Best Destin Crab Island & Fishing Combo Trip

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Destin
$550 - $770 price range
Updated Date: September 6, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a fun-filled day on the water with Captain Jake Sargent in Destin, Florida. This combo trip packs in the best of both worlds - fishing and swimming at Crab Island. You'll start by dropping lines for local favorites like Mangrove Snapper, Black Drum, and Redfish. Once you've had your fill of fishing, it's time to cool off in the crystal-clear waters of Crab Island. This sandbar is a local hotspot, perfect for a refreshing dip and some laid-back fun in the sun. It's an ideal trip for families or groups who want to experience a bit of everything Destin has to offer, without the hassle of renting multiple boats. Captain Jake can take up to 4 guests aboard the Charter Boat 2nd Chance, ensuring a personalized experience for your group. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so be sure to check the Trips & Rates page for all the details before booking your adventure.

Best Destin Crab Island & Fishing Combo Trip

Fishing to Swimming Fun

Saltwater success in Destin

First drum caught near Destin!

Quick limit, Destin never fails

Fish tales from Destin waters

Destin's Ultimate Combo: Fishing & Crab Island

Hey there, fellow adventure seekers! If you're looking to squeeze every drop of fun out of your Destin trip, you've just stumbled upon the jackpot. Captain Jake Sargent's combo trip on Charter Boat 2nd Chance is like hitting two birds with one stone – or should I say, two fish with one hook? You'll start off reeling in some local favorites, then cool off at the famous Crab Island. It's the perfect mix for families who can't decide between fishing and swimming, or for anyone who wants to experience the best of Destin without the hassle of multiple bookings.

What's the Deal?

Here's the lowdown: You'll spend the first part of your day trying your luck with the local fish. We're talking Mangrove Snapper, Black Drum, and Redfish – the kind of catches that'll make your friends back home green with envy. Once you've had your fill of fishing, Captain Jake will cruise you over to Crab Island. Now, don't let the name fool you – it's not really an island, but a shallow sandbar where the water's so clear and blue, you'll think you've stepped into a postcard. It's the hotspot for swimming, floating, and soaking up the Florida sun.

Fishing 101: Destin Style

Alright, let's talk fishing. We'll be doing some inshore fishing, which means we'll stick closer to the coast. It's perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. Captain Jake will set you up with all the gear you need – rods, reels, bait, the works. He'll show you the ropes on how to cast, what to look for, and how to reel in the big ones. We might do some bottom fishing for those tasty Snapper, or maybe some light tackle action for Redfish. And hey, if we're lucky, we might even hook into a Blacktip Shark – now that'll get your heart racing!

Crab Island: Party Central

After we've filled the cooler with fish, it's time to hit Crab Island. This place is like the Times Square of sandbars – it's where everyone wants to be. The water's usually only waist-deep, so it's perfect for wading, swimming, or just floating around on a noodle. Bring your own drinks and snacks, and you've got yourself a floating picnic. It's a great spot to relax after a morning of fishing, and the kids (or kids at heart) will love splashing around in the crystal-clear water.

Fish You'll Want to Hook

Let's chat about some of the stars of the show – the fish you might catch on this trip. First up, the Mangrove Snapper. These guys are sneaky and quick, but boy, are they tasty. They hang out near structures and put up a good fight for their size. Black Drum are like the gentle giants of inshore fishing. They can get pretty big and make a croaking sound when you catch them – it's pretty cool. Redfish, or Red Drum, are a fan favorite. They've got that distinctive spot on their tail, and they're known for their strong runs. If you hook one, hold on tight!

Summer Flounder, also known as Fluke, are masters of camouflage. They're flat and can change color to match the bottom, which makes them tricky to spot but fun to catch. And let's not forget about the Blacktip Shark. These are the adrenaline rush of inshore fishing. They're fast, they jump, and catching one is sure to be the highlight of your trip.

Why Folks Keep Coming Back

You know what makes this trip a real winner? It's the variety. In one day, you get to experience two of Destin's best attractions. You're not just stuck doing one thing all day. Plus, Captain Jake knows these waters like the back of his hand. He'll put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast at Crab Island. It's perfect for families or groups where some folks want to fish, and others just want to relax. And let's be honest, after a few hours of fishing, that swim at Crab Island feels amazing.

Book Your Destin Adventure

So, what do you say? Ready to experience the best of both worlds in Destin? This trip with Charter Boat 2nd Chance is the way to go. You'll get your fishing fix, cool off at Crab Island, and come back with stories (and hopefully fish) to share. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. And that deposit? It's non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. Give Captain Jake a shout, and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are some real bruisers, often weighing 5-30 pounds but can get up to 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, especially around oyster beds and muddy flats. They use those powerful jaws to crush shellfish, so crab is a top bait choice. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for the strong fight they put up, especially the bigger ones. Just keep in mind, those over 15 pounds tend to be tougher eating. A local tip: listen for their distinctive drumming sound to locate schools. For bait, try a piece of blue crab on a circle hook. Let it sit on the bottom and be ready - when they hit, it's usually a solid thump!

Blacktip Shark

Blacktip Sharks are exciting catches, usually running 4-5 feet long but can reach up to 9 feet and 270 pounds. You'll find them patrolling near artificial reefs and in coastal waters up to about 100 feet deep. They're most active in warmer months when baitfish are plentiful. Anglers love targeting blacktips for their acrobatic jumps and strong fights. While not the biggest sharks, they make up for it with their energetic runs and aerial displays. A local tip: chum the water with oily fish like mackerel to attract them. Use a sturdy braided line and a wire leader. When you hook one, be ready for a fast initial run and some impressive leaps!

Grey Snapper

Grey Snapper, also known as Mangrove Snapper, are a popular catch around here. These fish typically run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds inshore, but can get up to 20 pounds offshore. You'll find them hanging around structures like rocks, reefs, and wrecks in warm, shallow waters. They're opportunistic predators, so they'll bite a variety of baits. Fall is prime time for Grey Snapper fishing when they school up to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the fun fight they put up. A local trick is to use a live shrimp hooked through the tail - it'll stay lively longer and attract more bites. Let your bait sink to the bottom near structure, then wait for that telltale tug. These fish can be tricky, so patience is key.

Redfish

Redfish, also called Red Drum, are a favorite around here. They typically run 28-33 inches when mature but can reach over 45 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in super shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep, around oyster reefs, grass flats, and structures like old piers. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they school up. Anglers love redfish for their hard-fighting spirit and that signature tail spot. They're also great eating when caught at the right size. A local tip: look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they feed in the shallows. For lures, try a topwater plug or a soft plastic shrimp imitation. Work it slowly across the flats and hold on tight when they strike!

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder, or fluke, are one of our more unique catches. These flatfish usually run 15-20 inches but can reach over 20 pounds. You'll find them on the seafloor in coastal waters and estuaries. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to blend in with the bottom. Fall is prime time, from September through November. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these ambush predators. They put up a decent fight too, especially the bigger ones. A local trick is to use a live minnow or mullet, hooked through the eyes. Let your bait bounce along the bottom as you drift. When you feel a bite, give it a second before setting the hook - flounder often grab the bait sideways first.

About the Charter Boat 2nd Chance

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 26

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 15

Captain Jake Sargent's Charter Boat 2nd Chance offers the perfect blend of fishing and relaxation in Destin, Florida. Start your day reeling in local favorites like Mangrove Snapper, Black Drum, and Redfish during a fun-filled fishing session. Then, cool off with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Crab Island. This combo trip is ideal for families or groups looking to experience the best of Destin without the hassle of multiple boat rentals. With a guest capacity of 4, you'll have plenty of space to enjoy both activities comfortably. Whether you're an experienced angler or just looking to unwind, this trip has something for everyone. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so book your spot on this action-packed adventure today!

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