Hey there, angler! Ready to chase some serious fish in the Gulf? Our 6-hour private charter takes you straight to where the action is. We're talking about battling hefty Red Snapper, speedy Spanish Mackerel, and hard-fighting King Mackerel. It's just you, your crew (up to 4 total), and miles of open water teeming with fish. We've got all the gear you need, so all you have to bring is your A-game and maybe a snack or two. Let's get out there and make some fishing memories!
Alright, here's the scoop. We'll meet you bright and early at the Destin Harbor - trust me, the early bird gets the worm (or in this case, the fish). Once we're all aboard, we'll cruise out to some of my favorite offshore spots. I'm talking about those hidden gems where the big boys like to hang out. We'll start by rigging you up with the best bait - live stuff that'll really get those fish excited. Then it's time to drop those lines and see what bites. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we'll make sure you're set up for success. And hey, if you need a break, just kick back and soak in that gorgeous Gulf scenery. It doesn't get much better than this!
Listen up, because this is where it gets good. We'll be using a mix of techniques to maximize our chances of a cooler full of fish. For those Spanish and King Mackerel, we might do some trolling - that's where we drag lures behind the boat as we cruise along. It's like a buffet line for the fish, and when they hit, hold on tight! For the bottom dwellers like Red Snapper and Grouper, we'll anchor up and drop our lines straight down. We use heavy-duty gear for this - trust me, when a big Grouper decides to take your bait, you'll be glad for that extra muscle. And here's a pro tip: when you feel that tap-tap-tap, don't jerk the rod right away. Let the fish take it for a second, then set that hook hard. It's all about timing, and we'll be right there to coach you through it.
"Great time with them. Worried a little at first but turned out to be a heck of a good time. Can't say enough about the capt.and his deck hand. Great time would recommend to all." - Kent
Red Snapper: These beauties are the crown jewels of the Gulf. With their bright red scales and big, tasty fillets, they're a favorite for a reason. Red Snapper love structure, so we'll be targeting underwater ledges and reefs. They can grow up to 40 pounds, but even the smaller ones put up a great fight. The best part? That first run when they realize they're hooked - it's like they're trying to drag you back down to the bottom with them!
Spanish Mackerel: If you want non-stop action, these are your fish. Spanish Mackerel are speed demons, slashing through schools of bait fish near the surface. They're not huge - usually 2-4 pounds - but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and fight. When we find a school, it's not uncommon to have everyone on the boat hooked up at once. That's when the real fun begins!
King Mackerel: The big cousins of the Spanish, King Mackerel (or Kingfish) are the marathoners of the sea. These sleek predators can top 50 pounds and when they take your bait, hold on tight! They're known for blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Kingfish are seasonal visitors, with the biggest specimens showing up in the fall. Landing a big King is a badge of honor for any Gulf angler.
Atlantic Bonito: Don't let anyone tell you Bonito are just bait - these little powerhouses punch well above their weight class. Rarely exceeding 10-12 pounds, Bonito fight like fish twice their size. They're related to tuna, and it shows in their stamina and speed. When you hook one, be ready for a zigzagging battle that'll test your arms and your drag. As a bonus, they're excellent eating if you know how to prepare them right.
So there you have it, folks - a full day of offshore action waiting just for you. From the adrenaline rush of hooking a big one to the satisfaction of bringing home dinner, this trip has it all. Our experienced crew will be with you every step of the way, from baiting hooks to giving you those secret tips that'll up your game. Remember, the Gulf is always changing, so no two trips are ever the same. That's what keeps us - and our guests - coming back for more. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat, round up your crew, and let's go make some fish stories you'll be telling for years to come. The big ones are out there - let's go get 'em!
June 20, 2025
Atlantic bonito are like mini tunas, usually 2-5 pounds but can reach 12. Look for them in big schools chasing bait near the surface - you'll often spot birds diving on them. They're most common in spring and fall as they migrate. Bonito are lightning fast and will test your gear. Light tackle with small jigs or spoons is a fun way to target them. Try casting into feeding frenzies or trolling at high speeds. These fish aren't highly prized for eating, but they put up an awesome fight for their size. A local tip: when you see them busting on the surface, cut the engine and drift into the school. Cast shiny lures right into the action for some rapid-fire hookups. It's a great warmup before going after bigger game!
King mackerel are the bigger, meaner cousins of Spanish macks. They typically run 10-20 pounds but can top 50. You'll find kings in 30-150 feet of water, often around reefs or dropoffs. These fish are speed demons - they'll smoke your reel on their first run. Spring and fall are best as they migrate through. Trolling with live bait like blue runners or mullet is deadly. Use a stinger rig to combat short strikes. Wire leader is a must with those razor sharp teeth. Kings aren't the best eating, but they're prized for their epic fights. For a shot at a monster, try slow-trolling big live baits around oil rigs. When you see that rod double over, hang on tight!
Red snapper are a real prize in these parts. You'll find 'em hanging around reefs and wrecks in 30 to 600 feet of water. Most we catch are 1-2 feet long and under 10 pounds, but they can get up to 35 pounds or more. They put up a heck of a fight when hooked, often trying to dive back to cover. Best fishing is May through October when they're spawning. Folks love 'em for their mild, slightly sweet taste - great for grilling or frying. To land a big one, try using live bait like pinfish or cigar minnows. Drop your line all the way to the bottom, then reel up a few cranks. When you feel that thump, set the hook hard and start reeling. Just watch out for their sharp teeth when you're unhooking 'em!
Spanish mackerel are speedy little devils, averaging 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds. You'll spot 'em in big schools near the surface, chasing bait fish. They love warm water, so spring through fall is prime time. Look for diving birds to find the schools. These fish are a blast to catch - they hit hard and make blistering runs. Light tackle with small spoons or jigs works great. Try trolling at about 4-6 knots with planers to get your lures down. For a local trick, try chumming with cut bait to bring 'em to the surface, then cast into the frenzy. Spanish macks make excellent table fare too, especially grilled fresh. Just remember to ice 'em down quick to keep that meat firm.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
Great time with them. Worried a little at first but turned out to be a heck of a good time. Can't say enough about the capt.and his deck hand. Great time would recommend to all.