Destin Deep Sea Fishing Charters
158 Fishing Charters
Destin: 158 fishing charters available
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 29,146 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in Destin
What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in Destin
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 Fishing 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
Definitely check whatโs in season if youโre looking for a particular fish.
5.0
/
5
Definitely check whatโs in season if youโre looking for a particular fish.
Nothin' Matters
I always look for a captain and crew with experience and insight for the task at hand. You will not find a more experienced Captain than Bernie on the Windwalker II.
5.0
/
5
I always look for a captain and crew with experience and insight for the task at hand. You will not find a more experienced Captain than Bernie on the Windwalker II.
Windwalker II Charters
Just go. We put this off for years and we had a lot of fun and already talking about doing it again. Nothing Matters fishing charters are great!!!
5.0
/
5
Just go. We put this off for years and we had a lot of fun and already talking about doing it again. Nothing Matters fishing charters are great!!!
Nothin' Matters
Listen to Captain Tyler as he has plenty to teach about fishing. Bring the appropriate clothing as it gets very hot and take plenty of water.
5.0
/
5
Listen to Captain Tyler as he has plenty to teach about fishing. Bring the appropriate clothing as it gets very hot and take plenty of water.
Always Tight Fishing Charter Destin
For our Crew we couldnโt have asked for anything more or better. These guys did Amazing!
5.0
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5
For our Crew we couldnโt have asked for anything more or better. These guys did Amazing!
Charter Boat Into the Blue
Get ready for a fight. Literally, hit the gym. These fish are tough as nails, but oh so fun to reel in. Don't forget some endurance training, they bite early and often.
5.0
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5
Get ready for a fight. Literally, hit the gym. These fish are tough as nails, but oh so fun to reel in. Don't forget some endurance training, they bite early and often.
Fed Permits - New Boat - Fish & Fun Destin
Enjoy the trip. Remember conservation keeps providing fish for future trips so the limits are set with that goal in mind.
5.0
/
5
Enjoy the trip. Remember conservation keeps providing fish for future trips so the limits are set with that goal in mind.
MAXIMUS