Location:1318 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Look for us behind the restaurant Rick's on the Island. We are across the street from The Island Resort and right next door to Destin West Bay Resort and Destin West RV Park. |
Contact Us:Click on the link "Book A Fishing Trip" to be taken back to the home screen. There you will be able to fill out the contact form to be contacted by the Scallywag Crew.
|
Fishing Vessels & Crew
24' Cape Horn Offshore
This 24-foot Cape Horn Offshore, powered by twin 2020 200hp Yamaha 4-Stroke outboards, is an incredible fishing machine capable of targeting any species in the northern Gulf of Mexico. These boats are renowned for their smooth, dry, and comfortable ride without sacrificing speed, cruising in the 30s and reaching top speeds in the mid-50s.
Equipped with top-of-the-line electronics and navigation systems, a private restroom, a premium Bluetooth sound system, and plenty of seating, this vessel ensures a comfortable and enjoyable fishing experience. It holds a voluntary USCG inspection and exceeds all required safety equipment and devices, accommodating up to 6 passengers.
For rates and more information on our Gulf Fishing Trips, please call us. We have vessels ranging from 22 to 40 feet, offering a variety of options for our Offshore Gulf Fishing Charters.
Equipped with top-of-the-line electronics and navigation systems, a private restroom, a premium Bluetooth sound system, and plenty of seating, this vessel ensures a comfortable and enjoyable fishing experience. It holds a voluntary USCG inspection and exceeds all required safety equipment and devices, accommodating up to 6 passengers.
For rates and more information on our Gulf Fishing Trips, please call us. We have vessels ranging from 22 to 40 feet, offering a variety of options for our Offshore Gulf Fishing Charters.
22' Cape Horn Bay Series Vessel
Our inshore vessels are the stunning 22-foot Cape Horn Bay Series, backed by a 2022 225HP Mercury 4-stroke engine. These highly coveted vessels are renowned for offering a more comfortable, drier, and smoother ride than any other in their class.
Equipped with a tower featuring full controls for sight fishing cobia and redfish, these vessels also boast top-of-the-line Garmin GPS map 842XS chart-plotter/sonar for safe and precise navigation, and a premium Bluetooth sound system for enjoying music while fishing.
This vessel holds a voluntary USCG inspection and exceeds all required safety equipment and devices. It is rated for up to 6 passengers.
Equipped with a tower featuring full controls for sight fishing cobia and redfish, these vessels also boast top-of-the-line Garmin GPS map 842XS chart-plotter/sonar for safe and precise navigation, and a premium Bluetooth sound system for enjoying music while fishing.
This vessel holds a voluntary USCG inspection and exceeds all required safety equipment and devices. It is rated for up to 6 passengers.
Captain Nick
Captain Nick was born and raised in Niceville, FL. He has been fishing the bayous of Choctawhatchee Bay and Santa Rosa Sound since the early 1980s, amassing over 20 years of professional saltwater fishing experience. At just 15, Nick began his professional charter fishing career in the Gulf of Mexico as a deckhand on the Destin Harbor. With his ambition and passion, he quickly ascended to the top tiers of fishermen in Destin.
Captain Nick goes above and beyond to ensure your time on the water is truly memorable. Outside of fishing, Nick is a devoted family man who loves to cook and spend quality time with his family. You’ll often find him at the beach, dock, or on the boat, sharing his love for fishing with his two boys. Nick's culinary skills add an extra special touch to his family gatherings, where he enjoys preparing delicious dishes for everyone to enjoy.
Captain Nick goes above and beyond to ensure your time on the water is truly memorable. Outside of fishing, Nick is a devoted family man who loves to cook and spend quality time with his family. You’ll often find him at the beach, dock, or on the boat, sharing his love for fishing with his two boys. Nick's culinary skills add an extra special touch to his family gatherings, where he enjoys preparing delicious dishes for everyone to enjoy.
FAQ's:
Q. What is the process for booking a charter?
A. Please call or message us with any questions you might have before booking your charter. We take all bookings by phone and require a minimum deposit of 10% to hold the reservation. The remaining balance is due the day of the charter, however you may pay for the trip 50% or in full if preferred.
Q. How many people fit on your boat?
A. Each vessel can hold a maximum of 6 passengers total. If you have more than 6 passengers in your group or have a special request not listed you will need to call or email us for assistance in booking a fishing trip. We offer multi-boat fishing charter options for large families and corporate events.
Q. What's included in the charter? What should I bring on the trip?
A. We provide bait, ice, licenses, tackle, fishing equipment and fish cleaning services. We suggest bringing a small cooler for your party filled with drinks and snacks appropriate to your trip length and a gratuity for your captain. Large coolers will not be permitted on board. There is limited storage space available. Some other items you may want on a trip include WATER, a hat or visor, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera. Plan for your fishing charter like you are spending the day at the beach! NO glass containers allowed onboard.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. People of all experience levels are welcome. Our kids fishing trips are specifically designed for young and novice anglers. The recommended age is 2 or older.
Q. Do you have lifejackets?
A. Yes, we have the required life preservers and safety gear on board the vessel at all times. Your captain will show you upon boarding the vessel where to find any needed equipement for your charter. We do supply more comfortable child and youth life preservers for prolonged use upon request. Life jackets are required to be worn at all times for all children age 6 and under. You may bring your own or one will be provided for you.
Q. Why is it customary to tip the captain? What is a customary tip?
A. Along with professional fish cleaning services that are provided after your fishing charter, your captain begins working hard long before the trip begins and far after the trip ends preparing the vessel and fishing tackle and equipment for your departure and to ensure your trip is as memorable and as enjoyable as possible. A 20% gratuity is customary. The gratuity is not included in the price of the fishing charter.
Q. Where are you located? Where do we find the boat?
A. Our boats are docked at 1318 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL on Okaloosa Island. We are about 3.5 miles West of the Destin Bridge and less than a mile East of Santa Rosa Blvd on Okaloosa Island nestled between Destin West Bay Resort and Destin West RV Resort. We are located behind the restaurant Rick's on the Island across the street from The Island Resort. We are about 30-40 minutes from Navarre, FL and Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 15-20 minutes from Destin,FL and about 45 minutes from 30A and Pensacola, FL
Q. Where do we park?
A. There is a gravel parking lot for all water sports guests located behind the restaurant. If there is no room in the back parking lot you might have to park in the front and walk to the back to board the boat. They do allow you to load and unload your vehicle by the dock entrance. It can get busy in the afternoons in that parking lot during the summer, so plan accordingly and allow yourselves extra time to arrive.
Q. What time should I arrive for my trip? Where do we go?
A. Please arrive to the dock 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled fishing charter. This will allow yourselves plenty of time to park your vehicle, unload your belongings. Walk down the dock to board the vessel and meet your captain. Please apply sunscreen before boarding due to safety concerns, it is a slipping hazard. There is a restroom outside the restaurant in the courtyard for public use. Please use these facilities before boarding the vessel to ensure no emergency stops on your trip to use the restrooms at a public dock.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. For no-shows on the day of your charter and/or cancellations within 7 days of your charters, please note we charge 100% of the trip cost . The card you give us on file will be the card charged. If you must cancel your fishing charter, we require 14 days notice. If you cancel within 14 days of your charter departure time you may be charged up to 50% of the charter fee. There is no charge for loss of charters due to mechanical failure or inclement weather (which is up to the Captain's discretion). The balance of your fishing charter is due the day of the scheduled trip.
Q. Do I need a fishing license?
A. No, fishing licenses are included in the price of the charter and can only be used during your scheduled fishing charter.
Q. What forms of payment do you accept?
A. Cash is preferred. We accept all four major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover). There is a 5% processing fee added to the remaining total for card payments.
Q. Do you have t-shirts available for purchase?
A. Yes! We offer multiple styles and sizes of Scallywag t-shirts. We have cotton or dri-fit tees and hoodies. Available for purchase the day of your scheduled trip or you can order online and we will ship them to you.
Q. Do you offer night time fishing?
A. No, we do not currently offer nighttime fishing charters. However, we do offer sunset cruises and fireworks cruises in the evening hours on select summer nights and weekends.
Q. Do you offer bow fishing?
A. No we do not. Although we do love bow fishing and highly enjoy the sport, we are not offering bow fishing charters anymore.
Q. Who do you recommend for a Hook and Cook?
A. Our favorite places are Brotula's, Jackakuda's, Harbor Docks, Boshamp's and Marina Cafe. AJ's is always a good time. You really can't go wrong with any of the restaurants lining the Destin Harbor. The Island Resort and Anglers Beachside Bar and Grill right across the street also offer these services.
Q. Do you ship fish?
A. No, we clean and filet the fish for you to take home. There are local seafood markets that offer a shipping service for your fish. We recommend Destin Ice and Seafood. They charge by the pound.
Q. What types of vessels do you have available?
A. Scallywag Charters has multiple vessels to choose from, depending on the date of your reservation and on the type of trip you are interested in taking. We have everything from the smaller center console 6-pack fishing vessels up to the larger sport fishers for offshore gulf fishing charters with enclosed cabins. Our fleet of vessels range between 22-foot to 40-foot. Please contact us with any specific questions and requests.
Q. Do you offer any other types of experiences?
A. Yes! We have multiple options available: Dolphin Cruises, Sunset Cruises, Fireworks Cruises, Crab Island Cruises, Inshore Fishing, Gulf Fishing - both Nearshore and Offshore, Shark Fishing, Combination Trips, Sight Fishing, Custom Fishing Charters and Cruises.
Q. What if the weather is forecasted to be bad the week of my stay? What is your policy on bad weather?
A. Your captain prioritizes your safety and experience. On the morning of your scheduled trip, he or Marisa will reach out to inform you of any necessary changes due to the weather forecast. Your captain arrives at the dock a few hours before departure to prepare for the charter, monitor the radar and assess the conditions in person. We are vigilant about the weather and do our best to adapt to any last minute changes. Given the fast-changing weather here, we sometimes adjust the departure time or reschedule the trip if needed. We do our best to work with your schedule and other activities you may have planned. We highly recommend booking your charter as early in your stay as possible so you have at least 1 extra day to work with in case of inclement weather.
Q. Why do you charge a fee for credit card transactions?
A. We understand that additional fees can be frustrating and we want to be transparent about why they are necessary. We charge a 5% fee for credit card transactions to cover the costs associated with processing these payments. This fee is automatically added to the balance of online transactions and credit card payments on the final balance. You can avoid these fees by paying a 10% deposit at the time of booking and paying cash for the final balance on the day of your scheduled charter. If you book online, the entire price of the charter is due upfront and includes the cc fee. We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
A. Please call or message us with any questions you might have before booking your charter. We take all bookings by phone and require a minimum deposit of 10% to hold the reservation. The remaining balance is due the day of the charter, however you may pay for the trip 50% or in full if preferred.
Q. How many people fit on your boat?
A. Each vessel can hold a maximum of 6 passengers total. If you have more than 6 passengers in your group or have a special request not listed you will need to call or email us for assistance in booking a fishing trip. We offer multi-boat fishing charter options for large families and corporate events.
Q. What's included in the charter? What should I bring on the trip?
A. We provide bait, ice, licenses, tackle, fishing equipment and fish cleaning services. We suggest bringing a small cooler for your party filled with drinks and snacks appropriate to your trip length and a gratuity for your captain. Large coolers will not be permitted on board. There is limited storage space available. Some other items you may want on a trip include WATER, a hat or visor, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera. Plan for your fishing charter like you are spending the day at the beach! NO glass containers allowed onboard.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. People of all experience levels are welcome. Our kids fishing trips are specifically designed for young and novice anglers. The recommended age is 2 or older.
Q. Do you have lifejackets?
A. Yes, we have the required life preservers and safety gear on board the vessel at all times. Your captain will show you upon boarding the vessel where to find any needed equipement for your charter. We do supply more comfortable child and youth life preservers for prolonged use upon request. Life jackets are required to be worn at all times for all children age 6 and under. You may bring your own or one will be provided for you.
Q. Why is it customary to tip the captain? What is a customary tip?
A. Along with professional fish cleaning services that are provided after your fishing charter, your captain begins working hard long before the trip begins and far after the trip ends preparing the vessel and fishing tackle and equipment for your departure and to ensure your trip is as memorable and as enjoyable as possible. A 20% gratuity is customary. The gratuity is not included in the price of the fishing charter.
Q. Where are you located? Where do we find the boat?
A. Our boats are docked at 1318 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL on Okaloosa Island. We are about 3.5 miles West of the Destin Bridge and less than a mile East of Santa Rosa Blvd on Okaloosa Island nestled between Destin West Bay Resort and Destin West RV Resort. We are located behind the restaurant Rick's on the Island across the street from The Island Resort. We are about 30-40 minutes from Navarre, FL and Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 15-20 minutes from Destin,FL and about 45 minutes from 30A and Pensacola, FL
Q. Where do we park?
A. There is a gravel parking lot for all water sports guests located behind the restaurant. If there is no room in the back parking lot you might have to park in the front and walk to the back to board the boat. They do allow you to load and unload your vehicle by the dock entrance. It can get busy in the afternoons in that parking lot during the summer, so plan accordingly and allow yourselves extra time to arrive.
Q. What time should I arrive for my trip? Where do we go?
A. Please arrive to the dock 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled fishing charter. This will allow yourselves plenty of time to park your vehicle, unload your belongings. Walk down the dock to board the vessel and meet your captain. Please apply sunscreen before boarding due to safety concerns, it is a slipping hazard. There is a restroom outside the restaurant in the courtyard for public use. Please use these facilities before boarding the vessel to ensure no emergency stops on your trip to use the restrooms at a public dock.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. For no-shows on the day of your charter and/or cancellations within 7 days of your charters, please note we charge 100% of the trip cost . The card you give us on file will be the card charged. If you must cancel your fishing charter, we require 14 days notice. If you cancel within 14 days of your charter departure time you may be charged up to 50% of the charter fee. There is no charge for loss of charters due to mechanical failure or inclement weather (which is up to the Captain's discretion). The balance of your fishing charter is due the day of the scheduled trip.
Q. Do I need a fishing license?
A. No, fishing licenses are included in the price of the charter and can only be used during your scheduled fishing charter.
Q. What forms of payment do you accept?
A. Cash is preferred. We accept all four major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover). There is a 5% processing fee added to the remaining total for card payments.
Q. Do you have t-shirts available for purchase?
A. Yes! We offer multiple styles and sizes of Scallywag t-shirts. We have cotton or dri-fit tees and hoodies. Available for purchase the day of your scheduled trip or you can order online and we will ship them to you.
Q. Do you offer night time fishing?
A. No, we do not currently offer nighttime fishing charters. However, we do offer sunset cruises and fireworks cruises in the evening hours on select summer nights and weekends.
Q. Do you offer bow fishing?
A. No we do not. Although we do love bow fishing and highly enjoy the sport, we are not offering bow fishing charters anymore.
Q. Who do you recommend for a Hook and Cook?
A. Our favorite places are Brotula's, Jackakuda's, Harbor Docks, Boshamp's and Marina Cafe. AJ's is always a good time. You really can't go wrong with any of the restaurants lining the Destin Harbor. The Island Resort and Anglers Beachside Bar and Grill right across the street also offer these services.
Q. Do you ship fish?
A. No, we clean and filet the fish for you to take home. There are local seafood markets that offer a shipping service for your fish. We recommend Destin Ice and Seafood. They charge by the pound.
Q. What types of vessels do you have available?
A. Scallywag Charters has multiple vessels to choose from, depending on the date of your reservation and on the type of trip you are interested in taking. We have everything from the smaller center console 6-pack fishing vessels up to the larger sport fishers for offshore gulf fishing charters with enclosed cabins. Our fleet of vessels range between 22-foot to 40-foot. Please contact us with any specific questions and requests.
Q. Do you offer any other types of experiences?
A. Yes! We have multiple options available: Dolphin Cruises, Sunset Cruises, Fireworks Cruises, Crab Island Cruises, Inshore Fishing, Gulf Fishing - both Nearshore and Offshore, Shark Fishing, Combination Trips, Sight Fishing, Custom Fishing Charters and Cruises.
Q. What if the weather is forecasted to be bad the week of my stay? What is your policy on bad weather?
A. Your captain prioritizes your safety and experience. On the morning of your scheduled trip, he or Marisa will reach out to inform you of any necessary changes due to the weather forecast. Your captain arrives at the dock a few hours before departure to prepare for the charter, monitor the radar and assess the conditions in person. We are vigilant about the weather and do our best to adapt to any last minute changes. Given the fast-changing weather here, we sometimes adjust the departure time or reschedule the trip if needed. We do our best to work with your schedule and other activities you may have planned. We highly recommend booking your charter as early in your stay as possible so you have at least 1 extra day to work with in case of inclement weather.
Q. Why do you charge a fee for credit card transactions?
A. We understand that additional fees can be frustrating and we want to be transparent about why they are necessary. We charge a 5% fee for credit card transactions to cover the costs associated with processing these payments. This fee is automatically added to the balance of online transactions and credit card payments on the final balance. You can avoid these fees by paying a 10% deposit at the time of booking and paying cash for the final balance on the day of your scheduled charter. If you book online, the entire price of the charter is due upfront and includes the cc fee. We appreciate your understanding and continued support.