Renowned Offshore Fishing with Windwalker II

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Destin, FL
$1,160 - $3,000 price range
Updated Date: September 7, 2025

Summary

Looking to reel in some serious fish off the coast of Destin? This full-day offshore charter is your ticket to targeting a wide range of Gulf species. Whether you're after cobia, gag grouper, snappers, wahoo, mahi mahi, or even marlin (when conditions are right), the extended time on the water gives you plenty of chances to try different techniques and cover more ground. Don't worry about gear or licenses – the captain's got you covered with everything you need for a hassle-free day on the water. It's a great trip for families or anglers of any skill level, from first-timers to seasoned pros. With room for up to 6 guests, you can bring the whole crew along. Windwalker II Charters knows these waters well, so you're in good hands as you head out to the productive offshore spots. Get ready for a proper deep sea fishing adventure – just grab your spot and let the good times roll!

Renowned Offshore Fishing with Windwalker II

Gulf Catch of the Day

Partly cloudy with a chance of epic deep sea action in Destin!

Clear skies and light tackle: the perfect recipe for Destin's deep sea adventure!

7 big fish blasted from the deep in Destin, FL!

Anglers blasted the waters of Destin, FL, reeling in a huge haul of red snapper and spanish mackerel using a variety of fishing techniques.

Reel in the Big Ones: Destin's Offshore Fishing

Ready to get your hands on some serious Gulf action? Windwalker II Charters has you covered with our full-day offshore fishing trip out of Destin. We're talking the kind of fishing that'll have you telling stories for years to come. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got everything set up for an awesome day chasing some of the Gulf's most prized catches. From hard-fighting cobia to tasty grouper, and maybe even a shot at a blue marlin if the stars align – this trip's got it all.

What's the Deal Out There?

Picture this: You're cruising out of Destin's emerald waters, leaving the shoreline behind as we head to where the big boys play. We're talking 20+ miles offshore where the water turns that deep cobalt blue. That's where the magic happens. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so we'll be hitting up all the sweet spots – from natural and artificial reefs to open water haunts where the pelagics roam. You'll be jigging, bottom fishing, and maybe even trolling if we spot some surface action. And don't sweat the gear – we've got top-notch rods, reels, and all the bait you'll need. Just bring your game face and maybe a cooler for your catch (trust me, you'll want it).

Fishing the Destin Way

Alright, let's talk shop. Offshore fishing in Destin isn't your average cast-and-wait game. We're going after the heavy hitters, so you gotta be ready to put in some work. For bottom fishing, we'll be dropping lines with hefty weights to get down where the grouper and snapper hang out. It's all about feeling that bite and setting the hook hard – these fish fight dirty and will try to break you off in the structure. When we're after cobia or king mackerel, we might switch to sight casting or trolling. Keep your eyes peeled for those brown torpedoes (that's cobia for you) cruising near the surface. Quick reflexes and a good cast can mean the difference between a photo op and a "one that got away" story. Don't worry if you're new to this – the crew's always there to show you the ropes and help you land that trophy fish.

Raves from the Waves

"We had an unforgettable day out with Windwalker II Charters in Destin, Florida! The crew was experienced, professional, and made the entire trip smooth and enjoyable for everyone on board. The boat was spotless and fully outfitted, and Captain Bernie took us straight to some prime fishing spots. Whether you're new to fishing or have years under your belt, they make sure everyone feels included and has a great time. We reeled in some impressive catches and are already looking forward to our next trip!" - Ben

The Gulf's Greatest Hits

Cobia: These bad boys are the prize of spring in Destin. Cobia, also known as ling or lemonfish, are like the bulldogs of the sea – stocky, powerful, and ready to throw down. They usually show up in our waters around March and stick around through summer. Sight casting to cobia is a rush – you'll spot them near the surface, often following rays or turtles. They're curious fish, so a well-placed lure can trigger an explosive strike. And let me tell you, when a 30+ pounder decides to test your drag, you're in for a workout.

Red Snapper: If you're talking tasty bottom-dwellers, red snapper is king. These ruby-red beauties are a Gulf staple, known for their firm, white flesh that's a hit on any dinner table. We typically target them over reefs and wrecks, anywhere from 60 to 200 feet deep. Red snapper season is like Christmas for Gulf anglers – it's usually in the summer months, and believe me, boats fill up fast for these trips. They might not pull as hard as some other species, but the fight is still respectable, and the reward is downright delicious.

Gag Grouper: Now we're talking about some real bruisers. Gag grouper are ambush predators that love to hole up in rocky bottoms and reefs. When you hook into one of these guys, be ready for a battle. They'll try to dive back into their hidey-holes, and it takes some serious cranking to turn their heads. The bigger ones can top 50 pounds, giving you a serious case of "fishing arm" the next day. But man, is it worth it when you see that brown-mottled monster come over the gunwale.

Greater Amberjack: Affectionately known as "reef donkeys" for their stubborn fighting style, greater amberjack are the middleweights of the offshore world. These fish are pure muscle and will test your stamina like nobody's business. We usually find them hanging around deeper structures, often in the same spots as grouper. The bite is typically a solid thump, and then it's game on. Be ready for some serious pulls – these fish are known for their endurance and can leave even experienced anglers feeling the burn.

Lock in Your Lines

Look, if you're itching for a real taste of what Gulf fishing is all about, this is your ticket. We're talking a full day on the water, chasing after some of the most sought-after game fish in these parts. Whether you're dreaming of that trophy cobia, a cooler full of snapper, or just want to feel the rush of battling a big amberjack, we've got you covered. Our crew knows these waters inside and out, and we're here to make sure you have the best shot at making those fishing dreams a reality. So what are you waiting for? Spots fill up quick, especially during peak seasons. Give us a call, lock in your date, and get ready for a day of fishing you won't forget. Trust me, once you've fished Destin, you'll be hooked for life.

Customer Review

Hooked on Destin

We had an unforgettable day out with Windwalker II Charters in Destin, Florida! The crew was experienced, professional, and made the entire trip smooth and enjoyable for everyone on board. The boat was spotless and fully outfitted, and Captain Bernie took us straight to some prime fishing spots. Whether you're new to fishing or have years under your belt, they make sure everyone feels included and has a great time. We reeled in some impressive catches and are already looking forward to our next trip!

Ben B.

March 25, 2025

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are some of the most unique fish we target offshore. They're big, powerful swimmers that can reach 6 feet long and 100 pounds. You'll often spot them near the surface, cruising along looking like small sharks. Cobia love structure, so we find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring is prime time as they migrate through, but we catch them all summer too. Anglers love cobia for their hard-fighting nature and excellent meat. To hook one, we'll use heavy jigs or live bait like eels or pinfish. My best tip? When you see a cobia, get your bait in front of it fast - they're curious fish but can spook easily. Once hooked, be ready for some serious pulling. It's a thrill when that big brown fish comes up beside the boat.

Gag Grouper

Gag grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers that'll test your strength. These powerful fish average 10-20 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds in deeper water. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. Late fall and winter are prime seasons when they group up to spawn. Anglers target gags for their brute strength and excellent table fare. To catch one, we'll drop heavy live baits or large jigs right to the bottom. My best tip is to crank fast and hard as soon as you feel the bite - these fish will dive straight for their hole if you give them a chance. Once you get them off the bottom, it's a battle all the way up. There's nothing quite like the solid thump of a big gag inhaling your bait, followed by that powerful first run.

Greater Amberjack

Greater amberjack are the bruisers of the deep, known for their incredible strength and stamina. These powerful fish average 20-40 pounds but can top 100 pounds. We find them around deep wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 150-300 feet of water. Spring and fall offer the best action. Anglers target AJs for their brutal fighting ability - they're pound-for-pound one of the strongest fish in the Gulf. To catch them, we'll drop heavy jigs or live baits deep. My top tip is to use a wind-on leader - you'll need that extra strength and abrasion resistance. When you hook up, get ready for a battle. These fish will dive hard for the bottom, then circle the boat endlessly. It's a true test of strength and endurance. There's nothing quite like finally seeing that big bronze fish come up after a 20-minute fight.

Grey Snapper

Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are sneaky, structure-loving fish that'll test your finesse. They typically run 1-3 pounds inshore, but offshore we can find some real bruisers up to 10-15 pounds. Look for them around any structure - docks, reefs, wrecks - from a few feet deep out to 300 feet. Summer's the best time when they're most active. Anglers love grey snapper for their crafty nature and excellent eating quality. To catch them, we'll use light tackle and small live baits or shrimp. My top trick is to chum heavily, then fish a small bait on a long fluorocarbon leader. These fish are line-shy, so stealth is key. When you feel that light tap, don't set the hook - just reel steadily and hang on. Once hooked, they'll dive hard for cover, so be ready to muscle them out.

King Mackerel

King mackerel are the speedsters of the Gulf, known for blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. These toothy predators average 10-20 pounds but can top 50 pounds. We find them in open water from just offshore out to 150 feet deep, often around bait schools. Spring and fall migrations offer the best action. Anglers target kings for their drag-screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. To catch them, we'll slow-troll live baits or troll faster with big spoons or plugs. My go-to rig is a double-hook setup with a stinger treble - these fish often short-strike baits. When a king hits, let it run for a few seconds before setting the hook. Once hooked, hang on tight and be ready to chase. There's nothing quite like watching a big king grey-hound across the surface, jumping and tail-walking as it tries to throw the hook.

Red Snapper

Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing. These bright red beauties typically run 1-2 feet long and 5-10 pounds, though big ones can hit 20-30 pounds. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in 60-300 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime season when they're most active. Anglers love targeting red snapper for their hard fighting ability and phenomenal table fare - some of the best-tasting fish in the Gulf. To catch them, we'll drop live bait or heavy jigs right to the bottom. My go-to trick is using a fish finder rig with a circle hook and a big live pinfish. When you feel that telltale thump, reel fast and hang on - these fish will try to dive straight back to their structure. The fight and flavor make red snapper a must-catch for any offshore trip.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are lightning-fast predators that put up an exciting fight on light tackle. These sleek, silvery fish usually run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds. We find them in large schools near the surface, often around inlets, piers, and just offshore in 20-40 feet of water. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they migrate through. Anglers love Spanish mackerel for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're also excellent eating, with firm, flaky meat perfect for grilling. To catch them, we'll troll small spoons or cast light jigs into feeding schools. My top tip is to use a long fluorocarbon leader - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through anything else. When you see birds diving or bait jumping, get ready for some fast action. These fish hit hard and run fast, so be ready to chase them down.

About the

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 15

Manufacturer Name: Detroit

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for an action-packed day on the Gulf? This full-day offshore charter from Destin puts you right where the fish are biting. You'll be targeting a variety of prized catches including cobia, gag grouper, snappers, wahoo, mahi mahi, and even marlin when conditions are right. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, the captain provides all the gear, bait, and know-how to make it a fun and productive outing for everyone. With room for up to 6 guests, it's perfect for families or groups of friends looking to reel in some Gulf treasures. The extended time on the water lets you try different spots and techniques to maximize your chances of landing that trophy fish. All the licenses are taken care of, so you can focus on the important stuff - like deciding who gets bragging rights for the biggest catch of the day!

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