Luxury Charter Fishing

How to Hire A Charter Boat

Charter Boat Group with catchWhat’s better than heading out for a weekend of fun in the sun in Destin, Florida? Destin’s a perennial favorite of US vacationers thanks to its gorgeous beaches, fun outdoor activities, and restaurants cooking up some of the best seafood meals anywhere. Plus there are so many recreational activities here that can keep a family active! Surfing, paddle boarding, and golf, and of course, deep sea fishing!

Destin is a prime vacation spot in Florida, located on a peninsula separating the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay. Its white sandy beaches and beautiful emerald green water draw vacationers to Destin each year. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to meet your vacationing needs.

Hire a Charter Fishing Boat in Destin, FL

Hiring a charter fishing boat on Destin can be the adventure of a lifetime. Each year, visitors from all over America descend on Destin to book a charter boat. Finding the right boat with an experienced captain will help you end up where the sport fish are, including Cobia and Amberjack, Destin favorites.

Step 1: Talk to Locals

Locals will give you the honest truth about the captains and charters in the area. Don’t just ask your hotel’s concierge…talk to other families who’ve had similar experiences and read up on online message boards before your trip, too.

Step 2: Check out the Boat

Before you book your charter, you should do your best to check out the boat in person. Afterall, you’ll be spending hours and hours on it! Check out the interior of the charter boat, the fishing gear, and talk to the crew about their experience, too.

inside of a charter boat

The inside of a charter boat.

Step 3: Meet the Captain

Your charter’s captain will make or break your trip! Seek out a captain with plenty of experience who genuinely enjoys his or her job. A good captain will be friendly, they’ll help educate you about deep sea fishing, and they’ll be upfront about pricing.

What to Know About Your Destin Fishing Trip

You can pick the length of your fishing trip to fit your preferences. You can choose trips as short as four or five hours or select a day trip for eight to eighteen hours in length. There are also overnight trips available for avid fishermen lasting between twenty-four to forty-eight hours.

Bait, ice, tackle, licenses, and fishing equipment: Everything you need to fish will be provided for you on most deep sea charters. Don’t forget to bring along food and sunscreen, though! The Gulf of Mexico is a beautiful place to vacation and will provide entertainment for the whole family in one way or another, but charter fishing will create amazing memories unique to your Destin vacation.

Playing in the sand is nice but being fishing on the deep sea is an experience of a lifetime!

Spring Cobia Fishing in Destin

Cobia

Cobia Image Source: Marine Creations Taxidermy

From Deer Stands to Cobia Towers

With hunting season coming to an end, many outdoor lovers look to the Gulf of Mexico for a fishing adventure similar to the experience of sight hunting for deer. Cobia season answers that call! Warmer weather and rising water temperatures signal the beginning of Spring’s migration of Cobia, a hard-fighting gamefish. Leave your camo, stands, and rifles at home. With a charter outfitted to catch Cobia, we include the boat, bait, top-notch equipment, and Cobia catching experience that will have you and your group screaming, “Fish-on,” before you can tell the difference between a shark and a strike from this local favorite!
Spring is the Optimum time to go Cobia Fishing in Destin, FL

Spring Cobia Migration Patterns

Original Migration Map Source: The University of Southern Mississippi

Where to Find Cobia

Water temperature is the key to a plentiful Cobia population: 68-70 degrees is optimal. They’re spotted cruising inshore flats and channels along the northern Gulf Coast and show up around mid-March to early April in response to the warming surf. While migrating, Cobia travel northward along the coast of Florida, then westward into Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. You can target Cobia while fishing nearshore along the shoreline, but they may surprise you by taking your tolling or bottom fishing bait.

Cobia can be tricky to locate at times for the average angler, especially if you are not familiar with Destin fishing. An abundance of Cobia nearshore on day one is not guaranteed on day two. They may spread out and head for deeper waters offshore, in any area that provides them with both plenty of food and ample shelter to hide from larger prey. An experienced charter captain offers the best chances for a successful hook up while targeting Cobia.

Spring Cobia Fishing is Huge in Destin

Spring Cobia fishing in Destin is huge! Destin is home to the Cobia World Championships Tournament, as well as the HarborWalk Marina Annual Cobia Tournament, and the Hog’s Breath Cafe Annual Cobia Shootout! The Spring migration of Cobia introduces the kick-off to warm weather fishing in the Destin area. Locals and visitors alike head out for a chance to hook up with this prize catch, as Cobia is a favorite among anglers of all ages.

One of the most amazing features of the Cobia World Championships Tournament is that Harbor Docks utilizes the funds collected during the event to accomplish the Take-A-Kid Fishing Day every November, which offers 500 underprivileged children the opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime deep sea fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico out of Destin, Florida. Watch the video below to learn more about the World Championships Tournament, and how Cobia fishing is carried out in Destin.

Cobia World Championships from Harbor Docks on Vimeo.


Experienced Destin Charter Boat Captain Key to Successful Cobia Game Fishing

As plentiful as Cobia can be around Destin, they’re not all that easy to find. The most popular method of fishing for Cobia is called “sight fishing.” The fish are often spotted around markers, ships, rigs or anything else that can provide cover for them. Once spotted, fishermen cast free-lined live sardines, crab, or good-sized shrimp out in front of them with twenty-thirty pound test line (Cobia are incredibly strong!)

The only problem with this method twisted lines after only a couple of battles with a fish. Free-spool reels can be substituted with heavy jigs in place of live bait. The advantage of these is no line twist. Either way, smooth operation of tackle is imperative and you should rely on your charter boat captain to make good recommendations regarding choice of tackle and gear.

Sight Casting for Cobia

Image Source: Saltwater Sportsman

Once the Cobia is Hooked, the Thrill Begins

Cobia Destin, Florida

Cobia caught with Captain Jason Mikel of the Finest Kind

The Cobia is a muscular, powerful fish and a thrilling catch to make. Once the fish is hooked, expect lots of line to come screaming off the reel – and watch those fingers! At this point you can’t do much more than hang on. And even after the fish is into the boat, the battle may not be over! Cobia have been known to damage boats and equipment and in cases of unnecessary danger, injure the fisherman, too. The key is to keep the fish under control using a smooth single motion which is something your charter crew can help with. Beware of the 7-10 dorsal spines on top of the Cobia’s that stand erect when the fish is threatened, ready to gouge anything that gets in their way. Rely on the experience of your charter boat crew to keep you safe and ensure your catch is successful.

Cobia is a Prized Catch in More than One Way

The meat of Cobia is white, flakey, and very mild and some say it even has a slight lemon flavor. It’s sometimes actually referred to as the “lemon fish.” Most recipes that call for a white mild tasting fish are well-suited to cobia meat. Its firm flesh makes it perfect for grilling. If you decide to harvest the fish to use it for food, the Cobia must be netted or gaffed and placed on ice immediately. The first mate on board your Destin charter boat will most likely prepare the fillets and package them for you. A single large fish will provide enough steaks to feed your family for several meals, or enough for a fish feast!

Book a charter for Spring Cobia fishing in Destin!

Destin, Florida is Calling!

You’re probably already thinking about this year’s vacation…but have you considered Destin? Whether you’ve never been to the shores of Gulf Coast Florida or you come every year, Destin’s been calling you. There’s never been a better time to get out in the sun and enjoy the change of seasons. The good news is, Destin’s the perfect place to go in any season!

Destin umbrella

Activities for Everyone in Destin

Maybe you need to relax and enjoy a nice day (or week) at the beach. Perhaps you need somewhere for the kids to let off steam while you get some sun – try Gator Beach or one of the area’s many putt putt courses. You could choose to be adventurous and try your hand at surfing or paddle boarding! Maybe an afternoon spent sightseeing or enjoying some local cuisine is in order. Destin has it all.

One of the most popular vacation activities in Destin is deep sea fishing. Spring brings lots of opportunities to catch some big fish like Amberjacks and swordfish, and the ever-sought after Cobia. Cobia fishing in Destin is what the area’s most known for, and most families and groups choose to charter their own deep sea fishing cruise for a first-time expedition. Finding the right charter boat can be difficult, but be sure to choose based on the quality of the boat, the experience of the captain, and recommendations you find online and from your hotel. Charter fishing is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Destin is one of the best cities in Florida to try it out.

Charter fishing catch in DestinHave a Great Fishing Experience in Destin

Improve your odds of reeling in the big one by chartering a boat for the whole day. Be sure your charter plans to head out to deep water but remember, the cost of fuel for deep-water trips makes them more expensive than “bargain” charters you may be offered. In deep sea fishing, you get what you pay for.

Whether you’re looking for a new experience, are an avid fisherman looking to land some massive sport fish, or just want to get away from the beach chair for a day, deep sea fishing in Destin is an excellent choice. Make memories you’ll never forget and while you’re at it, catch a delicious dinner!

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