Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin in Florida offers year-round freshwater and saltwater fishing that can be enjoyed on guided excursions.
(Photo: Cinnsational Saltwater Fishing / Courtesy Fishingbooker.com)
The closest port to the Gulf of Mexico’s 100-Fathom Curve, where depths drop 600 feet quickly and large fish gather, there are said to be more fishing boats in Destin than anywhere else in Florida – with many offering organised fishing tours. Indeed, such is the abundance of fish here that not only can you fish from boats and piers on the waters, you can also fish from the shore, wading in the waves with your toes in the sand. Here are 5 of the best Destin fishing trips currently available.
3 Hour Trip – Kids & Family Fun
Ideal for parents and children who just want the pull of a fish and the thrill of reeling them to the boat, this 3-hour adventure invites you and your kids to chase dolphins, troll for Bonito, and bottom fish on a nearshore reef. You’ll cast from a 26’ Sea Fox center console, equipped with everything you need for a day on the water, from top-of-the-line rods and reels, to an onboard toilet and even a multimedia system. After choosing from a range of lures and dead bait, you can decide whether you’d like to troll, spin, or jig to try and reel in your target. You can even take home a prized catch, thoroughly cleaned for you by your captain. From $628 per group (max 4 people; $124 for additional guests).
4 Hour Trip – Shark (AM)
(Photo: Always Tight Fishing Charter Destin / Courtesy Fishingbooker.com)
This half-day morning adventure invites you and your group to go try and catch the shark of a lifetime. Run by Captain Tyler and his crew of locals who have been fishing these waters for over 25 years, excursions take place aboard a 27’ Boca Grande sportfishing center console with plenty of room for groups of six to fish comfortably. Equipped on the boat is a tower to help spot fish, and navigational equipment including VHF radio, GPS, radar, and a fishfinder so the captain can pinpoint fish locations and get you to them sharpish. Included in the price are top quality rods and reels that won’t let you down when reeling in your first ever fish or your trophy catc. From $878 per group (max 6 people).
6 Hour Trip (PM)
A popular choice with those who want that extra bit of time out on the water but can’t stretch to a full day, this extended afternoon tour features six hours of fun and action-packed fishing. During the trip aboard a Cape Horn fishing boat you’ll get to target all kinds of seasonal fish and learn some new fishing techniques along the way too. What’s more, you get to keep the catch and the captain will clean and fillet it for you to take home with you as the ultimate souvenir. Children have to be 10 or older to be allowed on the boat. From $1,197 per group (max 3 people; $99 for additional guests).
Full Day Trip – Going Big And Deep
(Photo: Apex Charters And Rentals / Courtesy Fishingbooker.com)
If you have strong views on which fish species you want to target, this all-day customisable experience could be just the ticket. Rise and shine for a 6am departure, heading out to sea on a 28’ Sailfish center console, equipped with downriggers, snorkelling gear, and a livewell. On reaching your prime fishing spot, you’ll have the choice of going on the prowl for many prized species including Mahi Mahi, Almaco Jack, Amberjack, Pompano, Red Snapper, and Sailfish. You’ll use both heavy and light tackle to catch, with plenty of techniques to choose from, so you can try your hand at bottom and deep sea fishing, trolling, jigging, drift fishing, as well as handline fishing. You’re also free to keep your catch at the end of the trip. From $973 per group (max 2 people; $74 for additional guests).
16 Hour Trip – Offshore Oil Rig
Combine offshore fishing with a magical night at sea on this epic 16-hour adventure complete with a “no fish, no pay” guarantee. Leaving in the very early hours to arrive at the best offshore fishing grounds by 6am, your transport for the two days of ocean-faring will be Maximum, which can get you to the deep water in half the time or less than most other boats. During the trip you’ll go on the hunt for Yellowfin Tuna, Blackfin, Marlin, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and plenty more. You’ll then return to the docks before sundown the next day with memories to last a lifetime. From $3,695 per group (max 6 people).