Go fishing with the pros!

Angler Brittany Williams shows off her gag grouper catch aboard the Trigger Happy.

Your guide to the best fishing in the Walton County area

For those that like to cast a line out in the water, it goes without saying that fishing is always good in Walton!

Most anytime of year, a good angler is bound to catch something – whether surf fishing for pompano, catching snapper in the Gulf, or reeling in a redfish in the Bay. The Gulf of Mexico, the Choctawhatchee Bay, the Choctawhatchee River, and its many tributaries offer a variety of both salt and fresh water fishing.

Visitors can stay and fish in South Walton, without the bustle of driving to Destin or Panama City Beach before dawn to catch a charter boat.

All of the local fishing guides/captains have years of experience under their belt and offer a unique experience for the visiting angler. Something the local captains say keeps folks coming back.

With the ability to get to deep-water fishing in a matter of minutes, the quick run time can lead to a catch in a mere 30 minutes.

There is something for everyone in the area, and the following is a list of some of the best pros to take you out:

Gulf fishing

Reel in some fun with Not A Dog Charters.

Head out into the Gulf right on Grayton Beach and starting reeling in the big ones with Not A Dog Charters

Are you ready to catch some fish in the Gulf of Mexico? Launch right from Grayton Beach in South Walton and start reeling in the big ones with Not A Dog Charters in minutes.

With more than 40 years experience fishing and diving the area’s Gulf waters, Captain Kerry Jones will ensure a safe and enjoyable fishing excursion. His knowledge of area waters will bring you to incredible bottom fishing locations for red snapper, grouper, triggerfish or trolling for king mackerel.

Capt. Kerry Jones.

Whether you are an experienced fisherman or planning a family outing, Not A Dog will provide you and three guests with great fishing in the most beautiful Gulf waters in Florida.

About the vessel
Not A Dog is actually a cat, a 20-foot catamaran custom-built by Captain Kerry. Equipped with modern electronics and powered by twin Yamaha four-stroke outboard engines, she provides a quiet and comfortable ride to the fishing grounds.

Details
Rods, reels, lures and bait are provided. Reels for left-handed anglers are available. You do not need to have a saltwater fishing license; you are covered under the charter.

What you need to bring
Bring your own food, water, and soft drinks. Good quality sunglasses are a must. Bring a hat and plenty of sunscreen. Dress in light layers. During the spring and fall, temperatures can vary from the mid 40s to upper 80s and in the summer the upper 90s are the norm. Wear non-skid shoes with non-marking rubber soles.

So put on your lucky fishing cap and join in on the fun. Experience a fishing trip of a lifetime!

Tel: (850) 865-7318

Rates
The maximum capacity is four anglers for a four-hour minimum day of fishing. A $100.00 deposit is required at the time of booking. A required 14-day notice to 
cancel or reschedule. Cancellation by the Guide due to unfavorable conditions may be rescheduled or subject to a full refund. The base rate is $600.00 for the first four hours and $125.00 for each additional hour. Cash and personal checks accepted.

For more information, go to: notadogcharters.com

::MAP::

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Capt. Larry Pentel – Dead Fish Charters
Larry Pentel grew up in Walton 300 yards from the beach. Fishing local waters for more than 40 years, Larry is familiar with fish populations, their habits and most importantly their habitats. Larry has been a captain since 1999.
The boat: 20’ Catamaran
Capacity: 4 adults
850-685-1092
Website: www.deadfishcharters.com
Get an up to date fishing report from Larry at:
http://cyberangler.com/fishing-reports/larry-pentel/1/

Capt. Mike Valentino
Mike Valentino has lived in South Walton for 12 years, and his family has owned a home in the area for more than 25 years. Mike has had his charter since 2005.
The boat: 17’ Cape Horn
Capacity: 4 adults
Office: 850-835-2989
Cell: 850-685-6787
www.TriggerHappyFishing.com

Photo courtesy Sam Wesley.

Capt. Jody Wesley

Jody Wesley has been fishing with his brother and father since a young boy. Jody, his brother Sam and father Gene, are lifelong residents of Walton county. Sam has had a charter since 1996.
The boat: – 19’ Cape Horn
Capacity: 4-5 adults
Office: 850-835-2980
Cell: 850-978-5658

Capt. Sam Wesley
Sam Wesley has been fishing with his brother and father since he was a young boy. Sam, and his brother Jody are lifelong residents of Walton County. Sam has had a charter since 2000.
The boat: The Relentless – 17’ Cape Horn
Capacity: 3 adults
Contact: 850-231-2043 or 850-685-1086

Capt. Jim Bishop and Capt. Jimbo Bishop – Fish On Charters
Capt. Jim grew up in DeFuniak Springs and has been fishing off the beach since he was a child. Jim and his son Jimbo both have Grayton charters.
The boats:  20’ Capehorns
Capacity: 4 adults
850-231-1667
850-685-4849
850-974-4357

Capt. Phil Hammond
Phil Hammond grew up in South Walton and has been fishing for more than 30 years in the area. He has been launching from Grayton since 2006.
The boat: 19’ Capehorn
Capacity: 4 Adults
850-258-8395

Bay and river specialty – Shallow water/light tackle fishing

Shallow Water Expeditions – Fly and light tackle charters, backcountry flats, Bay and nearshore Gulf

Photo courtesy Shallow Water Expeditions.

Shallow Water Expeditions has 10 captains and a variety of boats to offer the angler. They have been in business since 2004.
Contact: 850.534.4349, 850.685.5756, 850.496.0594 or 850.534.4343
For more information, go to: www.shallowwaterexpeditions.com
Boats: 6 Technical Flats Skiffs 18 ft. (Hells Bay Boatworks, Maverick Boat Co., Back Country, Gordon Boatworks)
Flats Captains: David Mangum, Gjuro Bruer, Jason Stacy, Preston Sutter, Jeff Ragland, Christian Yergens
4 Center Console Tower Bay Boats 22-26ft. (Pathfinder-Blazer Bay)
Bay Boat Captains: Kyle Pitts, Jason Giles, Phillip Wilds, Mike Mangum

Jeff Ragland.

Jeff Ragland is one of Shallow Water Expedition’s featured guides. A captain for more than 20 years, Ragland specializes in fly fishing in both in the shallow waters of the area bays for redfish or fishing in the Gulf for tarpon.
Boat: Hells Bay Boatworks 18 ft flats skiff.
Contact: (706) 570-5547.