Destin Princess is a 65-foot "party boat" with a catamaran hull, which makes it ride smoother and faster than many conventional deep-sea fishing boats. The busy Destin Fishing Fleet Marina on the northwest Florida Gulf Coast is home to Destin Princess. According to the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, Destin has the largest charter fishing fleet in the state, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and fishermen.
What's Provided
Your bait, rod, tackle and fishing license are included as part of the trip package.
The boat is certified by the United States Coast Guard to carry up to 45 passengers plus the crew. In addition to the captain, there are three to five crew members ready to assist you. The size of crew is based upon the number of guests, so there is always help when you need it.
For your comfort, the boat features a spacious seating area indoors that is heated or air-conditioned depending on the season.
Bring Along
Passengers are instructed to bring a cooler with food and drinks to enjoy along the way, since they do not provide food on the boat. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are recommended year-round, even if the sky is overcast. Towels or wet wipes are handy for wiping the bait off your hands.
Depending on the time of year, you may need a jacket. Conditions can change quickly out on the open water, so dress in layers.
Fish Species
April through October, the warm waters of the gulf provide the greatest variety of species for fishing. Marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo and tuna join the year-round residents grouper, amberjack, white snapper, black snapper, king mackerel and trigger fish. Bonito can be found February through November.
Red snapper have a short season in the gulf, making an appearance June, July and August. Cobia and Spanish Mackerel are present in the springtime.
There are strict limits on some types of fish. Crew members stay current on federal regulations and will instruct guests to release fish that are undersized or over the catch limit.
Crew members will be happy to clean your fish for tips.
Open Boat Rates
There are two ways to book your passage on the Destin Princess, either open boat or charter. On an "open boat" you buy single tickets and join a group of other single ticket holders on board. This is the most economical way to go and it gives you an opportunity to meet new friends.
"Children must have reached their fifth birthday to be eligible to board the boat," according to the Destin Princess reservation and cancellation policy.
A four-hour open boat trip in the summer is $45 for adults, $35 for kids and seniors and $30 for riders who are not fishing, as of 2010. Five-, six- and eight-hour trips are available for an additional $10 per hour. Ten-hour all-day fishing trips are $95 for adults, $85 for kids and seniors and $80 for riders.
Winter rates are less expensive and range from $40 per adult for a four-hour trip to $75 for an all-day 10-hour trip.
Charter Rates
The second booking option offered on the Destin Princess is a "charter," which reserves the entire boat for you and your party. This can be costly per person if you have a small group, but you will have the whole boat to yourselves.
Charter rates for a four-hour trip for up to 30 passengers is $1,800 as of 2010, adding $50 for each additional passenger. A six-hour trip for up to 30 passengers is $2,700, adding $75 for each additional person. An eight-hour trip for up to 30 passengers is $3,000, adding $100 for each additional person. A 10-hour fishing trip for up to 30 people is $3,750, adding $125 for each additional person. A full-day 12-hour trip for up to 30 people is $4,500, adding $150 for each additional person.
"All reservations must be paid in full at the time of booking either in person or over the phone by credit card," per the reservation policy, and it is non-refundable unless the captain cancels the trip because of bad weather or mechanical problems.
Getting to the Boat
The Destin Princess is moored in the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina, one half mile east of the Destin Bridge, behind the Fisherman's Wharf restaurant.
Sunshine Shuttle Service offers transportation from all local airports and hotels.
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