A day of saltwater fishing can be a fun and exciting way to spend time with family and friends. A day of saltwater fishing on a Destin charter boat adds in abundant Florida sunshine, beautiful Gulf waters, and memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re a total newcomer to the sport, or you’ve cast into a thousand freshwater streams, you will never forget your first-time fishing on a saltwater charter.
Saltwater Fishing vs. Freshwater Fishing
Even the most seasoned freshwater anglers find saltwater fishing an almost entirely new experience their first time out. Hooking a Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, or Walleye takes lots of patience and considerable finesse. Many freshwater fishermen have darned the waders looking forward to a day of quiet reflection and a few small Trout for the grill. On the other hand, saltwater fish come in a wide range of species and sizes. A day of saltwater fishing usually means much more action than fishing in fresh water, as well.
What Types of Fish Will I Catch?
The Destin, Florida area of the Gulf Coast features some of the world’s best fishing with too many species to list. Here are some of the most common saltwater fish you might hook on a typical day of angling:
- Red Snapper – A variety of Snapper species make their home in the Gulf but, Red Snapper are the most popular with area fishermen. The largest Red Snapper ever caught in Florida – 46 pounds and 8 ounces – was hooked right off the coast of Destin.
- Grouper – Grouper come in a variety of species including black grouper, gag grouper, and red grouper. These bottom dwellers come in large and larger sizes. They’re challenging and great fun to catch. The largest gag grouper (80 pounds and 6 ounces), and the biggest Warsaw grouper (436 pounds and 12 ounces) ever brought on board a boat in Florida were both caught off the Destin area of the Gulf.
- Cobia – A.K.A. Lemonfish or Ling – Also called “Brown Torpedoes,” Cobia congregate close to shore around pilings, wrecks, and buoys. Cobia have long, slim bodies with dark lateral stripes, depressed heads, and white bellies. A record-setting 130-pound Cobia was caught right off the coast of Destin some years back.
- Tarpon – Known as the “Silver King” of sportfish thanks to the fight they give, Tarpon are a favorite with sport fishermen looking for a challenge. Tarpons also grow quite large, some over 200-pounds.
- Sharks – Florida regularly ranks as the state with the most sharks. Some of the more common varieties of shark found in the Gulf include Bull, Hammerhead, and Tiger. Destin also holds the record for the largest Thresher shark ever caught at a whopping 544-pounds, 8-ounces. Notice a pattern here?
An abundance of Mackerel, Gray Triggerfish, and Tilefish also make the Gulf waters near Destin their home.
If you’re looking to fish for a certain type of fish, remember that the fish has to be in season at the time of your saltwater fishing trip.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Rod and Bait?
Most Emerald Coast charter boats provide the bait, tackle, rods, ice, fishing licenses, and anything else needed for a great day of fishing. You should bring your own food, drink (bring extra water), sunscreen, and anything that might make you more comfortable throughout the day. And, don’t worry if it’s your first-time fishing. Gulf Coast charter boats have some of the friendliest and most experienced crews in the world who will guide you every step of the way, and clean your catch, too.
How Should I Dress for a Day of Saltwater Fishing?
Wear lightweight clothing – shorts and a t-shirt – or a light long sleeve shirt if you’re worried about getting too much sun. A straw hat or baseball cap provides shade as well as keep the sun out of your eyes. Polarized sunglasses also help protect your eyes against glare off the water. A windbreaker comes in handy on chilly mornings or in the event of wet weather. Most importantly, wear comfortable footwear with sufficient grip. Boat decks get wet, and flip-flops or sandals don’t offer enough traction, stability, or protection for a day on the water. More about what to wear.
What if I Get Seasick?
Luckily, only a small percentage of those who come aboard get seasick. If you have concerns, however, plan ahead, and you should be fine. Eat light, stomach-friendly foods for breakfast. Avoid greasy items like bacon, hash browns, and sausage. Also, stay away from foods that digest slowly – pancakes, waffles, and French toast, etc. Go easy on the alcohol the night before your trip. Why tempt fate by heading out to sea with a stomach in flux? Over the counter medications like Bonine and Dramamine work great for most people if you do start to feel nauseous.
What if it Rains or I Prefer Not to Fish?
Almost all Destin charter fishing boats have modern air-conditioned salons with all the comforts of home including satellite television, a restroom with a full shower, and a galley kitchen. But, of course, you can still fish if it rains, or soak up the sun if not.
How Long Will We Be Out?
Most Emerald Coast charter boats offer Half-Day, Three-Quarter-Day, Full-Day, and Overnight trips. Perfect for beginners, families with young children, or groups with limited time, Half-Day trips typically last four, to six hours. A choice of morning, midday, or afternoon departures makes it easy to squeeze a Half-Day tour into almost any vacation schedule. Three-Quarter-Day trips range from eight to ten hours. For the more adventurous, Full-Day trips run anywhere from twelve to eighteen hours and take guests offshore for some deep water bottom fishing. Overnight excursions usually run between twenty-four-hours and seventy-two hours. Think Tuna and Swordfish.
What Makes the Finest Kind Destin’s Most Popular Fishing Charter?
The Finest Kind specializes in bottom fishing, offshore trolling, and family outings. They charter groups sized from eight to twenty-two passengers. The captain, a fourth-generation fisherman with over 20-years of experience – Capt. Jason Mikel – knows the Gulf waters inside and out. Book your trip today and find out what makes the Finest Kind a TripAdvisor top-ranked charter boat on the Florida Panhandle.
Will I Have Fun and Make Memories that Will Last a Lifetime?
Destin, Florida features some of the world’s best saltwater fishing with numerous record setting catches across a wide range of species. Gulf Coast charter boats also boast some of the world’s friendliest and most seaworthy crews. Most boats offer trips that easily fit into any vacation schedule, as well. Even if you don’t catch anything, charter fishing trips are a great way to relax, enjoy a day of fun and excitement, and spend quality time with family and friends. Whether you take a three-day deep-sea adventure, or a half-day family outing, you will have fun and make memories that last a lifetime.