1st Choice Charters – Destin
1st Choice Charters – Destin
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
- On typical four-hour trips, guests report catching at least 50 vermilion snapper plus other species, indicating strong bite opportunities within a compact window.
- The crew provides patient, hands-on guidance that helps kids land impressive catches, including a 51-inch barracuda, highlighting family-friendly coaching.
- Catches span a diverse array of species—red snapper, mahi, grouper—and the team uses wreck-hopping and tactic changes to keep everyone engaged and productive.
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (243)
+240Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Appropriate for children
93%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
96%
Recommend this charter
96%
Caught fish
87%
- On typical four-hour trips, guests report catching at least 50 vermilion snapper plus other species, indicating strong bite opportunities within a compact window.
- The crew provides patient, hands-on guidance that helps kids land impressive catches, including a 51-inch barracuda, highlighting family-friendly coaching.
- Catches span a diverse array of species—red snapper, mahi, grouper—and the team uses wreck-hopping and tactic changes to keep everyone engaged and productive.
Nov 3, 2025
2 Hour Trip – Kids Trip
Great Day with Captain Anthony!
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!
Enjoyed a great kids trip with Capt. Anthony. Got us on the fish and we were catching quickly and often. Hit several spots and...
Jul 8, 2025
6 Hour Trip – Offshore Summer
Great trip and great captain
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.
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...
Captain repliedJul 21, 2025
4 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (AM)
Great Experience!
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.
We had an awesome experience fishing with Captain Magnum! He was great with my two sons—stayed engaged with us the entire trip...
Captain replied
Oct 14, 2025
4 Hour Trip (AM)
Great Day Fishing
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.
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...
Sep 2, 2025
6 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing
Best captain in the southern hemisphere
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
I’ll never look at charters, party boats the same. 1st choice charters and captain magnum set the bar. From just having fun, to...
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (243)
+240Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Appropriate for children
93%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
96%
Recommend this charter
96%
Caught fish
87%
- On typical four-hour trips, guests report catching at least 50 vermilion snapper plus other species, indicating strong bite opportunities within a compact window.
- The crew provides patient, hands-on guidance that helps kids land impressive catches, including a 51-inch barracuda, highlighting family-friendly coaching.
- Catches span a diverse array of species—red snapper, mahi, grouper—and the team uses wreck-hopping and tactic changes to keep everyone engaged and productive.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great Day with Captain Anthony!
2 Hour Trip – Kids Trip on November 3, 2025
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!
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!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great trip and great captain
6 Hour Trip – Offshore Summer on July 8, 2025
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.
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.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great Experience!
4 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (AM) on July 21, 2025
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.
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.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great Day Fishing
4 Hour Trip (AM) on October 14, 2025
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.
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.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Best captain in the southern hemisphere
6 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing on September 2, 2025
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
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
FAQs about 1st Choice Charters – Destin
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
