So you're ready for the best charter fishing in Destin? We will start the trip by meeting your group at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Once everyone is accounted for and receives our safefy briefing, it's out of the dock we go! Depending on the season, bait availability, and species of targeted fish, your group may have the option to purchase live bait from our BaitBoat partner, just outside the Destin Pass . Alternatively, we will have cut bait (typically squid, boston mackerel, bonita) and limited live bait, aboard and ready. 

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We will then begin our trek offshore, trolling on our way out to our first spot. As we exit the Destin pass, our seasoned Captain will make the most prudent determination for which direction and distance we will be heading for our first stop of bottom-fishing (based on real-time wind and ocean-current data). Generally speaking, unless your group makes other specific requests, you can expect roughly 50% of your charter length to be time spent with your hooks in the water- 25% in travel time each way, and 50% fishing time. Once we approach our first stop, our expert deckhand(s) will gather your group on the rear deck for Fish-School, where we'll teach you how to use our gear, bait hooks, safety info, and more.

Then it's time to start bringing in the fish!

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Our Captain will maintain boat control, expertly holding position above our fishing reefs while you catch as many fish as you can. Your deckhands will help you with this all throughout the day, dehooking fish, answering questions, and providing any other assistance you may need. With varying fish-bite, fish-catch, fish species' seasons, and other factors, we will take you to several fishing spots, taking care to maximize your fishing time andto keep you on the fish, all without overfishing the spots. On longer trips, or if we intend to stay on a spot for a while, we will also throw out a fly-line, attracting top water sport fish like Cobia, King Mackerel, and more.

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As our fishing time approaches its end, our Captain will give you plenty of heads-up for how much fishing time is remaining. We will be announcing as we approach our last spot, 30 minutes remaining, 10 minutes remaining, and final drop- ensuring you maximize your time and dont miss a thing. Once the bottom fishing is done, it's time to head back inshore. Time permitting, we will troll our way back toward Destin, once again targeting our favorite predator species like Tuna, Mahi, King Mackerel, Wahoo, etc. Although not common, we do stumble across some marlin! 

(Or if you're whooped, get some R&R... your call!)

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Once we return to the dock, you get to show off your catch! Your crew will proudly arrange your fish on our display board. (Visit our catch gallery here). Take unlimited photos with your own cameras and phones, or our photography partner at the Fisherman's Coop will usually meet the boat to take professional photos for optional purchase. And if thats just not enough, TradeWinds has a close partnership with Gray's Taxidermy  so that you can have your catch mounted, and it can last forever! (Your crew makes it incredibly easy for you; we handle all the logistics for the mount order- measuring fish, submitting photos and order form, and collecting mount deposit. Plus you still get to keep the fish!)

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Finally, to end our fishing adventure, and as a complementary service, your deckhand(s) will fillet your fish with years' experience of surgical precision and pack the fillets in bags to take with you. (Not a typical service we offer, but ask us about shipping, if needed).

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And if you just cant wait... many restaurants on the Destin Harbor will cook YOUR fish as part of a Hook-and-Cook special.

(HarborDocks, Brotulas, and Dewey Destins are a few). 

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Please remember: our crew are masters at their craft, and they work very hard for tips, often long before the trip leaves and long after it returns.

Gratuities can be paid as part of you up-front charter balance, or any other time with Cash, Venmo, or Paypal.

(If your trip has already happened and you forgot, we totally understand! There is a button to send tips on Venmo or Paypal at the bottom of this page). 

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Customary gratuity is 20% of total trip price and 100% goes to your crew. 

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If you have ANY questions or comments, please dont hesitate to reach out. A contact form is at the bottom of this page along with our contact information, or you can reach us through any of our social media channels, also found below.

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Now, let's go fishing!!