Nearshore Trolling & Bottom Fishing Species

 Atlantic sailfish are highly migratory, fast-swimming pelagic fish found in the Gulf with peak activity in our NW Florida waters during spring and summer months. They are prized for their acrobatic fights, reaching speeds up to 60+ mph.

 On of the tastiest of all the pelagic species, you can absolutely catch wahoo in the Gulf off of NW Florida with our peak seasons typically in the spring (April–May) and fall/winter (October–end of year). They are found around our artificial reefs, weed lines, and deep-water drop-offs (100+ feet).

The fish so nice they named it twice!

Commonly referred to as "dolphinfish" around here, they live in the open waters of the Gulf and are typically near the surface, rather than on the sea floor. They are fast-growing, highly migratory, and often found around floating objects like seaweed or debris.

The Blackfin Tuna is the most abundant tuna species in the Gulf, accounting for over 80% of tuna larvae collected in the region. While smaller than its cousin, the yellowfin tuna, it is a vital part of the Gulf's ecosystem and a popular target for recreational anglers due to its accessibility closer to shore.

 Here in the Panhandle), the 

King Mackerel or "Kingfish"—is a premier coastal pelagic game fish. It is celebrated for its blistering initial runs, often referred to as "smoking" a reel, and its impressive aerial leaps during the hunt.

For most anglers in our waters, the 

American Red Snapper is the "king of the reef" and it's a cornerstone of the region's offshore fishing economy. Destin, often called the "World’s Luckiest Fishing Village," holds the Florida state record for the species weighing in at 46 lbs 8 oz.  

The Greater Amberjack is legendary in these waters for its raw power, earning the nickname "Reef Donkey" due to its stubborn, vertical fights. Short seasons mean that we are often releasing these beast but they're still a ton of fun on the reel. 

The Gag Grouper is the heavyweight brawler of the limestone ledges. Destin waters are legendary for these fish, which are prized for their white, flaky fillets and their habit of "rocking" anglers in the reef.  

 The scamp grouper is widely considered the finest-tasting of all the groupers. While smaller than the gag or red grouper, it is a "connoisseur’s fish" highly sought after by local charter captains and serious bottom-fishers.

In recent years, the red grouper is the most common grouper species found on the offshore "flat" bottom. While they lack the explosive size of a gag, they are prized for their consistent bite and excellent table quality. 

 The Gray Triggerfish are the master bait-thieves of the Emerald Coast. Known for their oval shape, trigger-action dorsals,  and their tough, sand-paper skin, they are as delicious as they are frustrating to catch.  

Vermillion Snapper, almost universally called "Mingo" by Panhandle locals, is the "bread and butter" of the Destin offshore fleet. While smaller than the red snapper, Mingos are arguably the most reliable and delicious targets for local charter boats.