Guests like to ask Destin charter boat captains, “how far does a deep sea fishing charter go out?” People usually only ask this question for one of two reasons. Either they are nervous about being out at sea and far from shore, or they’re excited about hitting the deeper waters that game fish call home. Most Destin fishing charter operators go at least fifteen miles out for a day of offshore fishing. Trips that last overnight or for multiple days typically go even further. However, after just one trip, anglers find the thrill and excitement of fishing deeper waters outweigh any concerns they have about being too far from land. No matter which category you fall into, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about deep sea fishing out of Destin Harbor.
Could the Boat Sink?
A better question would be, “what are the chances that the boat will sink.” According to the American Boating Association, eighty-percent of boating accidents occurred with vessels of twenty-one feet or less. Operator inattention or inexperience, excessive speed, and alcohol use ranked as the top four causes for boating accidents. Destin fishing charters boast some of the world’s most experienced and professional captains and crews. Your chances of encountering any issue on a deep-sea charter fall below that of air travel, highway driving, or even bike riding.
What if I Get Seasick?
Only about five to ten percent of all people are considered “very sensitive” to motion sickness. However, if you have concerns about seasickness, there are several effective preventative measures that you can take.
- Eat light and stay away from heavy, greasy, or acidic foods like pancakes, bacon, and orange juice, for example.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration leads to a variety of health problems, including confusion, headaches, and nausea.
- Go easy on the alcohol the night before and during your trip. Deep-sea fishing and overindulging do not mix.
- Get a good night’s sleep before your adventure. Feeling fresh will help prevent seasickness.
- Avoid others who feel sick. Seeing people with motion sickness may actually cause you to feel nauseous, as well.
The Scopolamine Patch (prescription only), as well as the over-the-counter antihistamines like Dramamine or Bonine, have also been proven to be effective for preventing seasickness.
What if We Get Caught in a Storm?
Florida weather can be unpredictable, with popup storms happening almost daily in some areas. However, thanks to its modern salon and G&S hull design, charter boats like the luxury 53′ Sportfish boat – “The Finest Kind” – comfortably and safely handles whatever comes its way. In the event of severe storms in the forecast, call ahead to discuss your options. Finest Kind Charters always puts passenger safety first.
What if I Get Hurt Onboard?
The United States Coast Guard requires every charter boat captain to undergo training in an approved First Aid and CPR program. The Coast Guard also requires that charter vessels carry first aid equipment, one type 1 personal flotation device for each passenger on board, and a life raft. For communication, all boats must have at least 2 VHF-FM handheld radios onboard. If you have a heart condition, ask the captain if the ship has an AED on their emergency equipment list. Here’s a link to a checklist to the U.S. Coast Guard’s list of required equipment on every charter vessel.
How Long Do Offshore Fishing Trips Last?
Trip lengths vary with each charter boat, but, in general, offshore excursions run anywhere from eight to ten hours for three-quarter day trips to seventy-two hours for overnight charters. The Finest Kind offers trip lengths of 4,5,6,8,10,12,15,18 and 24-hours. Two and three-day excursions, as well as off-season Daytime Swordfishing runs may be available depending on the time of year.
Will I Catch a Trophy Fish Offshore?
Well, the bigger fish do live in, the deeper waters. No boat can guarantee a record-breaker, or even that you will catch anything noteworthy. But, a little due diligence can significantly increase your odds of pulling in a whopper. Look for a charter with good reviews and a captain that has been around for many years. Nothing beats experience when it comes to finding trophy fish.
What Type of Fish Will I Catch Offshore?
The Gulf Coast waters are teeming with Red Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, Sailfish, Blue Marlin, and King Mackerel. Red Snappers seem to get bigger every year. The largest Red Snapper ever caught in Florida weighed in at over 46-pounds and was hooked right off Destin’s coast. Grouper come in a variety of species, including Black, Red, and Gag Grouper. The Destin waters also hold the records for the largest Gag (80-pounds, 6-ounces) and Warsaw Groupers (436-pounds, 12-ounces) ever reeled in. Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and various sharks also bring big-game fishermen to the Destin, Florida area.
Charter boat captains like Capt. Jason Mikel of The Finest Kind make passenger and crew safety a top priority. The Coast Guard also imposes strict requirements on all commercial vessels. For example, to get their license, your captain must be able to document 720-days of experience on a ship, 360 of which were on the ocean or near coastal waters. While catching a trophy-fish can never be guaranteed, safety, comfort, and excitement are always in-store on a Destin fishing charter.