1st Choice Charters – Destin
1st Choice Charters – Destin
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1st Choice Charters is a top-rated, private fishing charter based in Destin, Florida, proudly continuing a strong local legacy under experienced new ownership.
Built on the foundation established by Capt. Payton Anderson, 1st Choice Charters is now operated by Capt. Anthony Dewberry, with ownership led by Blake Maddox, delivering professional, safe, and unforgettable fishing experiences on the Emerald Coast.
We specialize in completely private charters, perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned anglers alike. Whether you're learning the ropes or chasing your next trophy fish, our crew is committed to giving you a trip to remember.
Step aboard our 25' Sea Hunt Gamefish, a fast, comfortable, and fully equipped vessel featuring a private toilet, multimedia system, and cooler for your food and drinks. The boat accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably.
Trips include trolling for seasonal species and bottom fishing over productive reefs for fish such as Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, Tuna, Grouper, Cobia, and more. You'll leave with fresh catch and lifelong memories.
All fishing licenses, gear, and professional fish cleaning are included — just bring your food, drinks, and sun protection.
(Children must be at least 10 years old.)
Book your trip with 1st Choice Charters today and experience why we're one of Destin's most trusted and highly rated charter operations.
1st Choice Charters is a top-rated, private fishing charter based in Destin, Florida, proudly continuing a strong local legacy under experienced new ownership.
Built on the foundation established by Capt. Payton Anderson, 1st Choice Charters is now operated by Capt. Anthony Dewberry, with ownership led by Blake Maddox, delivering professional, safe, and unforgettable fishing experiences on the Emerald Coast.
We specialize in completely private charters, perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned anglers alike. Whether you're learning the ropes or chasing your next trophy fish, our crew is committed to giving you a trip to remember.
Step aboard our 25' Sea Hunt Gamefish, a fast, comfortable, and fully equipped vessel featuring a private toilet, multimedia system, and cooler for your food and drinks. The boat accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably.
Trips include trolling for seasonal species and bottom fishing over productive reefs for fish such as Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, Tuna, Grouper, Cobia, and more. You'll leave with fresh catch and lifelong memories.
All fishing licenses, gear, and professional fish cleaning are included — just bring your food, drinks, and sun protection.
(Children must be at least 10 years old.)
Book your trip with 1st Choice Charters today and experience why we're one of Destin's most trusted and highly rated charter operations.
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (279)
What anglers say
All reviews (371)
big shout out to Captain Anthony! The trip started out slow but Capt Anthony worked extremely hard moving around until we got fish in the boat. He did an awesome job entertaining our boys on a fun boat ride as well. We ended up with around 47 Mingos which is almost the limit for our crew and 1 big red grouper. Not counting the nice Cobia we caught that wasnt quite big enough and a bunch of Trigger fish too bad they was out of season. But will definitely hook up with this charter again. Dont let 1 bad review turn you away i would 100% advise you to trust the good ones with 1st Choice. Great guys!
Anthony is a heck of a guide! He made sure that everyone on the boat was included in catching fish and for the less experienced fishermen on the boat he was there to answer any and every question they had. We caught over 50 mingos and were able to keep 40 for our 4 person limit. We also caught many many trigger fish and rock fish and were able to catch some trophy sized Amber jacks! This trip was above and beyond anything we could’ve imagined and I can’t thank Anthony enough for being so kind and friendly and taking care of us while sending us home with a cooler full of fish and memories to last a lifetime!
Thank you so much, Luke! We truly appreciate the incredible review. We’re thrilled Captain Anthony made your trip such a memorable one and made sure everyone had a chance to catch fish and enjoy the experience. Congratulations on an awesome catch, and thank you for choosing 1st Choice Charters. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable day on the water! 🎣🐟🌊
We had an absolutely incredible experience out on the water. From the moment we stepped on board, the captain and crew were professional, knowledgeable, and fully committed to making sure we had a successful and enjoyable trip. The action was nonstop!!! We caught a ton of fish, and every step of the process was handled with skill and precision. The crew stayed attentive the entire time, helping with baiting, casting, and keeping lines in the water so we could focus on enjoying the experience. What really stood out was the level of customer service. These guys genuinely care about what they do, and it shows. They go above and beyond to make sure everyone on board has a great time, whether you’re experienced or it’s your first trip out. If you’re looking for a fishing charter that delivers results, professionalism, and a great atmosphere, this is the one to book. We’ll definitely be back.
Benny, this right here means a lot 🙌🏽 We don’t just aim to put people on fish we aim to give an experience you’ll never forget, and it sounds like the crew delivered on all levels 🎣🔥 Nonstop action, teamwork, and making sure y’all could just enjoy the moment… that’s what 1st Choice is built on. Appreciate you trusting us and taking the time to write this out. Y’all were a great group and we’ll be ready for round two whenever you are 💪🏽
Me and my best friend took our sons on a fishing trip with First Choice Charters, and it was our very first charter experience and it did not disappoint! From the moment we got on the boat, the crew made us feel welcome and made sure we had an amazing time. The kids had so much fun, we laughed the whole trip, and we caught plenty of fish! 🎣 It was such a great experience making memories with our boys out on the water. If you’re thinking about booking a fishing trip, I highly recommend First Choice Charters. We had an awesome time and will definitely be back!
thank you so much alyssa we look forward to having you guys back!
We came to Destin as part of our Son's High School Graduation present and the #1 bucket list item was a charter fishing trip. We couldn't have had a better time. We caught 39 fish in 5 hours. Our son who doesn't care for fishing gave it a 10/10 fun experience. The crew took great care of us and on our way to try to get a grouper, we stopped and went after more Mingo when the captain saw a larg school of fish half way to the new spot.We dropped our hooks and was rewarded with about 20 more Mingo. Thanks for an amazing day on the Water.
Robert, this is what it’s all about right here 🙌🏽 We’re honored you chose us for such a big moment for your son. 39 fish in 5 hours and turning a non-fisherman into a 10/10 experience… that’s a win every time 🎣🔥 I love that we was able to pivot and put y’all on that extra Mingo bite too that’s the difference between just a trip and a real experience. Appreciate you trusting 1st Choice Charters with the memory. Y’all are welcome back anytime we’ll be ready to beat that 39 next trip 💪🏽
FAQs about 1st Choice Charters – Destin
What are the trip rates for 1st Choice Charters – Destin?
- US $700 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 2 Hour Trip – Kids Trip (2 hours)
- US $1,000 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (AM) (4 hours)
- US $1,000 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (PM) (4 hours)
- US $1,000 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 4 Hour Trip (AM) (4 hours)
- US $1,125 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (5 hours)
- US $1,125 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (PM) (5 hours)
- US $1,125 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 5 Hour Trip (AM) (5 hours)
- US $1,350 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (6 hours)
- US $1,350 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (6 hours)
- US $1,350 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Offshore Summer (6 hours)
- US $1,350 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Offshore Summer (6 hours)
- US $1,350 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 6 Hour Trip (AM) (6 hours)
- US $1,650 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 6 hr Offshore- (Federal Trip) (6 hours)
- US $2,200 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 8 Hr Offshore (Federal trip) (8 hours)
- US $2,750 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 10 Hr Offshore (Federal trip) (8 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with 1st Choice Charters – Destin?
- Toilet • ✅ Fully enclosed compartment: You can close and lock the door for privacy. • ? Porcelain or marine-grade toilet (gravity flush). • ? Freshwater fed from our onboard tank (not raw seawater).
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Live bait well
- Multimedia system
- Wireless trolling motor
- Ice box
What's included in the trip price with 1st Choice Charters – Destin?
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Live bait (Live Bait: Yes, live bait is included and already factored into the total trip price no extra fees.)
- Lures
- Catch cleaning & filleting (Cleaning & Filleting: Included at no extra charge your catch will be cleaned and filleted for you after the trip.)
- Fishing license (Licensing: All fishing licenses are fully covered under our charter no need to bring your own. We also provide all fishing gear and equipment. Just bring your snacks, drinks, and sunscreen!)
What types of fishing does 1st Choice Charters – Destin offer?
- Nearshore fishing
What fishing techniques does 1st Choice Charters – Destin offer?
- Light tackle
- Heavy tackle
- Bottom fishing
- Trolling
- Spinning
- Jigging
- Popping
- Deep sea fishing
Which fish species can I catch with 1st Choice Charters – Destin?
- Amberjack
- Cobia
- Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
- Grouper (Broomtail)
- Grouper (Gag)
- Grouper (Goliath)
- Jack (Almaco)
- King Mackerel (Kingfish)
- Little Tunny (False Albacore)
- Redfish
- Snapper (Red)
- Tuna (Blackfin)
Your operator
Destin, Florida, United States
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
1st Choice Charters offers private fishing charters out of Destin, Florida, led exclusively by Capt. Anthony Dewberry, a local captain dedicated to safe, enjoyable, and productive trips on the Gulf. Whether you're a first-time angler or a seasoned fisherman, every trip is tailored to deliver a memorable day on the water.
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
1st Choice Charters offers private fishing charters out of Destin, Florida, led exclusively by Capt. Anthony Dewberry, a local captain dedicated to safe, enjoyable, and productive trips on the Gulf. Whether you're a first-time angler or a seasoned fisherman, every trip is tailored to deliver a memorable day on the water.
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Which fishing techniques you can try
Which amenities are available onboard
What's included in the trip price
How cancellations work
Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
How you can pay
Book with 30% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 30% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
PayPal
Bank transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.
What’s biting in Destin right now
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Gag)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Snapper (Red)
Tuna (Blackfin)Compare similar fishing charters
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