Get ready to test your skills against some of the Gulf's toughest fighters on this 10-hour offshore fishing trip with Windwalker II Charters. We'll be heading out to Destin's prime fishing grounds where the big ones lurk. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to offshore fishing, our expert crew will show you the ropes and help you land some impressive catches. Pack your cooler, slap on the sunscreen, and let's hit the deep blue!
We'll push off from Destin's harbor bright and early, cruising out to where the real action is. As we leave the emerald coast behind, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in our wake. Once we reach our secret spots, it's time to drop lines and see what's biting. Our seasoned crew will be right there with you, offering tips on everything from bait selection to fighting techniques. With a maximum of 6 guests, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and time at the rail. Don't forget to bring some grub and cold drinks - nothing works up an appetite like reeling in fish after fish!
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of bottom fishing and trolling techniques to target different species. For bottom fishing, we'll set you up with heavy-duty conventional reels and stout rods to muscle up those snappers and groupers from their rocky lairs. When we're trolling for pelagics like king mackerel and mahi-mahi, we'll break out the lighter tackle and let those baits skip across the surface. Our boat is decked out with top-notch electronics to find the fish, and we've got an arsenal of lures and live bait to entice them. Don't worry if you're new to these methods - our crew will walk you through every step, from setting the drag to working the rod.
Grey Snapper: These wily customers, also known as mangrove snapper, are a favorite among Destin anglers. They might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight and flavor. Grey snappers love structure, so we'll be targeting them around reefs and wrecks. They're crafty biters, so finesse is key - it's a real rush when you outsmart one of these clever fish.
King Mackerel: Hold onto your hats when a king mackerel hits! These speedsters can smoke a reel faster than you can say "fish on." We often troll for kings, and when one takes the bait, it's like hooking a freight train. They can top 50 pounds, so battling a big king is a true test of an angler's mettle. Kings are most active in the warmer months, making them a summer staple in Destin's offshore waters.
Mahi Mahi: Also called dorado or dolphinfish, mahi mahi are the acrobats of the offshore world. When hooked, they put on an aerial show that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. These beautiful fish are known for their vibrant colors and delicious meat. We often find them near floating debris or weed lines, and they're suckers for a well-presented bait skipping along the surface.
Wahoo: If you're looking for pure speed, wahoo is your fish. These torpedo-shaped predators are among the fastest fish in the sea, capable of short bursts up to 60 mph. Hooking a wahoo is like trying to stop a runaway train - your reel will be screaming! They're not as common as some other species, but landing a big 'hoo is always a highlight of any trip.
Red Snapper: The poster child of Gulf fishing, red snapper are prized for both their fight and their fantastic eating quality. These ruby-red beauties hang out near bottom structure and can grow to impressive sizes. The satisfaction of feeling that telltale thump and then battling a big red up from the depths is hard to beat. Just remember, red snapper are carefully managed, so we'll be following all regulations to ensure we can enjoy this fishery for years to come.
Folks come from all over to fish Destin's waters, and it's easy to see why. The variety of species, the quality of the fishing, and the sheer beauty of being out on the Gulf - it all adds up to an experience you can't get just anywhere. Our repeat customers often tell us that the 10-hour trip is the sweet spot. It gives us enough time to reach the prime fishing grounds and really work them over, without being so long that you're completely wiped out at the end of the day. Plus, with Windwalker II Charters, you're not just getting a fishing trip - you're getting a day on the water with a crew that's passionate about what they do and loves sharing their knowledge.
If you're itching to feel the pull of a big fish on the end of your line, this 10-hour trip with Windwalker II Charters is calling your name. We've got the local know-how, the right gear, and the determination to put you on fish. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want the thrill of the catch, we've got you covered. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your fishing buddies, pack your sense of adventure, and let's make some memories out on the big blue. See you at the dock!
Red snapper are a prized catch in Destin's offshore waters. These beauties can grow up to 3 feet long and 35 pounds, though most are in the 1-2 foot, under 10 pound range. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks and other structure in depths of 30 to over 600 feet. Peak season is May through October when they're spawning. Anglers love targeting red snapper for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. When you hook one, be ready for a battle – they'll often make a run for cover to try and break you off. For bait, we'll use cigar minnows, squid or live pinfish. The biggest snappers tend to go for live bait. One local tip: When you feel that telltale thump, reel fast and lift your rod tip to get them away from the bottom structure. Their sharp teeth can slice through lighter line, so we use stout leaders. The mild, sweet flavor makes red snapper one of the Gulf's most popular eating fish. Nothing beats fresh snapper on the grill after a day on the water.
Mahi mahi, also called dorado or dolphin, are one of the most exciting fish to catch off Destin. These acrobatic fighters are known for their vibrant colors - electric blues, greens and yellows that fade quickly after being caught. Most run 15-30 pounds, but can reach up to 90 pounds. You'll find mahi hanging around floating debris and weedlines in the warm offshore waters, typically from spring through fall. They're fast-growing and short-lived, rarely making it past 5 years old. That quick growth rate makes them a sustainable fishery. Mahi are a blast to catch on light tackle. When hooked, they'll often go airborne, thrashing and tail-walking across the surface. We like to troll with rigged ballyhoo or artificial lures. Live bait like pilchards or threadfin herring work great too. Here's a tip: When you spot a mahi, cast well past it and quickly retrieve your bait or lure right by its nose. The competitive fish will often race to grab it. Their firm, mild flesh makes excellent eating too - perfect for grilling or in fish tacos.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, capable of short bursts up to 60 mph. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish average 3-5 feet long but can reach over 8 feet and 180 pounds. Look for their distinctive blue vertical stripes on a silver background. We find wahoo in Destin's deeper offshore waters, often near dropoffs or underwater structures. They're generally loners but sometimes travel in small groups. Peak season is typically July to November when water temps are warmest. Anglers prize wahoo for their blistering runs and delicious meat. When hooked, they'll peel off hundreds of yards of line in seconds. We usually target them by high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with lures or rigged baits. Wire leaders are a must to prevent bite-offs from their razor-sharp teeth. Pro tip: Try "chunk fishing" by drifting and dropping cut bait. This can be deadly when wahoo are feeding near the surface. Their firm white flesh is excellent eating - similar to swordfish but milder. Grilled wahoo steaks are hard to beat after a long day offshore.
King mackerel, or "kingfish," are hard-fighting speedsters that'll test your gear and skills. These sleek predators average 10-20 pounds but can top 100 pounds. Look for their sharp teeth, forked tail, and signature dip in the lateral line. Kings roam Destin's near-shore to offshore waters, typically in 20-150 foot depths. They prefer temperatures around 68-78°F, so peak season is usually April through October. You'll often find them around bait schools, reefs, and oil rigs. Trolling is the go-to method, using live bait like blue runners or dead cigar minnows. Wire leaders are crucial - their teeth will slice through mono like butter. When a king hits, hold on tight. They're known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. Here's a local trick: When you see birds working bait schools, slow-troll live bait through the area. Kings often lurk below, picking off injured baitfish. While not the best table fare, kings make great smoked fish dip. Just be mindful of mercury levels in larger specimens.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 15
Manufacturer Name: Detroit
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300