Deep sea fishing in the gulf

New here all..

My father-in-law is turning 50 this summer.

to celebrate he wanted to take the camily (me and my wife included) to
Key West to do Marlin fishing.

The costs are becoming higher than he anticipated. I am wanting to give
him some cheaper options. We live in Alabama and they could fly to us
and we can drive to Panama City, Pensecola or Destin (FL) easily.

I have been deep sea fishing before and found it to be terribly boring
(I freshwater fish, Bass, and I love it.) I got so tired of dropping
the line, waiting 30 seconds, and reeling up a fish that doesnt fight
at all, and they all looked the same (snapper or grouper... take your
pick!)

I am sure my father-in-law wants som e fighting GAME fish.

AWhat are the big FUN game fish in the gulf? Any shameless plugs for
some charter boats in the panhandle of Florida area?

thanks in advance!
Jazz