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Damn Good Bonito Fishing Charters In Destin

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Recently Booked Bonito Fishing Charters Near Destin, Fl

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

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Shark Fishing Charter

100% (2)
34 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,104
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Deep Sea Dash: Half-Day Fishing

100% (6)
53 ft 1 - 24 People From $1,800
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Live Action Trolling Trip

100% (13)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $880
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Captain’s Choice: Troll + Shark

100% (2)
34 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,380
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Inshore Gulf Fishing Frenzy

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

Most Popular Types of Bonito 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 Bonito Fishing Charters Near Destin, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Offshore Discovery: Fishing Intro in Destin

Head out with Captain Kyle for a fun short fishing trip. This trip is a great introduction to offshore fishing on this short excursion. Perfect for young kids to try offshore fishing on a big boat and also a great trip for adult groups just wanting to do a short trip. You'll be fishing aboard captain Kyle's 40-foot Bertram Widebody Classic Sportfish that's powered by twin Cummins turbo desels! She has been customized with underwater fins to improve on an already superior stable ride. For your comfort during your trip, the boat is furnished inside the fully Air-Conditioned salon which includes a bathroom, microwave, DirecTV on the flatscreen television inside and Sirius Satellite Radio which can be enjoyed inside and out. She is also customized with a tower, downrigger, outriggers, and a large live well. For the nighttime hours, she has above water illumination as well as powerful underwater lights. No expense has been spared with a full array of state-of-the-art electronics, and top-notch fishing tackle. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Offshore Discovery: Fishing Intro

100% (12)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,280
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Destin Fishing Adventure in Destin

Get out there and experience the fun of family fishing in The World's Luckiest Fishing Village with Captain Cliff! He's been fishing here for over 35 years, and is an expert when it comes to putting you on the fish. On this trip, you'll target a variety of classic reef species, including White, Black, and Vermillion Snapper, Almaco Jack, Amberjack, Red Snapper and Triggerfish (in season), and more! You'll also be able to troll for top-tier offshore species such as King Mackerel, Wahoo, and even Sailfish! These species are a blast to catch, and great to eat as well. Whether you're looking to fill your cooler, catch a personal best, or both, this trip has something for everyone. The captain is also great at teaching novices how to get hooked up for the first time, so there's no experience required on this adventure. You can troll or bottom-fish depending on your preference, and length of the trip. Feel free to stay out on deck watching the rods, or relax in the comfortable cabin until a fish is on! You'll be enjoying the breeze aboard this 40' Bertram Widebody Classic Sportfish powered by Twin Cummins Turbo Diesels! She has been customized with underwater fins to improve on an already stable ride. For your comfort during your trip, she has been furnished inside the fully air-conditioned salon which includes a bathroom, microwave, DirecTV on the flatscreen television inside, and Sirius Satellite Radio which can be enjoyed inside and out. She's also customized with a tower, downrigger, outriggers, and a large livewell. For the nighttime hours, she has above-water illumination as well as powerful underwater lights. No expense has been spared with a full array of state-of-the-art electronics, and top-notch fishing tackle! Your captain will supply everything you need for a great trip, including rods, reels, and tackle. Live bait is also available for a small additional cost. All you need to remember is proper clothing, sun protection, some drinks and snacks, and a cooler for your keepers! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin Fishing Adventure

100% (12)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Destin's Craziest Catches in Destin

8 Hour- This 3/4day trip will give you the chance to head out into the Gulf and explore the numerous productive reefs and wrecks, along with heading offshore to the deeper waters. Mix up your fishing techniques on this 8-hour trip. Offshore, let the trolling lines attract the fish before you spring into action at the bite of a Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, or Tuna. While nearshore, you'll get to bottom fish to try and catch a delicious Snapper, Grouper, Jacks, or something else. 6 Hour-This is a great trip for beginners or anglers that don’t want to go way out. You and the crew will troll along the shoreline for various types of Mackerel and Tuna. We also do some bottom fishing on these trips depending on time of year. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin's Craziest Catches

100% (2)
52 ft 1 - 19 People From $3,150
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for 1/2 Day Destin Dash in Destin

Join Captain Judah on an unforgettable 1/2 day fishing trip in Destin! Whether you're a beginner, bringing the kids along, or an experienced angler, this trip is perfect for all skill levels. With a wide range of fishing techniques including artificial lure fishing, cut bait fishing, live bait fishing, and trolling, you'll have the opportunity to catch a variety of impressive species such as Blacktip Shark, Bonito, Kingfish, and Spanish Mackerel. Captain Judah's expertise and top-notch equipment ensure a successful and thrilling fishing adventure. Start your day by trolling along the stunning coastline, targeting various types of mackerel and tuna. Feel the excitement as you reel in these fast and powerful fish, showcasing your angling skills. For the thrill-seekers, Captain Judah also offers the opportunity to engage in shark fishing. Experience the adrenaline rush as you hook into a Blacktip Shark, testing your strength and endurance. This unique fishing experience will leave you with stories to share for years to come. Whether you're looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of the ocean or seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure, Captain Judah's 1/2 day fishing trip has it all. Book your trip today and embark on an incredible fishing experience that promises excitement, camaraderie, and memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create unforgettable moments with your family and friends. Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

1/2 Day Destin Dash

100% (2)
52 ft 1 - 19 People From $2,150
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Destin Mixed Bag Trip in Destin

Join Captain Alex on his 25' center console vessel for an exciting morning of fishing in Destin, FL! As a lifelong resident of Destin, Captain Alex has spent years fishing the waters of the area, and his expertise ensures that you'll have a great time on the water. Destin is known for its proximity to deep water, which means there are plenty of big fish to be caught! During the four-hour trip, Captain Alex will take you out to the nearshore depths, where you'll either troll or bottom fish to catch the biggest and tastiest fish. Likely catches while trolling include Spanish or King Mackerel, Wahoo, and Mahi, while bottom fishing can yield Grouper, Snapper, and Triggerfish. On the day of your trip, you'll meet Captain Alex at East Pass Marina, where the Silver King is docked and ready to go. The 25' boat is fully equipped with everything you'll need for your fishing adventure, so all you need to bring are your lunch, snacks, drinks, and sun protection. So come aboard with Captain Alex, and get ready for an unforgettable fishing experience in Destin, FL! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin Mixed Bag Trip

100% (5)
25 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Gulf Thrills: 5-8 Hour Fishing in Destin

Head out to explore the Nearshore and Offshore waters in the Gulf of Mexico with Captain Alex. His boat is Federally Permitted which means you can venture out past State Waters and go as far out into the Gulf as you want. In Destin however, the deep water is so close to shore that often you can still see the condos while sitting above 50 to 100 ft of water! For nearshore trips like these, you can expect to do a good mix of trolling and bottom fishing. Off Shore Gulf Fishing (Federal Waters), starting at 9 miles offshore, and reaching depths of 100 to 300 ft., you will be fishing for Amberjacks, Grouper, Snapper, Scamp, King Mackerel, Triggerfish, Bonito, Shark and possibly Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, Marlin, and Tuna. Captain Alex's boat comes loaded with all the gear you could possibly need for a successful day out on the water including all the rods, reels, tackle, bait and fishing licenses. So all you have to do is bring your favorite snack and drinks, your sun protection, and your camera, and Captain Alex will take care of the rest! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Gulf Thrills: 5-8 Hour Fishing

100% (5)
25 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,325
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Everything to Know About Booking a Destin bonito fishing charter

What are the best bonito fishing charters in Destin?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 26 bonito trips in Destin, and the most popular trips in the area are Inshore and Nearshore Fishing Charter guided by Brad, Deep Sea Dash: Half-Day Fishing guided by Trey, and Shark Fishing Charter guided by Katie.

Our guides in Destin are rated a 4.94 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 bonito guides / fishing lessons in Destin? Check out our beginner and family friendly bonito guides in Destin.

What types of bonito fishing charters are common in Destin?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for bonito in Destin as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and jetty fishing.

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

How much do Destin bonito fishing charters cost?

Prices for bonito in Destin can range anywhere from about $1,000 to $5,076, but the average price for a half day trip for bonito in Destin is $2,238. The average price for a full day trip for bonito in Destin is $3,455.

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 bonito fishing in Destin?

The most popular season for bonito fishing in Destin is summer, and most anglers book their trips 14 days in advance.

Do I need a Destin fishing license for bonito and what are the bag limits for bonito 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 bonito fishing in Destin all about?

Bonito, a species of small tuna, is a popular target for anglers in Destin, Florida, known for its strong fighting ability and abundance in the Gulf waters. These fast-swimming predators are often found patrolling the offshore waters around Destin, particularly during their migratory seasons in the spring and fall. Bonito are known for their voracious feeding habits, frequently seen chasing baitfish near the surface, making them an exciting catch for anglers using a variety of fishing techniques.

Anglers targeting bonito in Destin typically employ trolling techniques, using artificial lures or rigged baits to mimic the movement of fleeing baitfish. High-speed trolling with lures such as spoons, plugs, or feather jigs is a common method used to entice strikes from these fast-moving predators. Additionally, anglers may deploy live baitfish such as cigar minnows or pilchards rigged on wire leaders to target bonito effectively.

Bonito are renowned for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps when hooked, providing anglers with thrilling battles on light tackle. While they may not be as large as some other game fish species, their speed and agility make them a challenging opponent for anglers of all skill levels. With their sleek, torpedo-shaped bodies and striking silver coloration, bonito are a prized catch among anglers in Destin, adding to the excitement of fishing along the beautiful Emerald Coast of Florida.

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

In Destin, Florida, bonito are present in the Gulf waters throughout the year, but their abundance tends to fluctuate with the seasons. Spring and fall are generally considered prime seasons for targeting bonito in Destin. During these periods, the waters off the coast of Destin experience significant baitfish migrations, attracting large schools of bonito in search of prey. Anglers can expect to encounter bonito in good numbers during these seasons, providing ample opportunities for exciting catches.

In the spring, as temperatures begin to warm and baitfish populations increase, bonito become more active and move closer to the shoreline in search of food. This makes them more accessible to anglers fishing from both boats and shore. Similarly, in the fall, as temperatures cool and baitfish migrate southward, bonito follow suit, making their way to the Gulf waters off Destin. These seasonal movements coincide with the arrival of baitfish such as mullet, herring, and menhaden, which serve as primary food sources for bonito.

While bonito can be found in Destin's waters year-round, their abundance may vary depending on factors such as water temperature, baitfish availability, and weather conditions. During the summer months, bonito may move to deeper waters or offshore areas where temperatures are cooler, while in the winter, they may migrate southward in search of warmer waters. Nonetheless, with careful planning and the right techniques, anglers visiting Destin can enjoy successful bonito fishing throughout much of the year, particularly during the spring and fall seasons when their numbers are highest.

What techniques are popular for catching bonito in Destin?

In Destin, Florida, anglers employ various techniques to target bonito, taking advantage of their aggressive feeding habits and fast-paced swimming behavior. One of the most effective methods for catching bonito is trolling. Anglers typically use high-speed trolling techniques, pulling lures such as spoons, plugs, or feather jigs behind the boat at speeds of 8 to 12 knots. These lures mimic the movements of fleeing baitfish, enticing bonito to strike. Trolling allows anglers to cover a large area of water and locate schools of bonito actively feeding near the surface.

Another popular technique for targeting bonito in Destin is live bait fishing. Anglers often use live baitfish such as cigar minnows, pilchards, or small mullet rigged on wire leaders to attract bonito. These baitfish are deployed either by drifting or slow trolling near the surface, allowing them to swim naturally and draw the attention of passing bonito. Live bait fishing can be particularly effective when targeting larger bonito or when fishing in areas where baitfish concentrations are high.

In addition to trolling and live bait fishing, casting lures can also be an effective way to catch bonito in Destin. Anglers may cast lures such as metal jigs, spoons, or swimbaits into schools of actively feeding bonito or areas where baitfish are present. Retrieving the lure at a fast pace mimics the frantic movements of fleeing baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes from bonito. This technique is especially popular among anglers fishing from shore, piers, or jetties, where access to deeper waters may be limited. Overall, whether trolling, live bait fishing, or casting lures, anglers in Destin have a variety of effective techniques at their disposal for targeting bonito and enjoying exciting battles with these fast-swimming predators.

What other species are popular in Destin?

In addition to bonito, Destin offers anglers a diverse array of other fish species to target, providing ample opportunities for exciting fishing adventures. One of the most sought-after species in the area is the red snapper. Known for their vibrant coloration and delicious flesh, red snapper inhabit the reefs, wrecks, and ledges offshore, offering anglers thrilling battles and rewarding catches. Red snapper season in Destin typically runs from June to August, during which anglers flock to the Gulf waters in pursuit of these prized reef dwellers.

Another popular species to catch in Destin is the king mackerel, also known as kingfish. These fast-swimming predators are abundant in the Gulf waters around Destin, particularly during their migratory seasons in the spring and fall. Anglers targeting kingfish often employ trolling techniques with live bait or artificial lures, presenting baits at various depths to entice strikes. Known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps, kingfish provide anglers with exhilarating battles and memorable fishing experiences.

Destin is also renowned for its abundance of grouper species, including red, gag, and black grouper. These hefty fish inhabit the reefs and wrecks offshore, where they can be targeted using bottom fishing techniques with live bait or artificial lures. With their powerful fighting abilities and delectable flesh, grouper are a favorite among anglers seeking a challenging and rewarding fishing experience. Whether targeting red snapper, king mackerel, grouper, or other species, anglers visiting Destin are sure to find plenty of opportunities for exciting fishing adventures along the scenic Emerald Coast of Florida.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    What a great trip and experience. First deep sea fishing trip for my 11 year old boy. Capt. Alex was friendly, knowledgeable and made the trip very enjoyable for myself and my boy. Alex makes the trip about you and works as hard as he can to make sure you have a successful trip. We definitely look forward to going back out with Capt. Alex in the future.

    David M. with Alex H. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Zach initially was unavailable but he got us hooked up with another boat quick and it was a great trip! The captain and his first mate were very knowledgeable about where the fish were and we never had to wait for bait, they got our poles ready, took the fish off and we had a great experience! The boat was very clean and we will for sure book with them next year! Highly recommend!

    Destany O. with Zachary W. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Katie and Nick are the absolute bomb!!!! Been coming to Destin for years waiting to find the right captain, don’t waste anymore time, if you’re looking for BIG SHARKS, Captain Katie is your girl!!! During the wait they kept the action going on smaller lines the entire time! And once the bite was on it was ON!!! Hats off Captain Katie, you are definitely one of the best!

    Paul-Jason Q. with Katie A. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Stellar Review for an Unforgettable Fish Charter Experience Our recent fish charter experience with Captain Katie and her first mate, Nick, was nothing short of phenomenal! I took my 13 and 11-year-old boys shark fishing, and Captain Katie did not disappoint. We landed an impressive 9' tiger shark that gave us an exhilarating challenge and wore us out in the best way possible. The excitement didn't stop there. Captain Katie expertly guided us to prime spots where we caught mackerel, bonita, and snapper, keeping the adrenaline high and the action continuous. We go charter fishing every year, and I can confidently say that this was the most enjoyable and memorable trip we've ever had. The crew's professionalism, expertise, and friendly demeanor made the entire experience exceptional. I highly recommend this crew for anyone looking for an unforgettable fishing adventure!

    Adam D. with Katie A. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had an AMAZING time! Kyle and Danny were awesome guys and very knowledgeable! Kyle knew exactly where to take us to find the fish and we’re convinced Danny could catch anything he wanted! Truly an amazing experience!

    Ashley B. with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing family friendly trip. The fishing was awesome and the crew was amazing with our kids. I can’t say enough amazing things!

    Jeff . with Judah B. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Trey, John, and Will were absolute professionals and great guys!! 110% will be out again!!

    Michael M. with Trey W. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great time fishing with Kyle and Danny! Both were fabulous in making sure we caught plenty of fish and that the kids (and adults) had a lot of fun. Highly recommend.

    Adam T. with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Judah and his crew were amazing. We slaughtered 60 red snapper in 4 hours. We also reeled in 2 sandbar sharks. Judah was steering excellently and the crew worked their tails off to make sure we could immediately recast after reeling in a catch. The custom boat was also a great touch with a nice rearfacing bench for resting from catching so many fish. Definitely book these folks

    Samuel E. with Judah B. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Highly Recommend!! Great experience for us with Captain and Mate Danny. They got us on fish the whole trip and there was never a time when one of our group wasn’t yelling fish on and sometimes with multiple fish on. Mate Danny was a legit machine preparing the rugs, removing fish and baiting hooks. Our fishing group of 3 was able to have a great Fish Taco Tuesday with our house group of 16 with all the fillets that they prepared for us. A fantastic experience for my teenage boys and myself. This crew left an everlasting experience with our family. And the fish tacos I prepared were almost as close to legendary as the fishing trip. FISH ON!

    Greg M. with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing day! Captain Alex was great and worked hard to keep us catching fish! Definitely recommend Silver King charters! Hope to make it down summer fishing soon!

    Jessie W. with Alex H. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Zach and first mate Jason were amazing! They made sure to get my 7 year old son his first deep sea catch! They knew exactly where to go to find the big boy fish. It took less than a minute to snag a 40lber right off the bat. We were catching fish all day...it was awesome! Can't wait to visit them again! Thanks for an awesome day!

    Leo M. with Zachary W. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip! The First Mate, Jason, was really knowledgeable and we did really well.

    William with Zachary W. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time on our trip! Thank you Joshua!

    Juan H. with Joshua C. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Alex was great. It's been a rainy week in FL, and he was able to squeeze us in. He knew all of the spots. Multiple people had mentioned not catching anything the day we went out, and our group caught our maximum limit. We've concluded in order to have a great fishing experience you need the right captain, Alex is just that. We even were able to go shark fishing for about an hour and caught two sharks. Alex was easygoing, kept us safe, accommodated us, and made should we had a great experience. Next time we are back we definitely will be using Alex!

    Brian K. with Alex H. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Zack is very good captain, and the deck hand Jacob was wonderful as well on top of everything when we needed anything.

    David A. with Zachary W. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely stunning and amazing 👏 Great people and great adventures. Well worth every dime!!! I enjoyed it and so did everyone else! This is such an extraordinary experience for your family and friends! ❤️ 💙

    Lisa A. with Zachary W. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time. Capt.Jon kept us on the fish all day!!! We had a wonderful time would definitely book again!

    Richard M. with Jon R. of Shalimar, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had an absolute blast on our trip. The captain is a retired sergeant major and offers discounts for active and reserve military. If you want to have a great day on the water and catch some fish then Captain Phillip is your guy. 10/10 would recommend.

    Jonathon T. with Philip R. of Fort Walton Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Trey and John were great! Our family had an awesome time. They put us on the fish and ensured we had fun. We definitely recommend them and will be repeat customers.

    Kevin K. with Trey W. of Destin, Florida

What's biting in Destin?

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