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Gag Grouper Fishing Charters In Destin

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Recently Booked Gag Grouper Fishing Charters Near Destin, Fl

Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Half Day Trip - 44' Custom

100% (17)
44 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,350
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin Fishing To The Fullest

100% (1)
25 ft 1 - 6 People From $900
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Live Action Trolling Trip

100% (5)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $880
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin Deep Sea Adventure

100% (4)
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,350
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A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Half Day On The "Black Label"

100% (1)
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,350
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Summer Destin Gulf Trip - 36’ Tiara

86% (7)
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,380

Most Popular Types of Gag Grouper Trips in Destin

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Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Gag Grouper Fishing Charters Near Destin, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Destin Nearshore Run in Destin

Hop on board with Captain Robbie and prepare for an action-packed day of fishing the Florida Panhandle! Destin fishing is world famous for a reason, and the inshore and nearshore Destin waters are perfect for chasing some exciting catches not too far from the dock. On this 4 to 6-hour trip, Captain Robbie will take you through the inshore flats and offshore waters of Destin where you can target a huge selection of fish including Amberjack, Blacktip Shark, Cobia, Florida Pompano, Flounder, Gag Grouper, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Mangrove Snapper, Red Snapper, Redfish, and Speckled Trout. To target these fish, you'll be using a variety of techniques such as light tackle, heavy tackle, bottom fishing, trolling and jigging. Whichever type of fish you want to catch, Captain Robert will get you set up with the best method! You’ll be fishing aboard a 21' Cape Horn center console with a 250 HP Yamaha engine and enough seating to accommodate up to 4 passengers comfortably. This vessel is equipped with GPS, a Fishfinder, a Flybridge, a Live Bait Well, and an ice box to store your catches. Captain Robbie will happily clean any keepers for no additional cost! Captain Robert will provide all rods, reels, tackle and live bait. All you need to bring is sunscreen and any food or drinks you might need. Climb aboard with Captain Robbie! Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin Nearshore Run

NEW
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $940
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Relaxing Offshore Special in Destin

Spend the perfect amount of time out on the water on this 6 hour trip with Captain Zach aboard a spacious and luxurious 42 ft sportfish! These 6-hour trips are usually combination trips: Captain Zach will spend some time bottom fishing for red snapper, triggerfish, and other assorted reef fish, and spend the 2nd half of your trip trolling for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, wahoo, and other assorted pelagic fish Captain Zach and his crew strive to make sure that every passenger gets more than enough personal attention and assistance for an enjoyable saltwater fishing experience for the whole family including the kids. All bait, tackle, ice, license and permits rods and reels. As a general rule, Captain Zach will stop on your way out and catch live bait almost every day, if you decide you do not want to spend the time to catch bait there is a live bait boat that offers fresh live bait (when available) (not included in the base price of trips) There will be a professional mate working with you on the back deck throughout the day, helping you with knot tying, de-hooking, and icing the fish as they are caught.  Once back to the docks your mate will hang your fish for photos, then clean, bag, and ice your fish. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Relaxing Offshore Special

100% (4)
42 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,800
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Half Day Adventure in Destin

This trip starts at the docks in the Harborwalk Village of Destin. Upon arrival you will meet with your captain or one of our associates. If your charter begins at 6am (7am off-season) that is when your charter boat will set off from the docks. Your charter service starts with a cruise through the Destin Harbor and out into the Destin Pass. After reaching the end of the Destin Pass we will set up to begin catching our Live Bait. This usually takes 30 mins (give or take) to catch enough Live Bait to fish with during your fishing trip. After we have enough Live Bait we head out into the Gulf of Mexico to begin catching reef or pelagic fish. It all depends on how the fish are biting that day but we will either stay in one area for the rest of your trip or we will move to another fishing spot. Good Bottom Fishing for, Red Snapper, Vermillion Snappers, Mangrove Snappers, Lane Snappers, White Snappers, Triggerfish, Groupers, and Amberjack to keep if in season. Tolling for Pelagic Species such, as King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, and Bonito Tuna. Also, a great Shark Fishing 🦈 charter! After a few hours of fishing (depending on your hourly trip) we will then head back to the docks. This will usually be a 1 hour ride back (depending on your hourly trip) to the harbor. During this time you and your friends can crack open a cold one or relax on the quick trip back to the docks. Immediately after arriving at the docks your captain and crew will clean all your fish for you so you can take your catch with you. You have the option to give your fresh caught fish to most (if not all) restaurants on the Harbor. They will cook up your fish with one of their restaurant dishes for you. You can’t beat this! This is a perfect way to top off the evening from a great time on the water! This boat is Federally Permitted. *Please Note, 8 Hour and 10 Hour charters depart at 6:00am only. You can choose 6 hours at 6:00am or 1pm. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Half Day Adventure

NEW
52 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Premier Destin - 60’ Blackwell in Destin

Captain Eric's vessel is not your typical fishing boat. It's sleek, it's sexy, and it's huge! Not to mention it was recently renovated in 2020 to be totally decked out with all the latest technology, pristine lounging spaces, and top-of-the-line fishing gear you could possibly need for a top-notch charter fishing experience. At 60 feet long and in impeccable condition, this vessel is one of Destin's premiere deep sea fishing charter yachts. Captain Eric strives to offer flexible charter lengths, successful catches, and a plethora of fishing knowledge to ensure you have the best possible charter experience aboard one of the nicest boats on the Florida Panhandle. From an afternoon reef fishing for Snapper and Grouper to multi-day trips off-shore chasing Marlin and other huge Billfish, and everything in between, the sky is the limit for what you can do with this Charter. All you need to bring is your sun protection, camera, and your food and drink of choice. Get ready for the fishing excursion of a lifetime! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Premier Destin - 60’ Blackwell

NEW
60 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Summertime Deepsea - 53’ G&S in Destin

These trips are either 4, 5, or 6 hours. They are designed for the novice fisherman, families with young children and groups just pushed for time. With morning, midday and afternoon departures available, these trips are easy to fit into any hectic vacation schedule. But still allow for the chance to hook into some awsome fight fishing and delicious table fare! Everything that you need is provided on Captain Jason's charters, but feel free to bring some snacks and drinks if you'd like, and don't forget your sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Summertime Deepsea - 53’ G&S

NEW
53 ft 1 - 20 People From $1,800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Destin Mixed Bag Trip in Destin

Join Captain Alex on the 25' Silver King for an exciting morning of fishing in Destin, FL! As a lifelong resident of Destin, Captain Alex has spent years fishing the waters of the area, and his expertise ensures that you'll have a great time on the water. Destin is known for its proximity to deep water, which means there are plenty of big fish to be caught! During the four-hour trip, Captain Alex will take you out to the nearshore depths, where you'll either troll or bottom fish to catch the biggest and tastiest fish. Likely catches while trolling include Spanish or King Mackerel, Wahoo, and Mahi, while bottom fishing can yield Grouper, Snapper, and Triggerfish. On the day of your trip, you'll meet Captain Alex at East Pass Marina, where the Silver King is docked and ready to go. The 25' boat is fully equipped with everything you'll need for your fishing adventure, so all you need to bring are your lunch, snacks, drinks, and sun protection. So come aboard the Silver King with Captain Alex, and get ready for an unforgettable fishing experience in Destin, FL! Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin Mixed Bag Trip

100% (4)
25 ft 1 - 6 People From $900
See All Gag Grouper Trips in Destin

Everything to Know About Booking a Destin gag grouper fishing charter

What are the best gag grouper fishing charters in Destin?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 83 gag grouper trips in Destin, and the most popular trips in the area are Half Day Trip - 44' Custom guided by Harold, Destin Fishing to the Fullest guided by Dennis, and Live Action Trolling Trip guided by Zachary.

Our guides in Destin are rated a 4.92 out of 5 based on 2776 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Other popular cities nearby for booking a Gag Grouper charter include Fort Walton Beach, Niceville and Shalimar.

Looking for kid friendly gag grouper guides / fishing lessons in Destin? Check out our beginner and family friendly gag grouper guides in Destin.

What types of gag grouper fishing charters are common in Destin?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for gag grouper in Destin as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and jetty fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Destin are bottom fishing, trolling, and heavy tackle fishing but live bait fishing and light tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much do Destin gag grouper fishing charters cost?

for gag grouper in Destin prices can range anywhere from about $978 to $5,940, but the average price for a half day trip for gag grouper in Destin is $1,477. The average price for a full day trip for gag grouper in Destin is $3,472.

What month is best for gag grouper fishing in Destin?

The most popular season for gag grouper fishing in Destin is summer, and most anglers book their trips 19 days in advance.

Do I need a Destin fishing license for gag grouper and what are the bag limits for gag grouper in Destin?

You’re in luck! Our fishing tours in Destin don’t require you to purchase a fishing license – your group is covered by your boat’s captain. See here for more information on bag limits and fishing season regulations in Destin.

What is gag grouper fishing in Destin all about?

Gag grouper are a prized catch among anglers in Destin, Florida, known for their impressive size, powerful fights, and delicious taste. These bottom-dwelling predators inhabit the reefs, wrecks, and underwater structures in the Gulf of Mexico, making them a popular target for offshore fishermen. Gag grouper are characterized by their brownish-gray coloration with distinctive markings, including dark, wavy lines on their sides and a large mouth equipped with sharp teeth. Anglers in Destin often encounter gag grouper while bottom fishing in depths ranging from 30 to 150 feet, where these fish are known to reside.

One effective technique for targeting gag grouper in Destin is bottom fishing with live bait or cut bait near reefs, wrecks, and ledges where these fish congregate. Anglers use Carolina rigs, knocker rigs, or jig heads to present baits such as squid, mullet, pinfish, or cigar minnows at various depths. Gag grouper are voracious predators that feed opportunistically on a variety of prey, making them susceptible to well-presented baits. Anglers must exercise patience and precision when bottom fishing for gag grouper, as these fish often require a subtle presentation to entice them into biting.

Moreover, anglers in Destin can also target gag grouper using artificial lures such as jigs, diving plugs, or swimbaits. Casting and retrieving lures near underwater structures can effectively mimic the movement of baitfish and trigger strikes from hungry gag grouper. Anglers should vary their retrieval speeds and experiment with different lure colors and sizes to determine what the fish are actively feeding on. With their formidable strength and cunning behavior, gag grouper provide anglers in Destin with thrilling battles and memorable catches, adding excitement to any offshore fishing excursion along Florida's Emerald Coast.

What are the most popular months to fish for gag grouper in Destin?

In Destin, Florida, gag grouper seasons offer anglers specific windows of opportunity to target these prized fish throughout the year. Typically, the gag grouper season in Destin aligns with federal regulations set by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. These regulations dictate specific open and closed seasons to ensure sustainable management of the grouper population. The primary gag grouper season in the Gulf of Mexico usually runs from June 1st to December 31st, providing anglers with ample time to pursue these sought-after fish.

During the summer and fall months, from June to November, gag grouper are particularly abundant in the waters off Destin's coast. Warmer water temperatures draw these fish closer to shore, where they can be found inhabiting reefs, wrecks, and other underwater structures. Anglers targeting gag grouper during this season often experience increased success rates due to the higher concentration of fish and their active feeding behavior. The summer and fall seasons present prime opportunities for anglers to reel in trophy-sized gag grouper and create memorable fishing experiences.

While the primary gag grouper season spans from June to December, anglers in Destin should be aware of any changes or adjustments to regulations that may affect fishing opportunities. Additionally, it's essential to stay informed about any interim closures or quota adjustments implemented by fishery managers to ensure the sustainability of the grouper population. By adhering to regulations and practicing responsible fishing practices, anglers can continue to enjoy successful gag grouper seasons in Destin for years to come, preserving the region's rich fishing heritage and maintaining healthy fish populations for future generations to enjoy.

What techniques are popular for catching gag grouper in Destin?

In Destin, Florida, anglers utilize various effective fishing techniques to target gag grouper, offering opportunities for exciting offshore fishing adventures. One popular method for catching gag grouper is bottom fishing near reefs, wrecks, and ledges where these fish are known to inhabit. Anglers deploy baited rigs, such as Carolina rigs or knocker rigs, with live bait such as squid, mullet, pinfish, or cigar minnows. The bait is presented at various depths to entice the grouper, which are often found in depths ranging from 30 to 150 feet. Anglers must exercise patience and precision when bottom fishing for gag grouper, as these fish can be wary and require a subtle presentation to entice them into biting.

Moreover, jigging is another effective technique employed by anglers to target gag grouper in Destin. Anglers use vertical jigs or bucktail jigs to mimic the movement of baitfish near the bottom. By jigging the lures up and down in the water column, anglers can attract the attention of grouper and entice them into striking. This technique is particularly effective in deeper waters and around submerged structures where gag grouper are known to congregate. Anglers should experiment with different jigging motions and speeds to determine what triggers the most strikes from the grouper.

Additionally, trolling with diving plugs or deep-diving lures can be an effective way to target gag grouper in Destin, especially when fishing in areas with rocky bottoms or underwater structures. Anglers troll at slow speeds along reefs, ledges, or drop-offs, allowing the lures to dive down to the desired depth where grouper are likely to be hiding. This method allows anglers to cover a large area of water while actively searching for grouper. Anglers should pay close attention to their trolling speed and the depth at which their lures are running to maximize their chances of success. With these various techniques at their disposal, anglers in Destin have plenty of options for pursuing and catching the prized gag grouper.

What other species are popular in Destin?

In Destin, Florida, anglers have a wide array of species to target aside from gag grouper, ensuring a diverse and exciting fishing experience. One notable catch in these waters is the red snapper, a highly sought-after species known for its delicious taste and impressive size. Red snapper inhabit the reefs and offshore structures around Destin, making them accessible targets for anglers fishing from boats. Using bottom fishing techniques with baited rigs or artificial lures, anglers can entice red snapper to bite. With their strong fighting abilities and impressive size, red snapper provide anglers with thrilling battles and rewarding catches.

Moreover, king mackerel are another popular species to target in Destin's offshore waters. These fast and powerful fish are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps, providing anglers with exciting battles on light tackle. King mackerel are often found near reefs, wrecks, and ledges, where they feed on baitfish and other prey. Anglers commonly use trolling techniques with diving plugs or spoons to target king mackerel, covering a large area of water to locate active fish.

Additionally, anglers visiting Destin can target species such as amberjack, cobia, and various species of snapper and grouper. Amberjack are prized for their strength and endurance, offering anglers challenging fights and memorable catches. Cobia are known for their large size and aggressive feeding behavior, making them sought-after targets for anglers looking for an adrenaline-pumping fishing experience. With its diverse range of species and abundant fishing opportunities, Destin provides anglers with endless possibilities for an unforgettable fishing adventure along Florida's Emerald Coast.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    5 star trip, Kyle was great. Danny was even better! Not a better deck hand on the gulf coast!

    Jerry M. with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time on Captain Eric's Game On fishing boat! The quick trip was an excellent choice for the price, and the catch was plentiful. We had several first time deep sea fishers with us and they had a blast.

    Brad C. with Eric T. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We have been deep sea fishing 6 or 7 times and by far this has been our best experience so far! Captain Zach and First Mate Jason with No Alibi had us on fish from the word go and we kept catching all day throughout our 12 hour trip!

    Joshua C. with Zachary W. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    All of us had a blast. Enjoyed every minute of it. The kids caught a nice size keeper each. Definitely will come back again.

    Sidney B. with Jordan N. of Fort Walton Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Five of us did the 8 hour trolling and bottom fishing. It was an amazing experience from start to finish and we caught a barrel of fish including vermilion snapper, triggerfish, grouper and an Atlantic bluefish. We caught and released several out of season fish as well. Captian Kyle and Mate Danny are super friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and made the trip an outstanding one. We were all first timers and they made us look and feel like seasoned pros.

    Michael E. with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Phenomenal trip! Cap’t Christian was ever the professional. We went out with Cap’n Andrew and he was awesome. We were on fish all day and even better, he helped the young one fish all day. I highly recommend this outfit and will definitely book again. PS….the boat is awesome as all get out.

    Keith M. with Christian D. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a wonderful time. Was crazy windy but we made the best of it. Caught about 19 fish between the 5 of us.

    Nikema B. with Jason Y. of Shalimar, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We fished with Capt'n Blake on the 32 Sportsman. Blake was friendly, energetic and most of all, he was determined to put us on the fish. My 13 year old son and his friend were with us, and Blake was extremely attentive and helpful with the youth anglers. I would highly recommend Capt'n Blake, and Captain Experiences, and I would book this same exact trip again if given the opportunity. Tight lines!

    William A. with Ryan H. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had an awesome fishing trip with Captain Richie and Mikey! It was our first deep sea fishing experience and one to remember!

    Molly P. with Richie R. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience with Captain Alex. We had a blast!

    Laura E. with Dennis M. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Wayne was great. First place we stopped, three of the four of us had bites on our 1st cast. Two reeled in fish within 3 minutes.

    Larry B. with Wayne A. of Niceville, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Tons of fun, caught tons of fish!

    Jonah J. with Zachary W. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing day! Captain Alex was great and worked hard to keep us catching fish! Definitely recommend Silver King charters! Hope to make it down summer fishing soon!

    Jessie W. with Alex H. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Zach and first mate Jason were amazing! They made sure to get my 7 year old son his first deep sea catch! They knew exactly where to go to find the big boy fish. It took less than a minute to snag a 40lber right off the bat. We were catching fish all day...it was awesome! Can't wait to visit them again! Thanks for an awesome day!

    Leo M. with Zachary W. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip! The First Mate, Jason, was really knowledgeable and we did really well.

    William with Zachary W. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great Trip! Couldn’t ask for a better guide. He put us right on the fish.

    Justin T. with Cliff A. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Trip was fantastic!! The Captain asked what our goals were and he totally came through - we caught A LOT OF FISH!!! 1st Mate was a great guy, made it a great experience. Looking forward to next year!

    Gary J. with Harold S. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    A great day - dodged the weather and spent the time looking and catching fish. Very curious and provided top end service all around. Until next time.

    Paul R. with Kent P. of Niceville, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Over the top! First class will use again! hopefully soon.

    John B. with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip, Kyle and Danny worked full time plus to get us on fish and get those fish into the boat. We limited out on red snapper and caught several other fish as well. Overall a good day of fishing , next time we will make it a longer trip hoping to find the bigger fish by getting out further and finding the more isolated spots holding some biggies. Thanks to both for a great trip. Jerry, Mike, Shelby and Peyton

    Jerry S. with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

What's biting in Destin?

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