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Damn Good Black Drum Fishing Charters In Destin

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Recently Booked Black Drum Fishing Charters Near Destin, Fl

Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin Rod-Bender

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

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Inshore And Nearshore Fishing Charter

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

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Catch Yourself Some Lunch! (Or Dinner)

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26 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,050
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 Fort Walton Beach

Flats, Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Destin

Captain's Discretion

83% (6)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $700

Most Popular Types of Black Drum Trips in Destin

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Black Drum Fishing Charters Near Destin, Fl

Fishing in Santa Rosa Beach
Fishing in Santa Rosa Beach
Fishing in Santa Rosa Beach
trip description for Inshore Insanity in Santa Rosa Beach

Experience the ultimate bay fishing adventure with Captain Hunter in picturesque Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Departing from the serene Piltcher Park, Captain Hunter invites you aboard his 24' Blazer Bay bay boat for an unforgettable journey. Explore the pristine waters of Santa Rosa Bay, guided by Captain Hunter's extensive knowledge of the area's hidden honey holes for catching Redfish, Trout, Black Drum, and more. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, these trips cater to all skill levels, offering a chance to learn valuable fishing techniques while enjoying the thrill of reeling in various species. Choose between the flexible 2-hour and 4-hour Santa Rosa Beach fishing trips, allowing you to tailor your experience to your schedule. As you cast your line, immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Florida coastline, complete with golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Captain Hunter's expertise and friendly guidance ensure a memorable and educational outing for you, your family, or your friends. Encounter the vibrant marine life that populates Choctawatchee Bay, from playful dolphins to majestic seabirds. With Captain Hunter, these fishing trips are not just about the catch, but also about embracing the serene beauty of the bay and its surroundings. Don't miss the chance to embark on an authentic Santa Rosa Beach fishing trip with Captain Hunter—book your 2 or 4-hour adventure today and create timeless memories on the open waters. Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter near Destin

Inshore Insanity

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $400
Fishing in Niceville
Fishing in Niceville
Fishing in Niceville
trip description for Half Day Trip - 22’ Century in Niceville

Climb aboard with Captain Joshua for an action-packed day of fishing under the Florida sun! Niceville offers convenient access to Florida Panhandle inshores with excellent year-round fishing. On this 3 to 6-hour trip, Captain Joshua will keep you close to the dock in the Rocky Bayou or bring you out into the Choctawhatchee Bay where you'll be fishing for Black Drum, Bluefish, Flounder, Red Snapper, Redfish, Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Speckled Trout, and Tarpon. All you'll need is classic light tackle to get one of these fish on the line. Growing up on the Choctawhatchee Bay, Captain Joshua is sure to get you some bites! Captain Joshua runs a 22’ Century center console with a capacity for 4 people. Equipped with a 225 HP Yamaha engine, it'll get you to where the fish are biting in a hurry! This do-it-all vessel is complete with GPS, Fishfinder, a Live Bait Well, Snorkeling Equipment, a Wireless Trolling Motor, and an Ice Box to store your catches. Captain Joshua will also clean your catches for you free of charge. Captain Joshua will provide all rods, reels, tackle and live bait. You're recommended to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and any food and drinks you might want out on the water. These sunny trips can host up to 4 people, so make sure to bring some good company! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter near Destin

Half Day Trip - 22’ Century

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
Fishing in Fort Walton Beach
Fishing in Fort Walton Beach
Fishing in Fort Walton Beach
trip description for Nighttime Bowfishing Adventure in Fort Walton Beach

Get out on the waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay and shoot some fish on this trip with Captain Joey! This nighttime bowfishing trip is typically action-packed, and it's a perfect opportunity to go after fish in a way that most fishermen have never tried. On this trip, you'll be bowfishing the Choctawhatchee Bay and the inshore water surrounding Destin, FL. It's a perfect area for shooting Spadefish, Shark, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Mullet, and Rays! These fish are active and unafraid at night, making them perfect targets for a little bit of bowfishing. Captain Joey's 20' Carolina Skiff is an ideal boat for this water and this type of fishing. She had a full renovation in 2017, and now features a raised platform for spotting fish, plus a new Suzuki 115 HP 4-stroke engine to put you on the fish fast. She also has a powerful electronic trolling motor for quiet, efficient movement in shallow water. Plus, she has six 200-Watt LED lights to totally illuminate the underwater environment. Captain Joey will provide everything you need for your trip, including all the bowfishing gear. Just remember proper clothing, sun protection, a pair of polarized sunglasses to spot fish, and a cooler for your catch. Bring your A-game and get ready to whack some fish! Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter near Destin

Nighttime Bowfishing Adventure

83% (6)
20 ft 1 - 6 People From $475
Fishing in Santa Rosa Beach
Fishing in Santa Rosa Beach
Fishing in Santa Rosa Beach
trip description for Family Special - 22’ TranSport in Santa Rosa Beach

Take your young ones out on the water for a 2-hour fishing charter with Captain Trey. This trip is perfect for kids ages 4-17, and Captain Trey is not only great with kids but also loves introducing youngsters to the sport! On this trip, you will explore the inshore waters around Santa Rosa Beach. Captain Trey has a bunch of honey holes in this area where the fish are always biting and he will try to maximize the most amount of action by taking you guys to them! This trip is catch and release only, but there will be a lot of it going on... catching and releasing I mean! Captain Trey will have all the rods, reels, tackle, bait, and licenses you could possibly need for your adventure. All you need to bring is your sun protection and your kids to the dock and Capt. Trey will get to work making memories that will last a lifetime! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter near Destin

Family Special - 22’ TranSport

100% (3)
22 ft 1 - 6 People From $450
Fishing in Santa Rosa Beach
Fishing in Santa Rosa Beach
Fishing in Santa Rosa Beach
trip description for Santa Rosa Beach Hook-Up in Santa Rosa Beach

Join Captain Trey on a fishing trip for up to 6 people. With over 40 years of experience and local water knowledge, you can rest assured you will have a memorable fishing trip! His trips are great for groups of family and friends, as well as trophy hunters looking for their next giant. You can expect to reel in Largemouth Bass, Redfish, Speckled trout, and Flounder, but there are a plethora of other species lurking in the waters that could wind up on your line as well. Captain Trey will meet you at the dock with all the rods, reels, tackle, bait and fishing licenses you could possibly need for a successful and fun day out on the water. All you need to bring is your sun protection and your favorite snacks and drinks, and Captain Trey will undoubtedly show you a great time! Read More

Flats, Inshore, River Fishing Charter near Destin

Santa Rosa Beach Hook-Up

100% (3)
22 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
Fishing in Fort Walton Beach
Fishing in Fort Walton Beach
Fishing in Fort Walton Beach
trip description for FWB Quick Run in Fort Walton Beach

Head out with Captain Cory for fishing at its best, Destin is known as "The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village"! You will be fishing on a 26' Crevalle Open, powered by a 350 4-stroke Mercury outboard. This vessel also features state of the art electronics. You never know what you’ll catch in the Gulf of Mexico! King Mackerel, Red Snapper, Cobia, Amberjack, Grouper, Tuna sharks and more. Captain Cory will guide everyone, from the most experienced anglers to family trips. Don’t forget to bring the kids! Cory also provides licenses, bait, tackle, water, and ice. Things that you want to bring include towels, camera, hat, sunglasses, sunblock, snacks, drinks, a small cooler, and your favorite music playlist! Read More

Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Destin

FWB Quick Run

NEW
26 ft 1 - 5 People From $760
See All Black Drum Trips in Destin

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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 19 black drum trips in Destin, and the most popular trips in the area are Destin Rod-Bender guided by Joshua, 3-Hour Kids Fun Trip guided by Mike, and Inshore and Nearshore Fishing Charter guided by Brad.

Our guides in Destin are rated a 4.92 out of 5 based on 3308 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and 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, bottom fishing, and artificial lure fishing but trolling and live bait fishing are popular as well.

How much do Destin black drum fishing charters cost?

Prices for black drum in Destin can range anywhere from about $495 to $1,125, but the average price for a half day trip for black drum in Destin is $728. 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 20 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 of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Hunter R. of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Joshua C. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Joey S. of Fort Walton Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Good trip

    Webster J. with Trey S. of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Joey S. of Fort Walton Beach, Florida

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

    Jr E. with Joey S. of Fort Walton Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Joey S. of Fort Walton Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Trey S. of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

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

    Matthew T. with Mike D. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Brandon S. of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

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

    Andy M. with Trey S. of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Joshua R. of Niceville, Florida

What's biting in Destin?

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