24 Hour Tuna Charter Fort Walton Beach

24 Hour Fort Walton Beach Tuna Fishing Charter

When you're serious about offshore fishing and want to maximize your time on the water, this 24-hour overnight charter with Full Bend Charters is exactly what you're looking for. Running Friday through Sunday from Fort Walton Beach, this extended trip takes up to 6 anglers to productive Gulf waters around oil rigs and offshore structures. You'll target some of the most sought-after pelagic species including Yellowfin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, Red Snapper, and Wahoo. The overnight format gives you access to different feeding patterns throughout the day and night, keeping you on active fish when other boats head back to the dock. At $4800 for your group, it's a top-rated option for serious anglers who want world-class fishing without the rush.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip – you're committing to a full 24 hours of fishing the Gulf's most productive waters. The captain runs you out to oil rigs and natural bottom structures anywhere from 20 to 60 miles offshore, depending on where the fish are biting. The overnight aspect is what makes this trip special. You'll fish through sunset, into the night, and watch the sunrise over the Gulf while lines are still in the water. Night fishing opens up completely different opportunities as many species feed more aggressively after dark. The boat stays anchored or drifts near structures, and you'll rotate between different spots based on what's producing. Your captain knows these waters inside and out, reading conditions and adjusting the game plan as the trip unfolds. All fishing gear, rods, reels, bait, and tackle are provided, so you just need to bring yourself and your fishing license.

Trolling and Bottom Fishing

You'll use a combination of trolling and bottom fishing techniques depending on what species you're targeting. Trolling spreads work great for pelagic species like Wahoo, Yellowfin, and Blackfin Tuna as you cover water between structures or when fish are scattered. The captain runs a variety of lures at different depths and speeds to trigger strikes from fast-moving predators. When you reach productive bottom structure, you'll switch to bottom fishing with heavy tackle to pull up Snapper and Amberjack from depths that can range from 100 to 300 feet. Circle hooks and heavy sinkers are standard for bottom work, especially when you're dealing with strong currents around oil rigs. The beauty of a 24-hour trip is having time to really work an area when it's producing, rather than rushing to the next spot. If the bite is hot at 2 AM, you're still there grinding it out while other anglers are asleep in their beds.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Yellowfin Tuna are the crown jewel of Gulf offshore fishing, and Fort Walton Beach waters consistently produce quality fish from spring through fall. These powerful fighters can range from 20-pound schoolies up to 100+ pound giants that will test your endurance and drag system. Yellowfin feed aggressively around oil rigs and natural bottom, especially during dawn and dusk transitions. The meat quality is restaurant-grade, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the table.

Blackfin Tuna are smaller but no less exciting, typically running 10-25 pounds with occasional larger fish mixed in. They're often the most consistent biters on these overnight trips, staying active throughout different light conditions. Blackfins school heavily around structures and are known for their aggressive strikes on both trolled baits and live offerings. They're perfect for anglers who want steady action and excellent table fare.

Bigeye Tuna are the night shift specialists, feeding most actively in low-light conditions. These deep-water predators can reach impressive sizes and put up fights that rival Yellowfin. The overnight format of this trip is perfectly designed for targeting Bigeye during their prime feeding windows. They're less common than other tuna species but highly prized by experienced offshore anglers.

Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing, with excellent populations around Fort Walton Beach structures. During open season, these fish provide consistent action and some of the best eating you'll find in saltwater. They range from keeper-sized fish around 16 inches up to trophy specimens over 10 pounds. Snapper bite year-round but are most active during warmer months.

Wahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, capable of blistering runs that will make your reel scream. These toothy predators are most active around temperature breaks and structure edges, making the oil rig areas perfect hunting grounds. Wahoo strikes are explosive, and their initial runs are legendary among offshore anglers. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.

Time to Book Your Spot

A 24-hour offshore charter is a serious fishing commitment, and Full Bend Charters delivers the experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The Friday through Sunday availability makes it perfect for weekend warriors who want to make the most of their time off. With all gear included and a captain who knows where to find fish, you're set up for success from the moment you leave the dock. The overnight format gives you access to fishing opportunities that day boats simply can't offer, and the oil rig fishing around Fort Walton Beach is some of the most productive in the entire Gulf. At $4800 for up to 6 people, you're looking at $800 per angler for a full day and night of world-class offshore fishing. Book your dates early – these extended trips fill up fast, especially during peak tuna season.