Damn Good Black Drum Fishing Charters In Destin

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Destin black drum fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

Choose a Date
4.94/5 Average Rating

Damn Good Guides

Experts Available 24/7

100% Weather Guarantee

Recently Booked Black Drum Fishing Charters In Destin, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Bad To The Bone Destin Trip

NEW
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Inshore And Nearshore Fishing Charter

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Catch Yourself Some Lunch! (Or Dinner)

100% (1)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,050
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Destin

3-Hour Kids Fun Trip

100% (1)
20 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin Rod-Bender

100% (2)
25 ft 1 - 6 People From $800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Destin

Destin Bay Fishing

89% (9)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $660

Top Types of Black Drum Trips in Destin

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Target Species in Destin

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

More Black Drum Fishing Charters In Destin, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter near Destin

FWB Quick Run

NEW
26 ft 1 - 5 People From $760
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter near Destin

Santa Rosa Beach Hook-Up

100% (3)
22 ft 1 - 12 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Destin

Santa Rosa Beach Inshore Special

100% (2)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty, Flats Fishing Charter near Destin

Captain's Discretion

89% (9)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Destin

Family Special - 22’ TranSport

100% (3)
22 ft 1 - 6 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Destin

Kid's Fishing Adventure

89% (9)
20 ft 1 - 6 People From $375
See All Black Drum Trips in Destin

Need a Place to Stay?

Everything to Know About Booking a Destin black drum fishing charter

What are the best black drum fishing charters in Destin?

Why should I book a black drum fishing charter in Destin with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 18 black drum trips in Destin, and the most popular trips in the area are Inshore and Nearshore Fishing Charter guided by Brad, 3-Hour Kids Fun Trip guided by Mike, and Destin Rod-Bender guided by Joshua.

Our guides in Destin are rated a 4.94 out of 5 based on 3716 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly black drum guides / fishing lessons in Destin? Check out our beginner and family friendly black drum guides in Destin.

What types of black drum fishing charters are common in Destin?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for black drum in Destin as well as inshore fishing, flats fishing, and nearshore fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Destin are light tackle fishing, artificial lure fishing, and bottom fishing but live bait fishing and trolling are popular as well.

How much do Destin black drum fishing charters cost?

Prices for black drum in Destin can range anywhere from about $497 to $1,370, but the average price for a half day trip for black drum in Destin is $796. The average price for a full day trip for black drum in Destin is $1,302.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for black drum fishing in Destin?

The most popular season for black drum fishing in Destin is summer, and most anglers book their trips 21 days in advance.

Do I need a Destin fishing license for black drum and what are the bag limits for black drum in Destin?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Destin, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Destin. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Destin.

What is black drum fishing in Destin all about?

Black drum, prized for their powerful fights and delicious flesh, are a common catch in the waters around Destin, Florida. These large, silvery-gray fish can be found in a variety of habitats, including nearshore waters, estuaries, and bays. While black drum are present year-round in the Destin area, their abundance may vary depending on factors such as water temperature, salinity, and food availability. Nevertheless, anglers targeting black drum can often find success with the right tactics and equipment.

Fishing for black drum in Destin typically involves bottom fishing with heavy tackle and sturdy equipment. Anglers commonly use bait such as shrimp, crabs, clams, or cut bait to entice strikes from black drum, which are known for their bottom-feeding habits. Fishing around structures such as jetties, bridges, docks, and oyster beds can increase the likelihood of encountering black drum, as these areas provide shelter and forage opportunities for these fish.

Spring and fall are generally regarded as peak seasons for black drum fishing in Destin, as water temperatures are moderate, and the fish are actively feeding. During these seasons, black drum may be found in greater numbers and more readily respond to anglers' offerings. However, black drum can be caught year-round in the Destin area, with opportunities available for anglers of all skill levels to enjoy the thrill of hooking into these hard-fighting fish.

What are the most popular months to fish for black drum in Destin?

In the waters around Destin, Florida, black drum are present year-round, offering anglers opportunities to target them regardless of the season. However, certain times of the year may be more conducive to successful black drum fishing than others. Spring and fall are typically regarded as prime seasons for black drum fishing in Destin, as water temperatures are moderate, and the fish are actively feeding. During these seasons, black drum may be found in greater numbers and more readily respond to anglers' offerings.

During the spring months, black drum are often found in shallower waters, particularly around estuaries, bays, and nearshore areas, as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers targeting black drum during this time may have success fishing around structures such as jetties, bridges, docks, and oyster beds, where black drum congregate to feed and seek shelter. In the fall, black drum may begin to move back offshore as water temperatures cool, but they can still be caught in nearshore waters using similar tactics.

While spring and fall are considered peak seasons for black drum fishing in Destin, these fish can be caught year-round with the right techniques and equipment. Winter months may see a decrease in black drum activity, particularly in colder water temperatures, but dedicated anglers can still find success targeting black drum in deeper offshore waters or around warmer pockets of water. Regardless of the season, black drum offer anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of hooking into these hard-fighting fish in the beautiful waters of Destin.

What techniques are popular for catching black drum in Destin?

Fishing for black drum in Destin, Florida, requires anglers to employ specific techniques tailored to the behavior and habitat of these hard-fighting fish. Bottom fishing is the most common technique used to target black drum, typically utilizing heavy tackle and sturdy equipment. Anglers often use bait such as shrimp, crabs, clams, or cut bait, which are presented near the ocean floor where black drum are known to feed. Fishing around structures such as jetties, bridges, docks, and oyster beds can increase the likelihood of encountering black drum, as these areas provide shelter and forage opportunities for these fish.

Another effective technique for targeting black drum in Destin is using natural bait on a Carolina rig or fish finder rig. These rigs allow the bait to be presented near the bottom while still allowing for some movement to entice strikes. Anglers may also opt to use live bait such as mullet or finger mullet, which can be particularly effective in enticing larger black drum. Patience is key when fishing for black drum, as these fish can be selective feeders and may take some time to find and consume the bait.

In addition to traditional bottom fishing techniques, anglers in Destin may also have success targeting black drum with artificial lures. Soft plastic swimbaits, jigs, and spoons can all be effective when retrieved slowly along the bottom, mimicking the movements of natural prey. When using artificial lures, it's essential to vary the retrieve speed and presentation until finding what works best for enticing strikes from black drum. Regardless of the technique employed, mastering the art of black drum fishing in Destin offers anglers a rewarding angling experience in one of Florida's premier fishing destinations.

What other species are popular in Destin?

Aside from black drum, anglers in Destin, Florida, have a diverse range of other species to target for an exciting fishing experience. One popular target is the red snapper, known for its delicious flesh and challenging fight. Found inhabiting reefs, wrecks, and underwater structures, red snapper provide anglers with thrilling battles and the opportunity to reel in impressive catches. With a season typically running from June to August, anglers in Destin have ample opportunities to target these prized fish.

Another sought-after species in Destin is the grouper, known for its size, strength, and delectable flavor. Various species of grouper can be found in the waters around Destin, including gag grouper, red grouper, and black grouper. Anglers target grouper by bottom fishing near offshore reefs, wrecks, and ledges, using heavy tackle and live bait such as mullet, pinfish, or squid. Grouper provide anglers with exciting battles and the chance to land trophy-sized specimens, making them a favorite among offshore anglers in Destin.

Additionally, Destin offers excellent opportunities to target a variety of other species, including king mackerel, mahi-mahi, amberjack, and more. Whether fishing inshore, nearshore, or offshore, anglers can expect to encounter a diverse array of fish species in Destin's productive fishing grounds. With its warm waters, abundant marine life, and scenic coastline, Destin remains a premier destination for anglers seeking adventure and excitement on the water, offering a wealth of opportunities to reel in big catches and create lasting memories.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    We had the best time! Bowfishing is one of our favorite sports and being able to have the opportunity to take this trip was without a doubt the coolest experience! Thank you again for a great night!

    Kyle S. | September 11, 2024

    Trip: Nighttime Bowfishing Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    If you don’t book with Jayson you shouldn’t even come to Destin. You might as well cancel your entire trip if you don’t book with Jayson. I’d rather spend 4 hours fishing with Jayson than 7 days at the beach because I’d spend those 7 days seeing Jayson crash through the waves catching fish as big as a small child. If it ain’t Jay-son I ain’t gonna pay-son!

    Jordan A. | August 8, 2024

    Trip: Captain's Discretion

  • ★★★★★
    Great day and fish caught!

    Thomas M. | August 1, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Insanity

  • ★★★★★
    Melissa is a great guide Definitely will charter with her again She is a lot of fun

    Kirk L. | July 28, 2024

    Trip: Nighttime Bowfishing Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Hunter was our guide for the trip and was a pleasure to fish with. Very knowledgeable. New where to go, took care of our 2 teenage boys from baiting all our hooks to untangling the boys quite a few times with a smile. We enjoyed the trip and will be calling again ne t year when we come back.

    Jeffrey B. | June 29, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Insanity

  • ★★★★★
    Joshua was great! We had several young people fishing, and he was very patient with and attentive to them. We caught redfish, speckled trout, and Spanish mackerel and had a great time. Highly recommend him!

    Thomas R. | April 2, 2024

    Trip: Destin Rod-Bender

  • ★★★★★
    We were set up to go out with Joey, but there was a last minute change to Captain Taylor. He was a very knowledgeable and patient guide and was great with the kids. Weather was cool and cloudy to start, but he eventually put us on some fish and was a great family experience. It was a catch and release trip which was slightly disappointing but hey, still had a blast. Would definitely book again, hope to return for an offshore experience soon!! Thank you Captain Taylor!!!

    Matthew L. | March 12, 2024

    Trip: Destin Bay Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Good trip

    Webster J. | October 19, 2023

    Trip: Fisherman’s Special

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Joey did a great job helping us have a good time on our night bowfishing trip! Although we weren’t the best shots he continued to encourage and provide guidance until it finally paid off 😊. Definitely a highlight of our vacation!!!

    Valerie S. | August 5, 2023

    Trip: Nighttime Bowfishing Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Great guide, put us on a lot of fish!

    Jr E. | August 3, 2023

    Trip: Nighttime Bowfishing Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    We had an outstanding time! Capt. Joey was very down to Earth, knowledgeable, and professional in his role. One of the best outdoor trips I have had!

    Brett J. | July 13, 2023

    Trip: Nighttime Bowfishing Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Trey was awesome. The wind was high, water was rough and bite was slow but Trey worked very hard to find fish. We only caught 1 redfish but it was not from a lack of trying. He talked and cut jokes with the kids and made the day fun. He kept “Bocephus” rocking the radio too. I will definitely book with Trey next time we’re in town.

    Scotty L. | June 15, 2023

    Trip: Santa Rosa Beach Hook-Up

  • ★★★★★
    Capt Mike, was great, first class captain. Put us on the fish, will fish with him again!

    Matthew T. | June 9, 2023

    Trip: 3-Hour Kids Fun Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip! Brandon was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and patient with the 2 teens I had with me. I would recommend for both beginners and experienced anglers.

    Bryan H. | April 3, 2023

    Trip: Santa Rosa Beach Inshore Special

  • ★★★★★
    Unfortunately we all wet shut out for the day but Captain Trey tried really hard to find fish.

    Andy M. | January 5, 2023

    Trip: Santa Rosa Beach Hook-Up

  • ★★★★★
    My som (age 10) and I went out this morning on a 4-hour charter, and we had a fantastic time! Super clean boat with plenty of room, and he knew all the best spots for redfish and trout. Captain Josh was great with my son, and I wouldn't hesitate to book with him again.

    Matthew A. Madison M. | July 27, 2022

    Trip: Half Day Trip - 22’ Century

What's biting in Destin?

View Black Drum Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick each and every one of them, and our network spans all across the US and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

See All Black Drum Trips in Destin