Frequently Asked Questions

destin inshore fishing charter

1) Where are you located? How far will I have to drive?

Destin Inshore Charters is located at

1318 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Behind “Rick’s” on Okaloosa Island.

We are approximately 3 miles West of the Destin Bridge. If you are staying in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Navarre Beach, Miramar Beach, San Destin, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, or Blue Mountain Beach, you will be approximately 10-20 minutes from our dock in the morning and 20-30 minutes in the afternoon depending on traffic.

2) What is included?

Destin Inshore Charters will provide licenses for your entire party, top of line reels, rods and tackle along with bait, ice, fuel, and fish cleaning.

3) What should I bring?

  • Small cooler with any drinks and snacks of your choice
  • Bottled water to keep hydrated
  • Alcohol (if you prefer. We just ask you don’t bring glass bottles)
  • Sunscreen! (Please apply beforehand to avoid getting the deck slippery)
  • Polarized Sunglasses and hat
  • Smile and a Good Attitude!

4) What should I wear?

CLOTHING: Shorts, Tank Tops, Swimsuits, and short sleeves during the summertime. Please check outside temperature for your charter date and dress accordingly. Keep in mind the air on the water can be cooler as well especially during spring and fall months so layer up if need be and we have plenty of storage on the boats to shed coats if you get warm.

FOOTWEAR: Depending on weather, we recommend tennis shoes, strap sandals that can be strapped around the heel, or deck shoes such as Sperry’s or Xtratuf brand. Light weight, comfy and water resistant are key. NO BLACK SOLE SHOES IF POSSIBLE, they scuff up the decks.

5) What are we going to catch?

Depending on the time of year, our trips will vary on what species we target. When you call to set up your trip, Shelby can tell you exactly what has been targeted and caught on our most recent trips or what is expected to be caught around the time frame you book your trip.

6) Can we take our fish back to eat?

Yes! Anything you catch while on your trip within regulations is welcome to come back to the dock with you and we will filet and bag it up. Many of the restaraunts in Destin offer a “Hook n Cook” or a “Cook Your Catch”. This allows you to take you filets straight from the boat to be cooked up for lunch or dinner. It doesn’t get any fresher than that.

**You are not required to keep anything. You can also opt for a catch and release only trip as well.

7) What happens in the case of bad weather?

Inclement weather will be decided on a day before or day of basis due to Florida having very unpredictable weather. We will try and reschedule your charter for another day that works for everyone’s schedule. If we are unable to get you out on the water due to weather, there is absolutely no charge. The captain will have the final say on weather calls.

8) What is the Cancellation Policy?

You may cancel your fishing trip 20 days in advance of the date of the trip and you will not be charged. If you cancel under this threshold, you will be charged 50% of your trip total. If you cancel within 7 days of the charter, you will be charged in full. If you do not show up for your charter, we will charge the credit card on file with the full amount of the trip cost.This cancellation fee is non-refundable. Per our phone conversation the card you gave us on file will be the card charged. By giving us your full credit card and security information, you are agreeing to our reservation and cancellation policy. (For all trips 18 – 72 Hours a %50 non-refundable deposit is due the day you reserve your trip.

9) How do I book and when do I pay?

You will need to make your reservation over the phone directly with Captain Chris’ wife, Shelby. She will take a credit card to hold the date. Your total amount of your trip will be due on the day of your trip. If you use a credit card for the final payment the day of your trip there is a 5% fee to do so. We also accept cash and Venmo as payment to avoid the fee. Once your trip is finalized with a credit card, Shelby will email you a confirmation sheet with every detail you will need outlining your trip. Call Shelby anytime, (850) 533-0673. 

10) When should I arrive and where do I park?

We recommend you arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to you trip. This is sufficient time to find parking, grab your cooler, walk down the dock and find your captain.

PARKING: Once you arrive, you will turn into the parking lot of Rick’s Restaurant. You can follow the lot around to the right side of the building. Feel free to park anywhere behind the building you can find. If there are no spots open, continue to follow it around until you find an open spot to the side or even in front of the restaurant. Once parked, there is no need to check in to a kiosk. You can grab your cooler and walk down the dock the find the boat.