Ready to bend some rods and reel in the big ones? Our 6-hour offshore charter from Fort Walton Beach is your ticket to the hottest fishing action on the Emerald Coast. We're talking world-class deep sea fishing, folks - the kind that'll have you swapping fish tales for years to come. Whether you're after hard-fighting amberjack or tasty red snapper, we've got the spots, the gear, and the know-how to put you on the fish.
When you step aboard with Bendin Rods Fishing Charters, you're in for a treat. We'll cruise out past the emerald waters, where the Gulf opens up and the real fishing begins. Our 6-hour trip gives us plenty of time to hit multiple honey holes, targeting everything from reef fish to pelagics. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing - Captain John and the crew will show you the ropes. We provide all the top-notch tackle you'll need, from sturdy rods to fresh bait. Just bring your game face and maybe a cooler for your catch.
Out here, we don't mess around with wimpy gear. We're using heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with braided line that can handle whatever the Gulf throws at us. Depending on what's biting, we might do some bottom fishing with live bait for snapper and triggerfish, or switch it up and troll for wahoo and mackerel. The key is staying flexible and reading the water. Sometimes, we'll even chum the water to get the fish in a feeding frenzy. It's all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day.
"If you're looking for a GREAT fishing charter seriously go with Bendin Rods Fishing Charter! Cap.John & his first mate Chris were beyond phenomenal. Their knowledge is extensive, seriously the best." - Brit
"If you are looking for a charter that knows what they are doing. Don't look any farther. If I could give 10 stars I would! These guys are the best. Looking out for you, and making sure everyone had a good time. Hope to come back soon and do the sailfish charter..." - Eric
Grey Triggerfish: Don't let their small size fool you - these toothy critters put up a scrappy fight. They hang around reefs and wrecks, and they're wicked smart. Triggerfish are known for their tough, leather-like skin and their ability to lock themselves in crevices with their dorsal fin. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them a prized catch for the dinner table. We typically target these guys in the cooler months when other species might be off-limits.
Greater Amberjack: Buckle up, folks - hooking into an AJ is like picking a fight with a freight train. These bruisers can top 100 pounds and will test every ounce of your strength. We find them around deep-water structures, and they're most active in the spring and fall. When you're reeling one in, it's all about keeping your rod tip up and hanging on tight. The satisfaction of landing a big amberjack is hard to beat.
Wahoo: Speed demons of the sea, wahoo are the prize catch for many offshore anglers. These streamlined predators can hit speeds over 60 mph and make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. We target wahoo by trolling at high speeds with specialized lures. They're more common in the warmer months, and hooking into one is always an adrenaline rush. Plus, they're absolutely delicious - some of the best-eating fish in the ocean.
Red Snapper: The crown jewel of Gulf fishing, red snapper are as beautiful as they are tasty. These ruby-red beauties hang out near reefs and oil rigs, and they can grow to impressive sizes. The season for red snapper is tightly regulated, but when it's open, it's game on. We use heavy tackle and drop baits right to the bottom where these fish like to feed. The fight is intense, and pulling up a big snapper from the depths is always a thrill.
Spanish Mackerel: For fast-paced action, it's hard to beat Spanish mackerel. These sleek, spotted speedsters travel in schools and can make for non-stop action when we find them. We often catch them while trolling near the surface with small lures or spoons. They're most abundant in the warmer months and are perfect for anglers who want constant action. Spanish mackerel are also excellent eating, especially when smoked or grilled fresh.
Look, if you're itching for some real offshore action, this is the trip for you. We've got the hottest spots dialed in, the best gear ready to go, and a crew that lives and breathes fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time out, we'll make sure you have a blast and hopefully fill the cooler while we're at it. The Gulf is calling, and the fish are waiting. Don't miss out on what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime. Give us a shout at Bendin Rods Fishing Charters and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be hooked for life!
November 6, 2023
If you are looking for a charter that knows what they are doing. Don’t look any farther. If I could give 10 stars I would! These guys are the best. Looking out for you, and making sure everyone had a good time. Hope to come back soon and do the sailfish charter...
March 28, 2023
Red Snapper are prized catches in these parts. They're beautiful fish, bright red with big eyes, and can grow up to 3 feet long. Most we catch are in the 1-2 foot range, perfect for the dinner table. You'll find Red Snapper hanging around reefs, wrecks, and other structure in deeper water, usually 60-300 feet down. They're most active in warmer months, making summer and early fall prime time for snapper fishing. Folks love targeting these fish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. When you hook one, be ready for a battle as they try to dive back to their rocky homes. For best results, use heavy tackle with strong line. Drop your bait - fresh squid or cigar minnows work great - right to the bottom. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a bite, reel fast and steady to pull them away from the structure before they can break you off.
Spanish Mackerel are lightning-fast swimmers that'll give you a run for your money. These silvery missiles with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh up to 10 pounds. You'll find them in big schools near the surface, especially around structures in open water. They love warm weather, so they're most active here from spring through fall. Anglers get a kick out of Spanish Mackerel for their speed and acrobatics when hooked. They're also mighty tasty on the grill or smoked. To catch 'em, try trolling or casting with light tackle. Use shiny spoons or live bait like sardines or mullet. Here's a local tip: when you spot a school feeding on the surface, cast just beyond them and retrieve quickly. These speed demons can't resist chasing down a fast-moving lure. Just be ready for an explosive strike and a zippy fight!
Grey Triggerfish are odd-looking but tasty customers. They're usually 1-2 feet long with tough, leathery skin and powerful jaws. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water, often mixed in with snapper and grouper. These fish are most active in warmer months, making late spring through early fall the best time to target them. Anglers enjoy catching Triggerfish for their stubborn fight and delicious, mild-flavored meat. To hook one, use medium tackle with a sturdy hook - their tough mouths can straighten weaker hooks. Squid or cut bait works well. Here's a tip: when you feel a bite, set the hook hard and keep reeling. Triggerfish are known for their quick, subtle bites and they'll spit the hook if you give them any slack.
Greater Amberjack, or "AJs" as we call 'em, are bruisers of the reef. These powerful fish can grow over 100 pounds, though most we catch are in the 20-40 pound range. Look for them around deep reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in 60-250 feet of water. AJs are most active in spring and fall, making those great times to target them. Anglers love the challenge - these fish fight like freight trains and can wear you out fast. To catch Amberjack, use heavy tackle and strong line. Live bait like blue runners or mullet works best. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, reel fast and steady to get it away from the structure. If you let them run, they'll often break you off in the rocks. AJs make for good eating too, especially when grilled or blackened. Just be sure to check regulations, as seasons and limits can change.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean, clocking in at up to 60 mph. These long, sleek fish with blue stripes can reach lengths of 5-6 feet, though most we catch are in the 3-4 foot range. Look for Wahoo in open water, often near drop-offs or floating debris. They're typically found in the upper part of the water column. Summer and early fall are prime Wahoo seasons around here. Anglers love Wahoo for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat perfect for grilling. To catch these speedsters, we troll at high speeds, usually 12-15 knots. Use wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Here's a local trick: try varying your trolling speed suddenly. The change often triggers strikes from following fish.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Detroit Diesels
Maximum Cruising Speed: 18
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 620
If you’re looking for a GREAT fishing charter seriously go with Bendin Rods Fishing Charter! Cap.John & his first mate Chris were beyond phenomenal. Their knowledge is extensive, seriously the best.