Frequently Asked Questions

The maximum number of people allowed on our boat per US Coast Guard regulation is 6 passengers regardless of age.  

The price of the charter includes a licensed captain and a personal mate, fuel, all fishing gear and bait, private instruction, fishing license, complimentary waters, ice and free fish cleaning and bagging.  The vessel also includes a freezer, fridge and toaster oven for your use.  A gratuity for the mate is 20% of your total charter. The crew works very hard so if you are pleased and wish to give more it is truly appreciated! 

Pick up and drop off is from Okaloosa Island.  If you are staying on Okaloosa Island or the surrounding communities (Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Navarre, Crestview) you can avoid the traffic and hassle of having to drive to Destin.  Traffic congestion in the summer can mean a 45 minute drive from Okaloosa Island to Destin.  Sometimes longer!  Many places in Destin charge for parking too.  Forget the traffic.  Forget the paid parking.  

 Weather-appropriate clothing, light jacket and/or rain jacket, hat, sun protection, polarized sunglasses, buff/neck gaiter, sunscreen, appropriate footwear like sandals or light soled shoes (please do not wear black soled shoes or boots of any kind), phone and charger for pictures and video, food/snacks/drinks (Alcohol is permitted.  Cooler and fridge space provided), cooler to bring your catch home can stay in the car.  For kids, if you have a life jacket they are used to we recommend bringing that as well.  Cash or credit card for marina purchases, shirts for sale, and gratuity.    

Nearshore and Offshore fishing charters as short as 6 hours and as long as overnight or extended trips.  6 hours, 8 hours, 10 hours and 12 hours are common trips.  

We also offer  a 3 hour Dolphin Watching, Harbor Tour and Sunset Cruises in the evenings.  Between Memorial Day and Labor Day we offer a special 3-hour Dolphin Watching, Harbor Tour, Sunset Cruise and Fireworks Show trip Thursday nights to catch the Destin Fireworks Show. 

Private charters and cruises can also be arranged and 100% customized.  For example: corporate outings, bachelor/bachelorette, etc.  

Destin is one of the best fisheries in the country.  Popular bottom fish include snapper, grouper, triggerfish, porgy, cobia and amberjacks to name a few.  We also troll for pelagic species like mahi-mahi, king mackerel, spanish mackerel, tuna and wahoo.  

Depending on the posted regulations fish that are caught and can be kept/harvested are brought back to the dock and filleted and bagged on ice for you to take home.  You can cook yourself or take your catch to a number of restaurants that can cook it up for you.  Fish that cannot be kept at that time (i.e. closed season, too small , etc.) we take some pictures and safely release the fish to hopefully be caught another day.  

Absolutely! Destin Coast Charters prides itself on being family friendly and kids are always welcome! Our crew enjoys fishing with families and children and work hard to help create awesome memories for the entire family! 

Yes.  Because this is a private charter reservations need to be made in advance to coordinate your trip.  Reservations can be made online. If you have additional questions, feel free to call 865-740-7709 to discuss your trip in detail.

Our reservation policy is customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price. 

 As we say in the industry "the fish are already wet", and this is Florida so it rains on occasion throughout the year.  Rain will more than likely not affect the fishing!  In fact, the rain and cloud cover can be a welcomed break in the heat of the day. If there is rain in the forecast you may want to bring rain gear along to be on the safe side. Larger storms forecasted will be discussed with you prior to departure.  And don't worry, if we encounter heavy rain or storms while fishing all you have to do is step inside the temperature controlled cabin and kick back and relax until it passes!

Yes!  The benefit of being a sportfish vessel with a cabin is there is a separate restroom on board with a standard flush toilet and a hot and cold fresh water sink.  

Air conditioned and heated cabin, couch, bench seating, fridge, coolers for fish, separate cooler for drinks and food, deep freezer, toaster oven, hot and cold fresh water sink.  

No.  You will have a private charter for you and your guests only.  

We pick you up and drop you off at Adventure Marina (1201 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548).  Adventure Marina is located at the base of Brooks Bridge on Okaloosa Island under the water tower.  Park your car in the spaces along the water and come meet the crew to receive your parking pass and any additional instructions.  

No.  We will give you a free parking pass for the day.

Reel Blessed is 35 feet long and about 36,000 lbs.  That means she is a very robust and stable fishing platform in most sea conditions.  If you are prone to sea sickness it is recommended you take appropriate sea sickness prevention measures per the prescribed directions.

We may discuss the exact start time of the charter on the phone depending on the charter. But please try to arrive 30 minutes early. It will take a few minutes to get you loaded up. Arriving early will help us start on time. 

Large coolers - we provide some on the boat, and leave one in your car for fish fillets.  Dark soled shoes - dark shoes can mark up the white boat.  Try to wear shoes that have slip resistant tread.  Chairs - we have ample seating on the boat.  Illegal drugs of any kinds.  Alcohol is permitted, but try and limit glass where possible.  

Absolutely!  100% legal and compliant with all US Coast Guard, NOAA Fisheries, local government and insurance industry requirements.