1st Choice Charters – Destin

4.8/5 (303 reviews)

Federally permitted

Harbor Boulevard 600, Destin, FL 32541, United States–

1st Choice Charters – Destin

Federally permitted

4.8/5 (303)

•

Angler's Choice

Meet the Captain

Harbor Boulevard 600

Destin, FL, United States

Trips & prices Targeted species Boat info What's biting What's included Contact captain

Trips & prices What's included Targeted species Boat info Reviews Contact captain

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Formerly Southern Country Charters, now proudly operating as 1st Choice Charters under new ownership.
This top rated listing was orginally built by Capt. Payton Anderson and were proud to carry on that legacy with Capt. Magnum Owens at the helm, under new ownership by Blake Maddox.

We offer completely private and safe trips out of Destin, FL. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the ropes or an experienced angler chasing your next trophy, we’ll give you a trip to remember.

Experience a perfect day in the “Luckiest Fishing Village in the World!” aboard a 25’ Seahunt gamefisher a comfortable, fast, and fully equipped vessel with a toilet, multimedia system, and cooler for your drinks and snacks. The boat fits up to 6 guests.

We’ll troll for seasonal species and drop over reefs to reel in fish like Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, Tuna, Grouper, Cobia, and more. You’ll leave with a cooler full of fresh catch and memories that last a lifetime.

Licenses, gear, and cleaning your catch are all included just bring your food, drinks, and sun protection. (Note: Children must be at least 10 years old.)

Book now with 1st Choice Charters and let Capt. Magnum or capt Peyton Anderson and Blake show you why we’re one of the top rated charter companies in Destin.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.8/5

out of 5 stars from 303 reviews

See details

Boat

4.7/5

Crew

4.9/5

Experience

4.8/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (243)

+240

Anglers claimed

Good experience

95%

Appropriate for children

93%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

96%

Recommend this charter

96%

Caught fish

87%

Showing 1 - 5 of 303 reviews

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Showing: 5 of 303 reviews

Matt Ostwalt

5.0

Verified

New

Great Day with Captain Anthony!

2 Hour Trip – Kids Trip on November 3, 2025 • 1 adult • 1 child

Enjoyed a great kids trip with Capt. Anthony. Got us on the fish and we were catching quickly and often. Hit several spots and trolled in catching a couple of Bonitas. Great trip for a couple of hours on the water and my son loved the experience. He already asked to go back again tomorrow!

Reported catch:

Josh Moulton

5.0

Verified

Great trip and great captain

6 Hour Trip – Offshore Summer on July 8, 2025 • 1 adult • 1 child

Captain mag did an amazing job. Was a tough day getting fish to bite but, he went out of his way to put us on fish. Caught all sorts of species and even brought fish home. Captain mag is the best captain I have had and he is amazing and patient with kids. Made my 9yo sons day and helped make great memories for my son and I. We will definitely be back.

Reported catch:

Response from Captain

July 9, 2025

Thank you so much for the kind words! Captain Mag works hard to make every trip special, and we’re glad to hear he made it a great experience for you and your son. Tough days can still make the best memories, and we’re honored to be a part of them. We’d love to have y’all back anytime!

Jesse Craig

5.0

Verified

Great Experience!

4 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (AM) on July 21, 2025 • 3 adults

We had an awesome experience fishing with Captain Magnum! He was great with my two sons—stayed engaged with us the entire trip and made sure everyone was having a good time. You could tell he truly enjoys what he does. His positive attitude and energy made the trip even better. We’ll definitely be booking with him again! Highly recommend.

Response from Captain

July 22, 2025

Thank you so much, Jesse! We’re thrilled to hear you and your boys had a great time out with Captain Magnum. He really does love what he does, and we’re glad that energy came through. We appreciate the kind words and can’t wait to have y’all back on board soon for another great trip. Tight lines until next time! 🎣

Peter Radzim

5.0

Verified

New

Great Day Fishing

4 Hour Trip (AM) on October 14, 2025 • 4 adults

We had a great day fishing today. Captain Magnum was great! We caught 19 fish on a 4 hour trip. We really enjoyed it and would recommend to everyone.

Tyler Dillon

5.0

Verified

Best captain in the southern hemisphere

6 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing on September 2, 2025 • 4 adults

I’ll never look at charters, party boats the same. 1st choice charters and captain magnum set the bar. From just having fun, to actually fishing, to just enjoying the time we had, we didn’t lack in any aspect. These men are awesome and I’d recommend 10/10 times

Reported catch:

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November 2025

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2 adults • 0 children

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2 Hour Trip – Kids Trip