Get ready to wet a line and make some memories on the emerald waters of Destin, Florida. Our private charter trips are the perfect way to experience the thrill of Gulf fishing, whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod. With flexible trip lengths and a variety of species to target, you're in for a day of non-stop action and unforgettable catches.
Our trips kick off bright and early at 5:30 AM, giving us the best shot at filling the cooler. We'll start by snagging some live bait – nothing beats the real deal for enticing those trophy fish. Once we're loaded up, it's time to hit the reefs. We'll drop lines and work the bottom, targeting a mix of tasty reef dwellers. If you opt for the 6-hour trip (a crowd favorite), we'll have time to switch it up and troll the open water for hard-fighting pelagics like mahi and king mackerel. For those who just can't get enough, our 8-hour option opens up even more possibilities, including the chance to tangle with bruisers like amberjack and the legendary tarpon.
We use a mix of fishing methods to keep things interesting and productive. Bottom fishing is our bread and butter for reef species – we'll show you how to feel for that telltale bite and set the hook just right. When we're after the speedsters in open water, we'll switch to trolling, dragging baits or lures behind the boat to trigger those aggressive strikes. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques; Captain Trevor is a pro at coaching anglers of all skill levels. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to terminal tackle, so you can focus on the fun part – reeling 'em in!
"Captain Trevor Carr and Good Thing Fishing Charter made our trip unforgettable! Trevor's expertise and enthusiasm ensured we had an amazing day on the water. We caught plenty of fish and had a fantastic time. Highly recommend!" - John
"Had a great time with Captain Trevor on Good Thing Fishing Charter. He knew all the best spots and made sure we had a wonderful experience. The boat was clean and well-equipped. Can't wait to go again!" - Sarah
"Captain Trevor Carr and Good Thing Fishing Charter exceeded our expectations! His knowledge of the area and friendly demeanor made our fishing trip both fun and productive. We caught more fish than we imagined. A must-do in Destin!" - Michael
Tarpon: Known as the "Silver King," hooking into one of these acrobatic giants is the stuff of angling legend. These prehistoric powerhouses can top 100 pounds and put on an aerial show that'll have your heart racing. Late spring through summer is prime time for tarpon in Destin, and battling one is an experience you won't soon forget.
King Mackerel: These toothy torpedoes are built for speed and strike with incredible force. We target kings by trolling with live bait or flashy lures. The fight is fast and furious, often punctuated by blistering runs that'll make your reel sing. Kings are a year-round possibility here, but they really heat up in the warmer months.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, mahi are prized for both their delicious flavor and their stunning colors. These acrobatic fish often travel in schools, so when we find them, get ready for some fast-paced action. Mahi fishing peaks in the summer months, and they're a blast to catch on light tackle.
Greater Amberjack: Aptly nicknamed "reef donkeys," these bruisers are the heavyweight champs of the Gulf. Pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish you'll ever tangle with. We target AJs around deep-water structures, and when one hits, be prepared for a knock-down, drag-out fight that'll test your stamina. The spring and fall are prime time for amberjack.
Crevalle Jack: These bulldogs of the sea might not be prized for the table, but what they lack in culinary appeal, they more than make up for in fighting spirit. Jacks often hunt in schools, crashing bait on the surface and providing exciting topwater action. They're around year-round but are especially active in the warmer months.
Whether you're dreaming of battling a tarpon at sunrise or filling the cooler with tasty mahi, our Destin fishing charters deliver the goods. With Captain Trevor's local know-how and our well-equipped boat, you're set for a day of rod-bending action and plenty of fish tales to take home. Don't let this chance to experience some of Florida's best fishing slip away – spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Grab your spot on the Good Thing and let's make some angling memories you'll be bragging about for years to come. Book your charter today and get ready to feel that tug!
September 15, 2023
Had a great time with Captain Trevor on Good Thing Fishing Charter. He knew all the best spots and made sure we had a wonderful experience. The boat was clean and well-equipped. Can't wait to go again!
July 15, 2023
Captain Trevor Carr and Good Thing Fishing Charter exceeded our expectations! His knowledge of the area and friendly demeanor made our fishing trip both fun and productive. We caught more fish than we imagined. A must-do in Destin!
August 18, 2023
Our experience with Good Thing Fishing Charter and Captain Trevor Carr was phenomenal! Trevor's passion for fishing and dedication to customer satisfaction made our trip perfect. We can't wait to book our next adventure!
August 18, 2023
Captain Trevor was an excellent guide. He was professional, friendly, and knew exactly where to find the fish. The trip with Good Thing Fishing Charter was well-organized and enjoyable. Highly recommend!
August 18, 2023
What an incredible fishing adventure with Good Thing Fishing Charter! Captain Trevor Carr's expertise and enthusiasm made our trip unforgettable. We caught some impressive fish and had an amazing time. Highly recommend!
August 18, 2023
Good Thing Fishing Charter and Captain Trevor Carr provided an outstanding fishing experience! We had a great time on the water and caught plenty of fish. The boat was comfortable and well-maintained. Can't wait for our next trip!
July 15, 2023
Had a fantastic time fishing with Captain Trevor on Good Thing Fishing Charter. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the trip enjoyable for everyone. The boat was well-maintained and we had a successful day of fishing.
September 15, 2023
Our family had a wonderful experience with Good Thing Fishing Charter and Captain Trevor Carr. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made the trip exciting for everyone, including the kids. We caught some great fish and made lasting memories.
June 15, 2023
A fantastic fishing trip with Good Thing Fishing Charter and Captain Trevor Carr! His professionalism and dedication to customer satisfaction made for a memorable experience. We caught plenty of fish and had a blast. Will definitely be returning!
May 25, 2023
Crevalle jacks are the bullies of the flats. These aggressive fish average 3-5 pounds but can reach over 60. You'll find them in shallow bays, inlets, and around structure in both inshore and nearshore waters. They're here year-round but most active in warmer months. Jacks hunt in schools, so watch for birds diving or bait getting busted on the surface. These fish are pure muscle and put up an epic fight on light tackle. They're not great eating, but the sporting challenge makes up for it. Try fast-retrieving topwater lures or jigs through feeding schools. My tip: when you see jacks busting bait, cast beyond the school and reel quickly through it - they can't resist chasing down a fleeing lure.
Greater amberjack are bruisers that'll test your strength. These powerful fish average 30-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around deep reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in 60-240 feet of water. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move to shallower waters. AJs are known for their hard-hitting strikes and bulldogging fights. Be ready to crank hard to keep them from diving back to structure. The meat is good eating, but watch out for ciguatera in larger fish. Live bait like blue runners works great, but big jigs will get bites too. My tip: when an AJ hits, reel fast and never stop - give them an inch and they'll take a mile back to their reef.
King mackerel are one of our most popular offshore targets. These speedy predators average 20-40 pounds but can top 90. Look for them in depths of 40-150 feet, often near structure or bait schools. Kings are migratory, so spring and fall are peak seasons as they move through. Trolling with live bait or lures is the go-to technique - these fish love to chase. Be ready for screaming runs when they hit. Kings put up an awesome fight and make for good eating too. Just watch those razor-sharp teeth when you land one! For best results, try slow-trolling a live blue runner or cigar minnow. Keep it near the surface and hang on tight when a king slams it.
Mahi mahi are a blast to catch and even better to eat. These colorful fish average 15-30 pounds but can reach over 80. You'll find them offshore around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. Spring through fall is prime mahi season here. They're aggressive feeders and will hit just about any bait or lure. The real fun starts when you hook one - mahi are famous for their acrobatic jumps and long runs. Once you get them boat-side, their electric blue and gold colors are a sight to see. The meat is delicious too, with a mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when you catch one mahi, keep it in the water. The rest of the school will often stick around, letting you catch several more.
Tarpon are the ultimate bucket list fish for many anglers. These silver kings can grow up to 8 feet long and 280 pounds, though most are in the 4-foot, 80-100 pound range. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters and estuaries around here, especially in deeper channels and moats. Tarpon are famous for their spectacular aerial acrobatics when hooked - they can leap 10 feet out of the water! Spring through summer is prime tarpon season as they migrate through. Anglers love the thrill of battling these powerful fish on light tackle. Live bait like mullet or crabs works well. My tip: when a tarpon jumps, lower your rod tip to keep tension off the line. It's all catch-and-release for these protected gamefish, but the memories last a lifetime.
Captain Trevor Carr and Good Thing Fishing Charter made our trip unforgettable! Trevor's expertise and enthusiasm ensured we had an amazing day on the water. We caught plenty of fish and had a fantastic time. Highly recommend!