Fish in Season Now, Destin FL

As water temperature rises and bait schools multiply, the Spring fish bite is on in the Gulf. Fish that are in season now during March and April will be:

  • Triggerfish
  • Vermilion Snappers (Mingo)
  • White Snappers
  • Scamp Groupers
  • King Mackerels
  • Spanish Mackerels
  • Banded Rudder-fish (Amberines)
  • Swordfish

The length of trip you book and distance offshore you fish will determine what species will be targeted in that time frame. Call us today to book your fishing charter in Destin FL on board the carter boat Backlash!

Category: Offshore Fishing

Discover the Ultimate Fishing Experience in Destin with Destin Offshore Charters

Destin is famous for its deep-sea fishing opportunities. With our state-of-the-art boat, the Backlash, you’ll be able to venture out into the Gulf of Mexico and explore the waters where the big game fish swim. Our experienced crew will guide you to the best fishing spots, giving you the chance to reel in the catch of a lifetime.

We believe that having the right gear is key to a successful fishing trip. That’s why we provide all of the gear and tackle you’ll need, from rods and reels to baits and lures. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, you’ll have everything you need to make your trip a success.

Our fishing trips are designed to be a unique and personal experience. We work closely with each group to understand their specific needs and preferences, ensuring that every trip is tailored to meet your individual goals. Whether you’re looking to catch a specific species or just want to relax and enjoy the scenery, we’ve got you covered.

Destin is known for its breathtaking scenery, and a fishing trip with us is the perfect way to take it all in. As you explore the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll be surrounded by stunning views of the emerald green waters and sugar-white beaches. Whether you’re fishing or just soaking in the scenery, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

At Destin Offshore Charters, we’re passionate about fishing and sharing that passion with others. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, we guarantee that you’ll have an unforgettable fishing experience with us. So if you’re ready to discover the ultimate fishing experience in Destin, book your trip with us today!

Category: Offshore Fishing

Wrapping Up October 2020

Destin’s 72nd Annual Fishing Rodeo, Triggerfish, and Amberjack season are coming to an end as we wrap up the last week of October.

The 2020 Gray Triggerfish season will close on October 26th.

The 2020 Greater Amberjack season will close October 31st.

Triggerfish and Amberjacks are both delicious to eat and fun to catch! Both species represent the experience of Deep-Sea Fishing in Destin, FL perfectly. Triggerfish and Amberjacks are hard fighting fish. This duo makes deep sea fishing in Destin fun for the whole family!

We had a record hurricane season this year which made for an interesting September and October to say the least. Most of our trips were spent dealing with the big seas that Mother Nature pushed in. We are thankful for the trips we were able to make and the fish we were able to harvest.

On November 2nd, The Backlash is set to be hauled out and undergo a face lift. We will be working with the Coast Guard in order to officially be certified to carry more than 6 passengers. We will resume normal operations starting the first of the year once we are finished at dry dock and the certification is completed.

Anyone who has fished with is during the 2020 season who would like to reserve the same date for the 2021 season is welcome to book now. All other bookings will be on a first come, first serve basis starting January 1st, 2021.

Looking forward to seeing y’all on the water and a huge THANK YOU to all the customers who fished with us this season

Category: Offshore Fishing

Greater Amberjack Season 2020 Announced

Destin Amberjack SeasonOffshore charter fishingOffshore Fishing Charter

The 2020 Greater Amberjack season for Gulf state and federal waters will open May 1st-31st and August 1st – October 31st, 2020. The daily bag limit is 1 per person, per day and must be a minimum of 34” to the fork.

Amberjacks are a pound for pound hard fighting fish. They are often to referred to as “Reef Donkeys” because of their fighting strength. They prefer live bait and can be found schooling around nearshore and offshore structures in the Gulf such as reefs, wrecks and pieces of steal. Amberjacks can grow upwards of 60 inches in length and up to 176lbs. The most common found are 40 inches and 40lbs and under. The Florida state record is 142lbs and was caught near Islamorada. Amberjacks are a firm fish and can be cooked a variety of ways. One fish can yield quite a bit of meat and set a feast for lots of mouths. Here is one of our favorite ways to prepare Amberjack.

Microwave Fish Tacos

(YES, you read that correctly!)

You will need:

Soft butter, Margarine (Country Crock is what I use)

Cavenders Greek Seasoning

Slap Yo Mama Seasoning

Shredded Lettuce

Diced Tomatoes

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Soft Tortillas

Your favorite salsa

Microwave

1) Prep your fish. Cut out any bloodline and cut into 3-4-inch-wide strips. You don’t want the filet to over hang your plate.

2) Place strips on plate and cover with butter completely.

3) Top with seasoning of your choice. We do a variety of each. The Slap Yo Mama will be spicier then the Cavenders.

4) Cook on high for 3 ½ minutes or until you can put a fork and twist with them flaking apart.

5) Prep your tortillas with lettuce, tomatoes and salsa. Then add one filet and top with shredded cheese. Enjoy!


Trigger Fish Season 2020 Announced

destin offshore fishing charter

offshore fishing charter

The 2020 Gray Triggerfish season for state and federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico will open March 1st, 2020 and go until May 1st, 2020. The season will close for May, June, and July but then reopen August 1st 2020 and go through December 31st, 2020. (If the max quota for the Gulf is reached, earlier season closures are possible.)

The daily bag limit for Triggerfish in state and federal waters is 1 per person, per day. The minimum size to harvest is 15” to the fork. Triggerfish are usually found on hard- bottoms, reefs, and ledges in water that usually exceeds 80ft deep. Because of their habitat they are usually are caught alongside the famous Red Snapper. Triggerfish typically prefer cut bait such as squid. Since they have very hard, bony mouths it is important to use smaller hooks when fishing for them to increase your hook up ratio. Triggerfish are one of the most delicious fish to eat in the Gulf and are a firm, white flakey filet that you can cook a variety of ways. See the recipe below for one of our favorite ways to cook up a Blackened Triggerfish Sandwich.

FUN FACT: The Florida state record triggerfish is 12lbs, 7oz and was caught off the coast of Pensacola in July 2001.

 

Blackened Triggerfish Sandwich & Homemade Slaw

 

You will need:

1 bottle Chef Paul’s Magic Seafood Seasoning

Cast Iron Skillet

2 Sticks of butter, melted

Kaiser or Hawaiian King Buns

Louisiana Tartar Sauce

Triggerfish Filets

6 cups shredded cabbage/carrot mix

½ cup Mayo

1 tsp white vinegar

1/3 cup miracle whip

¼ cup sugar

1 lemon, squeezed and seeded

 

1) Prep your fish. Cut out any bloodlines and trim up filet to fit a sandwich. Triggerfish usually yield one sandwich per filet.

2) Get your skillet hot. (350-400 degrees)

3) In a large bowl combine mayo, miracle whip, sugar, cabbage mix, vinegar, and lemon juice. Mix until all combined. Set slaw aside.

4) Once skillet is hot, dip one filet into melted butter and then top the upward side completely with chef Paul’s seasoning. Place seasoned side down in skillet and then coat top side in skillet with seasoning as well. Repeat process for all filets. They will need to cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.

5) Toast your buns and add a little tartar sauce on them.

6) Top buns with slaw and a blackened filet. Serve immediately.

 


Cobia Fishing 2019

Its that time of year! Destin Offshore Charters specializes in Cobia fishing and the best bay fishing in Destin, Florida.

Cobia can be found in a variety of habitats including coral reefs, rocky shores, and inshore around pilings. They are found in clean, offshore waters around drifting and stationary objects. Along the Gulf Coast, Cobia tend to inhabit the Panhandle area in late February, early March. They then travel southward along the coast beginning in April and peaking all along the Gulf Coast in July and August.

Cobia feed on fish, crabs and squid and can be caught by bottom fishing and trolling. They can be spotted as they travel in shallow water, markers, around pilings, buoys and anchored boats. They will also accompany other large fish and rays. You want to cast ahead of the fish, bring the lure across its path and work the lure with plenty of action. Cobia are tough fish to fight, so use caution getting them into the boat.

The Destin Cobia Tournament began March 1st and ends April 30th at 8pm. Contact Destin Offshore Charters for more details on Cobia fishing along the Gulf Coast.

Category: Offshore Fishing

Offshore Trolling in Destin

With the water pushed in really close this year, we are now able to offer some truly extraordinary offshore trolling at Destin Offshore Fishing Charters! Offshore trolling is a method of fishing where you draw one or more fishing lines through the water, instead of actively keeping it still in one position. This is normally done off of a moving boat or, if fishing from a bay, by slowly winding in your line. This gives the illusion that the tackle or bait fish is moving.

Offshore trolling can be considered one of the most effective ways to locate and catch fish. It allows you to cover a lot of water faster and can also allow you to catch fish at depths where most are not comfortable or experienced enough to with regular fishing. This method is also used to precisely control depth and speed, for those picky fish that need dinner and a show before they take the bait!

Our staff is always here to answer questions and help you, step by step, with any fishing, trolling, fish, or water-related questions you might have! We’re passionate about what we do here and always love to talk to and educate others about the sport we love to do most!

So come on out and consider Destin Offshore Fishing Charters a destination with the family and join us on either our daytime or nighttime trips, where you can put what you’ve learned about offshore trolling to use! See you on the water soon!

Category: Offshore Fishing

Amberjacks Season 2018

The 2018 Amberjack Season will open May 1st, 2018 and will go until May 31st. They will have a brief closure during June and July and then reopen August 1st. Amberjacks are a pound for pound, hard fighting fish. They range in size and grade depending on how far offshore you are fishing. Captain Chris Kirby on the Backlash requires an eight-hour minimum trip for Amberjack fishing. We use all live bait and it isn’t uncommon to have multiple fish hooked up at once. Amberjacks are required to be 34 inches in length to harvest. Most of the Amberjacks you will catch while offshore fishing with the Backlash will range from 40 to 50lbs.

Category: Offshore Fishing

Destin Offshore Fishing

The Charter Boat Backlash is one of the finest sought after offshore charter fishing boats in Destin, Florida. With Captain Chris Kirby, you are sure to experience charter boat fishing on a level unlike any other. The Backlash specializes in near-shore trips ranging from 4 to 6 hours that are perfect for kids and families.

The Backlash also offers offshore fishing trips ranging from 8 to 16 hours for the hardcore deep-sea fishing trip. If you really are looking for the ultimate trip ask about our overnight bottom fishing or Tuna and Sword fishing trips!

You can experience targeting a wide verity of fish species while charter boat fishing with us in the Gulf of Mexico, depending on the length of excursion. Our more common and well known species are Red Snappers, Groupers, Amberjack, King mackerel, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Blue marlin, and Swordfish just to name a few.

Deep Sea fishing is fun for all ages and a must-do when you come down to Destin, Florida. No matter if it is just you and your family or if you have a company vacation you are putting together with a large group of employees you need to entertain, we can accommodate multi boat trips for large numbers.

We are assured once you come offshore fishing with us aboard the Charter fishing Boat Backlash you will fish with us every time you decide to go Deep-sea fishing in Destin, Florida. We will handle everything from start to finish so you can just relax and have the time of your life.

They don’t call Destin, Florida the luckiest fishing village in the world for nothing!
Book your trip now to be sure you won’t be left at the dock!!

Category: Offshore Fishing

Drydock Season!

Every year around the last day of January we know playtime is over. Although we still fish some throughout the winter, a majority of our off time is spent hunting around the country. When February 1st rolls in, it’s time to get down and dirty. These first two weeks are spent grinding, sanding, waxing, painting, etc. Fixing anything and everything the boats need to have fixed before the upcoming season. This is our official gear up and get ready for the craziness!

If you have never seen The Fisherman’s Boat Yard in Freeport, FL it is worth the visit. In early February the Boat Yard is quite the site to see. All size boats from 40 footers all the way up to 70 footers are pulled out of the water and placed very carefully on dry land. There are some behemoths here! Makes a six foot man look like an ant when standing side by side with one of these boats.

Two weeks of preventative maintenance and The Backlash is ready to be back in her slip picking up the next group of anglers! HERE WE COME 2017!

backlash during drydock season
drydock for the backlash
Category: Offshore Fishing
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