Damn Good Kingfish Fishing Charters In Destin

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Recently Booked Kingfish Fishing Charters In Destin, Fl

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Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Fishing With Capt Tyler 4-12hrs!

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40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Premier Destin - 60’ Blackwell

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60 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,600
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Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin 10 Hour Private Charter

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65 ft 1 - 30 People From $4,236
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin's Craziest Catches

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52 ft 1 - 19 People From $3,150
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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
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Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Luxury Quick Trip

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41 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Almost All Day Fishing

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40 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,200

Top Types of Kingfish Trips in Destin

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Target Species in Destin

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More Kingfish Fishing Charters In Destin, Fl

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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
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Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Bottom Fishing And Trolling

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23 ft 1 - 4 People From $900
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Destin

4-6 Hr Inshore - 32’ Sailfish Express

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32 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,275
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin 5 HR Private Fishing Charter

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65 ft 1 - 30 People From $2,118
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

The Ole Destin Special

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

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Destin Fishing Blitz

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42 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,950
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

Offshore Fishing

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40 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,840
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Everything to Know About Booking a Destin kingfish fishing charter

What are the best kingfish fishing charters in Destin?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 115 kingfish trips in Destin, and the most popular trips in the area are Fishing with Capt Tyler 4-12hrs! guided by Tyler, Premier Destin - 60’ Blackwell guided by Eric, and Full Day guided by Alex.

Our guides in Destin are rated a 4.9 out of 5 based on 3816 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 kingfish guides / fishing lessons in Destin? Check out our beginner and family friendly kingfish guides in Destin.

What types of kingfish fishing charters are common in Destin?

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

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

How much do Destin kingfish fishing charters cost?

Prices for kingfish in Destin can range anywhere from about $1,050 to $7,200, but the average price for a half day trip for kingfish in Destin is $1,888. The average price for a full day trip for kingfish in Destin is $4,299.

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 kingfish fishing in Destin?

The most popular season for kingfish fishing in Destin is summer, and most anglers book their trips 17 days in advance.

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

King mackerel, commonly known as kingfish, are a prized catch for anglers visiting Destin, offering thrilling fights and delicious fillets. These sleek and powerful fish can be found in abundance in the waters off Destin, particularly during the spring and fall months when they migrate along the coast. Kingfish are known for their blistering runs and aerial displays when hooked, making them a favorite target among both novice and experienced anglers alike.

One of the most effective techniques for targeting kingfish in Destin is slow trolling live bait, such as cigar minnows or threadfin herring, behind the boat. Anglers often use downriggers or planers to keep the bait at the desired depth, typically between 15 and 40 feet below the surface. Additionally, anglers may also use artificial lures such as spoons or diving plugs, which mimic the baitfish that kingfish prey upon. Regardless of the method used, kingfish are known for their aggressive strikes, providing anglers with heart-pounding action on the water.

In addition to their thrilling fights, kingfish are highly prized for their delicious white meat, making them a popular target for both recreational and commercial anglers. Once hooked, anglers must exercise caution when bringing kingfish aboard, as their sharp teeth and powerful jaws can inflict injury if not handled properly. With their abundance, accessibility, and exciting fishing opportunities, kingfish are a staple species in the waters off Destin, attracting anglers from far and wide to test their skills against these formidable adversaries.

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

In Destin, Florida, the kingfish season typically peaks during the spring and fall months, coinciding with the fish's migration patterns along the Gulf Coast. Spring is considered prime time for kingfish fishing in Destin, with the arrival of warmer temperatures signaling the beginning of the migration northward. As the waters warm, baitfish become more abundant, drawing kingfish closer to the shore in search of food. Anglers can expect to encounter larger concentrations of kingfish during this time, making it an ideal season for targeting these prized gamefish.

During the fall months, kingfish return to the waters off Destin as they make their way southward, following the cooler temperatures and shifting currents. Fall is another peak season for kingfish fishing in Destin, with the fish once again congregating in nearshore and offshore waters in search of prey. The fall migration often coincides with baitfish runs, such as mullet and menhaden, providing ample feeding opportunities for hungry kingfish. Anglers can expect to find kingfish in various depths, from nearshore reefs and wrecks to offshore ledges and drop-offs, presenting a diverse range of fishing opportunities.

While kingfish can be caught year-round in Destin, the spring and fall seasons offer the best chances of success due to the higher concentrations of fish and favorable weather conditions. However, anglers should keep in mind that kingfish are highly migratory and can be influenced by factors such as water temperature, currents, and baitfish movements. By staying informed about seasonal patterns and local fishing reports, anglers can maximize their chances of landing a trophy-sized kingfish during their visit to Destin's bountiful waters.

What techniques are popular for catching kingfish in Destin?

In Destin, Florida, anglers employ various techniques to target kingfish, also known as king mackerel, throughout the year. One popular method is trolling, where anglers use outriggers and downriggers to deploy multiple lines behind a moving boat. Trolling allows anglers to cover large areas of water and present baits at different depths, increasing their chances of encountering feeding kingfish. Common trolling baits include cigar minnows, ballyhoo, and artificial lures designed to mimic the movements of baitfish. Adjusting trolling speed and lure depth based on water temperature, current, and fish activity can help optimize success.

Another effective technique for catching kingfish in Destin is live bait fishing. Anglers often use live baits such as cigar minnows, blue runners, and Spanish sardines rigged on wire leaders and circle hooks to target kingfish near reefs, wrecks, and other structure. Live bait fishing allows anglers to present natural prey items to kingfish, enticing them to strike. Positioning the boat up-current of the structure and deploying baits at various depths can help anglers intercept passing kingfish and increase their chances of hooking up.

Vertical jigging is a productive technique for targeting kingfish in deeper water or when they are holding tight to structure. Anglers use heavy metal jigs that mimic the movements of injured baitfish, dropping them vertically to the desired depth and jigging them erratically to attract kingfish. Vertical jigging requires precision boat positioning and controlled jigging motions to entice strikes from kingfish lurking below. This technique can be particularly effective when kingfish are feeding near offshore wrecks, ledges, and drop-offs, where they often congregate in search of prey. By mastering these fishing techniques, anglers can increase their chances of landing trophy-sized kingfish in the waters off Destin.

What other species are popular in Destin?

Aside from kingfish, Destin offers anglers a diverse range of species to target throughout the year. One popular target for anglers visiting Destin is red snapper. These prized reef dwellers are abundant in the waters off Destin and are known for their delicious taste and strong fighting abilities. Anglers often target red snapper using live bait, such as cigar minnows or pinfish, fished near offshore reefs, wrecks, and ledges. Additionally, bottom fishing with cut bait or jigging with metal jigs can also produce bites from red snapper.

Another species commonly targeted by anglers in Destin is grouper. Species such as gag grouper, red grouper, and scamp grouper inhabit the offshore reefs, wrecks, and ledges in the area. These bottom-dwelling predators are known for their hard-hitting strikes and powerful fights. Anglers typically target grouper using live bait, such as pinfish or threadfin herring, dropped to the bottom with heavy tackle. Vertical jigging with metal jigs or trolling deep-diving lures can also be effective techniques for catching grouper.

For those looking for a thrilling inshore fishing experience, Destin offers opportunities to target species such as speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. These species can be found in the shallow waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay, along grass flats, oyster bars, and marshy shorelines. Anglers often use light spinning tackle and artificial lures such as soft plastic swimbaits, topwater plugs, and jig heads tipped with shrimp or artificial bait to entice strikes from these inshore species. Whether targeting kingfish offshore or exploring the inshore waters for trout and redfish, Destin provides anglers with a wide variety of fishing opportunities throughout the year.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Great time for some first timers! Tyler and Allen were awesome with their instruction and knowledge about the sport. We will be back!!

    Stephanie R. | November 28, 2024

    Trip: Fishing with Capt Tyler 4-12hrs!

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time on the water today, would highly recommend for fun and fishing.

    John R. | October 29, 2024

    Trip: Offshore Discovery: Fishing Intro

  • ★★★★★
    Tim was great! He made sure we caught lots of fish. The toilet on the boat wasn’t working but I’m still giving 5 stars for Tim!

    Lindsey M. | October 18, 2024

    Trip: 4-8 hr Offshore Fishing (Federal)

  • ★★★★★
    5 Stars! Capt Katie and her deck hand Nick (amazing young man) gave us a wonderful day of fishing on the Gulf. Her hospitality, knowledge of fishing in the Gulf and patient instruction made for a very enjoyable and interesting trip. We trolled for mackerel and did some bottom fishing for shark, which unexpectedly got us a red snapper plus a good size shark. For me it was a welcome return to nearshore fishing and for my son, a new experience. I highly recommend a trip with Capt Katie. She is keeping the spirit of Destin, the luckiest fishing village in the world, alive and well. You will not be disappointed.

    Stephen J. | September 16, 2024

    Trip: Captain’s Choice: Troll + Shark

  • ★★★★★
    We did not go with Captain Robert. We went with Captain Tim. Captain Robert called me the day before the trip to confirm the fishing trip and our plan for the day. We were to meet at the dock at 6:00. The day of the trip, Captain Robert texted me and said we would leave at 7:00 due to the weather. On the way to the dock, a got a call asking were we still going on the trip. I informed them that we were on the way and I was told to be there at 7:00. When we got to the dock, we had two Captains waiting on us. We were informed that there was a mix up and we were going with Captain Tim. We had to stop and get fuel, ice and bait. We trolled near shore and hooked up with a big fish. A dolphin took our fish. My oldest son got seasick. Water was very rough. We returned my son to shore. We started trolling again. Every time we hooked up with a decent fish, dolphins got our catch. We did catch several Bennita's. Alarm on boat started going off. We checked the motor and Captain called to attempt to trouble shoot. Both motors would not start. Finally got motor started but ran with one motor. We could not go to better bottom fishing spot due to running one motor. We came in early due to one motor and alarm going off constantly. Terrible experience! Screwed up from the start.

    Terry H. | September 3, 2024

    Trip: 4-8 hr Offshore Fishing (Federal)

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip caught a ton of fishes

    Agustin B. | September 3, 2024

    Trip: State Water Trolling/Bottom Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    All around Fantastic experience and Jason is very knowledgable and a great time. Will definitely book with Jason and time off charters again next year.

    Johnny H. | August 17, 2024

    Trip: State Water Trolling/Bottom Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    The five stars Is not for Robert he was not who took us out the five stars is for Ryan he was awesome. Ryan taught us a lot and was very friendly. Highly recommend going on a trip with Ryan.

    Chandra N. | August 9, 2024

    Trip: 4-8 hr Offshore Fishing (Federal)

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Seth was very knowledgeable of the area and took us to some great fishing spots. Everybody had an excellent time and we got to catch some fish. We will definitely return again.

    Kasey B. | August 2, 2024

    Trip: Destin Inshore Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time, great conversation and tour guide. We caught a bunch of tuna and king mackerel! We highly recommend Kent!

    Jennifer L. | August 2, 2024

    Trip: Fishing Trips with Captain Kent

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great trip. Captain and crew did amazing at explaining things and getting us on some fish. He even had great recipe ideas for the fish we took home(after he cleaned them for us!) Highly recommend.

    Glendale H. | July 31, 2024

    Trip: Fishing Trips with Captain Kent

  • ★★★★★
    Katie is by far top notch. Her deck hand Nick was awesome as well. Highly suggest going out with them. We caught a 10ft+ tiger shark. Once in a lifetime experience

    Prestyn H. | July 27, 2024

    Trip: Captain’s Choice: Troll + Shark

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

    Kolton H. | July 24, 2024

    Trip: Fishing Trips with Captain Kent

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

    Jason M. | July 19, 2024

    Trip: 10, 8, or 6 Hour - 42’ ChrisCraft

  • ★★★★★
    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. | July 14, 2024

    Trip: State Water Trolling/Bottom Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    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. | July 14, 2024

    Trip: Destin Mixed Bag Trip

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

    Josh D. | July 12, 2024

    Trip: Destin Trolling & Bottom Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    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. | July 12, 2024

    Trip: 4-8 hr Offshore Fishing (Federal)

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

    Ann M. | July 11, 2024

    Trip: Destin Gulf Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    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. | July 8, 2024

    Trip: State Water Trolling/Bottom Fishing

Other Hunting Species in Destin

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