Destin Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Destin Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Best Deep Sea Fishing Charters in Destin
Best Deep Sea Fishing Charters in Destin
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 26,684 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in Destin
What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in Destin
Yes, It was a great experience. Jared was great. We will be requesting him next trip!
5.0
/
5
Yes, It was a great experience. Jared was great. We will be requesting him next trip!
Michael C.
Make sure to bring sunscreen, sun glasses, hat, beverages and snacks. Talk to the Captain about what you would like and any suggestions they may have about the locale. This is their home and their livelihood, they know what they're talking about. You will have a great time and a wonderful experience!
5.0
/
5
Make sure to bring sunscreen, sun glasses, hat, beverages and snacks. Talk to the Captain about what you would like and any suggestions they may have about the locale. This is their home and their livelihood, they know what they're talking about. You will have a great time and a wonderful experience!
Derek W.
Wetumpka, AL
Bring plenty of sunscreen, food, and drinks. Wear the appropriate clothes and have hats/sunglasses
5.0
/
5
Bring plenty of sunscreen, food, and drinks. Wear the appropriate clothes and have hats/sunglasses
Sean G.
Kansas City, MO
Need plenty of time to get to the fishing waters. Book a longer trip if possible.
5.0
/
5
Need plenty of time to get to the fishing waters. Book a longer trip if possible.
Djuana C.
Searcy, Arkansas
Donโt forget that what you catch can be your dinner. Several restaurants near the harbor, such as Dewey Destinโs, can prepare your fish any way you like with all the sides.
DELICIOUS!
I recommend bronzed or blackened.
Thanks for the memories.
5.0
/
5
Donโt forget that what you catch can be your dinner. Several restaurants near the harbor, such as Dewey Destinโs, can prepare your fish any way you like with all the sides.
DELICIOUS!
I recommend bronzed or blackened.
Thanks for the memories.
Paul T.
Tulsa, OK
I Would have liked to wait one more week, so bull red snapper would have been in season.
June 1st.
5.0
/
5
I Would have liked to wait one more week, so bull red snapper would have been in season.
June 1st.
Jimmie J.
Holdenville, OK
Fish with Capt Dean and Billy on the Seahorse. You will have the best time!!!
5.0
/
5
Fish with Capt Dean and Billy on the Seahorse. You will have the best time!!!
William W.
Woodbury, GA
Great for spring bottom fishing. Just B cause fishing with captain ken was really great. If first time fishing itโs a really great start specially for younger kids giving the the thrill but still being able to pull the fish in by themselves.
5.0
/
5
Great for spring bottom fishing. Just B cause fishing with captain ken was really great. If first time fishing itโs a really great start specially for younger kids giving the the thrill but still being able to pull the fish in by themselves.
Cody B.
Livingston, TN
3-4 hour trip is long enough . Go in the morning or early as possible is other recommendation.
5.0
/
5
3-4 hour trip is long enough . Go in the morning or early as possible is other recommendation.
Rob C.
Zwolle, Louisiana
A great 3 hour trip our whole family enjoyed. I highflying recommend this fishing experience with Last Cast Fishing Charters!
5.0
/
5
A great 3 hour trip our whole family enjoyed. I highflying recommend this fishing experience with Last Cast Fishing Charters!
Jane B.
Fishing in Destin is great. If you get with a good outfit, you're guaranteed to catch fish. However, if you want to keep the fish you catch, you need to check the seasons for your targeted fish and plan accordingly. The seasons for many of Florida's game fish are pretty short. Booking a trip and catching a bunch of amazing fish you can't keep can be frustrating. But, all in all, great place to fish!
5.0
/
5
Fishing in Destin is great. If you get with a good outfit, you're guaranteed to catch fish. However, if you want to keep the fish you catch, you need to check the seasons for your targeted fish and plan accordingly. The seasons for many of Florida's game fish are pretty short. Booking a trip and catching a bunch of amazing fish you can't keep can be frustrating. But, all in all, great place to fish!
William H. G.
Zionsville, IN
Great fishing. Just check to make sure Red Snapper or Grouper are in season if you want more meat to bring home.
4.7
/
5
Great fishing. Just check to make sure Red Snapper or Grouper are in season if you want more meat to bring home.
Ryan H.
Evansville, IN
Sunscreen, motion sickness meds if needed.
Other than that take the advise of your captain and have a great experience on the beautiful waters of the gulf.
5.0
/
5
Sunscreen, motion sickness meds if needed.
Other than that take the advise of your captain and have a great experience on the beautiful waters of the gulf.
Tye A.
Atlanta, Georgia
Al -Lin is a good choice. Mighty fine or 100 proof would be a good choice as well. Son and Daughter of Captain Harold.
5.0
/
5
Al -Lin is a good choice. Mighty fine or 100 proof would be a good choice as well. Son and Daughter of Captain Harold.
Jay K.
Jackson, GA
May is great time because the weather is great and it is much less crowded than later in the year. Fishing Booker was big help in selecting a charter and scheduling the trip?
5.0
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5
May is great time because the weather is great and it is much less crowded than later in the year. Fishing Booker was big help in selecting a charter and scheduling the trip?
John G.
Mogollon, NM
Take a guided trip your first time. The guides are full of knowledge you can use in the future.
5.0
/
5
Take a guided trip your first time. The guides are full of knowledge you can use in the future.
Alex L.
Los Angeles, California
I am not an experienced salt water fisherman, in fact it had been 14 years since the last time. Being from Michigan my fishing is all fresh water. If you are in a similar position, I would recommend a 4 hour trip. That way you get a taste, and some education, and will know better what you want to do next.
4.7
/
5
I am not an experienced salt water fisherman, in fact it had been 14 years since the last time. Being from Michigan my fishing is all fresh water. If you are in a similar position, I would recommend a 4 hour trip. That way you get a taste, and some education, and will know better what you want to do next.
Michael B.
Rochester Hills, MI
Tell the captain what you and your group are looking to do and they seem to accommodate
5.0
/
5
Tell the captain what you and your group are looking to do and they seem to accommodate
David N.
Jeffersontown, KY
Pack a bag with some snacks, have the appropriate clothing on so you can stay cool and not get burned. Also, wear a patch if you are prone to getting sea sick.
5.0
/
5
Pack a bag with some snacks, have the appropriate clothing on so you can stay cool and not get burned. Also, wear a patch if you are prone to getting sea sick.
Aaron Z.
Cypress, TX
I would recommend a private fishing charter on the bay for first timers. Itโs relaxed, more personable, and sure to be a great time
5.0
/
5
I would recommend a private fishing charter on the bay for first timers. Itโs relaxed, more personable, and sure to be a great time
Hannah M.
Spartanburg, SC