Top-Rated Offshore Charter | Destin Fishing

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Destin
$650 - $1,500 price range
Updated Date: August 28, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a day of offshore fishing in Shalimar, Florida with Destin Gills for Thrills. This federally permitted trip takes you to prime fishing spots, targeting a variety of species like Amberjack, Mackerel, Groupers, Triggerfish, Cobia, and Mahi Mahi. You'll troll multiple reefs and wrecks, giving you plenty of chances to land a great catch. The boat has room for up to 5 guests, so bring your friends or family along for the adventure. If you need a break from fishing, you can cruise around, check out Crab Island, or just kick back on the boat and enjoy the Gulf views. It's a full day on the water, perfect for anglers looking to test their skills against some of Florida's most sought-after fish. Whether you're an experienced fisherman or trying it for the first time, the crew will make sure you have a great time out on the Gulf.

Top-Rated Offshore Charter | Destin Fishing

Gulf Coast Catches

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Gear Up and Fish On! Fishing in Crab Island

Grey Triggerfish caught while fishing in FL

best destin florida fishing charters

Full-Day Offshore Fishing: Shalimar's Best Kept Secret

Get ready to reel in some serious action with Destin Gills for Thrills on our full-day offshore fishing trip out of Shalimar, Florida. We're not talking about your average day on the water – this is the real deal, federally permitted fishing that'll have you battling big game fish and coming home with stories (and hopefully coolers) full of trophy catches. Whether you're an experienced angler or just looking to wet a line, our seasoned crew will put you on the fish and show you the ropes of offshore angling in the Gulf.

What to Expect on the Water

Climb aboard our well-equipped vessel and settle in for a day of non-stop fishing action. We'll cruise out to prime fishing grounds, hitting multiple reefs and wrecks where the big ones like to hang out. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you can bet we'll be dropping lines where the fish are biting. We're talking about targeting everything from hard-fighting Amberjack to tasty Grouper and the always-exciting Cobia. And hey, if you need a breather between battles, we can always take a cruise by Crab Island or just kick back and soak in those Gulf views. With room for up to 5 anglers, it's the perfect setup for a group of friends or family looking to make some lasting memories on the water.

Trolling, Bottom Fishing, and More

On this trip, we'll be using a variety of fishing techniques to maximize your chances of landing a monster. We'll start by trolling on our way out, dragging lures behind the boat to entice those surface-feeding predators like Mackerel and Mahi Mahi. Once we hit our spots, we'll switch gears to bottom fishing, dropping baits down to where the Grouper and Snapper call home. Our crew will be right there with you, showing you how to work the rods, set the hook, and fight those fish all the way to the boat. We've got all the gear you need, from sturdy offshore rods to the latest in fish-finding technology. Just bring your game face and maybe a pair of lucky fishing socks – we'll handle the rest.

Top Catches This Season

Folks, let me tell you – the fishing has been on fire lately. We've been seeing some real bruiser Amberjack coming over the rails, the kind that'll make your arms feel like jelly after a good fight. The Grouper bite has been steady, with some nice Gags in the mix. And don't even get me started on the Triggerfish – these little fighters have been keeping our anglers busy and our grills full back at the dock. Red Snapper season is always a highlight, and when it's open, we're limit out almost every trip. But the real showstopper lately has been the Cobia. These "man in the brown suit" have been showing up in force, and let me tell you, hooking into one of these bad boys is like trying to stop a freight train with a piece of string – pure excitement!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Grey Triggerfish: Don't let their size fool you – these little guys pack a punch. Known for their strong, chomping bite and delicious white meat, Triggerfish are a favorite among our anglers. They hang around reefs and wrecks, and when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. Best part? They're open for harvest most of the year, so you can count on taking some home for the dinner table.

Greater Amberjack: We call 'em "reef donkeys" for a reason. These powerful fish will test your strength and your gear. Amberjack can grow over 100 pounds, and even the smaller ones will give you a workout. They typically hang around deeper structures and wrecks. When you hook one, hold on tight and get ready for a battle royale. The satisfaction of landing one of these brutes is hard to beat.

Cobia: The "man in the brown suit" is one of the most sought-after fish in our waters. These curious creatures often swim right up to the boat, giving you a shot at sight-casting – a real thrill for any angler. Cobia are known for their long, powerful runs and their excellent table fare. Spring and early summer are prime time for these fish as they migrate through our area.

Red Snapper: The crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing. These beautiful red fish are not only a blast to catch but are also some of the best-eating fish in the sea. They love structure and can be found around reefs and wrecks. The season is short but sweet, and when it's open, we make the most of it. There's nothing quite like the feeling of reeling up a big red from the depths.

Gag Grouper: These bottom-dwelling bruisers are the heavyweight champs of the reef. Gags are known for their powerful first run – they'll try to break you off in the structure as soon as you hook up. It takes skill and strength to turn their heads and get them to the boat. But man, is it worth it. Not only are they a challenge to catch, but they're also delicious grilled, fried, or baked.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, folks, I could go on all day about the fish we catch and the good times we have out there, but the truth is, you've got to experience it for yourself. Whether you're a seasoned salt looking for your next trophy or a first-timer wanting to see what offshore fishing is all about, we've got you covered. Our full-day trip gives you the time to really explore what the Gulf has to offer, and with our experienced crew, you're in for a day of fishing you won't soon forget. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give Destin Gills for Thrills a call and let's get you out on the water. The fish are biting, the sun is shining, and adventure is calling. What are you waiting for? Let's go fishing!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are one of the most exciting fish to catch around here. They're usually 20-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll spot them near buoys, wrecks, and even following big rays or sharks. Spring and early summer are prime time as they migrate along the coast. Cobia are curious fish - they'll often swim right up to the boat to check things out. That makes them a great target for sight fishing. They put up a strong, bulldogging fight when hooked. The meat is excellent too - firm, white fillets perfect for grilling. Live eels or big jigs work well. Here's a local trick: when you see a cobia, cast well past it and retrieve your bait across its path. These fish can't resist chasing down a fleeing meal.

Gag Grouper

Gags are the bruisers of the reef. Most are 10-20 pounds, but they can top 50. You'll find them around rocky bottoms and ledges in 60-250 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they move shallower to spawn. Gags are ambush predators - they use their massive mouths to inhale prey whole. When hooked, they'll immediately try to dive back into their rocky lairs. It's a true tug-of-war to keep them coming up. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and mild. Live bait like pinfish works best, but big jigs can produce too. Here's a local secret: when you feel that initial thump, reel fast and lift your rod tip. If you give a gag any slack, it'll be in its hole before you know it.

Greater Amberjack

AJs are bruisers - they'll test your strength and your gear. Averaging 30-40 pounds, with some topping 100, these powerful fish hang around wrecks and reefs in 60-240 feet of water. Look for them April through October. Amberjack put up an epic fight, making long runs and using their broad bodies to resist being reeled in. It's like trying to haul up a refrigerator. The meat is good eating too, firm and mild. Live bait like blue runners works best, but jigs can produce too. Here's a tip: when you hook one, crank hard and fast to get it away from the structure. If an AJ gets back to its hole, you're probably losing that fish. Be ready for an arm-burning battle - these guys don't give up easily.

Grey Triggerfish

These odd-looking fish are a blast to catch. They're usually around 2-3 pounds but can get up to 13. You'll find them near reefs and wrecks in 60-180 feet of water. Triggerfish have small mouths but powerful jaws - they can crush shellfish and sea urchins. When hooked, they put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. The meat is sweet and flaky, great for fish tacos. Spring and fall are prime seasons. Use a small hook with squid or cut bait. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, reel fast. Triggerfish like to nibble the bait, so you've got to set the hook quick. Their tough, sandpapery skin can wear through your line, so check it often. These feisty little fighters are a fun change of pace from bigger game fish.

Red Snapper

Red snapper are the crown jewels of bottom fishing here. Most are 5-10 pounds, but they can grow over 30. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 60-300 feet. June and July are the peak season. Snapper fishing is all about finesse - you need to get your bait past the smaller fish to reach the big boys lurking below. When you hook a good one, get ready for some powerful runs as it tries to dive back to its rocky home. The fight is fun, but the real prize is on the dinner table. Red snapper has a sweet, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. Fresh cut bait works well, but live pinfish are my go-to. Pro tip: when you feel that telltale "thump," reel fast and set the hook hard.

About the ProKat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready to hit the water for some serious offshore fishing? Hop aboard with Destin Gills for Thrills and get ready for a full day of angling action in the Gulf. We're federally permitted, so we can take you to the prime spots where the big ones lurk. We'll cruise out to multiple reefs and wrecks, dropping lines for a variety of prized catches. You might reel in hefty amberjack, tasty grouper, speedy mackerel, or even a sleek mahi-mahi. Keep your eyes peeled for cobia - they're known to put up an epic fight! If you need a breather from the fishing frenzy, we can swing by Crab Island for some relaxation or just enjoy a scenic ride on the waves. With room for up to 5 guests, it's the perfect trip to share with friends or family. So grab your sunscreen and sense of adventure - the fish are waiting!

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