If you’re looking for world-class big game fishing, late summer in Destin, Florida is prime time—especially for offshore favorites like Mahi-Mahi, Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, and Sailfish. These pelagic predators are fast, powerful, and elusive, making them a thrilling challenge for anglers of all experience levels. At Pelican Adventures, we’re fortunate to operate in one of the richest sportfishing regions in the Gulf, and late summer offers some of the best opportunities to land these legendary fish.
Whether you’re booking a deep sea fishing charter in Destin for the first time or returning to go after a bucket-list species, here’s what you need to know about targeting these top-tier fish as the summer winds down.
Mahi-Mahi (a.k.a. Dolphin or Dorado)
Why Target Them:
Mahi-Mahi are prized for their vibrant colors, acrobatic fights, and excellent table fare. They’re abundant in the Gulf during warm-water months, with late summer still offering strong numbers offshore.
Where to Find Them:
Look for floating debris, weed lines, or offshore buoys, Mahi love structure. They often school near sargassum mats and can be seen darting near the surface in clear water.
Tactics That Work:
-
Trolling small skirted lures or ballyhoo rigs is highly effective.
-
Casting live bait or jigs around floating debris can produce fast, exciting strikes.
-
Once hooked, Mahi often bring the whole school with them, keep a rod ready to double or triple up.
Tuna (Bluefin & Yellowfin)
Why Target Them:
Few fish test your gear, or your stamina, like Tuna. While Bluefin are rarer in the Gulf compared to the Atlantic, Yellowfin Tuna are a late-summer staple for experienced charter boats that venture to the deepwater rigs and floating oil platforms.
Where to Find Them:
Yellowfin are typically found 60 to 100+ miles offshore, often around oil rigs or large underwater structures. They feed in schools and respond well to bait balls or chummed areas.
Tactics That Work:
-
Chunking with butterfish or pogies is a classic and productive method.
-
Vertical jigging or using topwater poppers during early morning or dusk can trigger explosive bites.
Pro Tip: When you book a Tuna-focused trip with Pelican Adventures, be prepared for a full-day offshore excursion. The rewards? Tuna steaks fresh off the grill and bragging rights for years.
Sailfish
Why Target Them:
Known as “the ballerinas of the sea,” Sailfish are one of the most acrobatic and visually stunning species you can catch. Their speed, power, and long, signature dorsal fin make them an unforgettable catch-and-release target.
Where to Find Them:
Sailfish migrate through the Gulf and are most commonly caught in open bluewater between 20 and 50 miles offshore, particularly where bait is concentrated by temperature breaks or current lines.
Tactics That Work:
-
Trolling with rigged ballyhoo, especially with a blue-and-white skirt, is a proven technique.
-
Sight casting to tailing fish on calm days can produce thrilling visuals and instant action.
-
Use light tackle and circle hooks for ethical catch-and-release practices.
Book Your Late Summer Offshore Adventure
Late summer is a phenomenal time to explore the offshore waters of Destin, especially with an experienced crew that knows where to find the action. At Pelican Adventures, our deep sea charters are equipped for serious anglers and first-timers alike, offering full-day excursions into prime bluewater territory.
Whether you’re chasing the lightning runs of a Yellowfin, the dazzling flash of a Mahi, or the leaping elegance of a Sailfish, you’ll experience the best of Destin’s offshore fishing scene.
Ready to go beyond the bay? Book your next charter with Pelican Adventures and get hooked on the thrill of deep sea fishing.