Destin's impressive fish counts were down to luck alone? Think again.
It's here that the sea floor starts to get deep enough to be interesting. Twenty-three miles southwest of the East Pass (or 16 miles south of Navarre Beach), the seabed drops from 130 to 400 feet. With such depths and plenty of rocky outcrops, this is a paradise for the bottom fish that have made Destin famous. Big Red Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack regularly find their way onto boats here. Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Cobia, King Mackerel, Blackfin Tuna, and even the occasional Wahoo and Sailfish join them in the summer. All this, just around 20 miles from the coast.
100 Fathom Curve
Unlike any other place in the area, Destin offers unprecedented offshore fishing opportunities much closer to shore thanks to its special geolocation. Just 10–12 miles offshore, you'll encounter a drastic drop off known as the “100-Fathom Curve.” The waters here get 600 feet deep, which is heaven for both bottom and deep sea fishing, with a variety of Grouper, Snapper, Mahi Mahi, and others as regulars.
If your sights are set on true deep water fishing, you need to travel beyond the 100-Fathom Curve. Here, waters drop to below 600 ft, where Blue Marlin, Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo hunt around fishing hotspots such as the Nipple and the Elbow. This will require traveling at least 42 nautical miles, but if you have the time and the engine power, it’s a no brainer. Being one of the best places in the Gulf to catch a Billfish at certain times of year, it’s no wonder that the most seasoned captains in Destin believe this is where local deep sea fishing begins for real. “Squiggles” is another popular fishing spot located 60 miles from the coast of Destin, southeast from the edge of the curve.
The Spur, the DeSoto Canyon, and Beyond
Go 50 plus miles offshore from Destin, and you’ll find yourself fishing waters well over 1000 ft deep. The action gets really hot at The Spur. Go 60 miles from the coast, and you’ll be fishing above the northern tip of the DeSoto Canyon. Here, you can expect 24 hour fishing action, with big game fish such as White and Blue Marlin in the day and Broadbill Swordfish at night. Travel 150 miles offshore, and the waters get to over 5000 ft deep. Yes, it’s a long old run, but it can be more than worth it.
Charter Fishing Options
Private Charters
In order to get the best out of deep sea fishing in Destin, you should be looking at trips lasting at least 10 hours. Almost all local deep sea fishing charters offer longer trips as well, with anything from 12 to 48 hour trips coming under their list of options. Of course, the longer the trip, the better your potential catch, although we recommend only going for 10+ hour trips if you have been fishing a few times before.
The distance you can travel depends on the boat, but 24 hour trips can get you fishing the DeSoto Canyon, while 2 day trips can see you fishing anywhere from 70 - 150 miles offshore. 3 day trips can take you to the offshore oil rigs, where you will be fishing in 5000 ft of water for huge Yellowfin Tuna as well as Billfish.
Most private charters will offer a combination of bottom fishing and trolling. The price of 8-hour full day trips usually starts around $1500 for an offshore boat, reaching about $2500 for 12 hours and around $3000 per day for multiday trips.
Party Boats
Commonly understood to be the cheapest option for traveling anglers, most Destin ‘deep sea fishing’ party boats will actually be fishing no further than about 20 miles offshore. While this can be a fun introductory experience to fishing the Panhandle, private charters are a better option for people who are looking for the top quality fishing experience. That said, these trips can result in catches of Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, as well as the poster child of Destin fishing — the Red Snapper.
When To Go
While there’s something worth catching in the Gulf of Mexico all year round, deep sea fishing trips are much more likely to be rescheduled due to weather conditions than other packages. This can make winter trips harder to schedule than summer ones.
There’s a good bite from Swordfish, Tilefish, and large Groupers all year round. If your heart is set on pelagics, April to October is the main fishing season. June-July can be a great time to fish for Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi, and Sailfish around floating weeds around the spur, while White and Blue Marlin peak in September.
Come in October, and you can be witness to the famous Destin Fishing Rodeo—this is something every serious saltwater angler should experience at least in their lifetime!
Destin
4.6
/
5
Based on 25,043 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in Destin
What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in Destin
This year in September it was over 90 degrees everyday so far. So dress and protect accordingly. You have to learn how to fish this area if you don't know gulf fishing/salt water fishing. I look forward to next trip to Destin and trying my luck again.
4.7
/
5
This year in September it was over 90 degrees everyday so far. So dress and protect accordingly. You have to learn how to fish this area if you don't know gulf fishing/salt water fishing. I look forward to next trip to Destin and trying my luck again.
Patrick H.
Decatur, MI
The first thing is to learn is that you have to learn Destin. You may not kill it the first time. You need seasonal clothing and food/refreshments. Warm months require covering and hydration. Right tackle, etc.
4.7
/
5
The first thing is to learn is that you have to learn Destin. You may not kill it the first time. You need seasonal clothing and food/refreshments. Warm months require covering and hydration. Right tackle, etc.
Patrick R.
Decatur, MI
Just know what is in season and which type of fishing you need to book, etc. i.e. Federal waters, etc. Otherwise enjoy some great fishing in the beautiful waters around Destin!!
5.0
/
5
Just know what is in season and which type of fishing you need to book, etc. i.e. Federal waters, etc. Otherwise enjoy some great fishing in the beautiful waters around Destin!!
Michael M.
Ozark, MO
Listen and learn, every trip out is an adventure.
The fish may not always cooperate, but the scenery is spectacular and and the Captains I've fished with over the years have always made the trips fun and memorable...
5.0
/
5
Listen and learn, every trip out is an adventure.
The fish may not always cooperate, but the scenery is spectacular and and the Captains I've fished with over the years have always made the trips fun and memorable...
Fred S.
Somerville, TN
Just relax and enjoy it . Enjoy the memories. Hope it itโs a beautiful day ,
4.7
/
5
Just relax and enjoy it . Enjoy the memories. Hope it itโs a beautiful day ,
Tanna T.
Dublin, TX
Go with capain mike for your first trip he definitely knows what he is doing and will get you your best bang for your buck !!!
5.0
/
5
Go with capain mike for your first trip he definitely knows what he is doing and will get you your best bang for your buck !!!
Ronald S.
Sweetwater, TN
Yes fishing with my 8 year old grandson who pulled in the largest Snapper was a life long memory maker. His father brought a 6 foot shark up the the boat which was an added bonus!
4.3
/
5
Yes fishing with my 8 year old grandson who pulled in the largest Snapper was a life long memory maker. His father brought a 6 foot shark up the the boat which was an added bonus!
Kevin R.
Barnstable, MA
What I would recommend is find somebody that has lived in Destin for quite some time and knows the waters and where the hotspots are
5.0
/
5
What I would recommend is find somebody that has lived in Destin for quite some time and knows the waters and where the hotspots are
John P.
Hutto, TX
Our Captain took us out approximately 20 miles to provide the best spots for great red snapper. It was great. Our group caught some beautiful reds. We did have some issue with sharks taking our catch but we still managed a nice catch. The weather was challenging but the Captain kept watch and kept us moving. It was a great trip!
4.7
/
5
Our Captain took us out approximately 20 miles to provide the best spots for great red snapper. It was great. Our group caught some beautiful reds. We did have some issue with sharks taking our catch but we still managed a nice catch. The weather was challenging but the Captain kept watch and kept us moving. It was a great trip!
Katina G.
College Station, TX
Beautiful Waters, fishing tournaments and events going on all month! Great fishing, great atmosphere!
5.0
/
5
Beautiful Waters, fishing tournaments and events going on all month! Great fishing, great atmosphere!
Jordan M.
Zachary, Louisiana
Wear sunscreen. Plan to get wet while riding to fishing spot. Maybe bring a towel!
5.0
/
5
Wear sunscreen. Plan to get wet while riding to fishing spot. Maybe bring a towel!
Tamarra B.
Birmingham, Alabama
Explain your experience level and your expectations and fish with an experienced guide.
5.0
/
5
Explain your experience level and your expectations and fish with an experienced guide.
Jeff A.
Greeneville, TN
Definitely hit up Dawn Patrol, they wonโt disappoint. Bay fishing is a great start for first timers for sure.
5.0
/
5
Definitely hit up Dawn Patrol, they wonโt disappoint. Bay fishing is a great start for first timers for sure.
Brian S.
Hamilton, OH
Find the right boat and captain. Many boats, but few know where or how to fish.
4.7
/
5
Find the right boat and captain. Many boats, but few know where or how to fish.
Michael M.
United States
Bring a deck of cards or similar for the trip out and back from the fishing spots.
5.0
/
5
Bring a deck of cards or similar for the trip out and back from the fishing spots.
Ray C.
Montgomery, OH
Come Prepared, Take Motion medicine if you need it even if you think it is calm. Don't chance it and ruin the amazing experience you will have. Make sure to take lots a pictures, it is an experience you will want to remember.
4.7
/
5
Come Prepared, Take Motion medicine if you need it even if you think it is calm. Don't chance it and ruin the amazing experience you will have. Make sure to take lots a pictures, it is an experience you will want to remember.
Jerry R.
Topeka, KS
Destin is considered the best fishing village on the planet. Look it up. Just make sure your targeted fish is in season while you visit.
5.0
/
5
Destin is considered the best fishing village on the planet. Look it up. Just make sure your targeted fish is in season while you visit.
Josh D.
Union Star, MO
Red snapper is out of season at this time of year, which is what we caught the most of.
4.7
/
5
Red snapper is out of season at this time of year, which is what we caught the most of.
Aaron H.
Cantonment, Florida
Enjoyed the private charter more than the party boats. Cost is more but worth the price.
5.0
/
5
Enjoyed the private charter more than the party boats. Cost is more but worth the price.
John S.
Midland, MI
Plan on heavier traffic and more time to get to the dock than you think. Also later in the day it gets cooler on the water than youโd think.
5.0
/
5
Plan on heavier traffic and more time to get to the dock than you think. Also later in the day it gets cooler on the water than youโd think.
James R. S.
Merigold, MS