Shalimar's Expert-Guided Mackerel Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Destin
$300 - $2,100 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious fishing action in Shalimar? Join us for a 3-hour offshore trip targeting King and Spanish Mackerel. We'll head out to prime spots where these speedy fish are biting. Our crew knows all the tricks to help you land a big one - we'll show you how to troll like a pro and set you up with the right gear. If the conditions are good, we might even push out further to try for Red or Vermilion Snapper. It's a great chance to test your skills against some of the Gulf's most sought-after game fish. Don't worry about bringing equipment; we've got you covered with quality rods and tackle. This trip is perfect for groups of up to 4, whether you're experienced anglers or just getting started. The waters around Shalimar are teeming with fish, so get ready for some bent rods and full coolers. Book your spot with Have Fun Charter's and let's get out there!

Shalimar's Expert-Guided Mackerel Fishing Trip

Gulf Fishing Action

Clear skies and deep sea thrills await in Shalimar!

Clear skies and deep sea adventures await in Shalimar!

Clear skies set the stage for epic jigging and trolling adventures!

Six little tunny fish caught fishing in Shalimar

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Reel in the Big One: 3-Hour Fishing Adventure

Trip Overview

Get ready to wet a line and feel that tug on your rod! Our 3-hour private fishing trip out of Shalimar, FL is perfect for anglers itching to land some of the Gulf's most prized catches. We're talking King and Spanish Mackerel, with a shot at Red and Vermilion Snapper if conditions are right. Our seasoned crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for some serious action. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need. With room for up to 4 guests, it's an ideal trip for a group of buddies or a family looking to make some unforgettable memories on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

Once we push off from the dock, we'll cruise out to where the big ones are biting. We'll be focusing on trolling techniques - that's where the real magic happens for Mackerel. Our crew will show you the ropes, from setting up your line to the perfect trolling speed for enticing those hard-fighting fish. If the bite is on, you might find yourself in a real tug-of-war with a monster King Mackerel. And if the conditions are right, we might motor out to deeper waters for a chance at some bottom fishing action. Dropping lines for Red and Vermilion Snapper is a whole different ballgame, but just as exciting. The best part? We provide all the tackle and bait, so you can focus on the fun part - reeling 'em in!

Top Catches This Season

Anglers have been crushing it lately with some impressive hauls. King Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call 'em, have been showing up in force. These speedsters can hit your bait like a freight train, so hold on tight! Spanish Mackerel have also been plentiful, offering fast action and tasty fillets. When we've been able to hit the deeper spots, the Red Snapper fishing has been off the charts. These beautiful red bruisers put up a great fight and make for some mighty fine eating. Don't forget about the Vermilion Snapper either - they might be smaller, but they're just as fun to catch and delicious on the dinner plate.

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Mackerel: These sleek predators are the rock stars of our local waters. Kings can grow up to 5 feet long and weigh over 60 pounds, though most catches are in the 10-30 pound range. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Spring through fall is prime time for Kings, with peak action often in the summer months. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting nature and the thrill of the chase.

Spanish Mackerel: The smaller cousins of the Kings, Spanish Mackerel are no less exciting to catch. These speedsters typically range from 2-6 pounds and travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're most abundant in our waters from spring to fall, with the hottest bite often in late summer. Folks love catching Spanish Mackerel for their fast-paced action and excellent taste on the grill.

Red Snapper: These crimson beauties are the crown jewels of bottom fishing in the Gulf. Red Snapper can grow to over 30 pounds, though most catches are in the 5-15 pound range. They're known for their strong initial run when hooked, often trying to dive back to their structure. The season for Red Snapper is strictly regulated, but when it's open, it's some of the most exciting fishing you can experience. Anglers prize them not just for the fight, but for their firm, white flesh that's considered some of the best eating in the sea.

Vermilion Snapper: Often called "B-liners" by local anglers, these smaller snapper species are a blast to catch. They typically range from 1-5 pounds and are found in deeper waters over rocky bottom or reefs. Vermilion Snapper can be caught year-round, but many anglers target them when Red Snapper season is closed. They're loved for their aggressive bite and excellent table fare, often described as sweeter than their larger Red Snapper cousins.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let me tell you, there's something special about fishing these waters that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the rush of battling a big King Mackerel as it zips through the water, or the satisfaction of pulling up a beautiful Red Snapper from the depths. Our guests often say it's the combination of non-stop action, the chance at a trophy fish, and the laid-back vibe on board that makes this trip a winner. Plus, with our experienced crew showing you the ropes, even first-timers can feel like pros by the end of the day. And let's not forget - there's nothing quite like the taste of fresh-caught fish for dinner!

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on the water and feel the thrill of hooking into some hard-fighting fish, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our 3-hour adventure is perfect for squeezing in some quality fishing time without eating up your whole day. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing or wanting to test your skills against some of the Gulf's top game fish, we've got you covered. Remember, we're limited to 4 guests per trip, so don't wait too long to book. The fish are biting, the weather's fine, and we're ready to show you the best fishing Shalimar has to offer. Give us a call or book online today - let's make some fishing memories!

Learn more about the species

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are a real thrill to catch. These speedsters can hit 30 pounds, though most are in the 10-15 pound range. You'll find them in open Gulf waters, usually 40-150 feet deep. They love warm water, so summer and early fall are prime time. Kings are known for their blistering runs - when one hits, hold on tight! They're not just fun to catch, but tasty too. The meat's rich and flavorful, great for grilling or smoking. We usually troll for kings using live bait or artificial lures. Here's a local tip: try using two hooks on your leader. Put one through the bait fish's nose, let the other dangle free. Kings often strike the back half of the bait, so this setup improves your hookup rate. Keep an eye out for birds diving - that's often a good sign kings are feeding nearby. Just be ready for a fight when you hook one!

Red Snapper

Red Snapper are the prize of the Gulf. These beauties can grow up to 3 feet and 35 pounds, but most we catch are 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds. You'll find them hanging around reefs and wrecks in deeper water, usually 100 feet or more. Late spring through summer is the best time to target them. Snappers put up a great fight, especially the bigger ones. They'll try to dive back to their structure, so you need to be quick on the reel. The real treat comes at dinner - red snapper is some of the best-tasting fish out there. Mild, slightly sweet, and great on the grill. For bait, we like using cigar minnows or squid. Here's a tip: if you're after the big ones, try using live pinfish. Big snappers can't resist them. Just be ready to muscle that fish away from the bottom when it hits!

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are a blast to catch and perfect for anglers of all levels. These speedy fish usually run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often in coastal waters and around inlets. They're most active in warmer months, from spring through fall. Spanish macks are known for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps. They're a lot of fun on light tackle. Plus, they're excellent eating - the meat is rich and flavorful, great for grilling or smoking. We usually catch them by trolling with small spoons or jigs. Here's a local secret: if you see birds diving, that's often a sign of Spanish mackerel feeding. Cast a small, shiny lure into the frenzy and hold on tight! Just remember to reel fast - these fish love a quick-moving bait.

About the 24’ Proline Center Console

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for some offshore action? Join us for a 3-hour fishing trip out of Shalimar, FL, where we'll chase after King and Spanish Mackerel in the open Gulf waters. Our seasoned crew will show you the ropes of trolling, helping you land some impressive catches. If conditions are right, we might even venture further out for a shot at Red Snapper or Vermilion Snapper. No need to worry about gear – we've got you covered with all the essentials. Just bring your enthusiasm and a sense of adventure. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to offshore fishing, you'll have a blast reeling in these hard-fighting fish. With room for up to four guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Don't miss out on this chance to experience the excitement of Gulf fishing – book your trip today and get ready for some serious rod-bending action!

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