Ready to get your lines wet on a private offshore charter in Destin? Our 6-hour trip is the perfect mix of trolling and bottom fishing, giving you a shot at some of the Gulf's most prized catches. We'll start close to shore and work our way out up to 9 miles, hitting prime spots for Red Snapper, Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, and more. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, our experienced crew will make sure you're in on the action from start to finish.
We'll kick things off at 9 AM, so you'll want to arrive at the dock about 15 minutes early to get situated. Once we're underway, we'll start by trolling for some of the faster-moving species like King Mackerel. As we move further offshore, we'll switch gears to bottom fishing, dropping lines for those tasty Red Snapper and Vermilion Snapper. The Gulf can be unpredictable, but that's what makes it exciting - one minute you might be reeling in a fighter like Amberjack, the next you could spot a pod of dolphins or even hook into a Blackfin Tuna. Don't forget to bring some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up throughout the day.
This trip is all about variety, both in the fish we're after and how we catch 'em. We'll start with some trolling, which means dragging lures or baited lines behind the boat as we cruise. It's a great way to cover water and find where the fish are biting. Once we locate a productive area, we'll switch to bottom fishing. This is where things get really hands-on - you'll be dropping your line straight down and feeling for that telltale nibble. We'll also mix in some jigging, which involves rapidly moving your rod tip up and down to make your lure dance enticingly. For those who want to try something different, we might do some popping for surface feeders or use spinning gear for a more sporting fight with smaller fish. No matter what technique we're using, our crew will be right there to show you the ropes and help you land that big one.
"From the beginning to the end, our experience was fantastic! We were welcomed by friendly staff. The boat was very clean and neat. They show us where things were located(safe jackets, emergency kit, bathroom, etc. right away). They were all accommodating to our needs. Their fishing knowledge and skills was share with us at all times while we were fishing. They both are great and professional people. We will definitely come back!" - Richard
"During our recent vacation in Destin, Florida, my family and I had the pleasure of booking a half-day fishing trip with Captain Ryan of Reel Bloods. The experience proved to be both enjoyable and rewarding, with each member of our group successfully reeling in a catch. Ryan's professionalism and well-organized approach to the excursion ensured that everyone had an unforgettable and memorable time on the water." - Madox
"Ryan and Amanda was awesome very knowledgeable and had tons of spots marked to go to. Caught fish all day all different kinds went with a buddy of mine and ryan made it very easy for us beginners. The Reel Bloods boat was very comfortable and super clean. I will definitely be back!" - Justin
Red Snapper: These bright red beauties are the crown jewels of Gulf fishing. Known for their firm, white flesh and sweet flavor, Red Snapper are hard fighters that typically hang out near reefs and other structure. They average 5-10 pounds but can grow much larger. The season for these guys is strictly regulated, so when it's open, you'll want to jump on the chance to catch them. Red Snapper respond well to both live and cut bait, and the thrill of pulling one up from the depths is hard to beat.
Spanish Mackerel: These speedy swimmers are a blast to catch on light tackle. They're usually found in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Spanish Mackerel are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They typically range from 2-4 pounds and are most abundant in the warmer months. Trolling with small spoons or jigs is a great way to target these tasty fish.
Blackfin Tuna: While not as large as their Yellowfin cousins, Blackfin Tuna pack a punch for their size. These torpedo-shaped speedsters can be found year-round in the Gulf, but they're most active in the cooler months. Blackfin typically weigh between 15-30 pounds and are known for their powerful runs and delicious sushi-grade meat. We often target them by trolling with small lures or live bait, and the fights can be spectacular.
King Mackerel: Also known as Kingfish, these toothy predators are prized for their smoking-hot runs and aerial displays. Kings can grow up to 50 pounds or more, though most we catch are in the 15-30 pound range. They're typically found in open water, and we often catch them while trolling with large live baits or artificial lures. King Mackerel season peaks in the summer and fall, making them a perfect target for our warm-weather trips.
Mahi Mahi: Also called Dorado or Dolphinfish (though they're not related to dolphins), Mahi Mahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the sea. Their vibrant blue, green, and yellow colors are a sight to behold. These acrobatic fish are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. We usually find them near floating debris or weed lines, and they respond well to both live bait and artificial lures. Mahi typically range from 5-20 pounds in our waters, and they're not only fun to catch but also excellent eating.
Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some of the Gulf's tastiest fish or just want to experience the thrill of offshore angling, our 6-hour charter has got you covered. With a mix of techniques and a variety of species to target, there's never a dull moment on the water. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on the fish while ensuring everyone has a great time. Remember, we're limited to 6 guests per trip, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your sunscreen, bring your favorite snacks, and get ready for a day of fishing you won't forget. The fish are biting, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it!
September 1, 2024
During our recent vacation in Destin, Florida, my family and I had the pleasure of booking a half-day fishing trip with Captain Ryan of Reel Bloods. The experience proved to be both enjoyable and rewarding, with each member of our group successfully reeling in a catch. Ryan’s professionalism and well-organized approach to the excursion ensured that everyone had an unforgettable and memorable time on the water.
July 22, 2024
Ryan and Amanda was awesome very knowledgeable and had tons of spots marked to go to. Caught fish all day all different kinds went with a buddy of mine and ryan made it very easy for us beginners. The Reel Bloods boat was very comfortable and super clean. I will definitely be back!
June 12, 2024
Had such a wonderful time! The boat is beautiful! Ryan was great very helpful. My son had a blast catching so many fish! We’ll see him next time we’re in Destin for vacation!!
August 1, 2024
Awesome crew super helpful made us feel like they wanted us on the boat!
July 3, 2024
Blackfin Tuna are the scrappy cousins of the tuna family. They're smaller than most tuna, usually topping out around 30-40 pounds. You'll find them in deeper, warmer waters, often hanging around underwater structures or following bait schools. They're most active in the fall and winter months here in Destin. Anglers love 'em for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. To catch one, try vertical jigging or chunking with cut bait. Here's a local tip: scale down your leader and use smaller hooks - Blackfin have sharp eyes and can be leader shy. When you hook up, be ready for a deep, powerful run. These little powerhouses punch well above their weight class. And once you get 'em to the boat, you're in for some of the best sushi-grade tuna you can find.
Spanish Mackerel are the speedsters of our local waters. They're usually 1-2 feet long and weigh a few pounds, but they make up for size with pure energy. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often within sight of shore. They're most active in warmer months, especially late summer and fall. Anglers love 'em for their fast runs and their tasty, oily flesh. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs, or cast to feeding schools with light tackle. Here's a local trick: look for diving birds - they'll often lead you right to the mackerel. When you hook one, get ready for some acrobatics. These fish can leap and zigzag like nobody's business. And when it comes to eating, they're great grilled or smoked. Just remember to get them on ice quick to keep that meat fresh.
Red Snapper are the crown jewels of Gulf bottom fishing. They're typically 5-10 pounds but can grow over 30. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in waters 60-300 feet deep. They're most active in warmer months, with peak season usually in summer. Anglers love 'em for their hard-fighting spirit and top-notch eating quality. To catch one, drop down live bait or cut chunks on a circle hook. Here's a local tip: use a fluorocarbon leader - these fish have sharp eyes and can be line shy. When you hook up, be ready to pull hard. Snappers like to dive for cover, so you gotta turn 'em quick. And once you get 'em in the boat, you're in for some of the best-tasting fish in the Gulf. Just remember to check regulations - these beauties are carefully managed to keep the fishery healthy for years to come.
Mahi Mahi are a sight to behold, with their vibrant blue-green and gold colors. They're fast growers, usually 15-29 pounds but can reach up to 87. You'll find them near the surface around floating debris or weed lines, often out to about 9 miles. They're most active in warmer months, from spring through fall. Anglers love 'em for their acrobatic jumps and hard fights. Plus, they make for some tasty eating with mild, sweet meat. To catch one, try trolling with ballyhoo or squid, or use artificial lures that skip on the surface. My local tip: keep an eye out for frigate birds - they'll often lead you right to the mahi. And when you hook one, be ready for a real battle. These fish are strong swimmers and won't give up easily, so make sure your tackle's up to the task.
King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are speed demons of the Gulf. They typically weigh around 30 pounds, but some monsters push 90. You'll find them in waters 40 to 150 feet deep, especially near structures like reefs or wrecks. They're most active when water temps hit 68 to 84°F, usually peaking in late summer and fall. Anglers love 'em for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. They're also great eating, with a rich, firm flesh. To catch one, try trolling with big spoons or live bait like blue runners or menhaden. Here's a local trick: use a stinger rig with two hooks. Kings are known for short-striking, so that trailing hook can make all the difference. And when you hook up, hold on tight - these fish can strip line faster than you can say "smoker king"!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 47
Number of Engines: 3
Horsepower per Engine: 300
From the beginning to the end, our experience was fantastic! We were welcomed by friendly staff. The boat was very clean and neat. They show us where things were located(safe jackets, emergency kit, bathroom, etc. right away). They were all accommodating to our needs. Their fishing knowledge and skills was share with us at all times while we were fishing. They both are great and professional people. We will definitely come back!