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1st Choice Charters – Destin 

4.8/5 (293 reviews)
 
Federally permitted
 Harbor Boulevard 600, Destin, FL 32541, United States
 
Federally permitted
4.8/5 (293 reviews)
 angler's choice
map-thumbnail
Harbor Boulevard 600
Destin, FL, United States
You may qualify for a Loyalty Program discount with 1st Choice Charters – Destin. To check if you can use a Loyalty Program discount for your selected dates, please sign in.

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.

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.8/5
out of 5 stars from 293 reviews
Boat
4.7/5
Crew
4.9/5
Experience
4.8/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (237)

Fishing with Blake
Fishing with Blake
Fishing with Blake
+234

Angler rating

255
26
7
4
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

95%

Appropriate for children

93%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

96%

Recommend this charter

96%

Caught fish

86%

Showing 1 - 5 of 293 reviews
Showing: 5 of 293 reviews
Josh M.
Josh M.
5.0/5

Jul 8, 2025

6 Hour Trip – Offshore Summer

Great trip and great captain

VERIFIED
NEW

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 replied
 Josh M. recommends 1st Choice Charters – Destin
1 person finds this review helpful
 Josh M. recommends 1st Choice Charters – Destin
1 person finds this review helpful
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on 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 C.
Jesse C.
5.0/5

Jul 21, 2025

4 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (AM)

Great Experience!

VERIFIED
NEW

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
 Jesse C. recommends 1st Choice Charters – Destin
 Jesse C. recommends 1st Choice Charters – Destin
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on 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! 🎣

Bradley J.
Bradley J.
5.0/5

Jul 29, 2025

4 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (AM)

Great time

VERIFIED
NEW

The crew and captain did a great job. Put us on fish if we weren't catching they moves promptly. We took an 8-year-old and they made sure he was taken care of a great time. Will recommend.

The crew and captain did a great job. Put us on fish if we weren't catching they moves promptly. We took an 8-year-old and they...  

 Bradley J. recommends 1st Choice Charters – Destin
 Bradley J. recommends 1st Choice Charters – Destin

Jeff G.
Jeff G.
5.0/5

Jul 16, 2025

4 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (PM)

Fantastic People

VERIFIED
NEW

The effort this Captain and crew went through to try to get us out on a horribly bad weather day, is just unbelievable. Will definitely go back every time I’m in town.

The effort this Captain and crew went through to try to get us out on a horribly bad weather day, is just unbelievable. Will definitely...  

Captain replied
 Jeff G. recommends 1st Choice Charters – Destin
 Jeff G. recommends 1st Choice Charters – Destin
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 22, 2025
Thank you Jeff we look forward to seeing you guys again! Safe travels.

Mark S.
Mark S.
5.0/5

Jul 14, 2025

4 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (AM)

Lots of fun! Lots of big fish!

VERIFIED
NEW

Captain and young first mate were fun, patient, helpful, and knowledgeable. We caught several red snapper, a mahi mahi & a grouper and lots of triggerfish. Great experience!

Captain and young first mate were fun, patient, helpful, and knowledgeable. We caught several red snapper, a mahi mahi & a...  

Captain replied
 Mark S. recommends 1st Choice Charters – Destin
1 person finds this review helpful
 Mark S. recommends 1st Choice Charters – Destin
1 person finds this review helpful
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 14, 2025
Thank you, Mark! We had a blast having y’all on board! Glad you were able to experience a solid bite and take home some variety snapper, mahi, grouper, trigger… now that’s a good day! Hope to see you back next time you’re in Destin. 🎣🔥

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.8/5
out of 5 stars from 293 reviews
Boat
4.7/5
Crew
4.9/5
Experience
4.8/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (237)

Fishing with Blake
Fishing with Blake
Fishing with Blake
+234

Angler rating

255
26
7
4
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

95%

Appropriate for children

93%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

96%

Recommend this charter

96%

Caught fish

86%

Showing 1 - 5 of 293 reviews
Showing: 5 of 293 reviews
Josh M.
Josh M.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great trip and great captain

VERIFIED
NEW

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.  

 Josh M. recommends 1st Choice Charters – Destin
1 person finds this review helpful
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on 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 C.
Jesse C.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great Experience!

VERIFIED
NEW

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.  

 Jesse C. recommends 1st Choice Charters – Destin
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on 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! 🎣

Bradley J.
Bradley J.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great time

VERIFIED
NEW

4 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (AM) on July 29, 2025

The crew and captain did a great job. Put us on fish if we weren't catching they moves promptly. We took an 8-year-old and they made sure he was taken care of a great time. Will recommend.

The crew and captain did a great job. Put us on fish if we weren't catching they moves promptly. We took an 8-year-old and they made sure he was taken care of a great time. Will recommend.  

 Bradley J. recommends 1st Choice Charters – Destin

Jeff G.
Jeff G.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Fantastic People

VERIFIED
NEW

4 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (PM) on July 16, 2025

The effort this Captain and crew went through to try to get us out on a horribly bad weather day, is just unbelievable. Will definitely go back every time I’m in town.

The effort this Captain and crew went through to try to get us out on a horribly bad weather day, is just unbelievable. Will definitely go back every time I’m in town.  

 Jeff G. recommends 1st Choice Charters – Destin
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 22, 2025
Thank you Jeff we look forward to seeing you guys again! Safe travels.

Mark S.
Mark S.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Lots of fun! Lots of big fish!

VERIFIED
NEW

4 Hour Trip – Offshore Fishing (AM) on July 14, 2025

Captain and young first mate were fun, patient, helpful, and knowledgeable. We caught several red snapper, a mahi mahi & a grouper and lots of triggerfish. Great experience!

Captain and young first mate were fun, patient, helpful, and knowledgeable. We caught several red snapper, a mahi mahi & a grouper and lots of triggerfish. Great experience!  

 Mark S. recommends 1st Choice Charters – Destin
1 person finds this review helpful
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 14, 2025
Thank you, Mark! We had a blast having y’all on board! Glad you were able to experience a solid bite and take home some variety snapper, mahi, grouper, trigger… now that’s a good day! Hope to see you back next time you’re in Destin. 🎣🔥

FAQs about 1st Choice Charters – Destin

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
5 persons
Boat length
27 ft
Year built
2005
Boat manufacturer
World Cat
Boat type
Center console

Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
2 x 200HP
Max cruising speed
45 knots
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What’s biting in Destin right now

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