Join our 4-hour offshore bottom fishing trips targeting red snapper and grouper species. Book your Destin charter today.

Reel Time

Premier 4-Hour Offshore Charter in Destin, FL

Join Captain Wes for a relaxed 4-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting snapper and grouper. Book today!

Beginner Catch

Expert-Led Beginner Snapper Trip in Destin

Top-rated wreck fishing for kids ages 7-16. Target triggerfish, snapper, and grunt in Destin. Book today!

Kid Catch Fun

Kids' Charter Fishing Adventure in Destin, FL

Explore the top attractions and activities in Niceville - find fun things to do for all ages and interests here.

Niceville

Things To Do in Niceville

Join Captain Wes for world class offshore snapper and grouper action. Book your adventure now.

Pro Grouper Hunt

Expert Guided Snapper Fishing in Destin, FL

Target grouper, amberjack, and snapper on this 6-hour offshore charter. Book your Destin trip today.

Offshore Fun

Top-Rated 6-Hour Offshore Charter in Destin

Learn more about Wes Ivy a Discover Adventures with Niceville Fishing Charter in High Flying Saltwater Charters

Wes Ivy - High Flying Saltwater Charters

Red Snapper

A fun outing with Tennessee guests featuring keeper fish, a big gag grouper, and plenty of red snapper released ahead of the season.

Gag Grouper

I had a great time hanging out with some Tennessee guys on a quick four hour trip. Got a few keepers and a huge gag grouper and a ton of red snapper that we had to throw back a day before the season starts

Gag grouper caught during fishing trip in Niceville FL displayed on boat deck

Red snapper catch on fishing boat in Niceville FL waters

Red grouper caught while fishing in Niceville FL waters

After weather cleared, military families enjoyed a productive trip with beeliners, mangrove snapper, and red snapper action.

Started the morning with watching a massive storm roll through Destin. After the wait, we were able to get some military families a hold of some beeliners, mangrove snapper, and red snapper. Not to mention half of a red snapper too! 

Heavy rain falls over marina with sailboats and fishing boats docked in Niceville FL during storm

Marina with sailboats and motorboats docked under overcast sky in Niceville FL

Fresh caught red snapper, grey triggerfish, and grey snapper displayed on fishing boat deck in Niceville FL

Successful red snapper fishing trip in Niceville FL with large catch displayed on boat deck

Red snapper caught while fishing in Niceville FL waters

Fresh caught red snapper and grey triggerfish displayed on fishing boat deck in Niceville FL

Summer Flounder

A productive trip featuring beeliners, red snapper, and a surprise flounder catch.

Great trip with some return customers. We were able to get some beeliners, red snapper, and even a flounder!


Red snapper fishing catch displayed on cleaning table at marina dock in Niceville FL

Fresh caught red snapper and summer flounder displayed on cleaning table in Niceville FL

Solid four-man limit with fish ranging from 22” to 33”, shared with great returning local customers.

Epic red snapper Day. Biggest fish 33 inches and smallest one 22 inches with a four man limit with some local return customers

Successful red snapper fishing trip in Niceville FL with multiple fish displayed on cleaning station

Red snapper catch displayed on fishing boat in Niceville FL

$200 Per Person Trips Running Now Through Mid-May

Shared charters available. $200 per person from now till mid may.

Red snapper catch on fishing boat in Niceville FL

Saturday is shaping up to be a solid day on the water in Destin, Florida, with steady conditions expected to open the door for productive bottom fishing. The weather window looks promising enough for anglers to target snapper and red grouper, two of the most sought-after species along the Emerald Coast.

Guides are expecting cooperative seas and clean water, giving you a great shot at putting quality fish in the box. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to get out there, this weekend is lining up to deliver a smooth trip and plenty of action around the reefs and ledges.

Steady Weekend Weather Sets Up a Strong Bite for Snapper and Red Grouper

With the horrible weather, we went out with Josh Regans to do some inshore fishing. Had a blast catching redfish, mangrove and drum.

Fishing Report In Florida

Niceville Fishing

Lane Snapper

Celebrating the birthday girl's special day with Dad and brother on another fantastic fishing expedition in Destin. And, of course, let's not overlook Fred, the pelican who joined us in our offshore fishing adventure!

Red Snapper Fishing

Just had an amazing day on the water and caught a gorgeous Red Snapper! The battle was real, but the taste is absolutely worth it. Who else enjoys the excitement of hooking these beauties?

High Flying Saltwater Charters, operated by Captain Wes Ivy, is a premier choice among Niceville fishing charters. Nestled in Niceville, Florida, High Flying Saltwater Charters serves as a gateway to the exceptional fishing opportunities found in the renowned Destin and Fort Walton Beach areas of Florida. Captain Wes Ivy's passion for fishing is the driving force behind the success of this veteran-owned and operated charter service. Whether you're seeking a thrilling adventure with friends or creating cherished family memories in the heart of Destin, Captain Wes is committed to making your day on the water unforgettable. Niceville is a great spot for fishing in Florida, with plenty of freshwater and saltwater opportunities. Your journey with High Flying Saltwater Charters offers a range of options, spanning from 4 to 8-hour trips, allowing you to explore the depths of offshore fishing charters. You'll have the chance to target a variety of species, including Snapper, Mackerel, Amberjack, Triggerfish, and Grouper, all depending on the season and daily conditions. Captain Wes is well-versed in a range of fishing techniques, from light tackle and heavy tackle to bottom fishing, trolling, and jigging. Starting on your fishing adventure, you'll find yourself aboard a 24' Sea Born boat, designed to accommodate up to six anglers comfortably. The vessel is equipped with modern amenities, including GPS for precise navigation, an ice-box to preserve your catches, livewells for bait storage, and a wireless trolling motor to enhance your angling experience. The charter includes top-quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle, ensuring that your focus remains on the thrill of deep-sea fishing. High Flying Saltwater Charters takes care of all necessary fishing licenses for the day, giving you peace of mind as you embark on your fishing journey.&nbsp; For those who serve as military personnel or first responders, High Flying Saltwater Charters extends its appreciation with a 10% discount. This generous offer applies to one member within the group and is a small token of gratitude for their service. Experience the finest fishing in Destin, Florida, and Fort Walton Beach with High Flying Saltwater Charters. Book your deep-sea fishing adventure today and make lasting memories while enjoying the beauty of the Florida waters. Your adventure awaits!

EPSG:4269

Great trip with some return customers. We were able to get some beeliners, red snapper, and even a flounder!

Started the morning with watching a massive storm roll through Destin. After the wait, we were able to get some military families a hold of some beeli

Book your ultimate saltwater fishing adventure with Captain Wes Ivy and High Flying Saltwater Charters in Niceville today! Don't miss out on the opportunity to reel in trophy fish, create unforgettable memories, and experience the thrill of the open sea. Call now to secure your spot and embark on an exhilarating fishing journey like no other!

High Flying Saltwater Charters provides premier private fishing experiences across the Emerald Coast, giving anglers direct access to the most productive waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Based out of Niceville, Florida, Captain Wes Ivy offers tailored deep sea fishing trips servicing guests in Niceville, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach. Whether you want to target seasonal red snapper on an offshore charter or introduce your kids to the sport on a calm family trip, every charter is tailored to your group's experience level. Guided by Captain Wes’s extensive local knowledge, we provide premium gear, licensing, and ice for a seamless day on the water. From bottom fishing for grouper to trolling for pelagics, our Gulf Coast fishing charters focus on safety, consistency, and putting fish in the cooler. Book your trip today and experience the best charter fishing Destin and Niceville have to offer.

Find answers to your specific questions about trip pricing, seasonal conditions, and what to bring on your next Destin or Niceville private charter with High Flying Saltwater Charters.

Captain Wes Ivy brings a unique blend of discipline, local expertise, and genuine passion to every day he spends on the water. Before dedicating his career full-time to guiding anglers on the Emerald Coast, Wes spent 25 years serving as a military attack helicopter pilot. That extensive background translates into an unparalleled commitment to safety, precision, and preparation on every trip. Having spent decades navigating and charting the local reef systems, his deep connection to these coastal waters ensures that his guests are always in highly capable hands. His approach to guiding focuses heavily on sharing his deep knowledge of regional patterns and marine life. Whether you are a seasoned angler looking to refine your presentation or a parent introducing your children to saltwater angling for the first time, Wes focuses on providing clear, patient instruction. He tailors the day entirely to the experience level of his group, coordinating with guests beforehand to understand their specific goals and interests. His ultimate satisfaction comes from teaching the technical aspects of the sport and helping guests build confidence on the deck. On the water, Captain Wes specializes in a diverse range of regional methods, including systematic bottom fishing, slow trolling, free lining, and vertical jigging. Operating up to 9 miles off the coast, he closely monitors real-time changes in current and water clarity to put his group over active fish. His trips target premier regional species such as red snapper, gag grouper, triggerfish, amberjack, and mackerel. By analyzing changing patterns on a daily basis, he ensures that your time on the water is spent using the exact techniques that match current conditions. Guests can review his regular updates and observations directly through our Destin fishing reports. <h2>The Vessel: 20' Stingray Center Console</h2>Our trips launch aboard a custom-maintained 20-foot Stingray center console, built in 2020. This sleek, nimble watercraft is powered by a dependable 175-horsepower Suzuki outboard engine, capable of reaching efficient cruising speeds to maximize your actual fishing time. Purpose-built for the nearshore reefs and bay waters of the panhandle, the vessel comfortably accommodates up to four passengers with ample room to move around the deck safely. It is fully outfitted with modern navigation electronics, safety gear, and specialized tackle selected by Captain Wes to provide a stable, productive platform for your day on the water. To see the vessel's layout and open dates for the season, please view our live booking calendar.

Meet Captain Wes Ivy and High Flying Saltwater Charters

Meet the Captain

Florida Fishing License is Covered

Inshore to Offshore Fishing Trips.

Destin Fishing Charters: Frequently Asked Questions 1. What are the best fishing charters in Destin, Florida for families?Our Kid-Friendly Fishing Trips are explicitly designed for families. We target calmer waters, keep the action steady with high-bite species, and ensure the boat ride is comfortable for children and beginners. Captain Wes tailors the pace of the day to keep young anglers engaged and smiling without the stress of rough open ocean conditions. 2. What is included in the price of a High Flying Saltwater Charter?Your booking includes your Florida fishing license, bait, premium rods and reels, tackle, and ice for your catch. Captain Wes also provides professional fish cleaning and filleting at the docks when we return, so your dinner is ready for the grill. You only need to bring your preferred food, drinks, and sunscreen. 3. Do I need a private fishing charter or a shared trip?We offer exclusively private fishing charters in Destin and Niceville. This means when you book a trip, your group has the entire boat to themselves. Private trips allow Captain Wes to completely customize the target species, techniques, and trip duration to your specific goals, ensuring a higher quality experience than crowded, shared party boats. 4. What is the difference between offshore and inshore fishing trips?Our destin offshore fishing charters head out into deep sea Gulf waters to target large bottom fish like red snapper and grouper, or pelagic species like tuna and mahi-mahi. Inshore fishing takes place in calmer, protected waters like Choctawhatchee Bay, focusing on species like trout, redfish, and flounder. If you are prone to motion sickness, an inshore or nearshore trip is highly recommended. 5. What are the seasonal limits for Destin red snapper fishing?Red snapper season in the Gulf of Mexico changes slightly every year based on federal and state regulations, typically opening for a highly competitive window in the summer months (often June and July). Because these spots fill up months in advance, we recommend checking our live booking calendar early to secure your red snapper charter destin dates during the official season. 6. What happens if rough weather cancels my offshore fishing trip?Safety is Captain Wes’s absolute priority. If high winds or rough seas make offshore fishing unsafe, we will first attempt to pivot to a protected inshore fishing charter in Choctawhatchee Bay where waters are calm. If the weather makes any fishing impossible, we will work to reschedule your trip or issue a full refund of your deposit. 7. How many people can fish on a charter boat at one time?Our vessel comfortably accommodates groups up to 6 passengers maximum per private trip. This ensures that everyone on board gets plenty of fishing line time, direct coaching from Captain Wes, and ample space to move around safely while fighting fish. 8. What is the best charter fishing trip for absolute beginners?If you have never fished saltwater before, our 4-hour nearshore or destin bottom fishing charter is the perfect starting point. These trips minimize travel time to the fishing grounds, keep you close to land, and focus on highly active bottom-dwelling fish. This gives you plenty of practice reeling in fish without requiring advanced technical skills.

Air Fee

Bait Fee

Divemaster Fee

Mate's Fee

Nitrox Fee

Service Fee

State Taxes

Trimix Fee

Join us for an unforgettable kids' fishing adventure! With room for up to three young anglers aged 7-16, our trip promises hours of excitement on the water. Equipped with lightweight fishing gear, your kids will have a blast reeling in a variety of catches, from Sand Perch to Red Snapper. While adults are welcome to ride along and enjoy the journey, the fishing fun is reserved exclusively for the kids. For more information or to book your adventure, reach out to our experienced captain. Please note that fish cleaning services are not included. Book today and create new memories with your kids!

Grey Triggerfish

White Grunt

3.00hour

Kid-Friendly Fishing Trip - Niceville, Florida 

Prepare for an exciting summer adventure with our 6-hour offshore fishing trip! We’ll head up to 9 miles offshore, offering excellent opportunities for bottom fishing and targeting a variety of species, depending on the season. Our usual meeting time is 7:00 a.m., but we’re happy to work with your schedule and can arrange morning or afternoon departures. We prioritize your comfort and convenience, ensuring that your summer fishing experience is enjoyable and productive. Reach out today to choose your preferred time and book your trip!

Greater Amberjack

Scamp Grouper

6.00hour

Extended Half Day Fishing Trip - Niceville, Florida 

Join us for an exciting fishing expedition that takes you up to 9 miles offshore, where the main focus is bottom fishing for a variety of species, depending on the season. Our standard meeting time is 7:00 a.m., but we're flexible and can accommodate different morning or afternoon departures to suit your schedule. Whether you're an early bird or prefer the later hours, we're here to make your offshore and nearshore fishing adventure a memorable experience. Don't miss out on the chance to reel in fantastic catches and experience the thrill of our 4-hour offshore and nearshore fishing trip.

Grey Snapper

4.00hour

Half Day Snapper And Grouper Fishing Trip - Niceville, Florida 

This 4-hour beginner-friendly trip is designed for those new to offshore fishing or families looking for a fun, easy day on the water. Departing from Bluewater Bay Marina, you’ll head up to 9 miles offshore in search of snapper and grouper, guided step-by-step by Captain Wes. All bait, tackle, and fishing gear are provided, making it simple for first-timers to learn the ropes. With flexible departure times in the morning or afternoon, this trip offers a relaxed pace while giving you the chance to reel in species like Red Snapper, Grey Snapper, and Gag Grouper. A great way to experience Destin’s waters without feeling rushed.

Half Day Beginner-Friendly Fishing Trip - Niceville, Florida 

Tailored for seasoned anglers, this 5 hour pro trip takes you up to 9 miles offshore to target some of Destin’s most sought-after bottom species. Captain Wes will put you on productive reefs and structures where Red Snapper, Lane Snapper, Scamp, and Grouper are waiting. Bring your skills and get ready for a fast-paced trip focused on maximizing time with lines in the water. Flexible departure options allow you to fish when conditions are best, and with quality tackle and bait provided, you’ll be fully equipped to go after hard-fighting fish. This trip is all about action, precision, and putting your experience to the test.

5.00hour

Half Day Advanced Snapper And Grouper Fishing Trip - Niceville, Florida 

Captain

Fishing from boat with stingrays swimming in clear water

Person refueling boat at fuel pump on water

Fresh caught fish displayed on boat deck during fishing trip

Fishing rod held on boat deck with fish caught during fishing trip

Fishing rod held on boat deck with ocean water visible in background

Ocean fishing boat with water splashing from outboard motor on sunny day

Person holding fishing rod on boat deck with ocean water visible in background

Two grey triggerfish swimming near the surface of blue ocean water viewed from a boat

Freshly caught red snapper being displayed on fishing boat deck with ocean waters in background

Meet your Captain Wes Ivy

Articles by Wes Ivy

Things To Do in Niceville

Navigate