Finding A Destin Fishing Charter for Your Family

by Captain Jason | Apr 26, 2022 | All Posts

A Destin family fishing charter is a kid-friendly deep sea fishing adventure where the entire family can enjoy the love of fishing. Along the way, kids and anglers learn about fishing, the fishing environment, safety, and best of all, how to battle big fish. If you are visiting Destin Florida, consider booking a kid-friendly fishing charter for the whole family. Here’s how to choose a great charter for kids and families.

What Type of Trip Is Best for Your Family?

Charters are half day trips which can mean four hours or six hours or full-day trips which can mean eight to ten hours, depending on the charter. If this is the first time your kids and family have been on a boat, aim for a half day charter to let them feel out the motion of the ocean and the thrill of catching fish.

A few things to consider as options for setting up your trip include:

Booking the Boat – You can do a private charter which is just your party – kids, and family, or a group of buddies. You can also join a charter where the other members of the charter are not part of your group. It’s a good way to make friends and learn from other anglers. If you are booking a Destin family fishing charter with kids, and you should, make sure the charter is kid-friendly.

Choose the Target – Many charters specialize in specific groups of fish, such as big Trophy game fish – marlin, tuna, etc. You can find charters that target groups of fish you are interested in fishing. Because the fish change from month-to-month and season-to-season, it is important to choose the target you want.

For kids, handling a big Marlin is a bit much. Sure, it’s exciting, but they will likely have more fun hauling in big (smaller) fish hand over fist. Inshore fishing is a good option for reds, snook and bone fish, but you can also go deep sea fishing and target things like sharks (still kid-friendly.)

Fishing is relevant to everything in life, so you can adapt a fishing charter trip into an educational experience where everyone is having fun. The perks of a Destin family charter trip is that families bond with each other while learning how to fish or expanding their fishing skills. A good Captain and crew make it possible to achieve a lot, even in a short amount of time.

Do they have young kids, teens, or adults?

The odd thing about “kids” is that they come in all sizes and ages. Set up your Destin family fishing trip to appropriately target the age of your kids. The captain of the boat will have options for kids of all sizes and with a safety-first attitude there is still plenty of fun to be enjoyed by all.

Options include in shore charters, near-shore charters, deep sea charters. Inshore charters stick near the coast with about a mile of water to fish. There are plenty of options that include smaller fish and even larger sharks. Near-shore fishing takes you between the coast and about three miles or so out to sea. You are still on the shelf, but there are deeper areas where you can find bigger fish, and plenty of smaller fish in the one-two foot range. Deep sea fishing is where you find a variety of fish most of which are huge – marlin, tuna, big sharks, etc.

How To Prepare for A Family Fishing Charter?

What to pack – What you need to bring is a short list – lunch, snacks, drinks, sunscreen, camera, possibly rain gear. In terms of clothing, dress in layers, so you can add or subtract layers to keep yourself comfortable.

Safety measures and information – You may want to talk about with your family and kids, especially if you have younger kids. The captain will go over the safety rules before the boat leaves the dock. Life jackets are a must. There is a first aid kit onboard for small issues. The boat is equipped with communication system for more serious situations. The goal is to have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the trip.

Sea sickness – Most people do well with the OTC motion sickness meds. Please be sure to read the directions and take them accordingly. Does anyone in the family get seasick?  A good rule of thumb is to talk with your doctor or your child’s pediatrician about motion sickness medication options. There are also manual aids that can help with motion sickness, such as bracelets, etc.

Finding The Right Family Destin Fishing Charter

The first thing you want to look for when choosing the best Destin fishing charter is that the boat is family and kid friendly. Kids are more than just small anglers. They have different need from adults, they tire quickly, and may need to rest. Five or more hours of fishing is a lot of work for an adult. A kid-friendly fishing charter should have a place for kids to relax a bit.

A good charter provides everything you need to enjoy a day of fishing. That means they provide your license, fishing gear, and rod and reel. They should also be willing to teach you how to fish. The mates on the boat are your guides, and they should be knowledgeable and interested in the quality of your adventure.

Experience is worth its weight in gold. A good captain has a deep knowledge of the fishing area and will be able to help you while you fish by positioning the boat accordingly, changing the type of fishing to fit the conditions, and put you over the fish, so you are having a good time.

Destin, Florida has kid-friendly charters available. If you are curious about fishing or want to expose your kids and family to fishing, then consider booking a kid-friendly Destin family fishing charter.

Image source: Sam Carlson

7 Best Deep Sea Fishing Knots

by Captain Jason | Feb 8, 2022 | All Posts

Deep sea fishing requires a bit of extra skill to be successful. One of those skills is knot-tying. In addition, there are situations in fishing that require different types of knots. In this blog, we introduce you to seven of the best offshore fishing knots and tell you how to tie them.

1. Palomar Knot

An effortless and easy-to-tie knot, it is arguably one of the strongest knots in the world because it is so simple. Unfortunately, many knots fail because the overlapping material eventually breaks or cuts through itself.

The Palomar Knot is an excellent knot when you need to secure a fishing line – braided or monofilament – to a ring, such as tying the line to a swivel.

To Tie the Palomar Knot:

1. Take about a foot or so of line and double it making a loop on one end.
2. Pass the loop through the ring so that about 3 inches of the line are through the loop.
3. Tie an overhand knot by taking the loop end of the line and making a circle. Push the loop through the center of the circle to face up and is large enough to fit over the ring.
4. Pass the ring through the loop and gently secure the knot by tightening.

If you are new to fishing, this is one knot to know how to tie. It will help you connect your fishing line to the leader via a ring or swivel. Its simplistic steps can help quickly set up a fishing line so that you are ready to fish. The durability of the knot is fantastic, and it will hold under great stress.

2. Double Uni Knot

In many fishing situations, you need to connect two different types of fishing lines. A good example would be joining a braided line to a backing line for fly-fishing. In Florida, fly-fishing is a fantastic way to fish the surface in deep water, the shallows, to sight fish, and to hit the lakes.

Ron Martin, one of the nations’ most outstanding bass fishers, lives by the durability of the double uni knot. The Double Uni Knot will hold well 90% of the time.

How to Tie the Double Uni Knot

Since this knot helps join two different types of lines, these instructions are for that purpose.

1. Position and overlap one foot of each type of line, so each end of the line faces the opposite direction.
2. Take the end of the line on the left side and fold it back to the middle of the overlapping lines to form a rough loop along the two lines. You will wrap that end around both lines, passing it through the rough loop four times.
3. Pull gently until the knot tightens. It is helpful to tighten the knot slowly.
4. Repeat the above steps with the end of the line on the right. You should end up with two knots that slide together, pinning each type of line to the other.

Tip: If the two lines are not the same thickness, increase the wraps for the thicker line to about eight. That is, wrap the thicker line eight times around the overlapping lines and through the rough loop. Adding more wraps helps to secure the thinner line.

3. Albright Knot

The Albright Knot is very useful for attaching two lines that are not the same diameter. An example would be to connect a leader line to a braided line. The general way this knot works is by tension. The more you pull on one line or the other, the more tension the knot experiences and the tighter it holds the lines together.

Because the knot is long rather than tall, it is an excellent knot for use when the knot must pass through the eyes or guides on a fishing rod.

To Tie the Albright Knot:

1. Place the two lines together so that the ends are on opposites of the juncture.
2. Take the thicker line and fold it back on itself, making a loop that wraps around the thinner line.
3. Take the end of the thinner line and near the end of the thicker line, begin to wrap the thinner line around both lines. Start at the far end and wrap towards the loop and back up the length of the thinner line. Wrap about eight times.
4. Take the end of the thinner line and pass it through the loop of the thicker line.
5. Secure the knot by gently pulling on both ends until the loop of the thicker line closes.
6. Set the knot by tugging on both lines.

The Albright Knot sounds complicated, but it is easy to use and very effective once you figure it out. Jimmy Albright is the angler who invented the Albright knot specifically for Tarpon fishing. It’s been on the end of fishing rods since the 1950s, and anything that’s been around that long is good medicine.

4. Bimini Twist

If you are going to fish big, trophy fish off the Florida Coast, you need to know how to tie a Bimini Twist knot. Effectively, the Bimini Twist allows you to add a double strand of line to your fishing rigging. The twist knot acts like a rubber band, giving the line a slight give without it breaking. When you have a monster on the other end, that “give” makes the battle more in your favor.

How to Tie the Bimini Twist Knot

1. Double the end of the line so that you have a large loop – about a foot long.
2. Holding the end of the line to itself, place your thumb and index finger into the loop. Pull gently to stretch the loop out, flat and long.
3. Twist the loop 20-30 times until the two overlapping lines twist into a thin rope.
4. You will need an object to hold the loop. A small spool about an inch in diameter or dowel rod is fine. Secure the spool or dowel so that you do not have to hold it.
5. Once the loop is secure, move your finger to the juncture where the loop and twists meet. Gently slide your fingers so that the twists move closer to where your fingers are grasping the other ends. You want all the twists to form loops around that juncture.
6. Pass the end of the line through the loop and make a half hitch knot on the loop to lock the twists into place.
7. The last step is to make three additional half hitch knots around the loop and at the end of the twists. The extra half hitch knots hold the tension in the knot. Slide the knot closed and trim the tag end.

This knot is complex, and practice is your friend. The better you are at tying this knot, the more fishing for trophies you can do. A good tip for learning knots is to practice them with more extensive twine and then move over to the fishing line.

5. Uni Knot

As the name implies, the Uni Knot is a Universal Knot with many options for use. You use the basic knot when you need to secure your fishing line to the reel (arbor.) It is also helpful for joining two lines together or for attaching rigging to the end of your line. Another name for the Uni Knot is the Duncan Loop, named for Norman Duncan, who invented the Knot back in the 1960s.

Overall, the Uni Knot maintains 90% strength and offers greater holding power than the surgeon knot or the blood knot. You can use it for braided lines, backing, or monofilament lines. In addition, it is a good knot for tying two lines of different materials together.

How to Tie the Uni Knot

The Uni Knot is pretty easy to tie once you get the hang of it. It is one of the best deep sea fishing rigs knots to learn.

• Run the line through the ring so that there are at least six inches of tail.
• Fold the tail back on the line forming a loop so that the line into the ring and the tail are side by side.
• Take the tail end and from the top, wrap it through the loop five or six times.
• Hold the line with your free hand where the line enters the ring.
• Pull the tail, which will constrict the loop, causing the wraps to settle down near the loop. You want just a little space between the ring and the loops, which will allow the ring to move freely.
• If you use the Uni Knot to secure two types of lines together, you will form a loop with the other line instead of using a ring. The loop would act as the ring. A second Uni Knot would help secure the second line.

6. Haywire Twist

There will be wire involved when you target big trophy fish— Tiger Sharks are a good example. The Haywire Twist knot is what you use when you need to secure your wire leader to your hook.

The Haywire Twist gets its name from the first set of twists, similar to what you would find on a bale of hay. If you are new to fishing and wonder why the wire is needed to join the hook to the line, it is because big fish and sharp teeth would bite right through the braided line or monofilament line. Thus, the wire leader helps reduce the risk of losing a big fish due to line failure.

How to Tie the Haywire Twist Knot 

1. 1. Run the wire through the eye of the hook.
   2. Cross it over and then twist it 3-5 times so that it forms even twists.
   3. When you finish the twists, we move to a barrel wrap.
   4. Take the end of the wire and wrap it straight around the wire five times. Barrel wraps stack up neatly next to each other. If you take your hand and make a fist with your fingers facing your face and pretend that your fingers are the barrel wraps, that is what you are looking for when this knot is finished.
   5. Snap the wire tail off by bending it back and forth until it snaps where the last barrel wrap is. Some people cut the tail off, but that can cause a sharp jag on the end of the wire.

7. The Perfection Loop Knot

Sometimes in fishing, all you need is a good, sturdy loop. That is what the Perfection Loop Knot does. It creates sturdy loops at the end of a line.

The perfection Loop Knot is reasonably easy to tie. In addition, the Perfection Loop Knot can be used to make tiny loops are loops of any size.

How to Tie the Perfection Loop Knot

1. Take the end of the line and form a loop.
2. Take the tag line (end of the line) and from a second loop by wrapping it around to one side.
3. Pass the tag end over the top of the second loop.
4. Fold the second loop through the first loop.
5. Pul the tag end until the first loop closes around the line and secures the second loop.

Note: The second loop will be the fixed loop at the end of your line. Make sure you keep the size of the second loop in proportion to the loop size you need.

These seven knots are the epitome of a great day of fishing or a miserable one. Do you need to know how to tie each of these knots? You do. They may help you tie knots on a charter, or they may set up your pole for you. There are so many opportunities to fish in Florida that these knots will prove their worth time and again.

World Record Saltwater Fish (Complete Chart)

by Captain Jason | Dec 23, 2021 | All Posts

A big thank you to the folks over at International Game Fish Association for compiling the data that helped build our World Record Saltwater Fish and World Record Freshwater Fish chart. If you are a fan of fishing, then you already love the challenge of finding fish, targeting them, and then vying to catch them.

The untold story of this article is very much the thrill of battling a monster fish only to find out it is the biggest fish of its kind ever caught, and it’s on the end of your rod. What has not been said is that any angler with a line in the water can break any of these saltwater fish records or freshwater fish records. So, if you are interested in adding your name to the list of record holders, you’d better get to fishing.

What’s The Biggest Saltwater Fish Ever Caught? 

When you start to think about this question, it becomes insanely mind-boggling. The ocean and rivers have many options for fish that grow THAT large. If you were to set sail to fish with the singular goal of catching the world’s largest fish, where would you go? What would you target? What kind of gear would you use? What about baits and lures? Many of these records must come from people who answered those questions. Sure, there could be a portion of successful world record fishing that is purely chance, but it seems more likely that our world record fish chart is full of calculated thinking, plotting, and preparation.

The Biggest Saltwater Fish Ever Caught was a 2,664 pound Great White Shark. The record was set in 1959 by Alfred Dean off the coast of Ceduna, Australia. What separates this enormous achievement from other world records is about 900 pounds of fish. Many of the most significant sea fish records are over 1,000 pounds (1/2 of a ton,) but Alfred’s giant Great White Shark is the only fish on the world record fish list to achieve a weight that is over 2,000 pounds. To be quite honest, his Great White is only 336 pounds away from 3,000 pounds.

Florida Saltwater Fishing Records — Conventional Tackle 

Fishing with conventional tackle is what most of us do when we fish in Florida waters. You might consider the Goliath Grouper to be the largest saltwater fish on record, but it was a Blue Marlin that weighed in at 1,048.888 pounds. The beast was caught off Panama City, Florida, in 2001 by Conrad E. Hawkins.

Data Courtesy of the IGFA and Archive.org

Deep Sea Fishing Facts to Know 

by Captain Jason | Dec 1, 2021 | All Posts

People worry about the dangers of deep-sea fishing. Did you know that the number one and two most serious injuries that happen during deep-sea fishing adventures are:

1. Sunburn
2. Dehydration

Both are very easy to prevent. So, slather on the SPF and be sure to drink plenty of water. A soda or two are okay, but water is better. If you are ready to learn more of the interesting deep-sea fish facts, keep reading.

1 The Fishing Constantly Changes 

If you fish in the same spot, you will catch different fish each month. As the seasons’ change, so does the quality of the water, especially water temperature. In the summer, you find big game fish, like cobia. In the fall, as the water begins to chill, you find blackfish and bass. Know when the fish cycle through a favorite fishing hole allows you to prepare better to target those fish. It also means that if you want to target a specific fish species, you will know how to find it based on environmental conditions, such as water temperature.

2 The Deepest of the Deep 

The deepest spot in the ocean is the Mariana Trench, which is 36,201 feet deep. That’s a lot of fishing line to get down that deep. Thankfully, the deepest deep sea fishing goes is about 2,000 feet deep. For the most part, very little of the ocean floor in the deeper zones have been explored. As a result, we know very little about what is down there. That is also one of the most exciting things about deep-sea fishing. Every once in a while, you catch something nobody has ever seen.

3 Stick to the Depths

Not every species of deep-sea fish comes inshore. Mostly that is because they prefer the colder water. Cold water holds more oxygen than warmer, shallow water. Therefore, to fish unique species of fish, you must head into the deeper water. Also, most deep-sea fish grow slowly and live for a very long time. That factoid is one reason deep-sea fish are so large; if you want a big Trophy Fish, head to the deep waters.

4 The Biggest Fish Every Caught in Saltwater 

Deep-sea fishing fact #4 — The world record for the heaviest fish ever caught in saltwater is 2,664 pounds. It was more than a big fish, too — a great white shark off the coast of Australia in 1959. So what’s lurking off the Florida Coast? We know there are Goliath Groupers, which are protected, but a trophy shark is always possible.

5 Same Old Equipment Bigger Fish 

For the most part, deep-sea fishing uses the same equipment you would use for inshore fishing. The difference is that the gear is heavy-duty to handle the bigger fish that swim in deeper water: Hammerhead sharks, Tuna, Marlin, and more. The biggest shark caught in Florida was 1,065 pounds and over 12-feet long. Heavy-duty fishing gear allows you to take on trophy-level fish and win.

6 Full Moon Fishing is Better in the Deep?

One of the more exciting saltwater fishing facts is that fishing at night by the light of a full moon can be better. The reason is that the extra light from the moon allows predatory fish to see their prey. Baitfish also see better, so they tend to head to the surface. Another aspect of the full moon is that tides are more substantial. With stronger tides, baitfish are more active, and the predators have to work a little harder. The full moon or even the new moon is an excellent time for deep-sea fishing. Be sure to check out some of the overnight charters that can introduce you to deep-sea fishing at night.

7. Fishing the Front 

A deep-sea fishing fact about weather is to fish the weather front. When a front is coming onshore, bringing cold air, the deep-sea fish tend to feed actively. That is one of the best times to deep-sea fish. The active water and cool air cause the baitfish to become more active. As the front approaches, it pushed the fish to feed. When the front passes and the water calms down and warms up, the fish tend not to be that active, and it is harder to fish.

Deep Sea Fishing Basics 

What to know about deep-sea fishing — Deep sea fishing occurs in waters that are more than 30 meters deep. The deep-sea fishing boats are more significant than those inshore to handle the rougher water and bigger storms. One of the prime reasons to go deep-sea fishing is to target more considerable and more aggressive fish. Hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, great white sharks, Cobia, Marlin, Tuna are just some of the many species of fish you can target on a deep-sea fishing adventure. One of the best ways to experience deep sea fishing, even as a beginner, is to book a charter boat. The crew and captain will teach you how to fish, what to target and help you land big, fat, trophy fish.

What Is Deep Sea Fishing?

by Captain Jason | Nov 26, 2021 | All Posts

Image source: Sam Carlson

Florida is a fantastic place to fish. Many people, especially those new to fishing, opt for a charter, and Finest Kind is well-known as a quality experience for fishing.

In Florida, you can fish from shore, bay fishing, and in the deep sea. In this blog, we walk you through the experience of the deep-sea fishery, the types of fish, and some seasonal information to help you plan the best time to experience fishing in the deep waters off of the Florida Coast.

What is the Meaning of Deep Sea Fishing?

How deep is deep sea fishing? Deep-sea fishing starts at about 30 meters deep, and while that may not seem like much, it is over 90 feet. What is considered deep sea? Anything over 90-100 feet deep is deep sea. At the deepest, you might hit 6,000 or more feet before you find the bottom. That is a wide breadth between the surface and the bottom. It is that depth that makes deep-sea fishing so rewarding, so exhilarating, and so addicting. It takes deep water to grow big, fat, trophy fish, drawing people to Florida to fish the depths.

Deep Sea Fishing Fish 

One of the exciting aspects of deep-sea fishing off of Florida is the trophy fish. Big fish love these local waters, and the Florida Saltwater Fishing Records Prove it.

• Cobia – The record is 130.06 pounds
• Bull Shark — the record is 517.44 pounds.
• King Mackeral
• Bigeye Tuna — The record is 194.80 pounds.
• Wahoo
• Blackfin Tuna – The record is 45.50 pounds.
• Blue Martin — The record is 1,048.88 pounds — that’s just over 1/2 of a ton.

The deep waters are home to big fish, but many other fish species offer fantastic entertainment. Red snapper is one species of fish that you can catch hand-over-fist. A lovely range of options allows you to build a deep-sea fishing trip that fits your fishing desires. Do you want to target trophy fish, learn more about fishing in deep water, or experience a day of fantastic fishing with your family or friends?

Is Deep-sea Fishing Difficult?

Generally, you need to know more about fishing to successfully deep-sea fish. However, novice and first-time fishers can do just fine on a charter. Much of the success of the charter comes down to the experience and willingness of the captain and crew.

You can head to a local deep fishing area and catch plenty of fish or none at all. The difference comes down to experience.

Generally, the types of deep sea fishing allow you to target a few fish species or many kinds of fish. You can trawl or chum, depending on the fish you choose to target. Chum fishing attracts predatory fish to a specific area while trawling drags your line and lure or bait through the water. Some fish, such as tuna, are attracted to movement, while others rely on their nose to find food.

Where to deep sea fish

There are also different types of environments in deep-sea fishing: shipwrecks, reefs, canyons, mountains, the continental shelf, the bottomless canyons, and more. Each of these locations offers different types of fish, challenges, and opportunities.

Understanding the seasonality of fishing is also essential. Know when the fish you want to target are in season. Here is an excellent resource for seasons, limits, and other information about Florida Deep-sea fish species.

Opening day can be a very successful adventure. A quality captain will know where the fish are, what is available, and how to set you up to succeed. That is another reason why fishing charters are so popular — the captain will or should do all the detail work for you.

How is Deep-sea fishing different from other types of fishing in Florida? 

The most significant difference is the depth of water. What that means is that with deep-sea fishing, the area in which you fish is more extensive. You can think of a fishing area as a cube. The deeper the cube, the more space and the more challenging it is to find fish.

A quality charter will offer you top gear that is well-maintained and the opportunity to successfully learn the skills to fish in deep waters.

With bay fishing, you can pretty much see the fish. Seasonality is more critical, as is the type of gear you need. It is generally easier to fish in shallow water. With deep-sea fishing, you are targeting bigger fish and more species.

Considerations for Deep-sea Fishing in Florida

Deep-sea fishing comes with some considerations. Safety is a big concern for people who are new to deep-sea fishing. Weather is a significant factor. Mechanical issues with the boat can also be an issue. Finally, the health and wellness of the people onboard can play a role in the outcome of your trip.

The Finest Kind charter has a lifeboat that is large enough to hold everyone on board safely. In addition, modern equipment allows the captain or crew to contact help, such as the Coast Guard, should issues arise. Finally, life Jackets keep you safe if someone falls overboard. The captain and crew have the training to keep you safe. Generally, though, deep-sea fishing is safe. Yes, accidents can happen, but they can happen anywhere.

Sea Sickness is a common concern. There are over-the-counter medications to help reduce or alleviate seasickness. In addition, natural products, such as ginger candy or ginger ale, can help reduce nausea.

How does deep Sea fishing work?

First, the boats are usually different, more significant, with more equipment than the boats used for bay fishing. Second, the gear is also different. With deep-sea fishing, the rods and tackler are heavier and more substantial because, in the deeper waters, the fish are generally larger. With bay fishing, the equipment is lighter.

Deep-sea Fishing is casual and Fun.

Bay fishing vs deep sea fishing — With bay fishing, you may have a friend or be by yourself. With deep-sea fishing, there is a group of you — your family or friends. It’s an adventure that is about sharing the experience. Bay fishing is often just you and the fish, whereas deep-sea fishing is more about bonding, fun, and enjoying the company of others while you fish.

Comfort is Important 

One consideration is comfort. Deep-sea fishing can be an all-day event or even an overnight event. Comfort is essential because battling a big fish can be exhausting. Dress comfortably, wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water are three things you can do to increase the comfort level on your fishing adventure.

Bigger Boats, More Options 

The boat is also important. It should have plenty of room for your party to spread out and fish. It should also offer air conditioning and comfortable seating areas. You may want to take a break from fishing and recover. A small lounge area is ideal for that. The Florida weather can sap your energy level quickly. Having access to cold water, ice, and shade in a temperature-controlled environment help a lot.

What You Need to Bring

• Polarized Sunglasses are a Must. The sun on the water can be blinding and cause headaches or increase nausea. Polarized sunglasses block much of the refracted light and allow you to fish longer and in more comfort.
• Know What the Charter Provides and What they Do Not Provide.
  Fishing trips can be as short as 2-3 hours or as long as overnight. Make sure you have access to food. Don’t be shy about bringing food, drinks, and plenty of water. Check with the charter to see if alcohol is allowed or not.
• Do You Need a Fishing License? The charter may or may not provide a fishing license for you. Be prepared as a fishing license is a requirement. You can buy a Florida Fishing License online. Charters like The Finest Kind provide fishing licenses, bait, tackle, ice and of course, Captain and Mate.

How Much Experience Do You Need? 

You don’t need a lot of experience when you book a charter for deep-sea fishing. The charter should help you with rigging, fishing, and battling big fish. Some are appropriate for small children and will allow you to share the love of fishing with your entire family.

About Deep Water Fishing in Destin, Florida

Destin is a popular destination for anglers. The local waters here are rich with fish allowing visitors to experience the fishing trip of a lifetime.

How far offshore do you go? The best waters are about 20-40-miles off the coast of Destin, which can take about 1- 1 1/2 hours to reach. So, when you choose the length of your fishing adventure, keep the travel time to and from the deeper water in mind.

Deep-sea fishing in Destin, Florida, is impressive. With over 30-different species of deep-water fish, your options for creating a specific fishing adventure are good. Your odds of battling big fish are also good. If you are ready to hit the salty brine, check the availability of trips, or see what’s in season, book or give us a call at 850-837-6800!

How Much Does a Grouper Weigh? Types of Grouper and Weight 

by Captain Jason | Nov 17, 2021 | All Posts

Worldwide there are 159 species of groupers — Epinephelinae — and Florida is home to many of the best species. The Goliath grouper, for example, is a creature of legend — authentic, horrifically large, and majestically a master of its environment. The Goliath Grouper can reach eight feet in length and weigh as much as 800 pounds. Groupers are a fantastic family of fish, and each plays a critical role in the surrounding environment.

How much does a grouper weigh? 

As mentioned, the Goliath grouper can weigh 800 plus pounds when fully mature. Many groupers grow to be larger fish and may play a role of an Apex Predator in their environment. The types of grouper and weight are as follows: Florida State Records Via IGFA.

• Black Grouper — Record is 113 pounds six ounces.
• Gag Grouper — Record 80 pounds six ounces – (set right here in Destin, Fl.)
• Goliath Grouper — 680 pounds exactly
• Nassau Grouper — 9 pounds exactly
• 5 Red Grouper — 42 pounds four ounces
• 6 Warsaw Grouper — 436 pounds and 12 ounces (set right here in Destin, FL.)
• 7 Yellowfin Grouper — 34 pounds six ounces
• Calico Grouper (Speckled Hind) — 52 pounds eight ounces ( set right here in Destin, Fl.)
• Scamp Grouper — 28 pounds six ounces
• Snowy Grouper — 70 pounds seven ounces
• Yellowmouth Grouper — 22 pounds eight ounces

How big is a grouper? It depends on the species and where you find them. Their lifecycle moves them throughout the waters of Florida. Most start as eggs and larvae in fringe reef systems, where they feed on plankton. They move inshore and remain juveniles for six months to six years (varies by species.) As they grow and mature, they move farther offshore until they find their ideal habitat. Some species remain as deep water fish; others stay in the shallow reef areas. Grouper size depends on where in the lifecycle you find them and by species, types as each member of the grouper family play a critical role in its environment.

What Is A Grouper Fish?

Groupers are ray-finned fish in the family Serranidae that are predatory fish. You find them in reef systems, where they can and often become a keystone species of that environment—often characterized by a slender body with a giant head and mouth. For a more scientific answer to a grouper fish, the NOAA Pictorial Guide to Groupers is keen.

Where Are Grouper Fish Found?

Shallow reef systems offer the best homes for most species of groupers. The Goliath Grouper is the king of underwater structures, and you find them in shipwrecks, reef systems, shallow and deeper water, and other types of tropical structures. Along with most other types of groupers, their habit is to dig holes around reefs of structures where they hide. They are a lurking predator but will also stalk and ambush prey. There have been episodes of giant Goliath Groupers stalking divers and then trying to ambush them. You can imagine the force an 800 pound Goliath Grouper would produce and the danger its incredibly largemouth would pose to a diver.

Destin, Florida, is an ideal location for grouper fishing. The Gag Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, and Speckled Hind Grouper state records were set here in Destin. Grouper weight is a focal for most anglers as many species of groupers can grow quite large. While much emphasis is placed on Goliath Grouper Fishing, they are protected as of 2021, and fishing them is illegal. The Warsaw Grouper is also protected in Federal waters, and specific requirements are involved when caught. The average grouper size varies from species to species, and most will not approach the Goliath Grouper weight.

Fishing for Groupers in Florida

There are different regulations for fishing Groupers. The State of Florida has its own rules, while the federal government has rules for federal waters. Knowing where the state waters end and the federal waters begin is part of the puzzle of fishing for groupers in Florida.

Warsaw Groupers and Goliath Groupers are both illegal to fish. If you catch one by accident, you will need to be prepared to follow guidelines on how to unhook it. Many anglers target the deep water for giant groupers. It is difficult for a big fish to come to the surface from the deep water spots and survive. The change in pressure can fatally damage them, and they will not recover when released.

The best place to fish for bigger groupers that are not illegal to target is the mid-reefs and structures. The water is not so deep here as to damage the groupers, and there are plenty of groupers available. The season for Scamp Grouper is open year-round. If you want to try something new, consider targeting groupers with a fly rod. Otherwise, a charter is an excellent place to start for the seasoned pro or new fisher.