Redfish Fishing Charters in Destin, Florida
Our redfish charters fish the calm, shallow water of Choctawhatchee Bay, a short run from our dock on Okaloosa Island between Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Every trip is private: just your group (up to six guests) and Captain Dan aboard his 22-foot Cape Bay, with rods, bait, licenses, ice and fish cleaning included. Inshore trips start at $700, and first-timers are more than welcome.
Sight-Fishing for Redfish with Captain Dan
Captain Dan’s favorite redfish is the one you see before you catch it. On a calm, bright morning we slide quietly across the grass flats and watch for the signs: a copper back in a foot of water, a tail waving above the surface while a red roots for crabs, or a nervous push of water. Dan calls the shot, you cast a few feet ahead of the fish, and then you watch it turn and eat. It’s hunting as much as fishing, and it’s the moment guests talk about at dinner.
Dan grew up on these waters in Okaloosa County and has spent the past decade chasing redfish along the Gulf and East Coasts, including on the redfish tournament trail. That’s a lot of flats, and a lot of lessons about where reds go when the tide, wind and water temperature change.
Not every day is a sight-fishing day. When the wind is up or the water is stained, Dan switches to live shrimp under a popping cork along oyster bars, docks and points, which is a great way for beginners and kids to hook up. Either way, he handles the rigging and baiting and coaches every cast.
When Is the Best Time for Redfish in Destin?
You can catch redfish in Choctawhatchee Bay all year. Fall brings the biggest fish, when adult reds gather near the passes to spawn. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the spawn runs from about August through December.
| Season | What the reds are doing | How we fish |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Big adult reds gather near the passes to spawn, while slot reds feed hard in the bay | Flats, points and oyster bars for slot reds; a shot at a bull red near East Pass |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Holding on seagrass, muddy or sandy bottoms, and near oyster bars and creeks | Slower presentations; sight-fishing on calm, sunny days |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Spreading back across the bay as the water warms | Live shrimp under popping corks; soft jigs and spoons |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Most active early in the day; the spawn starts building near the passes in August | Early-morning trips; topwater plugs and popping corks |
For more on the fall bite, read our fall inshore fishing guide.
What to Expect on Your Redfish Charter
- Where we meet: We will meet at the dock at 1318 Miracle Strip Parkway SE in Fort Walton Beach, behind Rick’s on Okaloosa Island, about 3 miles west of the Destin Bridge.
- Trips and rates: Private inshore trips, starting at $700, with 5 hours our most popular trip. Families with young kids can choose a 2–3 hour kids and family trip starting at $400. Rates cover one to four guests, and guests five and six are $150 each.
- Included: fishing licenses, rods, reels, tackle, bait, fuel, ice and fish cleaning.
- Bring: food and drinks, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses (they help you spot fish), a camera and be ready for a great time!
- Not included: food, drinks and gratuity.
- Other fish: redfish share the bay with speckled trout, black drum, flounder and sheepshead, so there’s usually more than one way to bend a rod.
We can’t guarantee a catch, but we can guarantee a great trip. See current rates or compare every trip on our Trips page.
Redfish Charter FAQ
Book Your Destin Redfish Charter
Ready to see a tail break the surface? Inshore trips start at $700 for a private charter on Choctawhatchee Bay. Not sure whether bay or Gulf fishing fits your group? Read inshore vs. nearshore fishing in Destin. Staying in Fort Walton Beach or on Okaloosa Island? We’re right down the road (Fort Walton Beach inshore charters).