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Kingfish Fishing Charters In Destin

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Recently Booked Kingfish 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

Offshore Discovery: Fishing Intro

100% (2)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,280
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 Trolling And Bottom Fishing

100% (3)
47 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin Deep Sea Adventure

100% (4)
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,350

Most Popular Types of Kingfish Trips in Destin

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Kingfish Fishing Charters Near Destin, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Summer Destin Gulf Trip - 36’ Tiara in Destin

Captain Jason caters to your fishing needs whether it’s for your, family, friends or business. First-time anglers and experienced anglers so come one come all, and let Captain Jason create your next fishing adventure! His sturdy vessel can carry up to 6 people for your private charter. Captain Jason offers a variety of charters including deep sea, trolling, and bottom fishing. The Gulf of Mexico offers many species of fish. Whether you're bottom fishing for Red Snapper, Grouper, Trigger, or Amberjack, or trolling for King Mackerel and Wahoo, or even sightfishing for Cobia, the Gulf has it all! You'll be fishing aboard a beautiful 36 foot Tiara Motor Yacht with all the amenities. The cabin offers a TV, DVD player, and stereo system with an aux plug-in (so you can blast your favorite tunes!). The cabin is fully air-conditioned along with a full bathroom/shower and a fully furnished State Room. The interior is very comfortable with plenty of seating. She is also equipped with all the latest safety equipment. Captain Jason's mission is to ensure a first-class fishing experience and keep you coming back to beautiful Destin, Florida. The boat is fully equipped with everything you'll need. The only thing you need to bring is food, drinks, sunscreen and plenty of energy. Captain Jason and his crew look forward to fishing with you! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Summer Destin Gulf Trip - 36’ Tiara

86% (7)
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,380
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Deep Sea Dash: Half-Day Fishing in Destin

Climb aboard with Captain Trey for an exciting half-day adventure exploring the nearshore and close offshore waters around Destin FL! This 6-hour half-day trip is a family fun trip. There are plenty of species to fish for, depending on the time of year. Hit the bottom for deep water species like Snapper, to pelagic species such as Sharks, Kingfish, and Bonito. Captain Trey's goal is to keep you in the action, whatever is biting on the day of your trip. Everything you reel in is yours—if you want to keep it (and it's in season)—and Captain Trey will happily clean any keepers for you. You'll be fishing aboard a luxurious 53’ G&S sportfish that can accommodate up to 15 anglers. Powered by twin Cummins engines for a whopping 1340 HP, she'll get you to the prime fishing hotspots in a hurry! This well-equipped vessel comes with all the necessities, including GPS, the latest sonar and fishfinding technology, a live well for bait, an icebox to store your catches, and of course, a solid fighting chair. It also boasts comfortable amenities such as A/C, a multimedia system, a microwave, and a comfortable bathroom onboard as well. Captain Trey will provide all rods, reels, tackle, and fishing licenses. All you need to bring is sunglasses, sunscreen, and any snacks or drinks you might need. Join Captain Trey for a Destin fishing adventure like you've never seen! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Deep Sea Dash: Half-Day Fishing

100% (5)
53 ft 1 - 24 People From $1,800
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 Combo - Reef/Trolling in Destin

If you’ve never fished in Destin, Florida, Captain Brantley will lead the way! He has fished these waters for upwards of 25 years and will be sure to take you to where the fish bite. On these 4, 6, or 8-hour trips, you’ll be targeting a wide variety of species, including Amberjack, Black Grouper, Blackfin Tuna, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Red Snapper (depending on the season), Sailfish, and Wahoo. You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Brantley’s 40’ Infinity offshore sportfishing boat, powered by two 800 HP Cummins engines. Equipped with air conditioning, a live bait well, outriggers, a multimedia system, and an ice box, this vessel has all the necessary features to ensure that you have a productive day on the water. Captain Brantley will take care of all rods, reels, tackle, lures, licenses, and live bait. A first mate will also be on board to help you at all times. You’ll need to bring food, drinks of your choice (no glass), sunscreen, and a cooler to take home your day’s catch. Captain Brantley is known for reeling in some pretty big fish, so get ready for an action-packed day on the water! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Combo - Reef/Trolling

100% (2)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,800
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
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
See All Kingfish Trips in Destin

Everything to Know About Booking a Destin kingfish fishing charter

What are the best kingfish fishing charters in Destin?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 108 kingfish 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 Offshore Discovery: Fishing Intro guided by Kyle.

Our guides in Destin are rated a 4.92 out of 5 based on 2772 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 Kingfish charter include Fort Walton Beach, Niceville and Shalimar.

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

What types of kingfish fishing charters are common in Destin?

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

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

How much do Destin kingfish fishing charters cost?

for kingfish in Destin prices can range anywhere from about $998 to $7,200, but the average price for a half day trip for kingfish in Destin is $1,838. The average price for a full day trip for kingfish in Destin is $4,180.

What month is best for kingfish fishing in Destin?

The most popular season for kingfish fishing in Destin is summer, and most anglers book their trips 15 days in advance.

Do I need a Destin fishing license for kingfish and what are the bag limits for kingfish 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 kingfish fishing in Destin all about?

King mackerel, commonly known as kingfish, are a prized catch for anglers visiting Destin, offering thrilling fights and delicious fillets. These sleek and powerful fish can be found in abundance in the waters off Destin, particularly during the spring and fall months when they migrate along the coast. Kingfish are known for their blistering runs and aerial displays when hooked, making them a favorite target among both novice and experienced anglers alike.

One of the most effective techniques for targeting kingfish in Destin is slow trolling live bait, such as cigar minnows or threadfin herring, behind the boat. Anglers often use downriggers or planers to keep the bait at the desired depth, typically between 15 and 40 feet below the surface. Additionally, anglers may also use artificial lures such as spoons or diving plugs, which mimic the baitfish that kingfish prey upon. Regardless of the method used, kingfish are known for their aggressive strikes, providing anglers with heart-pounding action on the water.

In addition to their thrilling fights, kingfish are highly prized for their delicious white meat, making them a popular target for both recreational and commercial anglers. Once hooked, anglers must exercise caution when bringing kingfish aboard, as their sharp teeth and powerful jaws can inflict injury if not handled properly. With their abundance, accessibility, and exciting fishing opportunities, kingfish are a staple species in the waters off Destin, attracting anglers from far and wide to test their skills against these formidable adversaries.

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

In Destin, Florida, the kingfish season typically peaks during the spring and fall months, coinciding with the fish's migration patterns along the Gulf Coast. Spring is considered prime time for kingfish fishing in Destin, with the arrival of warmer temperatures signaling the beginning of the migration northward. As the waters warm, baitfish become more abundant, drawing kingfish closer to the shore in search of food. Anglers can expect to encounter larger concentrations of kingfish during this time, making it an ideal season for targeting these prized gamefish.

During the fall months, kingfish return to the waters off Destin as they make their way southward, following the cooler temperatures and shifting currents. Fall is another peak season for kingfish fishing in Destin, with the fish once again congregating in nearshore and offshore waters in search of prey. The fall migration often coincides with baitfish runs, such as mullet and menhaden, providing ample feeding opportunities for hungry kingfish. Anglers can expect to find kingfish in various depths, from nearshore reefs and wrecks to offshore ledges and drop-offs, presenting a diverse range of fishing opportunities.

While kingfish can be caught year-round in Destin, the spring and fall seasons offer the best chances of success due to the higher concentrations of fish and favorable weather conditions. However, anglers should keep in mind that kingfish are highly migratory and can be influenced by factors such as water temperature, currents, and baitfish movements. By staying informed about seasonal patterns and local fishing reports, anglers can maximize their chances of landing a trophy-sized kingfish during their visit to Destin's bountiful waters.

What techniques are popular for catching kingfish in Destin?

In Destin, Florida, anglers employ various techniques to target kingfish, also known as king mackerel, throughout the year. One popular method is trolling, where anglers use outriggers and downriggers to deploy multiple lines behind a moving boat. Trolling allows anglers to cover large areas of water and present baits at different depths, increasing their chances of encountering feeding kingfish. Common trolling baits include cigar minnows, ballyhoo, and artificial lures designed to mimic the movements of baitfish. Adjusting trolling speed and lure depth based on water temperature, current, and fish activity can help optimize success.

Another effective technique for catching kingfish in Destin is live bait fishing. Anglers often use live baits such as cigar minnows, blue runners, and Spanish sardines rigged on wire leaders and circle hooks to target kingfish near reefs, wrecks, and other structure. Live bait fishing allows anglers to present natural prey items to kingfish, enticing them to strike. Positioning the boat up-current of the structure and deploying baits at various depths can help anglers intercept passing kingfish and increase their chances of hooking up.

Vertical jigging is a productive technique for targeting kingfish in deeper water or when they are holding tight to structure. Anglers use heavy metal jigs that mimic the movements of injured baitfish, dropping them vertically to the desired depth and jigging them erratically to attract kingfish. Vertical jigging requires precision boat positioning and controlled jigging motions to entice strikes from kingfish lurking below. This technique can be particularly effective when kingfish are feeding near offshore wrecks, ledges, and drop-offs, where they often congregate in search of prey. By mastering these fishing techniques, anglers can increase their chances of landing trophy-sized kingfish in the waters off Destin.

What other species are popular in Destin?

Aside from kingfish, Destin offers anglers a diverse range of species to target throughout the year. One popular target for anglers visiting Destin is red snapper. These prized reef dwellers are abundant in the waters off Destin and are known for their delicious taste and strong fighting abilities. Anglers often target red snapper using live bait, such as cigar minnows or pinfish, fished near offshore reefs, wrecks, and ledges. Additionally, bottom fishing with cut bait or jigging with metal jigs can also produce bites from red snapper.

Another species commonly targeted by anglers in Destin is grouper. Species such as gag grouper, red grouper, and scamp grouper inhabit the offshore reefs, wrecks, and ledges in the area. These bottom-dwelling predators are known for their hard-hitting strikes and powerful fights. Anglers typically target grouper using live bait, such as pinfish or threadfin herring, dropped to the bottom with heavy tackle. Vertical jigging with metal jigs or trolling deep-diving lures can also be effective techniques for catching grouper.

For those looking for a thrilling inshore fishing experience, Destin offers opportunities to target species such as speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. These species can be found in the shallow waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay, along grass flats, oyster bars, and marshy shorelines. Anglers often use light spinning tackle and artificial lures such as soft plastic swimbaits, topwater plugs, and jig heads tipped with shrimp or artificial bait to entice strikes from these inshore species. Whether targeting kingfish offshore or exploring the inshore waters for trout and redfish, Destin provides anglers with a wide variety of fishing opportunities throughout the year.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome time on this fishing charter. He was very attentive to making sure we had a good time!

    Paul D. with Jonathan G. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing family friendly trip. The fishing was awesome and the crew was amazing with our kids. I can’t say enough amazing things!

    Jeff . with Judah B. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely fantastic trip! Josh and Kurt took fantastic care of us, we caught plenty of fish, and locked into a really nice Amberjack!

    Jon S. with Brantley G. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Trey, John, and Will were absolute professionals and great guys!! 110% will be out again!!

    Michael M. with Trey W. 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

  • ★★★★★
    Great time Capt. Larry and Justin were very helpful. We had several rookies in our group and Justin helped get them started. They made sure we had plenty of time to fish.

    Greg K. with Larry M. 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

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Great time fishing with Kyle and Danny! Both were fabulous in making sure we caught plenty of fish and that the kids (and adults) had a lot of fun. Highly recommend.

    Adam T. with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Judah and his crew were amazing. We slaughtered 60 red snapper in 4 hours. We also reeled in 2 sandbar sharks. Judah was steering excellently and the crew worked their tails off to make sure we could immediately recast after reeling in a catch. The custom boat was also a great touch with a nice rearfacing bench for resting from catching so many fish. Definitely book these folks

    Samuel E. with Judah B. of Destin, 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

  • ★★★★★
    Highly Recommend!! Great experience for us with Captain and Mate Danny. They got us on fish the whole trip and there was never a time when one of our group wasn’t yelling fish on and sometimes with multiple fish on. Mate Danny was a legit machine preparing the rugs, removing fish and baiting hooks. Our fishing group of 3 was able to have a great Fish Taco Tuesday with our house group of 16 with all the fillets that they prepared for us. A fantastic experience for my teenage boys and myself. This crew left an everlasting experience with our family. And the fish tacos I prepared were almost as close to legendary as the fishing trip. FISH ON!

    Greg M. with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    My buddy and I had an awesome time! Captain Alex is a super great dude. He put us on some great fish and we limited out. Definitely going to be coming back to him next time we’re in Destin. One of the best charter experiences I’ve had.

    Cole S. with Alex S. 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

What's biting in Destin?

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