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World-Class Fishing Charters in Fort Walton Beach
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Shalimar FL
- $700 - $9,000 price range
Summary
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Gulf Fishing Action
Fresh catch, Shalimar style!
Tight lines and big catches in Destin
Emerald Coast fishing adventure awaits!
Fort Walton’s waters are calling!
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Catch of the day in Destin waters!
Reeling in memories on the Emerald Coast
Perfect day for fishing in Destin!
Hooked on the Emerald Coast’s beauty
Fresh catch, Destin style!
Fresh catch, Shalimar style!
Tight lines and big catches in Destin
Emerald Coast fishing adventure awaits!
Fort Walton’s waters are calling!
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Catch of the day in Destin waters!
Reeling in memories on the Emerald Coast
Perfect day for fishing in Destin!
Hooked on the Emerald Coast’s beauty
Fresh catch, Destin style!
Fresh catch, Shalimar style!
Tight lines and big catches in Destin
Emerald Coast fishing adventure awaits!
Fort Walton’s waters are calling!
Reel in the Big Ones: 8-Hour Offshore Adventure
Get ready to bend some rods and fill the fish box on this action-packed 8-hour charter off Fort Walton Beach! Captain Jon knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on the hottest offshore bite. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying your luck for the first time, we've got everything you need for an epic day chasing pelagics in the Gulf. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the blue water!
What to Expect on the Water
We'll meet up bright and early at the marina, load up the Sounder (our trusty offshore vessel), and punch it out past the pass. Once we clear the beach, it's time to settle in for a combo of trolling and bottom fishing that'll keep your arms sore for days. Captain Jon's always dialed into the latest intel, so we'll hit the best spots where the big boys are biting. Expect a mix of high-octane fights with acrobatic mahi-mahi and sailfish, plus some serious cranking when we drop lines for grouper and snapper. The Gulf can get sporty, but our boat can take it - just hang on and enjoy the ride!
Techniques & Gear Breakdown
We run a tight ship with top-notch gear, so all you need to bring is your game face. We'll be rigged up with heavy-duty Penn reels and custom rods perfect for battling offshore bruisers. Trolling's the name of the game for covering ground and tempting in the pelagics. We'll drag a spread of ballyhoo and skirted lures, plus some diving plugs to really search the water column. When we mark fish on the bottom, it's time to switch gears. We'll drop hefty live baits or jigs and hold on tight - those grouper hit like freight trains! Don't worry if you're new to this, Captain Jon's got patience for days and he'll have you fishing like a pro in no time.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"Our group of 4 had a fabulous time! From the moment we stepped onto the boat and met Captain Jon and Captain Jerrad, we felt comfortable and safe. We traveled in some rough seas, but the Sounder handled them beautifully! We caught so many fish, there was never an empty hook! Memories made!" - Nancy
"Great time. He made sure to keep us on fish most of the day. We ended up with over 40 keepers." - Joseph
Species You'll Want to Hook
Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish): These neon-colored acrobats are the crowd-pleasers of the offshore world. They grow fast, fight hard, and taste amazing. We find them around floating debris and weedlines, often in big schools. When one bites, get ready for insane topwater action as they leap and tailwalk across the surface. Peak season is late spring through summer, but we catch 'em year-round.
Wahoo: Speed demons of the sea, wahoo are like the cheetahs of the fish world. They're built for blistering runs that'll have your reel smoking. We target them by trolling at a good clip with wire leaders (those razor-sharp teeth are no joke). Fall and winter are prime wahoo time, but a big 'hoo is always a possibility out here.
Yellowfin Tuna: The heavyweight champs of our waters, yellowfin will test your stamina like nothing else. These torpedo-shaped powerhouses can top 100 pounds and will have you playing tug-of-war for hours. We find them busting bait on the surface or hanging around oil rigs. Spring and fall are the best shots at trophy yellowfin, but they're around all year.
Blackfin Tuna: The smaller cousins of yellowfin, blackfin make up for their size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. They school up thick and when we find them, it's often non-stop action. Great eating and perfect for sushi lovers. These guys are year-round residents, with fall being particularly hot.
Atlantic Sailfish: The blue marlin's speedy cousin, sailfish are the holy grail for many anglers. They're not huge by billfish standards, but man, can they put on a show. We find them tailing on the surface or crashing our trolling spread. That iconic sail and long bill make for some epic photos. Spring and summer are prime time, but we see random sails all year.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing out here, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer or just want to tangle with some serious saltwater beasts, this trip delivers. Captain Jon's got the local knowledge, top-notch gear, and the attitude to make sure you have a blast out there. Don't let another season slip by - get your crew together and let's make some fishing memories! The bite is on and the Gulf is calling. Book your charter now and let's go bend some rods!
Customer Reviews
Fish Frenzy Afloat
Nancy Drew
March 29, 2023
Keeper Bonanza
Great time. He made sure to keep us on fish most of the day. We ended up with over 40 keepers.
Joseph Gatas
May 22, 2023
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Sailfish
Atlantic sailfish are the acrobats of the ocean, known for their spectacular leaps and runs. They average 6-8 feet long and 30-50 pounds. You'll find them in blue water from 100-300 feet deep, often near the edges of reefs or dropoffs. Winter is prime sailfish season here, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers target sailfish for their stunning aerial displays and the challenge of the catch. To hook one, try slow-trolling live baits like goggle eyes or ballyhoo. When a sail appears in the spread, drop back a bait and let it eat. Once hooked, be ready for anything - these fish jump, greyhound across the surface, and dive deep. It's a thrill you won't forget.
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin tuna are the smallest of the tunas, but they pack a punch for their size. Most run 15-30 pounds, perfect for light tackle. You'll find them in schools near offshore structures and deep water humps, usually in the top 100 feet of water. Fall and winter are peak seasons here. Anglers love blackfin for their hard fights and excellent table fare. To catch them, try trolling small feathers or spoons early in the morning. When you find a school, switch to casting light jigs or live baits. Blackfin hit hard and make blistering runs, so use your drag wisely. A local trick: chum with live pilchards to keep the school close to the boat.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi Mahi are a colorful, fast-growing fish that put up an exciting fight. They typically range from 15-30 pounds but can get over 50. You'll find them near floating debris and weedlines, often in schools. Spring through fall is prime time, with summer being the peak. Mahi are popular for their acrobatic jumps and delicious meat. To land one, try trolling rigged ballyhoo or skirted lures at 6-9 knots. When you spot a school, cast a live bait or jig to the edges - the bigger fish often hang back. Keep a few hooked fish in the water to hold the school nearby. Mahi hit hard and run fast, so be ready for some reel-screaming action when they take the bait.
Wahoo Fish
Wahoo are sleek, striped speedsters that'll make your drag sing. They average 3-5 feet but can reach over 8 feet and 100 pounds. Look for them near drop-offs and underwater structures in depths of 250-350 feet. Fall is prime wahoo season here, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love wahoo for their blistering runs and tasty white meat. To hook one, try high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots using wire leaders - their razor teeth will slice through mono. Rigged ballyhoo, skirted lures, and deep-diving plugs all work well. When a wahoo hits, hang on tight and be ready for several long runs before you can start gaining line.
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin tuna are hard-fighting fish that'll test your stamina. They typically range from 30-100 pounds here, but monsters over 200 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them in deep, open water, often hanging around temperature breaks or floating debris. Late spring through fall is prime time. Anglers prize yellowfin for their powerful runs and high-quality meat for sushi. To land one, try chunking with cut bait to bring them to the surface, then cast live baits into the feeding frenzy. When jigging deep, watch your fish finder and drop fast - yellowfin hit on the fall. Once hooked, settle in for a long fight. These tuna have stamina to spare.
About the Charkh Bait II
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Detroit Diesels
Maximum Cruising Speed: 18
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 620
Our group of 4 had a fabulous time! From the moment we stepped onto the boat and met Captain Jon and Captain Jerrad, we felt comfortable and safe. We traveled in some rough seas, but the Sounder handled them beautifully! We caught so many fish, there was never an empty hook! Memories made!