Ready to push past the shallows and chase some real bruisers? Our 6-hour Wrecks trip is your ticket to the big leagues of Fort Walton Beach fishing. We're talking about venturing miles offshore where the water gets deep, the fish get bigger, and the action gets serious. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to test your skills or a newcomer wanting to experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing, this trip delivers the goods.
This ain't your average day on the water. We're heading to where the big boys play – sunken wrecks, artificial reefs, and natural bottom structures that hold monster fish. You'll be dropping lines for heavyweight champs like Amberjack (we call 'em reef donkeys for a reason), tasty Grouper and Snapper, and even the high-speed King Mackerel. The variety keeps things interesting, and trust me, when one of these bruisers hits your line, you'll know it. We've got room for 4 anglers, so bring your A-team or make some new fishing buddies on board.
We mix it up out there to maximize your chances of a cooler full of fish. Bottom fishing is the name of the game around the wrecks – we'll set you up with heavy tackle and show you how to work those baits right in the strike zone. When we're on the move, we'll troll for pelagics like Kings and Cobia. The crew's always on hand to help with gear, give you pointers, or take care of that fish you just landed. No experience? No problem. We'll have you fishing like a pro in no time. Just remember, these offshore beasts don't give up easy, so be ready for a workout!
"I arranged a trip with Captain Rainey for my son, daughter, and five grandkids. The evening prior, he informed me of an approaching storm around our departure time. Undeterred, I assured him that we were resilient and a brief squall wouldn't hinder our fishing plans. While we did experience a slight delay, it afforded us the opportunity to grab breakfast at Sonics. Once the rain subsided, we set out, and the grandkids had a blast. We successfully caught a nice red snapper and hooked some grouper. The excursion was thoroughly enjoyable, and Captain Rainey even treated us to some fantastic oldies on the return trip to the dock." - Walker
"The captain who works the hardest, no matter where." - Kevin
King Mackerel: These speedsters are the drag-screamers of the Gulf. Kings can top out at over 5 feet long and 50 pounds, known for blistering runs that'll have your reel singing. We usually find them trolling near the surface, and when they hit, hold on tight! Spring through fall is prime time for Kings, and they're a favorite for their fight and their tasty fillets.
Grey Triggerfish: Don't let their small size fool you – these little fighters punch above their weight. With a set of chompers that can crush shellfish, triggers put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They're a blast to catch and even better on the dinner plate. Look for them around reefs and wrecks year-round, but they're especially active in the warmer months.
Greater Amberjack: AKA reef donkeys, these powerhouses are the true test of an angler's mettle. Amberjack can grow over 100 pounds, and they use every ounce of that muscle when hooked. We find them hanging around deep wrecks and reefs, usually 60 feet down or more. Spring and fall are peak seasons, and trust me, landing one of these bad boys will be the highlight of your trip.
Cobia: These curious creatures are sometimes called "lemonfish" for their yellowish color. Cobia are known for their hard runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. They show up in our waters starting in spring, following rays and turtles. Sight-casting to a cobia is an unforgettable rush, and they're prized for their firm, white meat.
Red Snapper: The crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, Red Snapper are as good-looking as they are good-eating. These ruby-red beauties can grow over 20 pounds and put up a great fight on the way up from the depths. We target them around natural and artificial reefs. The season's limited, but when it's open, it's game on for some of the best-tasting fish in the sea.
Look, I could go on all day about the fish we catch and the good times we have out there, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. This 6-hour trip is the real deal – enough time to get to the good spots, enough variety to keep it exciting, and enough action to wear you out (in the best way possible). Whether you're looking to fill the freezer or just want to feel the rush of battling big fish, we've got you covered. The boat's gassed up, the bait's in the well, and we're ready to put you on some fish. What are you waiting for? Let's book your spot and make some memories on the water!
May 7, 2022
The captain who works the hardest, no matter where.
July 15, 2023
Cobia are one of the most exciting fish to chase in our waters. These curious bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can reach over 100. You'll often spot them cruising just below the surface near buoys, weedlines, or even following big rays and sharks. Spring is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Anglers love cobia for their hard-fighting nature and excellent eating quality. To land one, have a heavy jig or live eel ready to pitch when you see them. Make a long cast ahead of their path and retrieve it erratically. When a cob decides to eat, hang on tight - they'll make blistering runs and even jump clear out of the water. The meat is fantastic on the grill or in fish tacos. Just remember, they can be a bit unpredictable at the boat, so stay alert when you're bringing them aboard.
Greater Amberjack are the heavyweights of our offshore grounds. These bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around deep structure like wrecks and oil rigs, usually 60-240 feet down. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers love AJs for their brute strength - hooking one is like trying to stop a freight train. They'll test your arms and your gear. For the best shot, drop live bait or big jigs right on the structure. When you feel that thump, hold on tight and start cranking. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the wreck. The meat is good eating too, with a rich flavor perfect for grilling. Just remember, these fish can carry ciguatera in warmer months, so we practice catch and release with the big ones.
Grey Triggerfish are tough little characters you'll find around our reefs and wrecks. Most run 2-4 pounds, but they can get up to 13. These fish hang out 60-300 feet down, often mixed in with snappers and groupers. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temps moderate. Anglers enjoy targeting triggers for their tenacious fight and excellent table fare. They've got small mouths but powerful jaws that can crunch right through shellfish. To land one, use a small sharp hook with squid or cut bait. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard - these guys are known for stealing bait. Keep steady pressure as you reel them up. Watch those fins when you bring them aboard - they can lock themselves in place, hence the name "triggerfish." With firm white meat, they make for some tasty fish tacos.
King Mackerel are a prized catch off Fort Walton Beach. These speedy fish typically weigh 20-30 pounds but can reach over 90. You'll find them 40-150 feet deep, often near reefs or wrecks. Kings are most active in warmer months when they migrate through our waters. Anglers love targeting them for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The meat is rich and flavorful too. To improve your chances, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or cigar minnows. Keep your drag set light – when a king hits, it'll peel off line in a hurry. These toothy fish can slice through light leaders, so we use wire to prevent cutoffs. Kings put up an awesome fight on light tackle, making them a blast for experienced and novice anglers alike.
Red Snapper are the crown jewels of our Gulf fishery. Most run 5-10 pounds, but they can reach over 30. You'll find them holding tight to structure 60-300 feet deep. Summer is prime season when regulations allow harvest. Anglers love targeting snappers for their hard pull and world-class table fare. To improve your odds, anchor up and chum to get them feeding. Drop down a live pinfish or cut bait on a circle hook. When you feel that telltale thump, start reeling - snappers will run straight for their hole if you give them a chance. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for almost any recipe. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them. Remember, regs can change year to year, so always check the current limits before your trip.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 43
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
I arranged a trip with Captain Rainey for my son, daughter, and five grandkids. The evening prior, he informed me of an approaching storm around our departure time. Undeterred, I assured him that we were resilient and a brief squall wouldn't hinder our fishing plans. While we did experience a slight delay, it afforded us the opportunity to grab breakfast at Sonics. Once the rain subsided, we set out, and the grandkids had a blast. We successfully caught a nice red snapper and hooked some grouper. The excursion was thoroughly enjoyable, and Captain Rainey even treated us to some fantastic oldies on the return trip to the dock.