There’s definitely no shortage of fishing along the Emerald Coast- and besides, a trip to the “Luckiest Fishing Village in the World” wouldn’t be complete without fishing, right?!  Whether you’re staying in Destin or along 30A, there are some great local fishing charters to choose from, regardless of your experience. We decided to pull together a list of a few of our personal favorites as well as some that come highly recommended from our local friends.  Check them out below and let us know which one you end up choosing for your next adventure!  

Last Cast Charters – Based in Destin near the Mid-Bay bridge, Last Cast Charters offers some great bay fishing charters.  They specialize in light tackle fishing for redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and other species native to Choctawhatchee Bay. With 2 to 6-hour trips accommodating up to 6 people per charter, Last Cast Charters is a great option.  To book a trip, you can give Captain Blake a call at 850.499.3811.

Fishy Booty Charters – In 1995, Captain Mark moved to the Destin area and became one of the top diving instructors in the world.  He transitioned to fishing charters after retiring from teaching scuba and will now take you and a few friends out of Grayton Beach for a morning or afternoon adventure! You can make a reservation at 850.586.0807.

Kayak Fishing Destin – Want something other than a traditional fishing charter?  Kayak Fishing Destin is a guide service with paddle or pedal-driven kayaks, complete with an anchor trolley system.  You can fish in the bay or gulf with them, and they’ve got you covered with custom rods and reels for the trip along with artificial tackle, bait, and more. Give them a call at 850.797.9632 to reserve your fishing kayak!

Reel30A – Prefer to stay on the shore? Reel30A offers surf fishing charters on the beach that last around 3 hours.  Perfect for the occasional fishermen who may not want to take a boat out but still wants the experience of fishing locally with a guide.  You can reserve your times by calling 850.687.6063.

Lions Tale Adventures- Destin Fishing Charters – Veteran owned and operated, Lions Tale Adventures offers inshore and offshore charters and can get you to the best spots for redfish, amberjacks, snappers, sharks, pompano, and more depending on the season!  You can reach them at 850.585.4747.

Flat Attack Charters – Operating out of Niceville and Destin, Captain Jeremiah with Flat Attack Charters knows the best places and will get you there with all the best gear.  When he’s not out fishing, he’s teaching marine and environmental science to local youth.

850 Charters – With deep-sea or nearshore options, 850 Charters will take you to some of the best fishing hotspots around.  Capt. Matt is a Destin-born native and has fished the area for over 30 years. Choose from 4 hours to full-day trips and book by calling 850.368.2479.

Charter Boat Stelluna – A great family-friendly option, Charter Boat Stelluna is well-known for creating memorable experiences on the water.  Enjoy the views as you leave Destin Harbor and head out on your deep sea fishing excursion! You can reach them at 850-420-7347.

Destin Inshore Guides – With 3 boats in their fleet and specializing in kids fishing, Destin Inshore Guides is another great option for family fun!  They offer 2-3 hour kids trips, inshore gulf and bay fishing with light tackle. You can, of course, opt for a full day on the water if you’re up for it!  They can be reached 850.502.9170.

Florida Boy Adventures – Staying closer to Santa Rosa Beach and South Walton?  Florida Boy Adventures offers 4-hour bay trips that are inshore and family-friendly right from Point Washington, Hogtown Bayou, or the 331 bridge. Captain Hunter was born and raised in Santa Rosa Beach and has fished locally for over 20 years.  He’ll lead you to some of the best redfish, trout, black drum, sheepshead, and flounder spots in the area! You can contact him at 850.499.4473.

Point Washington Charter Fishing – Captain Clayton Morgan specializes in inshore light tackle fishing and operates out of the Point Washington area.  A born and raised South Walton local, he will gladly take you to the best spots in the Choctawhatchee Bay if you give him a call to book at 850.699.2828.

One Shot Fishing Charters – While they offer a variety of nearshore options, One Shot Fishing Charters is known for some more adventurous all-day offshore trips including daytime swordfishing.  Bottom fish for grouper, amberjacks, red snapper, and other reef fish, or even troll for wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna, or marlin! Give them a call at 850.585.9436.

100 Proof Fishing Charter – Have a larger family or group you want to adventure with?  100 Proof may be the boat for you as it’s one of the largest in the Destin Harbor at 52 feet.  They can accommodate up to 22 people for anything from partial day trips to overnight excursions. You can find them at 850.259.7343.

King of Kings Charters – Based out of the East Pass Marina in Destin, King of Kings Charters offers year-round saltwater fishing charters from 4 to 10 hours long depending on your preference.  With several first and second place tournament awards over the years, your sure to enjoy the experience and be led to some of the best fishing spots around!  You can book your next trip at 850.797.4193.

Backdown 2 – Towards the end of the regular fishing season, the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo runs through the month of October.  Captain Blackburn has set several records in the tournament over the past three decades, and you can give them a call to find out how to participate! They also offer 4-hour trips to multi-day adventures and can accommodate up to 11 passengers throughout the fishing season.  You can reach them at 850.837.9551.

Have you recently gone on a fishing charter that you loved?  We’d love it if you share it with us! Leave a comment to let us know!