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Damn Good Gag Grouper Fishing Charters In Destin

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Recently Booked Gag Grouper Fishing Charters Near Destin, Fl

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Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Half Day - 31’ Cape Horn

100% (2)
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,400
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin Trolling & Bottom Fishing

100% (12)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,920
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Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Luxury Quick Trip

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

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Federally Permitted 31’ Sportsman

60% (5)
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,250
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn

100% (1)
20 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Premier Destin - 60’ Blackwell

NEW
60 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,600

Most Popular Types of Gag Grouper Trips in Destin

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More Gag Grouper Fishing Charters Near Destin, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Destin Fishing Adventure in Destin

Get out there with Captain Payton for an exciting fishing adventure on the waters off Destin, FL! Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn some basics or a more experienced angler looking for a new trophy, Captain Payton is an expert at catering your trip to your goals to ensure that you’ll have a day to remember. On this trip, you'll go after a wide variety of inshore and nearshore species, from Triggerfish, Grouper and Snapper to Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, and more. You'll chase the bottomfish off the reefs and structure, and troll further out for the speedier open-water species. These fish are not only a blast to catch, they're delicious on the grill too! Captain Payton runs a 27' World Cat center console on this trip. She's a fishing machine, and her twin 225-HP Yamaha four-stroke engines pack a serious punch. Regardless of whether you're chasing Snapper in deep water, fishing reefs, or trolling for pelagic predators, this boat has got you covered. Your rods, reels, bait, tackle, licenses and fishing equipment are fully covered by the captain. You only need to pack your snacks, drinks, and sun protection. The captain will also clean and fillet your catch free of charge at the end of the day. Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin Fishing Adventure

100% (5)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $980
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Destin Trolling & Bottom Fishing in Destin

Head further offshore to explore the Destin's prolific Gulf waters anywhere from 18-25 miles offshore! These 8 hour trips give Captain Kyle more time to implement a couple different techniques to catch different pools of species. Trolling these offshore waters can solicit a Mahi, Wahoo, Mackerel, or even a Tuna bite, while bottom fishing Captain Kyle's favorite reefs and offshore structure opens the door to a plethora of species like Grouper, Snapper, and Big Jacks. This trip is a great experience to catch some fish to bring home or to reel in just for a photo! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin Trolling & Bottom Fishing

100% (12)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,560
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Live Action Trolling Trip in Destin

Launch for an afternoon of fish slaying aboard a 26' Mako with Captain Zach! Capt. Zach has lived in Destin his whole life and has been fishing these waters year-round since he was a kid! Destin is known for its crazy close proximity to deep water, and where there deep water, there's giant fish! So for these afternoon trips, Capt. Zach likes rev his twin 150HP Yamaha's strapped to the back of the Malia Ann and quickly rip it out to the deep water. Once he's got you out there he likes to chill out, cruise around, and troll to attract the big fish Destin FL is known for. You never know what monsters will crawl up from the depths to whack your line at these depths, but don't be surprised if you hook into some Spanish or King Mackerel, Wahoo, Mahi, and/or much more! On the day of your trip, you will meet up with Capt. Zach at the East Pass Marina where the Malia Ann sleeps, but don't worry, this 26' beauty is always loaded with all the gear you could possibly need, ready and rearing to take you out on the water for an epic saltwater adventure! Thus, all you need to bring is your lunch, snacks, drinks, and sun protection, and Capt. Zach and his vessel will take care of the rest! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Live Action Trolling Trip

100% (13)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $880
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for 6 hr Deep Sea in Destin

The best part of your day will be spent however you choose on this trip. Whether it's Gag Groupers, Blackfin Tunas, Sailfish and big Amberjacks, your captain will take you offshore. We sometimes catch smaller mahi mahis on this trip. You can also choose this trip during the Red Snapper season. Catch bigger Red Snapper by going farther out as well. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

6 Hr Deep Sea

NEW
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,250
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Deep Sea in Destin - 40’ Infinity in Destin

Are you looking for a fishing adventure that takes you off the beaten path and into the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico? Look no further than this offshore trip with Captain TJ! You'll be on board his sleek 40' Infinity sportfisher, which was purpose-built for offshore sportfishing and comes packed with creature comforts and gear. Captain TJ is an expert angler and captain, with years of experience charting the waters around Destin. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice just looking to cast your line in the open ocean, Captain TJ will tailor your trip to your experience level, so you can have the best possible time. On your offshore adventure, you'll have the chance to catch a variety of big game fish, including Amberjack, Barracuda, Kingfish, Mahi Mahi, and Red Snapper! These fish are some of the most exciting to catch, and with Captain TJ's expert guidance, you'll have the best possible chance of reeling in a trophy catch or a cooler-full! But it's not just about the fishing—the scenery around Destin is breathtaking. As you cast your line and wait for the fish to bite, you'll be surrounded by crystal-clear blue water, the smell of salt air, and the warm Florida sun on your skin. It's an experience that's sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Book your offshore trip with Captain TJ today, and get ready for an adventure you'll never forget! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Deep Sea In Destin - 40’ Infinity

NEW
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,300
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A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
trip description for Nearshore/Offshore Combo in Destin

Enjoy fishing the Panhandle's fish-packed nearshore or offshore waters for 6 hours. You and the crew can chase Red Snapper, Vermilion Snapper, Gag Grouper, as well as Triggerfish. The crew will make sure you have the best chance of landing that prized catch. All you need to do is bring drinks and snacks. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Nearshore/Offshore Combo

100% (2)
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,800
See All Gag Grouper Trips in Destin

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Everything to Know About Booking a Destin gag grouper fishing charter

What are the best gag grouper fishing charters in Destin?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 82 gag grouper trips in Destin, and the most popular trips in the area are Half Day - 31’ Cape Horn guided by Christian, Destin Trolling & Bottom Fishing guided by Kyle, and Luxury Quick Trip guided by Eric.

Our guides in Destin are rated a 4.9 out of 5 based on 3307 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 gag grouper guides / fishing lessons in Destin? Check out our beginner and family friendly gag grouper guides in Destin.

What types of gag grouper fishing charters are common in Destin?

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

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

How much do Destin gag grouper fishing charters cost?

Prices for gag grouper in Destin can range anywhere from about $975 to $6,086, but the average price for a half day trip for gag grouper in Destin is $1,506. The average price for a full day trip for gag grouper in Destin is $3,546.

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 gag grouper fishing in Destin?

The most popular season for gag grouper fishing in Destin is summer, and most anglers book their trips 19 days in advance.

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

Gag grouper are a prized catch among anglers in Destin, Florida, known for their impressive size, powerful fights, and delicious taste. These bottom-dwelling predators inhabit the reefs, wrecks, and underwater structures in the Gulf of Mexico, making them a popular target for offshore fishermen. Gag grouper are characterized by their brownish-gray coloration with distinctive markings, including dark, wavy lines on their sides and a large mouth equipped with sharp teeth. Anglers in Destin often encounter gag grouper while bottom fishing in depths ranging from 30 to 150 feet, where these fish are known to reside.

One effective technique for targeting gag grouper in Destin is bottom fishing with live bait or cut bait near reefs, wrecks, and ledges where these fish congregate. Anglers use Carolina rigs, knocker rigs, or jig heads to present baits such as squid, mullet, pinfish, or cigar minnows at various depths. Gag grouper are voracious predators that feed opportunistically on a variety of prey, making them susceptible to well-presented baits. Anglers must exercise patience and precision when bottom fishing for gag grouper, as these fish often require a subtle presentation to entice them into biting.

Moreover, anglers in Destin can also target gag grouper using artificial lures such as jigs, diving plugs, or swimbaits. Casting and retrieving lures near underwater structures can effectively mimic the movement of baitfish and trigger strikes from hungry gag grouper. Anglers should vary their retrieval speeds and experiment with different lure colors and sizes to determine what the fish are actively feeding on. With their formidable strength and cunning behavior, gag grouper provide anglers in Destin with thrilling battles and memorable catches, adding excitement to any offshore fishing excursion along Florida's Emerald Coast.

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

In Destin, Florida, gag grouper seasons offer anglers specific windows of opportunity to target these prized fish throughout the year. Typically, the gag grouper season in Destin aligns with federal regulations set by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. These regulations dictate specific open and closed seasons to ensure sustainable management of the grouper population. The primary gag grouper season in the Gulf of Mexico usually runs from June 1st to December 31st, providing anglers with ample time to pursue these sought-after fish.

During the summer and fall months, from June to November, gag grouper are particularly abundant in the waters off Destin's coast. Warmer water temperatures draw these fish closer to shore, where they can be found inhabiting reefs, wrecks, and other underwater structures. Anglers targeting gag grouper during this season often experience increased success rates due to the higher concentration of fish and their active feeding behavior. The summer and fall seasons present prime opportunities for anglers to reel in trophy-sized gag grouper and create memorable fishing experiences.

While the primary gag grouper season spans from June to December, anglers in Destin should be aware of any changes or adjustments to regulations that may affect fishing opportunities. Additionally, it's essential to stay informed about any interim closures or quota adjustments implemented by fishery managers to ensure the sustainability of the grouper population. By adhering to regulations and practicing responsible fishing practices, anglers can continue to enjoy successful gag grouper seasons in Destin for years to come, preserving the region's rich fishing heritage and maintaining healthy fish populations for future generations to enjoy.

What techniques are popular for catching gag grouper in Destin?

In Destin, Florida, anglers utilize various effective fishing techniques to target gag grouper, offering opportunities for exciting offshore fishing adventures. One popular method for catching gag grouper is bottom fishing near reefs, wrecks, and ledges where these fish are known to inhabit. Anglers deploy baited rigs, such as Carolina rigs or knocker rigs, with live bait such as squid, mullet, pinfish, or cigar minnows. The bait is presented at various depths to entice the grouper, which are often found in depths ranging from 30 to 150 feet. Anglers must exercise patience and precision when bottom fishing for gag grouper, as these fish can be wary and require a subtle presentation to entice them into biting.

Moreover, jigging is another effective technique employed by anglers to target gag grouper in Destin. Anglers use vertical jigs or bucktail jigs to mimic the movement of baitfish near the bottom. By jigging the lures up and down in the water column, anglers can attract the attention of grouper and entice them into striking. This technique is particularly effective in deeper waters and around submerged structures where gag grouper are known to congregate. Anglers should experiment with different jigging motions and speeds to determine what triggers the most strikes from the grouper.

Additionally, trolling with diving plugs or deep-diving lures can be an effective way to target gag grouper in Destin, especially when fishing in areas with rocky bottoms or underwater structures. Anglers troll at slow speeds along reefs, ledges, or drop-offs, allowing the lures to dive down to the desired depth where grouper are likely to be hiding. This method allows anglers to cover a large area of water while actively searching for grouper. Anglers should pay close attention to their trolling speed and the depth at which their lures are running to maximize their chances of success. With these various techniques at their disposal, anglers in Destin have plenty of options for pursuing and catching the prized gag grouper.

What other species are popular in Destin?

In Destin, Florida, anglers have a wide array of species to target aside from gag grouper, ensuring a diverse and exciting fishing experience. One notable catch in these waters is the red snapper, a highly sought-after species known for its delicious taste and impressive size. Red snapper inhabit the reefs and offshore structures around Destin, making them accessible targets for anglers fishing from boats. Using bottom fishing techniques with baited rigs or artificial lures, anglers can entice red snapper to bite. With their strong fighting abilities and impressive size, red snapper provide anglers with thrilling battles and rewarding catches.

Moreover, king mackerel are another popular species to target in Destin's offshore waters. These fast and powerful fish are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps, providing anglers with exciting battles on light tackle. King mackerel are often found near reefs, wrecks, and ledges, where they feed on baitfish and other prey. Anglers commonly use trolling techniques with diving plugs or spoons to target king mackerel, covering a large area of water to locate active fish.

Additionally, anglers visiting Destin can target species such as amberjack, cobia, and various species of snapper and grouper. Amberjack are prized for their strength and endurance, offering anglers challenging fights and memorable catches. Cobia are known for their large size and aggressive feeding behavior, making them sought-after targets for anglers looking for an adrenaline-pumping fishing experience. With its diverse range of species and abundant fishing opportunities, Destin provides anglers with endless possibilities for an unforgettable fishing adventure along Florida's Emerald Coast.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Great time! Caught some nice sized eating fish! Great crew!

    Kolton H. with Kent P. of Niceville, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Tommy was great, his mate was very patient with some first time fisherman. Great day on the water. Highly recommend.

    Jason M. with Tommy C. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Jason is very knowledgeable and worked hard to assure we had a safe and enjoyable trip. The two youngsters on board, ages 11 and 12, had a blast catching snappers and a variety of other species while bottom fishing. Later switched to trolling for mahi and kings but those species didn't want to cooperate that day. His 26ft boat offered a stable and dry ride for our 5 person charter even in a light chop well offshore. Captain Jason well deserves his 5 star "damn good" rating and we will definitely contact him should we decide to fish this area again.

    Steve K. with Jason Y. of Shalimar, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    What an amazing trip!!!! Great captain and deck hand!!! Caught a shark a bunch of snappers and other stuff!!!!

    Josh . with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    The trip was an incredible and unique experience. The boat was clean and well maintained and Capt Robert was great! He worked hard to make sure we got some fish to take home and taught us fresh water fisherman a thing or 2 about ocean fishing. Absolutely recommend.

    Charles A. with Robert J. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Seth did a great job! He went above and beyond! We enjoyed our day and highly recommend!

    Ann M. with Seth L. of Niceville, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip. My son and I took this trip to get on snapper and we did. Then we ended up hooked on a bull shark and the captain did everything in his power to get the shark to the surface. It was definitely a life time experience that we will never forget. Thank you for the amazing memories I made with my son. Worth every penny.

    James L. with Jason Y. of Shalimar, 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

  • ★★★★★
    It was a great trip. I caught some pretty fish and a stingray. Captain Seth was a great guide and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend this guide!

    Wiley W. with Seth L. of Niceville, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    My 12 yr old daughter and I went out with Robbie on June 24, 2024. Robbie knew where the fish were. It was a great day and even better memories with my daughter. Thanks again, Robbie. I look forward to fishing with you again next year!

    Drew A. with Robbie B. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    I have gone on many fishing charters, and this was one of the best. They put us on a lot of fish,definitely worth it!!

    Mark B. with Harold S. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great guy. Did an awesome job!! Caught multiple species. Would 100% book another trip with Jason.

    James T. with Jason Y. of Shalimar, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    The trip was initially planned with Ryan but change to Captain Blake. He was phenomenal. Helpful though all. Knew where the fish were.

    Thomas R. with Ryan H. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great day of Fishing! Caught fish the entire trip! Thanks for a memorable day!

    Kirk T. with Jason R. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time. Captain Jay was extremely knowledgeable and found us the perfect spots. We had our limit early on large red snappers and trolled for mahimahi. The boat was clean and handled a moderately rough water very well. We highly recommend and will be back!

    Tracy L. with Jason Y. of Shalimar, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Very fun guide, made sure we caught fish!

    Caleb T. with Ryan H. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day of snapper fishing. Captain put us on fish and Jason kept our lines in the water. Boat was comfortable with good AC.

    Stacy S. with Zachary W. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent trip! The boys loved it as well as my dad! They haven't stopped talking about it!

    Jared D. with Kent P. of Niceville, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent trip! You guys did a great job! Thanks for the memories that will last a lifetime!

    Jared D. with Kent P. of Niceville, Florida

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