Dawn Patrol Charters
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Dawn Patrol Charters

Federally permitted
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(184 reviews)
538 Harbor Boulevard
Destin, FL, United States

Dawn Patrol Charters invites you to explore offshore, back bay, and inshore Gulf fishing in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” For Captain JT and his team, everything swimming around Destin is fair game. Join the crew for a fun and productive day with your family and friends.

Whether it’s a trip to the Choctawhatchee Bay for Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Flounder, and Pompano, or an excursion to the prolific Gulf waters for the likes of Grouper, Amberjack, King Mackerel, Red Snapper, Cobia, and Tarpon, Dawn Patrol Charters has it all.

Bay fishing is a great year-round opportunity to enjoy live bait and light tackle action. There are plenty of grass flats, jetties, bridges, pocks, points, and drop-offs to be explored. Plus, you may also catch Ladyfish, Bluefish, Black Snapper, and many more!

If you’re after a trip to the Gulf, then just let your captain know. You will be bottom fishing for various species of Snapper and Grouper, as well as Amberjack, Flounder, Triggerfish, and who knows what else. Or go trolling for Wahoo, Mahi Mahi-Mahi, Cobia, Bonito, Spanish and King Mackerel, and Jack Crevalle. These trips can be organized anytime from April until November.

Dawn Patrol will take you out aboard a 22’ Cape Horn center console. This spacious boat can accommodate up to six anglers. It comes powered by a single 250 HP Yamaha 4-stroke and can cruise at a top speed of 35 knots. The boat features a dual helm and a Cobia Tower - key features of any sight fishing trip.

The vessel is outfitted with top-notch navigational and fish finding electronics to save your time while searching for fish. As well as that, there is a 30-gallon live well loaded with all kinds of bait to make your hooks irresistible. Depending on which trip you chose, you will use cigar minnows, herrings, redefines, and speedos.

All trips come with the licenses, bait, fly fishing equipment, and quality spinning rods and reels mainly by Penn International.

  • Fishing License
  • You Keep Catch
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Child Friendly
  • Ice Box
  • Rods, reels & tackle

Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    2 Hour Trip – Kids/Beginners Fun
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    $500
    This trip is mainly catch and release. It's set up to get you as much action as possible. Some of the target species include Spanish Mackerel, Catfish, Ladyfish, Hardtail, Pinfish, Croaker, Black Snapper, and sometimes Triggerfish and Red Snapper.
  • Private trip
    3 Hour Trip - Kids Fun (5 MAX)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    $700
    This is a fun trip that is all about the kids targeting species that bite frequently, such as Black Snapper, Bluefish, Ladyfish, Spanish Mackerel, Croakers, Catfish and sometimes the late summer Redfish. These types of fish keep the kids busy having fun catching. The trip is primarily catch and release but it's possible to harvest some fish if they're in season. Please, have in mind that this trip is for 5 people maximum.
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    $850
    Don't let the length of the trip fool you. You will have enough time to check as many productive spots as possible, be it in the bay or in the Gulf. Target Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, King Mackerel, various species of Grouper, and many more. We normally catch our live bait at the beginning of the trip, however, as an option, you can purchase it if the bait boat has some for selling, this will give you more fishing time.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip PM (5 MAX)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    $850
    Don't let the length of the trip fool you. You will have enough time to check as many productive spots as possible, be it in the bay or in the Gulf. Target Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, King Mackerel, various species of Grouper, and many more.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Extended AM (5 MAX)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    $1,050
    If you want more time on the water, this is your trip. You will be tailored to your specific needs and wishes. Fish in the Bay or in the Gulf for whatever is biting. The trip is all-inclusive, you only need to bring something to eat and drink and your desire to catch fish!
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Extended PM (5 MAX)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    $1,050
    If you want more time on the water, this is your trip. You will be tailored to your specific needs and wishes. Fish in the Bay or in the Gulf for whatever is biting. The trip is all-inclusive, you only need to bring something to eat and drink and your desire to catch fish!
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip (5 MAX)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    $1,250
    This is a great trip if you're looking to mix some trolling and bottom fishing. It'll give you enough time to chase after a variety of fish and do different types of fishing. When fishing in the Gulf, you'll be trolling for King and Spanish Mackerel, Bonita. It's also not uncommon to hook into a Cobia, Mahi Mahi, or Sailfish. When bottom fishing, you'll target all types of Snapper and Grouper, Amberjack, and Triggerfish. There's also the option of fishing for Sharks.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip (5 MAX)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    $1,650
    Depending on your personal preferences and what's biting, you will be able to stay in the bay or head further out. Fish for Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Redfish, Flounder, Bonito, Snapper, Grouper, and even Sailfish.
There are 28 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Dawn Patrol Charters

Dawn Patrol Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • $500 per group, additional $50 per person after 4 guests - 2 Hour Trip – Kids/Beginners Fun (2 hours)
  • $700 per group, additional $100 per person after 4 guests - 3 Hour Trip - Kids Fun (5 MAX) (3 hours)
  • $850 per group, additional $100 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • $850 per group, additional $100 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip PM (5 MAX) (4 hours)
  • $1,050 per group, additional $100 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip – Extended AM (5 MAX) (5 hours)
  • $1,050 per group, additional $100 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip – Extended PM (5 MAX) (5 hours)
  • $1,250 per group, additional $100 per person after 4 guests - 3/4 Day Trip (5 MAX) (6 hours)
  • $1,650 per group, additional $100 per person after 4 guests - Full Day Trip (5 MAX) (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Dawn Patrol Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Flybridge
  • Live Bait Well
  • Ice Box
  • Sonar
Trips booked with Dawn Patrol Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Fishing License
Dawn Patrol Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing
Dawn Patrol Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Fly Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing
Top targeted fish species with Dawn Patrol Charters include:
  • Amberjack
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Flounder
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Thresher)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Spotted Seatrout
  • Tarpon

About the Captain

John Tenore
Destin, Florida, United States
7 Fishing Reports
ID & License verified
184 Customer reviews
Response time 2 hours
Member since June 2015
Captain John “JT” Tenore was born and raised in North Carolina. JT was first introduced to fishing by his father and was fishing along the coastline at a very early age. In the 1980’s, JT moved to Destin and started fishing the local piers. And the rest is history!

About this listing

Targeted species

Amberjack Amberjack
Cobia Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Flounder Flounder

Boat specs

Cape Horn (Center console) originally built in 1994. Powered by a 250HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 35 knots.

Length
22 ft
Capacity
5 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Fly Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Live Bait Well
Ice Box
Sonar

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

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.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% 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
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 4% charge will apply.

Destin Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating Summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 184 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (264)
Beginners trip with kids!
JT was very nice and made sure our experience was fun and that we caught some fish.
JT was very nice and made sure our experience was fun and that we caught some fish.
+261
Angler Rating
166
11
2
2
0
Anglers Claimed
Good experience
94%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
95%
Appropriate for children
96%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Catch intended fish
88%
Sort By:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 184 reviews
Vincent H.
Miramar Beach, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip with JT

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip PM (5 MAX) on April 23, 2023
Every aspect of our trip with John was enjoyable. He’s an all-around great guy who knows what he’s doing and who wants...
Vincent H. recommends Dawn Patrol Charters
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Matthew L.
Westville, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Captian John

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip (5 MAX) on June 21, 2022
My son and I had an amazing time with Captain JT. I have been on a ton of Chartered fishing trips but take it from me when...
Matthew L. recommends Dawn Patrol Charters
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3 persons find this review helpful
You and 3 people found this review helpful
Matthew L. recommends Dawn Patrol Charters
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3 persons find this review helpful
You and 3 people found this review helpful
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Brian S.
Hamilton, OH
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

2 Hour Kids Trip

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip – Kids/Beginners Fun on June 14, 2022
Captain Trevor took my son and me on a great fishing trip.  Trevor was very good with my 9 year old and was very engaging,...
Brian S. recommends Dawn Patrol Charters
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Brian S. recommends Dawn Patrol Charters
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Derrick S.
Waxahachie, TX
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip

VERIFIED   NEW  3/4 Day Trip (5 MAX) on June 8, 2023
Captain JT was amazing. He took us off shore and got us on lots of fish. We caught numerous snapper and got our limit of red...
Derrick S. recommends Dawn Patrol Charters
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Derrick S. recommends Dawn Patrol Charters
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Joe T.
Haughton, LA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day morning trip with captain JT

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip – Extended AM (5 MAX) on May 31, 2023
He took us straight to a good spot and kept us on them all morning.  Great family trip.  We all caught some EPIC Red Snappers.
Joe T. recommends Dawn Patrol Charters
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Joe T. recommends Dawn Patrol Charters
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