When I was 14, my father took me and my older brother Charlie on a deep sea fishing excursion. I remember the experience quite well: gliding across the choppy waves into deep, aphotic waters with the salty spray in the air.

We spent the first three hours with very little progress other than a few apathetic nibbles. I had just about given up hope when Charlie yelled out, “I’ve got something. Get over here!”

I hopped over to where my brother stood, his face contorted into a grimace, straining under the weight of his invisible quarry. But he held on, slowly working the fish to the surface with some guidance from the captain. Eventually, a blurry, reddish figure emerged from the depths and, soon after, a 38-pound red snapper was flailing on the deck beside my awestruck brother.

“Beginner’s luck,” my father smirked.

We laughed at the outburst and carried on with a renewed sense of enthusiasm. We arrived back in the harbor two hours later with eight snappers and a few smaller fish, but Charlie’s first catch remained the biggest of the day.

According to local charter captains, the waters off Perdido Key boast some of the best fishing along the Gulf Coast.

Whether you’re an enthusiastic amateur or a seasoned angler, visitors are invited to try their hand at hooking in delicious, fresh fish.

What’s the catch? Well you could hook in anything from redfish, bluefish, skipjack, flounder, king mackerel, amberjack, cobia, tarpon and tuna — to name just a few.

AquaVenture Boat Charters are passionate about fishing and they offer guests the opportunity to board the “Emerald Coast” and take part in a deep sea voyage with friends and family. The air-conditioned boat can take up to 22 passengers into the deep, cobalt blue waters where fish are abundant. AquaVenture’s experienced deckhands will ensure that your trip is fun, hassle-free and unforgettable.

The crew will also provide the bait, tackle, fishing licenses and ice chest for fish. They’ll even clean your fish for you at the end of the day! All you need is your own cooler for food and drinks.

Deep sea fishing is an excellent adventure for the whole family to get involved in, and who knows, you might get some beginner’s luck!