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: 155 fishing charters available
Destin
• 26 ft
•
6 persons
Located in the โhome of American fishingโ โ Destin, FL โ Cinnsational Saltwater Fishing runs amazing nearshore trips targeting a range of species in the Gulf of Mexico.
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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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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
• 26 ft
•
5 persons
Looking for epic fishing battles and a family fishing trip with plenty of comfort and style?
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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
• 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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Destin
• 27 ft
•
6 persons
Book your next trip with MAINLINE FISHING CHARTERS L.L.C, the trip offerโs nearshore and offshore fishing trips tailored to your liking on the beautiful waters of Destin.
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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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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 27,688 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in Destin
What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in Destin
The fish werenโt biting heavily today, but we were able to catch about 2 lbs of fish for dinner.
5.0
/
5
The fish werenโt biting heavily today, but we were able to catch about 2 lbs of fish for dinner.
Marc B.
United States
Try one of the party boats first round out. It's an inexpensive way to get a taste of the area and you have a ton of space to get out of the sun if needed.
4.7
/
5
Try one of the party boats first round out. It's an inexpensive way to get a taste of the area and you have a ton of space to get out of the sun if needed.
Mark R.
Canaseraga, NY
Make sure to ask whatโs in season and you what you can take home by law..
5.0
/
5
Make sure to ask whatโs in season and you what you can take home by law..
Jonathan G.
Denham Springs, Louisiana
Go when there haven't been any storms so your trip doesn't get cancelled from the bad weather
5.0
/
5
Go when there haven't been any storms so your trip doesn't get cancelled from the bad weather
Troy L.
Springfield, TN
Be ready fish are strong and you catch one after another. Trip of a lifetime
5.0
/
5
Be ready fish are strong and you catch one after another. Trip of a lifetime
Carrie J.
Clarksville, Tennessee
The fishing is great when you have a captain who knows what he's doing. Had a great time. Will charter again the next time I'm in Destin
5.0
/
5
The fishing is great when you have a captain who knows what he's doing. Had a great time. Will charter again the next time I'm in Destin
Ronald S.
Bring food and drinks. Take motion sickness medication an hour before the trip. Be respectful respected practice is to tip your crew at the end of the trip.
4.7
/
5
Bring food and drinks. Take motion sickness medication an hour before the trip. Be respectful respected practice is to tip your crew at the end of the trip.
Patrick S.
Rogersville, AL
Verify what you are going to catch, I personally thought we would be catching bigger fish. Also fish booker made it nearly impossible to get in touch with the captain prior to our trip.
4.0
/
5
Verify what you are going to catch, I personally thought we would be catching bigger fish. Also fish booker made it nearly impossible to get in touch with the captain prior to our trip.
JOey W.
Woolwich Township, NJ
Charter Into the Blue and Captain Nino with First Mate Caden! They are friendly and fun and so knowledgeable!! On top of their game. Literally you will not be disappointed. Our boys have always wanted to
go deep sea fishing and now they are literally โhookedโ. And they both say we can ONLY go on this boat with this crew!! A new family tradition!! Thanks Nino and Caden
5.0
/
5
Charter Into the Blue and Captain Nino with First Mate Caden! They are friendly and fun and so knowledgeable!! On top of their game. Literally you will not be disappointed. Our boys have always wanted to
go deep sea fishing and now they are literally โhookedโ. And they both say we can ONLY go on this boat with this crew!! A new family tradition!! Thanks Nino and Caden
Brad G.
Mooresville, NC
Find a local who knows the sports and the gear to use. This makes for a very successful and fun time.
5.0
/
5
Find a local who knows the sports and the gear to use. This makes for a very successful and fun time.
Dylan F.
Destin, FL
If you are booking a charter, read the reviews ! Be open to catching what is in season.
5.0
/
5
If you are booking a charter, read the reviews ! Be open to catching what is in season.
Karen D.
Knoxville, TN
Bring sunglasses, sun screen, hat, loose fitting clothes, and stay hydrated.
5.0
/
5
Bring sunglasses, sun screen, hat, loose fitting clothes, and stay hydrated.
Billy S.
Taylor, AL
I didnโt know what to expect, but it was better than I imagined. We caught fish the entire trip.
5.0
/
5
I didnโt know what to expect, but it was better than I imagined. We caught fish the entire trip.
Chris D.
Bring lots of sun screen! ?
Early morning trips, are better for less choppy water.
5.0
/
5
Bring lots of sun screen! ?
Early morning trips, are better for less choppy water.
Sarah H.
Ames, IA
Set time aside for an offshore fishing trip while in Destin. Itโs worth it.
5.0
/
5
Set time aside for an offshore fishing trip while in Destin. Itโs worth it.
Jason M.
Miramar Beach, Florida
Check on the water temperature if its too high fishing near shore is not the best unless its early morning or evening but offshore should be anytime in the summer. Usually July through September water temps go up but ask the locals they will tell you.
4.0
/
5
Check on the water temperature if its too high fishing near shore is not the best unless its early morning or evening but offshore should be anytime in the summer. Usually July through September water temps go up but ask the locals they will tell you.
Tony G.
Houston, TX
If itโs a first time, book with a knowledgeable captain to have them share a wealth of information for the most success.
5.0
/
5
If itโs a first time, book with a knowledgeable captain to have them share a wealth of information for the most success.
Jennifer G.
Polk City, IA
The family had a great time. Although my son would have wanted to fish for a bigger variety of fish. We should have asked more questions at booking. But it was a great experience.
5.0
/
5
The family had a great time. Although my son would have wanted to fish for a bigger variety of fish. We should have asked more questions at booking. But it was a great experience.
John A.
Dallas, TX
Head out on an early morning fishing run before the water heats up too much or temperature gets too hot to enjoy the time.
5.0
/
5
Head out on an early morning fishing run before the water heats up too much or temperature gets too hot to enjoy the time.
Troy W.
Delafield, WI
Go fish with Hard Charger. An experience you will never forget. Amazing team!!
5.0
/
5
Go fish with Hard Charger. An experience you will never forget. Amazing team!!
Kim A.
Lakeland, TN