Charter Fishing Info
Private charter
Private charters are the obvious first choice when hiring a charter
boat. There's just something to having the boat to yourselves. You
can decide when you're tired of a particular type of fishing, or
when to move away from a spot that isn't hitting.
Private charters offer bottom fishing for snapper, grouper and amberjack, inshore trolling for king mackerel, tuna and dolphin (the fish, not the mammal), and offshore trolling for sport fish like sailfish and marlin.
Of course there are downsides, the first of which is that your group isn't splitting the cost with anyone else. Prices average between $95 and $110 per hour, with a 10% surcharge per person if you bring more than 6 people.
Group charter
Sign up for a group charter at dockside. This is the best option
for groups with less than 6 people, or anglers on their own. Individuals
or small groups sign up, and when there are enough - usually 6 people
- the boat takes off.
The obvious problems with this are that if enough anglers don't sign up, the boat isn't leaving. And, you're going to be fishing with a small group of people who you don't know. Of course that's a great way to meet people while on vacation, so maybe that isn't a negative!
Again, prices range between $95 and $100.
Party boat
Party boats are the most popular of fishing charters. These large
boats hold from 20 to 40 people, and last either 5 or 12 hours.
They're an excellent way for large groups to fish together, and
for those who want a few amenities when they fish. The boats usually
have bathrooms and some form of concession, with drinks and snack
foods.
Trip run around $30 for a half-day (5 hours) and $65 for a full-day (12 hours). Party boats do bottom fishing, for snapper, amberjack, grouper, etc.
Departure times
Generally boats leave out twice a day, once in the early morning
around sun-up (6:00 A.M.) and then late morning around 11 A.M. or
12 P.M. Departure times are flexible.
*Weekends always book up far in advance and Saturday is the busiest day of the week. Many boats have an 8 to 10 hr minimum on Saturdays.
Prices
2001 Prices These prices are an average in the Destin area.
Private Charters
Group Charters
