FAD Fishing off Destin

The “8 FADs” off Destin, Florida refer to a network of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) deployed by Okaloosa County to enhance offshore pelagic fishing opportunities. These FADs are positioned approximately 60–80 miles offshore SSW of Destin , in depths ranging from 1,610 to 1,830 feet, and have been instrumental in attracting a variety of game fish species. Notably, a 310-pound blue marlin was caught at FAD #6 just a month after being deployed, The FADs have become hotspots as designed for several pelagic species like Blue ​Marlin, White marlin, Sailfish, Yellow Fin and Black Fin Tuna, Wahoo and Dolphin. In May and early June there has actually been some Blue Fin Tuna caught over 700 lbs., We fish these fads on our 12 hr or longer trips. Our 24 hour trips the best, that way you catch the late afternoon or dawn bites because on the 24 hr trip we leave at noon the first day getting to the fads by 3 pm ( gets dark around 7:30 to 8:30 as the days get longer and we head home around 9 am getting back at noon the next day .We chunk or tuna at night and drift for swordfish also it’s a great trip. Fishing techniques at the FADs typically involve trolling with live or artificial baits, jigging, and bump trolling. For instance, anglers often use live baits like hardtails or bluefish, rigged with #8 Malin wire and 1/0 treble hooks, and slow troll around the FADs to target species such as wahoo and dolphin> We use bigger baits and hooks when we slow troll targeting Blue Marlin and the bigger tuna. Reaching the FADs requires a boat like the Labella that was specifically designed to fish long range as they are located 60–80 miles from shore. On our 24 and 2-days trips we have the fuel and the speed to run all the way to the oil rigs 115 to 160 miles out. The exciting news is that plans are underway to deploy additional FADs closer to shore, within the 100-fathom curve (approximately 600 feet deep), to provide more accessible fishing opportunities for a broader range of anglers on our 8-to-12-hour trips. If you’re interested in planning a fishing trip to the FADs or need more detailed information on fishing techniques and our charter services, feel free to ask!