What to expect
On nearshore guided fishing trips, we venture into the Gulf of Mexico within nine miles of land — generally within sight of the beach. These trips consist of two types of fishing: trolling and bottom fishing.
While trolling, either lures or live baits will be used targeting king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, amberjack, and bonita. We also catch what we call “bonus fish” — mahi mahi, cobia, blackfin tuna, and the occasional sailfish.
When bottom fishing, we work a mixture of natural bottom reefs and man-made structures known as wrecks, targeting red snapper, black snapper, vermillion snapper, amberjack, triggerfish, and grouper.
Sight fishing along the beautiful beaches is also available during certain times of the year. Cobia migrate our beaches in the spring, tarpon roam during the summer months, and redfish cruise the beaches in huge schools during fall and winter.
Prefer to keep your options open? Whether we fish the nearshore Gulf or duck into the calm waters of the bay is your call — and your captain is glad to make the recommendation based on where the fish have been biting and the day’s weather and water conditions.
Destin nearshore fishing offers a variety of species throughout the year:
Perfect for snapper, grouper, mackerel, and more in the Gulf of Mexico.
Rates Per Boat
Includes up to 4 passengers
Extra Passengers $50
Includes Gear + License
Why Choose Destin Inshore Guides
More than just a nearshore fishing trip — this is a Destin fishing experience built around local knowledge, top equipment, and putting you on fish.
Knows Destin and the Emerald Coast inside and out
Great for beginners and seasoned anglers
Quality rods, reels, and gear included
We go where the fish are — no wasted time
Our Cape Horn 31t is rigged for serious nearshore work. Twin 2023 300hp Yamahas, full electronics suite, and a deep-V hull built to handle the Gulf out to 9 miles. Plenty of deck space for a party of 6, with hardtop shade, bow cushions, and the rod storage to chase snapper, grouper, kingfish, and amberjack on the same trip.
Open Deck Layout
Open space for easy movement and casting.
Stable Fishing Platform
Wide hull keeps the boat steady and secure.
Guide Ready Performance
Built for daily use and consistent results.
Family-Friendly
Comfortable layout for a smooth experience.
Call Now: 850-502-9170
Have questions or ready to book your trip? Send us a message or give us a call — we’ll help you plan the perfect day on the water in Destin.
Questions about nearshore fishing in Destin
How far out you go, what is biting, and what the day costs.
How far offshore do nearshore trips go?
Generally within nine miles of the beach and usually within sight of land. The day is split between trolling and bottom fishing over natural bottom reefs and man made wrecks, so the time goes on fishing rather than running.
What do you catch nearshore in Destin?
Trolling produces king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, amberjack and bonita, with mahi mahi, cobia and blackfin tuna turning up as bonus fish. Bottom fishing over the reefs and wrecks brings red snapper, mingo and mangrove snapper, amberjack, triggerfish and grouper. Which of those you can keep depends on the season.
How much does a nearshore charter cost in Destin?
$900 for four hours, $1,125 for five hours and $1,350 for six hours, per boat rather than per person. Up to four passengers are included and each extra passenger is $50. Rods, reels, bait, ice, tackle, the group fishing licence and fish cleaning are all in the price.
Can we keep what we catch?
Anything inside the current state and federal regulations is yours to take home, and it is cleaned at the dock at no extra charge. Seasons open and close through the year, so the captain will tell you on the day what is legal to keep.
Before you book
The rest of the answers, written by the captains who run the boats.