Fort Walton Beach Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Fort Walton Beach rounds out our top 5, offering anglers a solid mainland base with straightforward access to Destin Harbor and Championship Offshore charters. Located just west of Okaloosa Island on the mainland side of the Choctawhatchee Bay, Fort Walton Beach is a well-established community with a budget range of hotels, vacation rentals, and dining options. Destin Harbor is typically a 15 to 20 minute drive east via Hwy 98 — an easy morning commute before a day of offshore fishing.

Fort Walton Beach has a proud military and fishing heritage, sitting adjacent to Eglin Air Force Base and the waters of the Santa Rosa Sound. Visitors here enjoy a more local, less touristy feel while still being within comfortable reach of the best deep sea fishing the Gulf of America has to offer. If you’re looking to stretch your vacation budget without sacrificing fishing quality, Fort Walton Beach is a smart choice. Please note:  Okaloosa Island is the Gulf front community of Fort Walton Beach.  Fort Walton Beach is located on the Intracoastal Waterway which is a 3,000 mile boating route.

Captain Matthew Champion has fished the Emerald Coast since 1987 and runs every charter aboard the Championship, a 42′ Buddy Davis sportfishing boat with an air-conditioned cabin. Choose a half-day trip for snapper and grouper, a full day offshore for tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi, or an overnight trip to the Gulf oil rigs. Every private charter takes up to 6 anglers and includes tackle, bait, ice, and fishing licenses.

Trip rates vary by season and trip length. Call for current rates and open dates. Book early for summer and the October Destin Fishing Rodeo, when dates fill fast.