Charter Boat Fishing Trips - Which One is Right for Your Family?
It can be difficult to figure out which charter boat fishing trip is right for your family if you’ve never done it before, especially if you’re new to the area or are visiting from another part of the country or world. Luckily, plenty of companies offer charter boat fishing trips in Destin and other parts of the area, so whether you want a day-long excursion or just an afternoon to try something new with your children, you’ll have plenty of options available to choose from. This guide will give you all the information you need to choose the best charter boat trip for your family.
Why Choose a Fishing Charter?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a charter boat fishing trip. Is your family new to fishing or do they have experience? How many of you will be on board, and what’s your crew’s age range? Will you need supplies (like bait, tackle, and ice) or will it be provided on board? What type of fish are you hoping to catch, and where do you want to go fishing – whether that’s offshore or coastal waters depends largely on what type of fish you hope to catch. A knowledgeable local guide should be able to give you insight into local conditions based on recent weather patterns and tell you where his favorite fishing spots are located.
Trolling + Bottom Fishing
When you want to fish deep, look no further than trolling and bottom fishing. Trolling means dragging your boat through deep waters with lures designed to catch larger fish that live deeper in lakes and oceans. This type of fishing is popular with experienced fishermen who usually target larger game fish, such as marlin, tuna or king mackerel. Bottom fishing involves dropping hooks and lines straight down from a boat directly into water where fish tend to live at a specific depth. This strategy usually works well for saltwater fishermen targeting snapper, grouper, and flounder or freshwater anglers after largemouth bass.
Half-Day, Full Day + Overnight Fishing Trips
If you are on a tight schedule and would like to have just one trip out on a charter boat, go with a half-day trip. This will take up your entire day, but it’s nice when you know you don’t have time to plan anything else. The best benefit of these trips is that they give you an all-inclusive trip—meaning there are no additional costs once you arrive at the pier. Half-day trips usually last 3–4 hours. Full-day fishing excursions typically last 6–7 hours and often include lunch and snacks, as well as snacks throughout the day. A great way to relax with your family while also spending quality time with them—though make sure everyone knows how important it is to fish!
What to Expect When Booking
Charter boat trips, like other vacation activities and attractions, differ in price points. A less expensive fishing trip will mean a smaller boat with fewer amenities, while more expensive trips may have larger boats with multiple bedrooms. The best option for your family depends on what you want to get out of your charter. Whether it’s a romantic weekend getaway or an action-packed family adventure, there’s a charter boat that meets your needs. Be sure to ask questions about rates so you know exactly what to expect when booking!
Looking to BOOK NOW? Check out our recommended Fishing Charters