Florida has built a solid reputation as one of the best places for fishing anywhere in the world. But fishing in Florida isn’t like going to your local fishing hole. Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico comes with its own set of challenges and if you’re inexperienced, you won’t want to go it alone.
Hiring a guide or charter for your fishing expedition is the first step to a successful and exciting fishing adventure. Fishing charters have years of experience to share with you and finding the best fishing guide in Destin, Florida means you’ll be in great hands.
Fishing Charters in Destin
Here is our list of the best Destin, Florida charters, and fishing guides.
- Destin Fishing Charters
- Fishing Charters Destin
- Lions Tale Adventures
- Charter Fishing Destin
- IntraCoastal Experience
- Destin Inshore Fishing Company
- Semper Fish Charters
- Pelican Adventures
- O Sea D Fishing Charters
- Destin Offshore Charters
- Gulf-Angler Fishing Charters
- 850 Charters
- Destin Inshore Guides
- Silver Lining Charter Fishing
- Nothin Matters Fishing Charter
- Destin Fishing Guides
- Charter Boat Huntress
- Destin Go Fishing
- Emerald Coast Bay Charters
- Hook’d Charters
Destin Fishing Charters
Phone: 850-685-1396
Visit Website
Destin Fishing Charters’ boats are as good as they come, with several boats to hire at any given time. All charter boats rest in Destin Harbor and come with TVs and other entertainment systems, air-conditioned cabins, and friendly Captains and 1st Mates.
Year-round fishing on one of their fishing packages meets any need you have, from family fishing to corporate trips. Destin Fishing Charters offers back bay fishing, deep sea, and bottom fishing and trolling.
They specialize in Grouper, Tuna, Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and more. They offer seasonal trips for Cobia and Tarpon as well. I loved the thrill of the catch with this crew and felt like I was in good hands every leg of the journey.
The pricing packages with Destin Fishing Charter range from $200 an hour to $225 an hour, and you can choose anywhere from four to twelve hours on the water. The larger your group, the higher the rates.
Fishing Charters Destin
Phone: 833-850-3474
Visit Website
View this post on Instagram
With a “no catch, no pay” policy, Fishing Charters Destin provides an excellent fishing experience with a low-risk investment. Located west of Cobb Point, their fleet is ready to go for a day-long fishing adventure that suits your fishing needs.
You can choose trolling or bottom trips and expect to find Mahi Mahi, King Fish, Wahoo, Grouper, Mingo, Trigger Fish, and even Sharks. I was thrilled to see how successful fishermen can be, and their guide’s knowledge was fantastic.
Their four-hour fishing package starts at $185 an hour, with a maximum of six guests. Their private fishing packages begin at $760 for a four-hour trip. A more extended expedition can cost over $2,000.
Lions Tale Adventures
Phone: 850-585-4747
Visit Website
View this post on Instagram
Lions Tale Adventures sits on the Emerald Coast of Florida in Destin Harbor. Guided by Captain Lionel James, one of the most experienced Captains in the area, you can fish close to shore or out in the open water.
Captain James can find Redfish, Amberjacks, Red Snappers, Sharks, Bonita, and Cobia on the ocean, or Trout or Redfish if you’d prefer to stay closer to shore. Your captain has enough knowledge that you don’t need to be an experienced angler yourself; just go along for the ride.
Captain James has a special YouTube channel package that includes photos, videos, and a chance to feature your trip on his YouTube channel. Prices start at $250 for the Dolphin Tour and rise from there. Lions Tale is an incredible experience.
Charter Fishing Destin
Phone: 850-837-6800
Visit Website
View this post on Instagram
Across from Norriego Point, Charter Fishing Destin keeps a beautiful 53-foot G&S Custom Sportfish for your luxury fishing charter. Charter Fishing provides everything you need except food, drinks, and your personal items.
Charter Fishing offers half, ¾ day, all day, and overnight fishing experiences and requires a minimum of 8 passengers for the expedition. The charter can hold 22 passengers, including the captain and crew, making this an excellent choice for your large group experience.
Fishing rates vary depending on your length of trip, so for a clear quote, it is best to contact them directly. The crew is excellent and friendly.
IntraCoastal Experience
Phone: (850) 585-7173
Visit Website
View this post on Instagram
IntraCoastal Experience provides inshore bay and nearshore gulf fishing for a family adventure you won’t soon forget. Their goal is to provide excellent service and fun fishing, and they certainly deliver. Located on the Historic Destin Harbor Boardwalk, this is the perfect charter for families.
Inshore fishing is their specialty, and you can expect to find Bull Redfish, Gator Speckled Trout, and sometimes the Jack Crevalle. Nearshore Gulf fishing, you can catch Snappers, Grouper, King Mackerel, and more.
Their experience means your success, and I found them to be a fun-loving and friendly charter company. For pricing, contact them directly.
Destin Inshore Fishing Company
Phone: 850-424-5555
Visit Website
Destin Inshore Fishing Company’s captains come with years of experience and a passion for saltwater fishing.
They call HarborWalk Village home and offer three different types of fishing. Trolling, bottom fishing, and bay fishing allow you to catch various fish, no matter the time of day or season.
Their smaller charters provide an intimate experience where you can spend the day with friends and enjoy the thrill of the catch. I enjoyed spending the day with this crew, who made it feel like we were all family. They work hard and play hard, and we were happy with our fish.
For the most current rates, contact them directly.
Semper Fish Charters
Phone: 850-826-2486
Visit Website
Captain Dennis Minnick, veteran and father, began Semper Fish Charters as a way to share his love for fishing with veterans and families. Semper Fish specializes in nearshore gulf and inshore bay fishing.
Fishing with Semper Fish, you might catch Sheepshead, Flounder, Black Drum, Barracuda, Wahoo, and more. They’ve even been known to catch a shark.
This experience was fantastic, and their location across from Norriego Point, near the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, makes them easy to locate.
The small boats mean few passengers, but that’s okay. Their cost begins at $700 for the four-hour afternoon trip, to $1050 for the six-hour journey.
Pelican Adventures
Phone: (850) 650-3825
Visit Website
View this post on Instagram
Pelican Adventures offers even more than other fishing charters. From deep-sea fishing to parasailing and snorkeling, Pelican’s specialty is deep sea fishing and patience. For swordfish, they offer a swift Fountain 38 TE for a deep drop in 1200’-2000’ water.
Whether you want to share a fishing experience with eight to twenty-five passengers, or a private charter for smaller groups, Pelican has the tour for you. They have a party/walk-on fishing boat choice for a less expensive option for only $79-$89 per person.
The Swordfish experience lasts between ten and twelve hours and costs $2300, and the shared fishing six-hour day costs $125-$139 per person. You can find them on the north shore in Destin Harbor.
O Sea D Fishing Charters
Phone: (850) 255-2967
Visit Website
View this post on Instagram
O Sea D Fishing Charters offers the exhilaration of a shark adventure and deep-sea fishing for fishermen of every experience level. From Destin Harbor, you can set off in a 2021 Twin Yamaha 300 HP, a 2017 Twin Yamaha 200 HP, or a 2015 Twin Yamaha 300 HP.
Deep-sea fishing with O Sea D Fishing begins at all hours of the day, and children are welcome. You can expect to encounter Sailfish, Wahoo, Flounder, Almaco Jacks, Triple Tail, and more.
Rates vary depending on the time of year and length of the trip. Their lowest rate is $740, and the most expensive is $2250, but there may be extra charges if you bring more people than standard.
Destin Offshore Charters
Phone: (850) 685-9368
Visit Website
View this post on Instagram
Destin Offshore Charters in Destin Harbor is home to the famous charter boat Backlash, which is well-maintained and one of the most sought-after charter boats in the area. They offer offshore charters and guided fishing trips for half or full-day experiences.
Destin Offshore Charters prides itself on happy passengers, and they can guide fishing trips all over the Emerald Coast. You can book a six-hour day trip for Snapper, Triggerfish, and more, or you can book a multi-day Tuna, Marlin, Swordfish expedition more than 100 miles offshore.
No matter what you choose, you’re in good hands. They offer catering for their expeditions if you book it early. For all pricing, contact them directly.
Gulf-Angler Fishing Charters
Phone: 850-428-0118
Visit Website
View this post on Instagram
Captain Preston Muller takes Gulf-Angler Fishing Charters from their home in Destin Harbor all over the Gulf of Mexico.
A 24’ Catamaran, a 25’ nearshore boat, a 31’ offshore center console, and a 40’ Sportfish for deep-sea trips mean that whatever fishing experience you seek, you can find.
Affiliated with Yamaha and Shimano, Gulf-Angler Fishing Charters promises to give their everything as you enjoy your top-of-the-line experience. Their boats are new and well maintained, and they have found some massive fish!
Rates range from $160-$235 an hour depending on the boat and experience you choose. They embark on morning and afternoon trips and guarantee you’ll catch something.
850 Charters
Phone: 850-368-2479
Visit Website
View this post on Instagram
With sponsors like Costa, Yeti, Columbia Sportswear, and a Captain hailed as the “nicest” captain around, 850 Charters brings homegrown experience to the water. Located on the south side of Destin Harbor, 850 Charters is ready to take you on a private fishing expedition.
Whether you want nearshore fishing like Snapper, Grouper, or Mackerel or if you want Flounder, Triggerfish, or Cobia, 850 guarantees a great experience and plenty of memories.
850 Charters has four, five, six, or eight-hour packages that range in price from $750 to $1500, accommodate up to four people, and excursions Monday through Saturday. If you want to bring another friend, the cost is $100 per extra person.
Destin Inshore Guides
Phone: 850.502.9170
Visit Website
View this post on Instagram
Heron Harbor Marina is home to Destin Inshore Guides. Focusing on inshore fishing, Destin Inshore Guides uses three different boats with a specialized guide for each. They have six different types of experiences you can take.
Inshore Gulf fishing, inshore bay fishing, shark fishing, night fishing, family fishing, and fly fishing expeditions mean there’s something for every type of angler. Kids fishing trips start at $375 and offer catch and release fishing for ages zero to eight, making them genuinely family-friendly.
For expeditions for all ages, rates start at $700, with fly fishing starting at $560. For more details, contact them directly.
Silver Lining Charter Fishing
Phone: 850-259-0625
Visit Website
View this post on Instagram
Silver Lining Charter in Destin Harbor takes a beautiful 46’ Custom Sports Fisherman and her Captain Joe Quaranto for deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Licensed for thirteen passengers, Silver Lining charters private fishing trips, not parties or groups.
Depending on the time of year, you can catch Snapper, Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, Marlin, Bonito, and more. A 1st Mate will assist with your catch and help clean the fish when you return to shore.
Pricing depends on the length of the trip and how many people are in your group. It ranges from $880 to $4488. The minimum trip time is four hours.
Nothin Matters Fishing Charter
Phone: 850-603-7474
Visit Website
View this post on Instagram
With more than 20 years of experience, Captain Tyler and Captain Blake take Nothin Matters Fishing Charter from Destin Harbor through the Emerald Coast. They promise hard work and a friendly crew as they share their passion for fishing with each passenger.
Nothin Matters specializes in catching Grouper, Triggerfish, Kings, Sharks, Marlins, and more, and they’ll take the fish back to the docks and clean it for you. You can package it to take home or have one of the dock restaurants cook it for you to enjoy right away. You can book trolling, bottom fishing, shark fishing, or overnight trips.
For rates or to book a trip, contact them directly.
Destin Fishing Guides
Phone: 850-830-4129
Visit Website
Destin Fishing Guides’ USCG-licensed Captain Mike Dates, owner and operator, has more than sixteen years of experience fishing in the Destin area. An adept live-bait fisherman, Captain Mike will guide you to Grouper, Sharks, Triggerfish, and more in the gulf, and Ladyfish, Bluefish, Flounder, and Trout bayside.
Captain Mike supports catch and release fishing, so you can get photographs and proof of your experience, then safely return the fish to the water. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can also book sunset cruises three nights a week.
For information on tours and pricing, contact Destin Fishing Guides directly.
Charter Boat Huntress
Phone: 850-685-5593
Visit Website
View this post on Instagram
Charter Boat Huntress starts your adventure at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar. Their 40’ Infinity Fiberglass Sport Fisherman is US Coast Guard approved for up to six passengers, making it a small and cozy group experience.
Captain Mike Graef earned his Captain’s license in 1992 and has been running the Huntress since 2004. He was Captain of the Year in 2011 and 2015 for the Destin Fishing Rodeo.
Voted Best in Destin 2015, their packages include an all-day fishing charter, half-day charter, winter fishing charter, and the Destin Fishing Rodeo. Rates are seasonal and begin at $1000 for a four-hour expedition and go as high as $3500 for a fourteen-hour trip.
Destin Go Fishing
Phone: (850) 974-0377
Visit Website
View this post on Instagram
Whether you seek the open waters or inland bay fishing, Destin Go Fishing has your back. Captain Matt Harris began fishing as a child and offers customized fishing charters tailored to your needs. He welcomes anglers of all ages and experiences and offers relaxing, leisurely trips or high-adrenaline adventures.
Whether you seek Sea-Trout, Red Fish, Black Drum, Sheepshead or Mackerel in the bay or Cobia, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, or more offshore, Captain Matt guarantees a great experience.
The 31’ Cape Horn boat holds up to six passengers, and you can choose whether you want to go out on the gulf or stay inland. A four-hour trip for four people begins at $680, and an eight-hour trip is $1280. For passengers five and six, there’s an extra $50 fee each.
Emerald Coast Bay Charters
Phone: 850-685-6860
Visit Website
View this post on Instagram
Emerald Coast Bay Charters hosts a 22’ Cape Horn Flats Center Console boat that holds up to four adults. Captain David Sherman brings more than twenty years of experience to show your family a beautiful day on the water.
Whether you want the two-hour kids’ catch and release trip or a five-hour trip, Emerald Coast Bay Charters has the perfect fit for you. The bay trips target Speckled Sea Trout, Red Fish, and Spanish Mackerel, while the gulf fishing targets Red Snapper, Triggerfish, King Mackerel, and more.
The rates vary by season and duration, but your fishing expedition with Emerald Coast Bay Charters will be anywhere from $325 to $700.
Hook’d Charters
Phone: 850-533-7049
Visit Website
With their fleet of high-end Yellowfin center console boats ready to take you far offshore where the fish are, Hook’d Charters is ready to put you on some monsters.
All of their captains boast years of experience and are dedicated to providing a fun, professional experience for all anglers on board. Check out Hook’d Charters the next time you’re in Destin if you want to really catch some fish.
Final Thoughts
Fishing on the Emerald Coast along the Gulf of Mexico offers many different experiences and fish choices. One thing is for certain, Destin has earned the reputation for being one of the best fishing villages around.
With many charter companies to choose from, you’re sure to find the right fit for your family, corporate, or other fishing adventure.
Add comment