Discover the top-rated fishing charters in Destin, FL, for a relaxing getaway on the Emerald Coast. From inshore bay trips to offshore adventures, these experiences blend calm waters with unforgettable catches.
From the Rocky Mountains to the shores of North Carolina, there's really nothing like unwinding and connecting with nature. And one of the best ways to do that right here in Destin?
Fishing, of course.
It's a good thing Destin offers some of the best fishing charters along Florida's Emerald Coast, blending calm seas with thrilling catches. Whether you're after a meditative day on the bay or an exciting offshore adventure, there's a charter here for you.
At RealJoy Vacations, we've been part of the Emerald Coast hospitality scene for years. If you're looking for spacious beachfront houses or luxurious resorts, we offer a wide range of options to suit every preference.
As local experts, we know the area inside and out, and we're here to help you have the best possible experience. For more tips, check out our destination blog for insights on all things Emerald Coast, from the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants to nightlife guides; it's all there.
In this blog, I'm bringing you a quick list of the 3 top charters for fishing in Destin, Florida.
Let's jump right in!
1. INTRACOASTAL EXPERIENCE
Intracoastal Experience offers two types of fishing charters: their Nearshore Gulf charter and the Inshore Bay charter.
- Nearshore Gulf Charter: This is the company's most popular trip with the most consistent fishing action. You'll venture 2 to 5 miles from the shore to catch fish like mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna, triggerfish, and king and Spanish mackerel. The total cost for one to four people starts at $650.
- Inshore Bay Charter: This trip takes anglers into bays and creeks for a shallow water experience. Common catches include redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum. This trip starts at $600 for one to four people.
Anglers often praise the captain's expertise, and even beginners report catching plenty of fish.
What People Say About It
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"Best part of the trip!"
Mar 2025 • Family
Very fun experience for our family of 5! We did the 4-hour charter, and we were able to catch fish as soon as we would put the line down. We even got to see dolphins. Highly recommend!
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"Excellent Experience"
Dec 2024 • Family
My two sons and I went out with Captain Jacob. He is very knowledgeable of the areas and got us right on top of the fish. He is also very patient, helpful, and great to fish with. Not only was he helpful on the water, but he also gave us some pointers on the best local places to take our fish and have them cook it for us. Thanks to him, I was able to make lasting memories with my boys. I highly recommend and will be using them next time I want to go out.
2. GULF-ANGLER FISHING CHARTERS
Gulf-Angler Fishing Charters offers a wide variety of experiences, from calm water trips to deep-sea expeditions.
- Nearshore Tarpon and Light Tackle Fishing: Aboard a 24-foot Catamaran-style boat, this trip focuses on fly-fishing for tarpon.
- Offshore Trips: Aboard the 40-foot Infinity Sportsfish, which includes amenities like a smart TV and sleeping quarters.
- Additional Boats: Gulf-Angler also owns two other boats available for charter.
Reviews highlight the captain's skill and note this as some of the best fishing in Destin, Florida. Fees vary but typically range from $160 to $220 per hour.
What People Say About It
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"6-hour deep-sea trip"
Mar 2025 • Friends
Me and some my coworkers got off work for a day and found captain Theo to take us on a 6-hour trip. We expected to go out and maybe catch a few mingos. To say the least, we caught our limit of mingos in no time and captain Theo had us on multiple types of grouper and red snapper immediately after. I would recommend this charter business for anyone looking to have a great time and get worn out on a reel!
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"Awesome fishing experience for the family!"
Mar 2025 • Family
Took our family of four. We had a ton of fun! Awesome experience from start to finish! Caught our limit on Vermilion, and had time left over so we headed over and caught some Amberjack for the fun of it. Hadley, Preston, and Carter were fantastic to work with. This group is highly recommended! After fishing, they cleaned the fish we were able to keep. Preston recommended a nice supper establishment within walking distance of the dock. That restaurant cooked some of our fresh fish and we had it for supper. What a great afternoon!
3. O SEA D FISHING CHARTERS
O Sea D Fishing Charters offers customized trips for all levels, from kids to seasoned anglers.
- Target Fish: Mahi-mahi, redfish, Spanish mackerel, sailfish, and more.
- Shark Fishing: For something bigger, try their shark fishing charters.
- Boats: The company offers three sport fishing boats to choose from.
All ages are welcome. From mid-August through May, four-hour trips range from $700 to $760. Rates increase from June to mid-August.
What People Say About It
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"Best Fishing Charter in Destin"
Jun 2025 • Family
We booked two fishing charters with O Sea D while we were in Destin last week based on reviews, and the trips lived up to the hype. Both charters were amazing experiences! We caught lots of fish, including red snapper, mahi, mackerel, and bonita. The captains did a great job keeping us on fish throughout the trip and were fun, patient, and kind. One of our trips was with our family, and the other was with our college son and his friends, and we would recommend them for both types of groups. We will definitely book again with O Sea D the next time we're in Destin!
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"Phenomenal Destin Fishing Charter"
Jun 2025 • Family
Our trip with Jacob was awesome. Tons of fish from the bottom and trolling. There were four of us fishing, and each one of us caught at least five. Jacob was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and very polite. I would highly recommend O Sea D. We will certainly come see you guys again next time we are in Destin.
Emerald Coast: A Beachfront Haven Like No Other
With so much to explore, and endless natural beauty to experience the best Florida has to offer, the Emerald Coast will definitely fulfill your craving for a fun-filled vacation.
At RealJoy Vacations, we go the extra mile to make your Emerald Coast getaway truly extraordinary. Your accommodation should match the beauty and magic of this Florida treasure, and our goal is to provide a 5-star coastal living experience during your stay.