First Shot Charters

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First Shot Charters is your best source to score big in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. Destin, Florida is a fisherman’s paradise. With white sand beaches and the emerald green waters teeming with life, it’s no wonder anglers from all over the globe visit to fish this popular fi...

First Shot Charters is your best source to score big in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. Destin, Florida is a fisherman’s paradise. With white sand beaches and the emerald green waters teeming with life, it’s no wonder anglers from all over the globe visit to fish this popular fishing hotspot.

Captain Mike Dates will be manning the helm as you venture out on these gorgeous waters in search of your trophy catch. A native to the local area, Capt. Mike has been fishing Destin since 1969 and has been USCG-licensed since 2002. Capt. Mike will use the knowledge and experience he has gained over the years to make sure your trip with him is as successful as possible.

Your trip with Capt. Mike will cover the Destin area and could end up searching the fishing grounds of Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Island, Okaloosa Island, Santa Rosa Beach, Choctaw Beach, and many other wonderful locations along Florida’s emerald coast in the Gulf of Mexico.

Your Destin fishing adventure will take place aboard Capt. Mike’s 20’ Cape Horn center console that can fit up to 4 passengers. She has all the necessary safety and navigational equipment and features a livewell for keeping your bait and catches fresh.

We offer 4-8 hour trips that let you decide what you want to do. You can go offshore in search of big game or see what the backcountry and flats have to offer. We will provide you with rods, reels, tackle, bait, and a fishing license. We will clean each catch at the end of your trip so you can enjoy as a meal later on. If you don’t want to keep the fish, Captain Mike is experienced in CPR fishing – “Catch, Photo, Release”. This way, you’ll ensure you do minimal harm to the fish you catch, which will then be safely released back into its natural habitat.

First Shot specializes in fishing the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico as well as the backcountry waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay. In the gulf, your targets would be King Mackerel, Cobia, Blackfin Tuna, Sharks, Red Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, and much more depending on the season. The bay side is teeming with Trout, Redfish, Black Snapper, Flounder, Ladyfish and Bluefish.

First Shot Charters is a perfect fit for first-time anglers and skilled professionals alike. Captain Mike Dates will make it his personal goal to put his passengers on the fish and see them catching them with smiles on their face. Book a trip with us today to create memories that will last a lifetime!

Popular Features:

  • Fishing License Included
  • Fish Cleaning Included
  • Children Welcome
  • Fishing Tackle Included
  • Fishing Trips with First Shot Charters start at: $800.00

    View Trips
  • Your Captain will provide:

    • Catch Cleaning & Filleting
    • Fishing License
    • Fresh or Live Bait
    • Lures
    • Rods Reels Terminal Tackle

    You’ll need to bring drinks (no glass bottles), snacks, weather appropriate clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.

  • Weather cancellations are at your Captain’s discretion, your safety is their number one priority! You will receive a refund for any weather cancellation, or you can choose to reschedule your trip for a different date.

  • 538 Harbor Blvd Destin, FL

    • Amberjack
    • Lesser Amberjack
    • Cobia
    • Black Grouper
    • Gag Grouper
    • King Mackerel
    • Redfish
    • Sailfish
    • Sheepshead
    • Red Snapper
    • Spanish Mackerel
    • Tarpon
    • Triggerfish
    Your Captain will have you targeting the species biting most frequently on the days leading up to your trip!

Trips:

You will have the opportunity to select backup dates in checkout (if applicable)

4 Hour Trip (PM)

$800.00

Price includes up to 4 guests

1:30pm - 5:30pm CST (4 hours)
Deposit refundable up to 3 Days before the trip
Trip Details

Get out on the Gulf on this afternoon trip. You'll set up some trolling lines, targeting exciting and delicious Kingfish. These prized species are famous all over the Gulf and you'll need to bring your A-game if you want to fill the boat, and your fridge on this 4-hour trip.

6 Hour Trip (AM)

$1,200.00

Price includes up to 4 guests

6:00am - 12:00pm CST (6 hours)
Deposit refundable up to 3 Days before the trip
Trip Details

You decide what you want to do. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is that it gives you the flexibility to decide what you want to do. You can head out into the Gulf and troll for King Mackerel or stay in the nearshore waters and bottom fish the reefs and wrecks for beautiful, thrilling, and delicious Snappers, Groupers, Amberjacks, and many more.

8 Hour Trip (AM)

$1,600.00

Price includes up to 4 guests

8:00am - 4:00pm CST (8 hours)
Deposit refundable up to 3 Days before the trip
Trip Details

Any serious angler will just love spending a full day on the water. With this 8-hour trip, you'll get to experience the best that Destin has to offer. Troll for game fish in the deeper waters, or bottom fish the reefs and wrecks for a range of delicious and exciting fish. From Kingfish to Snappers, Groupers and Amberjacks – these waters have it all. Beginners are welcome too, with the captain at hand to help anyone land their first catch.

4 Hour Trip (AM)

$800.00

Offered 10/01/23 - 05/15/24

Price includes up to 4 guests

6:00am - 10:00am CST (4 hours)
Deposit refundable up to 3 Days before the trip
Trip Details

You decide what you want to do. The beauty of a 4-hour trip is that it gives you the flexibility to decide what you want to do. You can head out into the Gulf and troll for King Mackerel or stay in the nearshore waters and bottom fish the reefs and wrecks for beautiful, thrilling, and delicious Snappers, Groupers, Amberjacks, and many more.

Customer Reviews
Average Review
4.92
(46)
(4)
(0)
(0)
(0)
Highly Recommend
Captain Mike is such a PRO! Every year in June we hit his secret bottom fishing spots and load the boat with snappers. He's a pleasure to be around, and does a great job putting you on the fish. If you're in Destin and want to fish, Captain Mike is THE MAN. Highly recommended!
Captain Mike is such a PRO! Every year in June we hit his secret bottom fishing spots and load the boat with snappers. He's a pleasure to be around, and does a great job putting you on the fish. If you're in Destin and want to fish, Captain Mike is THE MAN. Highly recommended!
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5 Stars!!
Mike was a top notch guide for my 6 and 8 yr old. He was very patient, kind, and knowledgeable. He put us onto fish within minutes and even made sure the adults had some fun too with some larger species. Will be using him next year.
Mike was a top notch guide for my 6 and 8 yr old. He was very patient, kind, and knowledgeable. He put us onto fish within minutes and even made sure the adults had some fun too with some larger species. Will be using him next year.
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Overall Great Time!
We had a great time with Capt. Mike!! He got us on those snappers and it was a reeling good time!! Will use again in the future for sure!!
We had a great time with Capt. Mike!! He got us on those snappers and it was a reeling good time!! Will use again in the future for sure!!
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Additional Features:

  • Saftey Equipment

  • Life Jackets
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • First-aid Equipment
  • Epirb
  • Flares
  • Navigation

  • Gps
  • Fish Finder
  • Price Includes

  • Catch Cleaning & Filleting
  • Fishing License
  • Fresh Or Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Rods Reels Terminal Tackle

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Florida | Destin