14 Best Fishing Charters in Destin, FL (Complete Guide)

Destin, Florida has excellent fishing spots to fulfill an entire day’s worth of adventure. There are a handful of fishing charters to consider if you want to explore.

850 Charters, Just Reel Fishing Charters, and Last Cast Charters are some examples of quality fishing charters in Destin. Price ranges vary depending on the season, but typically range between $110 to over $1,000 per person.

Fort Lauderdale has a famous reputation for saltwater fishing with many areas to explore. Below you can see which charters best suit your budget and experience.

14 Featured Fishing Charters in Destin

With a surplus of fishing charters in Destin, you cannot go wrong if you were to blindly pick one. However, each one will likely cater to families or will take you to specific locations to find certain species of fish. (Note: this is a recommendation list but certainly not an exhaustive list of the best charters operating out of Destin. Additionally, the prices and information below are accurate as of the time I’m writing this. It can change over time.)

1. 850 Charters

This charter is recommended for small groups interested in the deep sea and nearshore fishing. Offering safe and comfortable trips on their 26’ Parker fishing vessel, 850 Charters is the perfect choice for families looking for an exciting fishing trip. As natives of the Destin area, the knowledgeable and friendly crew is waiting to take anglers to the most exciting fishing spots that Destin has to offer.

Costs: 4-hour trip is $800 (nearshore $500); 5-hour trip is $1000; an 8-hour trip is $1600

This Charter is recommended for: Private parties looking for either nearshore or deep-sea fishing

Targeted Species: Vermillion snapper, amberjack, Mackerel, Cobia, Mahi-Mahi, Flounder, Grouper

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Private Trips offered? Yes

To book a charter with 850 Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. 850 Charters – 26′ (Destin) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

2. Just Reel Charters

With room for up to 6 guests and 4 active fishers at the same time, this vessel is perfect for private parties and family fishing excursions. Anglers looking for a local guide can take comfort in knowing that Captain Josh Glidden was born and raised in Destin. Offering both nearshore fishing and deep sea excursions, Just Reel will take you to some of the most active reefs and offshore wrecks that make for the best fishing spots in the area.

Costs: 3-hour inshore trolling – $650; 4-hour trip – $800; 5-hour trip – $1000; 6-hour trip – $1200

This Charter is recommended for: Anglers looking for a local fishing guide

Targeted Species: Grouper, redfish, sheepshead, Mackerel, cobia, triggerfish, Red snapper, mahi-mahi

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Private Trips offered? Yes

To book a charter with Just Reel Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Just Reel (Destin) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

3. Last Cast Charters

Last cast charters is a family-run operation that delivers the most exciting inshore fishing that Destin has to offer. The captain’s vessel is a 24’ Skeeter Bay Boat which will quickly arrive at the fishing grounds so there is very little wasted time. Targeting a variety of species such as speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, and redfish, anglers can expect to take home a bounty of fish to cook up for dinner. Perfect for private parties or family fishing trips, Last Cast Charters provides some of the best quick-trip fishing in the area.

Costs: 2-hour kids trip – $440; 3-hour trip – $580; 4-hour trip – $680; 

This Charter is recommended for: Exciting inshore fishing action, children and families

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Spanish mackerel, redfish, flounder, speckled trout, black drum

Private Trips offered? Yes

To book a charter with Last Cast Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Last Cast Charters (Destin) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

4. Always Tight Fishing Charters

Their 27’ Boca Grande sportfishing center console allows up to 6 anglers to comfortably fish at the same time. With an incredible variety of specific fishing charters to choose from, there is a little something for everyone. Perfect for both new and experienced fishermen, Always Tight Fishing Charters offers a variety of fishing trips including trolling, bottom fishing, and even shark fishing trips!

Costs: 2-hour kids trip – $440; 3-hour trip – $580; 4-hour trip – $680; 

This Charter is recommended for: Exciting inshore fishing action, children and families

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Spanish mackerel, redfish, flounder, speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead

Private Trips offered? Yes

To book a charter with Always Tight Fishing Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Always Tight Fishing Charter Destin (Destin) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

5. High Cotton Charters

The High Cotton is a 40’ Infinity sportfisher with an Air conditioned cabin and plenty of room for a comfortable and safe day on the sea. Captain TJ George has been fishing out of Destin for nearly 20 years and has been in the charter business since 2001. Offering all types of fishing experiences, the helpful crew makes this charter perfect for beginners and seasoned fishermen alike. Whether anglers are looking for a casual family fishing trip, or desire to catch the fish of a lifetime, High Cotton Charters is a great choice.

Costs: 4 Hour – $1150 – $1300; 5-hour trip – $1350 – $1625; 6-hour trip – $1750 – $1950; Half Day – $2100

This Charter is recommended for: Beginners looking for a quick trip while also offering half-day trips for experienced fishers.

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Amberjack, Barracuda, Cobia, Mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna, barracuda, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel

Private Trips offered? Yes

To book a charter with High Cotton Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. High Cotton Charters (Destin) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

6. King of Kings Charters

King of Kings Charters provides family-oriented fishing trips out of Destin, the world’s luckiest fishing village. Their 35’ JC powered by a 450 HP Cummins engine has space for up to six guests to comfortably spend a day fishing out on the water. Expect to catch King and Spanish mackerel, snappers, and even sharks with the variety of fishing excursions that they offer. This fishing charter is perfect for family fishing trips or anyone looking to learn from some of the most experienced anglers in the Destin area.

Costs: 4 Hour – $860 – $920; 6-hour trip – $1290-$1380; 8-hour trip – $1720-$1840; 10-hour trip – $2150 – $2300

This Charter is recommended for: Family fishing trips

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Amberjack, bonito, grouper, Mahi-mahi, bonito, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Snapper

Private Trips offered? Yes

To book a charter with King of Kings Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. King of Kings Charters (Destin) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

7. My Chance Charters

With one of the most experienced crews in the area, My Chance Charters has been fishing out of Destin for over 30 years. Their vessel is a stout 30’ Black Watch equipped with powerful motors that allow fishers to fully take advantage of the best fishing spots Destin has to offer. With a tall observation tower, this ship is great for anyone looking to spot mahi-mahi and other fish. Offering both trolling and bottom fishing trips, there is a good variety of options to choose from.

Costs: 4 Hour – $940; 6-hour trip – $1410; Full-day trip (bottom fishing) – $1880

This Charter is recommended for: New and experienced fishers, and anyone looking for full-day bottom fishing trips.

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Cobia, grouper, Mahi-mahi, red snapper, tarpon, king mackerel

Private Trips offered? Yes

To book a charter with My Chance Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. My Chance Charters (Destin) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

8. Maximus Fishing Charters

Maximus Charters offers a no fish, no pay guarantee. Though fishers can expect to catch a wide variety of fish while bottom fishing with Maximus fishing charters. They also provide trolling trips and even allow you to choose a custom mix of the two. Their Worldcat 330E charter boat is powered by twin 300 HP Suzuki engines, making it one of the fastest fishing charters in the area. This is perfect for anyone looking to maximize their time fishing. Targeting fish like red snapper, amberjack, and tuna, Maximus also offers exciting swordfish fishing trips where anglers can make the catch of a lifetime.

Costs: 5 Hour – $1125; 6-hour trip – $1350; 8 Hour trip – $1800; 10-hour trip – $2250; 12-hour swordfish trip – $2700

This Charter is recommended for: Anglers looking to target snappers and other exciting bottom fishing action, while also providing once-in-a-lifetime swordfish fishing trips.

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Red Snapper, grouper, Mahi-mahi, swordfish, cobia, king mackerel, tarpon

Private Trips offered? Yes

To book a charter with Maximus Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. MAXIMUS (Destin) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

9. Into the Blue Charters

Into the Blue is a private charter yacht that promises one of the most comfortable yet exciting fishing experiences in the Destin area. The 46’ Bertram yacht comes powered by twin 800 HP Detroit Diesel engines and is outfitted with an air-conditioned cabin that includes 2 clean bathrooms and crew quarters. Offering a variety of fishing trips, from quick 4-6 hour day trips to half-day trips, anglers can expect to have a day packed full of excitement while fishing for snapper, mahi-mahi, and even a rare chance at blue marlin!

Costs: 4 Hour – $1320; 5-hour trip – $1650; 6 Hour trip – $1860 – $1980; 10-hour trip – $3300; 12-hour trip – $3960

This Charter is recommended for: Anyone looking to fish in comfort, while still having exciting options that include bottom fishing, top-water, and anything in between.

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Red Snapper, amberjack, Mahi-mahi, swordfish, cobia, king mackerel, barracuda

Private Trips offered? Yes

To book a charter with Into the Blue Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Charter Boat Into the Blue (Destin) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

10. First Shot Charters

Captain Mike Dates of First Shot Charters is a native of the Destin area, and he’s been a USCG-licensed captain for over 16 years. His experience allows First Shot Charters to provide up to 4 fishers of all experience levels with a fun and exciting day on the water. Anglers can expect to be targeting fish like red snapper, cobia, blackfin tuna, and even sharks. This charter is perfect for small groups and family outings.

Costs: 3 Hour (kids trip) – $650; 4-hour trip – $800; ¾ day trip – $1200; 8-hour trip – $1600

This Charter is recommended for: Smaller parties and kids’ fishing trips

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Red Snapper, king mackerel, blackfin tuna, cobia, mah-mahi

Private Trips offered? Yes

To book a charter with First Shot Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. First Shot Charters (Destin) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

11. Apex Charters

With some of the best prices in the area, along with an experienced crew and captain, Apex Charters is one of the top choices for anglers in the Destin area. They offer a variety of fishing trips including bottom and deep sea fishing, trolling, drift fishing, and many more. Fishers can expect to catch red snapper, mahi-mahi, amberjack, and even sailfish. Their 28’ Sailfish center console can comfortably fit up to 6, making this the perfect charter for private fishing parties. 

Costs: 3 Hour trip – $450; 4-hour trip – $600; 5-hour trip – $750

This Charter is recommended for: Both nearshore and offshore fishing. Anyone looking for a great deal.

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Red Snapper, amberjack, cobia, king mackerel, wahoo, Vermillion snapper

Private Trips offered? Yes

To book a charter with Apex Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Apex Charters And Rentals (Destin) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

12. East Pass Inshore Charters

East Pass Inshore Charters focus on quick trips around the bayous and bay flats, and specialize in nearshore fishing trips. Their 22’  Cape Horn center console comes with a trolling motor that allows them to reach some of the more difficult spots surrounding bridges and other structures. With space for up to 6 guests, kids, families, and experienced fishing parties will all have a great time on the water with this experienced crew.

Costs: 4 Hour – $675; 6-hour trip – $875; 9-hour trip – $1050

This Charter is recommended for: Nearshore fishing for redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and a variety of other fish. Great for kids and family fishing trips.

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Redfish, bluefish, speckled trout, black drum, amberjack, tarpon, mackerel, snapper

Private Trips offered? Yes

To book a charter with East Pass Inshore Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. East Pass Inshore Charters (Destin) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

13. Cinnsational Saltwater Fishing 

Cinnsational Saltwater Fishing offers great deals for nearshore fishing trips. Their experienced crew knows all the best spots for nearshore gulf fishing, and will target fish like red grouper, Spanish mackerel, triggerfish, and even sharks! Their vessel is a 26’ Sea Fox center console, powered by twin 150 HP Honda engines. This is the perfect charter for anyone interested in nearshore fishing in the Destin area.

Costs: 3 Hour kids trip – $630; 4-hour trip – $800; 5-hour trip – $1000; 6-hour trip – $1250; 8-hour trip – $1680

This Charter is recommended for: Great charter for nearshore fishing. Options for kids and family fishing trips.

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Amberjack, grouper, snapper, mahi-mahi, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel

Private Trips offered? Yes

To book a charter with Cinnsational Saltwater Fishing & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Cinnsational Saltwater Fishing (Destin) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

14. 100 Proof Charters 

The 100 Proof is a big G&S boat that can carry up to 20 anglers. Offering both nearshore and deep sea fishing excursions, this charter has a little something for everyone. It includes all the amenities like GPS, fish radar, bed, bathrooms, and even a shower. Depending on the chosen trip, anglers can expect to catch plenty of amberjack, grouper, mackerel, and snapper. 100 Proof Charters offer comfortable and exciting fishing on a premium vessel.

Costs: 4-hour trip – $1400; 5-hour trip – $1750; 6-hour trip – $2100; 12-hour trip – $4200

This Charter is recommended for: All types of fishing, nearshore and offshore. Great for anyone who has a large budget to spend on a memorable fishing trip.

State Licensed/Federally Licensed: Yes

Targeted Species: Amberjack, snapper, mackerel, blue marlin, red snapper, mahi-mahi, cobia

Private Trips offered? No

To book a charter with 100 Proof Charters  & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. 100 Proof Charters (Destin) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Destin, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the quality of fishing in Destin, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the average cost of fishing charters in Destin, check out this article.