Published October 28. 2011 by OceanReefResorts.com

     Looking for a deep sea fishing adventure while visiting in Destin? If so, you might want to consider the best! The private fishing charter boat known as The Relentless has just received an award from the United States Commerce Association for being The Best in Destin for 2011. The USCA Best of Local Business Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the nation every year. The USCA identifies companies and individuals who exemplify exceptional marketing success by providing outstanding service to their customers as well as to the local community at large. This is a substantial accolade since Destin, known as “the luckiest fishing village in the world,” also has the largest charter fishing fleet on the entire Gulf of Mexico. The harbor also contains the largest charter fleet in all of Florida, so you can imagine the intense competition among other nominees for this prestigious award. 

     Destin has been long known as a destination for abundant fishing since commercial operations started here in the mid to late 1800s. In fact the founding fathers Billy Marler and Captain Leonard Destin, for which the town was named, arrived here to take advantage of the huge array of fish located a fairly short distance from shore due to the area's unique geography. By 1900 the first private charter fishing business began here with over 100 boats available to take adventurous anglers out into the gulf to harvest the seas. Destin became known as “The Bill Fish Capital of the Gulf” by the roaring 1920s and the business continued to grow from that time to today's burgeoning fishing phenomenon.

     Brant Kelly, the captain of The Relentless, also comes from a long line of founded families who had both fishing interests as well as timber plantations here since the early part of the last century. His Grandmother Mattie Kelly is a local namesake and past philanthropist. His Grandfather Coleman L. Kelly, after whom the Destin Airport is named, was an avid fisherman. He operated multiple large open “party boats” for deep sea fishing which were available to the public on a first come, first serve basis. Young Brant Kelly began working on his elderly Grandfather's boats when he was only eight years old and joined the rest of his family in their passion for fishing. He now has almost fifty years of fishing experience and is one of the most respected captains in Destin. He began doing private fishing charters on The Lady K which he operated successfully for many years.

     Seven years ago Captain Kelly decided to build his own boat with an eye toward state of the art fishing equipment, technologies and comfort. The result of all his hard work was the birth of The Relentless. This sleek sixty-five by twenty foot Sports Fisherman has the layout and necessities for avid anglers as well as comfortable amenities to indulge everyone else. As he likes to say, “this boat was built by fishermen for fishermen.” The result was a luxurious, full service charter boat with one of the most experienced captains around as well as a skilled, friendly crew who provide happy participants with a World Class fishing adventure. Lucky anglers include everyone from the first time novice to the most hard core enthusiast. Accommodations are available for both children and seniors as well as even those with handicapped needs. The skilled crew uses their many years of combined local experience as well as the latest fishing technologies to catch the fish that will give you one of those memories of a lifetime. They show you where to throw your lines in, advise you on angling techniques and even help you reel in your catch if need be. After you return to the docks, the mates clean, filet and bag your catch for you. Most patrons provide them with a 15% tip for these helpful instructions and services. Once home with your sea trove of treasure you can tell everyone about your adventures while enjoying a feast of fresh fish! Some of the fish you will be catching include Amberjack, Black Drum, Black Grouper, Blue Marlin, Bluefish, Bonito, Cobia, Flounder, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Pompano, Red Drum, Red Snapper, Sailfish, Sheephead, Spanish Mackerel, Spotted Sea Trout, Tarpon, Tuna, Vermillion Snapper and Wahoo.  It all depends upon the season, what's running and the type of fishing excursion you and your friends desire.

     Daily trips are available year round from four to up to eighteen hours. Overnight adventures are available as well since the boat has some private cabins for sleeping, a comfortable air conditioned or heated salon and a kitchen complete with a stainless steel refrigerator. You may bring your own beer or other beverages to enjoy in moderation.  Such trips or special tournament journeys go from twenty-four to seventy-two hours and are usually reserved by avid anglers who are after large trophy fish like Marlin or Swordfish as well as big Tuna.

     Charters start at $800 for up to six passengers which gives you a four hour fishing excursion. Each additional passenger beyond six is charged 10% over the base cost ($80 in this case) for however many hours they plan to take. As another example, a six hour cruise would have a base cost at $1200 for up to six passengers with a seventh person being charged an extra $120. Obviously the more the merrier on this boat since the cost can be evenly divided among the happy anglers. Shared charters are also available if you have less than six participants with you and want to meet new people to share the cost. The US Coast Guard certifies this boat to be able to carry up to eighteen people. Although The Relentless has a claim to fame for fishing, other kinds of cruises have become popular in recent years. This Sports Fisherman boat can also serve as a luxurious sixty-five foot yacht for everything from small intimate weddings to the soulful spreading of a loved one's ashes in the gulf. It is also available for cocktail parties, romantic sunset or moonlit cruises, small dinner parties or a fun day at Crab Island. These excursions are obviously designed to serve your own special needs so feel free to call for ideas and competitive rates. Information is available by calling 850.837.6541 or on their website which is relentlesscharterfishing.com

     In the meanwhile be sure to check out our wonderful Destin vacation rentals nearby. We have beachfront homes, cottages as well as luxury condominiums available in all price ranges and all sizes. Take a look at our multiple photos of fine private rental options that will suit the needs of your family and friends. As always, Ocean Reef wishes you all a Bon Voyage!