I'm taking a trip to Destin in July and would like to go out deep sea fishing or go to a lake in that area fishing for largemouth with a guide.  Does anyone have any recommendations?

prepare for high heat, high humidity, lots of sun block, lots of people, lots of boats and lots of work. Saltwater fishing is MUCH more work than most people put into bass/freshwater fishing. I live right there north of Destin and did saltwater fishing a few times and it is not for me, way too much work just to toss a line out.

I disagree with the above poster about work. If you get a good guide the most work you're going to be doing is reeling in some nice fish. My family went to Destin for years and we went deep sea fishing every year. If you're looking to catch some good eating fish, I would consider bottom fishing for snapper, flounder, and grouper. If you're looking for some good fights with decent tasting fish, I would try to find somebody who trolls for mackeral with inshore spinning outfits.

I'll try to find the cards we have from guides we've used in the past.

I agree with latest poster - It's a lot of fun, not much work, and on a good day you'll catch tons of good fish. I go to Destin 3-4 times a year, and always go with a Charter-trip with Harbor Charters or something similar....They'll put you on a boat with 5 or 6 others.....Really, really good time, and you can go from anywhere from 4 hours to 12 hours, up to you......

I guess if you find someone who does all the work for you then yes but thats not really fishing, thats just a party barge with a few fishing poles. In itself that is fun but that is not normal offshore fishing.

I understand what you're saying Mike, but what average person from TN is going to come down, rent his own boat and equipment, and then go out and look for reefs, and or wrecks? That just isn't cheap or logical. Hiring a guide or charter service is the easiest way to have some exciting fun fighting saltwater fish.

I recommend staying away from party barges. You'll spend more time tangled up and waiting for the mates to come unhook fish or eels from your line. I would look into smaller groups or a private charter if you have a group going down.

Thanks for all the info guys!

I understand what you're saying Mike, but what average person from TN is going to come down, rent his own boat and equipment, and then go out and look for reefs, and or wrecks? That just isn't cheap or logical. Hiring a guide or charter service is the easiest way to have some exciting fun fighting saltwater fish.

I recommend staying away from party barges. You'll spend more time tangled up and waiting for the mates to come unhook fish or eels from your line. I would look into smaller groups or a private charter if you have a group going down.

I understand what you mean and I agree.... and I am sorry if I made it sound like I was discouraging doing the saltwater fishing, it is just a good 75% of the charters here go out for partying and catch a few fish, not dedicated fishing. Thats why I suggest read up on it and make sure it is an actual fishing charter. there are various reviews online where people may write about it. Avoid the charters that are like "the fishing was ok but we had a blast since the captain brought plenty of beer" type of charters 

make sure you ask if the cost you pay covers EVERYTHING: food, drinks, fishing license, charter fees and so on. Some don't tell you that food is not covered, or the fee covers beer but not food, also look at the boat and ask how many others are going that same day. If it is more than 6-8, then it may become a party barge very quickly.

Make sure it is a boat like this:

or maybe this:

Many times boats like this become the party barge types if too many people are on board: