Inshore Fishing Adventure | ScubaTech Destin

Inshore Fishing Adventure - November 14th

Looking for an intimate fishing experience that puts you right in the action? This small-group inshore trip with ScubaTech Destin is designed for just two anglers who want to target some seriously cool species without the crowds. We're talking about a full day on the water where you'll chase alligator gar and American eel - two of the most unique and challenging catches you can find in these waters. Plus, we've got your meals covered with a hearty breakfast to start the day right and lunch to keep you fueled up between bites.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical redfish and speckled trout trip - we're going after the oddballs that most anglers never get to tangle with. With just two spots available, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to move around the boat. The intimate group size means we can adapt quickly to changing conditions and spend more time in the sweet spots where these elusive species hang out. Your guide knows exactly where to find the structure and cover that alligator gar love, and the muddy bottoms where American eels like to hide. We'll start early with a hot breakfast on board, then spend the day working different techniques and locations based on what's biting. When hunger strikes mid-day, we'll break for lunch and talk strategy for the afternoon session. This is hands-on fishing at its finest - you'll learn new techniques, try different baits, and probably catch species you've never seen before.

Techniques & Tackle

Targeting these unique species requires a different approach than your standard inshore trip. For alligator gar, we'll be using heavy tackle and live bait - think big circle hooks, steel leaders, and plenty of patience. These prehistoric giants require a completely different fighting technique than most fish, and your guide will walk you through every step. We'll anchor up near structure or drift along shallow flats where gar cruise near the surface. For American eels, it's all about bottom fishing with smaller hooks and natural baits like worms or cut bait. We'll target areas with soft bottom where eels burrow during the day and become active as light conditions change. The boat comes equipped with all the specialized gear you'll need, including different rod and reel combinations suited for each species. Your guide will show you how to read the water, spot gar rolling on the surface, and feel the subtle bites that eels are famous for. Don't worry if you've never targeted these species before - part of the fun is learning new techniques and adapting your fishing style.

Target Species Breakdown

Alligator gar are absolute monsters and one of the coolest fish you can catch in these waters. These living dinosaurs can reach impressive sizes - we're talking fish that can stretch over six feet and weigh 100 pounds or more. They've got that prehistoric look with armor-like scales and a long snout full of needle-sharp teeth. What makes them so fun to target is their surface activity - you'll actually see them rolling and breathing air at the surface, which gets your heart pumping before you even make a cast. They're ambush predators that cruise shallow flats and hang around structure, especially during warmer months. The fight is unlike anything else - they're not fast runners like tarpon, but they're incredibly strong and stubborn. Once hooked, they'll thrash at the surface, jump, and generally put on a show that'll have you talking about it for years. November can be hit or miss for gar depending on water temperature, but when they're active, it's game on.

American eels are the complete opposite of gar - they're secretive, bottom-dwelling creatures that most people never get to catch. These snake-like fish are way more interesting than they look, and they put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. They're incredibly strong and slippery, making them a challenge to land even after you've got them hooked. What's really cool about American eels is their life cycle - they're catadromous, meaning they live in fresh and brackish water but spawn in the ocean. The ones we catch inshore can be anywhere from a foot to over three feet long, and they're surprisingly powerful when they get wrapped up. They're most active in low light conditions and when the water starts cooling off, making late fall a great time to target them. Most anglers have never caught one, so landing an American eel is definitely a bragging rights kind of fish. They're excellent table fare too, considered a delicacy in many parts of the world.

Time to Book Your Spot

With only two spots available and meals included, this trip fills up fast among anglers who want something different from the usual inshore experience. You're not just paying for a fishing trip - you're getting access to species that most people never target, personalized instruction from an experienced guide, and the chance to learn techniques you won't use anywhere else. The small group size means better fishing, more personal attention, and a relaxed atmosphere where you can actually enjoy the experience instead of fighting for space at the rail. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a new challenge or someone who wants to try something completely different, this trip delivers. Don't let this opportunity slip away - spots like this don't come around often, and once word gets out about the quality of fishing, they'll be booked solid. Give ScubaTech Destin a call and secure your spot for what could be the most unique fishing experience you've ever had.