Private Near-Shore Gulf Fishing
Nearshore Fishing Charters in Destin, Florida
Are you looking for the excitement of fishing in the Gulf, off of the coast of Destin, Florida without spending most of your trip traveling far offshore? Our private nearshore fishing charters gives your group the opportunity to bottom fish or troll within sight of the coastline.
With your Destin Inshore Charters fishing trip, we’ll travel into the Gulf waters just outside Destin Pass, fishing two to seven miles off the beach. Depending on the season, current regulations and conditions on the water, your trip may target Red Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Triggerfish, Vermilion Snapper and other species found along the Emerald Coast.
We require a 5 hour minimum for gulf fishing.
Nearshore Trip at a Glance
- Private charter for your group
- Six-hour minimum for Gulf fishing
- Typically two to seven miles from the beach
- Bottom fishing and trolling opportunities
- Land remains visible throughout the trip
- Licenses, bait, tackle, fuel, ice and fish cleaning included
What Is Nearshore Fishing in Destin?
Not too far but not inshore fishing, our Near-shore Gulf fishing trips are a great way to experience bottom fishing and trolling without having to travel far from shore.
After traveling through the Destin Pass, Captian Dan will navigate to the hottest fishing spots, giving you the opporunity to reel in the big fish. These trips are not quite considered “deep-sea fishing” but they allow for you to catch species such as Red Snapper, King Mackerels, Spanish Mackerels, Black Snappers, White Snappers, Triggerfish, and Vermillion Snappers.
That makes a nearshore charter a strong option for vacationing families, first-time Gulf anglers and experienced fishermen who want more time with lines in the water. You still get the open-water experience, while the shoreline remains in sight.
What Can You Catch on a Nearshore Charter?
The species available on a nearshore trip change throughout the year. Water temperature, bait movement, weather, seasonal migrations and state or federal regulations all influence what your captain can target and what may be kept.
One of the Gulf Coast’s best-known species, Red Snapper are powerful fish commonly associated with bottom structure. Harvest seasons and rules vary, so availability depends on the date of your trip. Rest assured, Captain Dan will follow all Florida Fish & Widllife laws during your trip, including measurements and fish species.
Fast-moving Spanish and King Mackerel can create exciting trolling action when baitfish and water conditions bring them into the area.
Depending on the season and location, nearshore bottom fishing may produce Triggerfish, Vermilion Snapper, Black Snapper, White Snapper and other Gulf species.
While Destin Inshore Charter’s cannot guarantee a particular catch, we can guarantee a great fishing trip and experience, building memories with your friends and family. Captain Dan plans each trip around the most recent activity, current regulations and the conditions your group will encounter that day.
Bottom Fishing or Trolling
Each fishing trip is custom for your experience! Our trips will depend on the species being targeted and where fish are active. Bottom fishing sends bait toward reefs or other structure where snapper, Triggerfish and similar species may be feeding. Trolling keeps baits or lures moving through the water and can be productive for Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel and other roaming fish.
Captain Dan will choose the approach that fits the season and the latest conditions. Your group can focus on fishing while the boat, tackle, bait and trip plan are handled for you.
Is a Nearshore Trip Right for Your Group?
If you’re looking for a Gulf fishing experience, without being miles offshore, our near-shore fishing trips are a great fit for you! All anglers are welcome, from beginner to experienced, and our private charters allow your trip to feel more personal than joining a large shared boat.
Nearshore water can have more movement than the protected bay, so anyone concerned about seasickness should plan ahead. These trips are also weather-dependent. Captain Dan will make the final call when wind, waves or other conditions could affect the safety or comfort of the trip.
If calmer water is the priority, compare this trip with our Destin inshore fishing charters in Choctawhatchee Bay.
What Is Included?
Destin Inshore Charters provides the essential fishing equipment and trip necessities, including:
- Fishing licenses for your party
- Rods, reels and tackle
- Live bait or appropriate bait for the trip
- Fuel and ice
- Fish cleaning for legal fish you choose to keep
Guests should bring drinks, snacks, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses and weather-appropriate clothing. Food, drinks and gratuity for the crew are not included in the charter rate.
Current Nearshore Trip Details
Trip length: Six-hour minimum
Current rate: $1,200* for one to four passengers
Additional passengers: $150 each for passengers five and six
*Rates and departure times may change. Charter View Current Rates
Nearshore Fishing Charter FAQs
Is nearshore fishing the same as deep-sea fishing?
No, nearshore fishing takes place in Gulf waters outside Destin Pass, but the boat stays closer to the shoreline than a traditional offshore or deep-sea trip. You can still experience bottom fishing and trolling while remaining within sight of land.
How far offshore do nearshore charters go?
Nearshore trips generally fish about two to seven miles from the shore. The exact fishing area will depend on the weather, water conditions and where the target species have been active.
Can beginners book a nearshore trip?
Yes! All anglers are welcome! Captain Dan works with anglers of different ages and experience levels, and the necessary rods, reels, tackle, bait and licenses are provided.
Can we keep the fish we catch?
Legal fish caught within current regulations may be kept, cleaned and bagged at the dock. Catch-and-release is also an option. What may be harvested depends on the species, season, size and current regulations.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Nearshore trips are weather-dependent. Captain Dan will make the final decision based on current conditions. If weather prevents the trip from safely taking place, we will work with you according to the current weather and cancellation policies.
How long is a Destin nearshore charter?
Destin Inshore Charters currently requires a five-hour minimum for Gulf fishing. Charter View Current Rates for the latest departure times, pricing and availability.
Let’s Go Near-Shore Fishing!
Destin Inshore Charters departs from 1318 Miracle Strip Parkway SE in Fort Walton Beach, behind Rick’s on Okaloosa Island. The dock is approximately three miles west of the Destin Bridge, making it convenient for guests staying in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Navarre Beach, Miramar Beach, Sandestin, 30A and nearby Emerald Coast communities.
Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled departure so you have time to park, gather your cooler and walk down to the boat, without feeling rushed for your trip departure time.
Spend less time traveling far offshore and more of your day experiencing Gulf fishing close to Destin.