Get ready for a laid-back day on the water that's perfect for the whole crew! Our 4-hour family fishing charter is all about making memories and reeling in some awesome catches, without any fuss. We'll cruise the calm inshore and nearshore waters just off Destin's stunning coast, where the fishing's good and the views are even better. Whether you're showing the kids the ropes or trying your own hand at fishing for the first time, our experienced captain will make sure everyone has a blast.
We keep things easy and fun on this trip. No need to worry about seasickness or long runs offshore - we'll be fishing in protected waters within 9 miles of the coast. We start off trolling, which is basically dragging lures behind the boat as we cruise along. It's a great way to cover water and find where the fish are biting. Once we locate a hot spot, we'll switch to bottom fishing. This is where the real action happens! You'll drop your line straight down and feel the thrill of a fish tugging on the other end. Our crew will be right there to help you reel in your catch and snap some awesome photos.
Don't sweat it if you've never held a fishing rod before - we've got you covered! All the gear you need is provided, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. We use light tackle that's easy for kids and beginners to handle. Our captain will show you the ropes, teaching you how to cast, set the hook, and reel in your catch. We'll use a mix of live bait and lures, depending on what's working best that day. The cool thing about fishing these waters is the variety - one minute you might be reeling in a feisty Spanish Mackerel, the next you could be battling a hard-fighting Amberjack!
Blackfin Tuna: These speedy little torpedoes are a blast to catch! They usually hang out in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Blackfin put up an awesome fight for their size, and they're delicious if you want to keep a few for dinner. We typically find them spring through fall, with summer being prime time.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as Dolphinfish (but not related to dolphins!), these guys are the beauty queens of the ocean. With their vibrant blue, green, and yellow colors, they're a sight to behold. Mahi are known for their acrobatic jumps and hard runs when hooked. They're most common in the warmer months and love hanging around floating debris or weed lines.
Greater Amberjack: Locals call these bruisers "reef donkeys" for good reason - they fight like stubborn mules! Amberjack are found year-round near wrecks and reefs, but the bigger ones show up in spring and fall. Be ready for a workout when you hook into one of these powerful fish.
Cobia: These curious fish are sometimes called "lemonfish" or "ling." They have a unique habit of following large rays, turtles, or even our boat! Cobia are strong fighters that make long runs and can wear out even experienced anglers. Spring is the best time to target them as they migrate along the coast.
Bluefin Tuna: While less common on our nearshore trips, occasionally we luck into these giants. Bluefin are the heavyweight champs of the tuna world, growing to massive sizes. Even smaller "schoolie" bluefin in the 100-pound range will test your strength and endurance. These are typically a winter and early spring target in our area.
There's something special about seeing a kid's face light up when they reel in their first fish. Or watching parents and grandparents share their love of fishing with the next generation. Our trips are all about creating those moments. We keep things relaxed and fun, focusing on the experience rather than filling the cooler. Don't get me wrong - we'll do our best to put you on fish! But we also know that sometimes the best memories come from the laughs shared, the dolphins spotted, or that perfect sunset on the ride back to the marina.
Ready to make some waves and reel in some memories? Our family fishing charters fill up fast, especially during peak season. With room for up to 6 people, it's perfect for the whole family or a small group of friends. Remember, no experience is needed - just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks and drinks). We'll provide everything else you need for a fantastic day on the water. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call or book online to secure your date. The fish are biting, and we can't wait to show you and your crew the best of Destin's fishing grounds!
Blackfin tuna are the smallest of the Thunnus family, but don't let that fool you. These compact powerhouses typically run 15-30 pounds and put up a serious fight. You'll find them in the warmer Gulf waters, often hanging around structures or following bait schools. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but summer can be hot too. Blackfin are a blast to catch - they hit hard and run fast. Plus, their meat is excellent for sashimi or grilling. When targeting blackfin, look for birds working the surface. That's usually a good sign they're feeding. We'll often troll with small lures or live bait, but vertical jigging can be deadly too. Just remember to use lighter leaders and smaller hooks than you might for other tuna species. These guys have sharp eyes and can be leader-shy.
Bluefin tuna are the giants of the tuna world, with some topping 1,000 pounds. Even the "small" ones we see are usually 100-200 pounds of pure muscle. These fish are built for speed and endurance, making them one of the toughest fights in the ocean. You'll find them in cooler, deeper waters, often following bait schools. Spring and fall migrations are prime times. Anglers target bluefin for the ultimate big-game challenge and their prized meat, which is a delicacy in sushi. We'll usually troll for them, but chunking can be effective too. Here's a local trick: when you're on the troll, vary your speed. Sometimes a sudden acceleration will trigger a bite. Just remember, bluefin are heavily regulated. We always check the latest rules before targeting them.
Cobia are one of those fish that'll make you do a double-take. They look a bit like sharks, but they're actually more related to remoras. These bruisers can grow over 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and even following big rays or turtles. Spring and early summer are prime time as they migrate along the coast. Cobia are curious fish and hard fighters, often coming right up to the boat to investigate. They're also fantastic eating - firm, white meat that's great on the grill. To catch 'em, we'll often sight fish, looking for that dark shape just under the surface. A well-placed jig or live eel can seal the deal. Pro tip: when you see a cobia, don't hesitate. They can be finicky, so make that first cast count.
Greater amberjack are the heavyweights of the reef, often tipping the scales at 40-50 pounds. These brutes hang around wrecks and deep structures, typically in 60-250 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love AJs for their sheer power - hooking one is like being tied to a freight train. They're not the prettiest fish, but they make up for it with their fight. The meat's good eating too, especially when grilled or blackened. To target amberjack, we'll usually drop live bait or heavy jigs near structure. Here's a tip: when you hook one, get it away from the wreck fast. If not, it'll dive right back in and cut you off. And don't be surprised if a big AJ leaves you sore the next day - these fish will put you through your paces!
Mahi mahi are one of the most exciting fish to catch in our waters. These colorful acrobats usually run 15-30 pounds, though bigger ones aren't uncommon. You'll find them in the warmer months, often around floating debris or weed lines. Mahi are fast growers and aggressive feeders, which makes for some fantastic action. They hit hard and love to jump, giving you a real show on light tackle. Besides the fight, mahi are prized for their firm, white meat - great for grilling or fish tacos. To target them, we'll often troll the edges of rips or color changes. Keep an eye out for frigate birds; they'll often lead you right to the fish. A local trick: if you hook one, keep it in the water. Mahi travel in schools, and the hooked fish will often bring its buddies right to the boat.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 47
Number of Engines: 3
Horsepower per Engine: 300