First Shot Charters 

4.9/5 (217 reviews)
 538 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, FL 32541, United States

First Shot Charters 

Destin, FL, United States
20 ft
4
4.9/5 (217 reviews)

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Will luck shine on you in the 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village?' Join First Shot Charters and come see for yourself. Captain Mike Dates, the owner and operator, has been fishing the area waters since childhood. A native of the Destin area, he's been a USCG-licensed captain since 2001.

You'll test your luck aboard the First Shot, a 20' Cape Horn center console that can fit up to 4 passengers per trip. The First Shot crew primarily uses live bait, but they can accommodate fly and artificial fishermen as well.

All the equipment will be ready for you on board. The supplies necessary to clean the fish will be provided as well, along with a seasoned crew who are there to help along the way. As a matter of fact, they'll also be happy to clean the catch for you following the trip.

If you don't want to keep the fish, Capt. Mike is experienced in CPR fishing – 'Catch, Photo, Release'. This way, you'll ensure you do minimal harm to the fish you catch, which will then be safely released back into its natural habitat.

First Shot specializes in fishing the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico as well as the backcountry waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay. In the gulf, your targets would be King Mackerel, Cobia, Blackfin Tuna, Sharks, Red Snapper, Grouper, and Triggerfish, depending on the season. The bayside is teeming with Trout, Redfish, Black Snapper, Flounder, Ladyfish, and Bluefish.

From the first-time angler to the skilled professional, Capt. Mike will do his best to keep you on the fish and put a smile on your face. Join First Shot Charters and have your own slice of fishing heaven in Destin!

Will luck shine on you in the 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village?' Join First Shot Charters and come see for yourself. Captain Mike Dates, the owner and operator, has been fishing the area waters since childhood. A native of the Destin area, he's been a USCG-licensed captain since 2001.

You'll test your luck aboard the First Shot, a 20' Cape Horn center console that can fit up to 4 passengers per trip. The First Shot crew primarily uses live bait, but they can accommodate fly and artificial fishermen as well.

All the equipment will be ready for you on board. The supplies necessary to clean the fish will be provided as well, along with a seasoned crew who are there to help along the way. As a matter of fact, they'll also be happy to clean the catch for you following the trip.

If you don't want to keep the fish, Capt. Mike is experienced in CPR fishing – 'Catch, Photo, Release'. This way, you'll ensure you do minimal harm to the fish you catch, which will then be safely released back into its natural habitat.

First Shot specializes in fishing the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico as well as the backcountry waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay. In the gulf, your targets would be King Mackerel, Cobia, Blackfin Tuna, Sharks, Red Snapper, Grouper, and Triggerfish, depending on the season. The bayside is teeming with Trout, Redfish, Black Snapper, Flounder, Ladyfish, and Bluefish.

From the first-time angler to the skilled professional, Capt. Mike will do his best to keep you on the fish and put a smile on your face. Join First Shot Charters and have your own slice of fishing heaven in Destin!

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Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
217 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (252)

What anglers say

97%
Great experience
96%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
99%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
92%
Caught fish

All reviews (217)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 217 reviews
William Stiers
William Stiers
us
Washington D.C., US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great Experience!
4 Hour Trip (PM) on March 31, 20262 adults

We had an amazing time on our fishing charter! There were four of us, and everyone had a great experience from start to finish. The Captain was friendly, helpful, and clearly knew all the best spots—we were reeling in fish all day. We ended up catching a cooler full of fish which was icing on the cake. Everything was well-organized, and the atmosphere was relaxed and fun. Highly recommend this charter to anyone looking for a successful and enjoyable day on the water!

Reported catch:
Spanish Mackerel
Drake Duffy
Drake Duffy
us
Atlanta, GA, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
This is the Charter to use!!!! Captain Mike is the best!
5 Hour Trip (PM) on November 25, 20252 adults1 child

First Shot Charters is the Best! Captain Mike is a Master of his Craft. Going out for our First time on his 20ft boat was the perfect fit for me and my 2 sons. Captain Mike Skillfully navigated the waters, reading his Lowrance (FishFinder) screens like Neo from the Matrix. He landed us in great spots for an overall amazing fishing experience. He plays great music and answers any questions with an educational stance. We learned a lot and had the best time. First Shot Charters is the Way to go. Thanks Captain Mike!!!

Reported catch:
Spanish Mackerel
Redfish
Matthew Raines
Matthew Raines
Repeat angler
us
Tennessee, US
Member since 2019
5 trips
5.0
Verified
New
Best Trip Ever
6 Hour Trip (AM) on June 26, 20264 adults

Captain Mike is a great guy and put us on fish all day long. If you can handle it he will show you where the fish are. Book with Captain Mike you want be disappointed!!

Katherine Smith
Katherine Smith
Repeat angler
us
Tennessee, US
Member since 2026
2 trips
5.0
Verified
New
caught our limit
6 Hour Trip (AM) on June 25, 20263 adults

capt mike was very knowledgeable and the boys caught their limit. Will use him again!

Jamie Swenson
Jamie Swenson
us
Minnesota, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Holy Mackerel
4 Hour Trip (PM) on April 6, 20261 adult1 child

Made some adjustments due to less than ideal weather and wnded up with plenty of fish. Me any my son had a great experience and would recommend Captain Mike to anyone.

Response from Captain

Thanks Jamie!! I had a great time!!

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
June 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
2 Hour Kids Trip
2 hour trip starts at 1:30 PM
US $450
Entire boat: up to 4 people
3 Hour Trip – Kids Fun (PM)
3 hour trip starts at 1:30 PM
US $650
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4 Hour Trip (AM)
4 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Oct 1 - May 15
US $800
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4 Hour Trip (PM)
4 hour trip starts at 1:30 PM
US $800
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Trip (PM)
5 hour trip starts at 1:30 PM
US $1,000
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 Hour Trip (AM)
6 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
US $1,200
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8 Hour Trip
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
US $1,600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 41 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

4.9
217 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (252)

What anglers say

97%
Great experience
96%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
99%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
92%
Caught fish

All reviews (217)

Frequently mentioned
Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...
Showing 15 of 217 reviews
William Stiers
William Stiers
us
Washington D.C., US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great Experience!
4 Hour Trip (PM) on March 31, 20262 adults

We had an amazing time on our fishing charter! There were four of us, and everyone had a great experience from start to finish. The Captain was friendly, helpful, and clearly knew all the best spots—we were reeling in fish all day. We ended up catching a cooler full of fish which was icing on the cake. Everything was well-organized, and the atmosphere was relaxed and fun. Highly recommend this charter to anyone looking for a successful and enjoyable day on the water!

Reported catch:
Spanish Mackerel
Drake Duffy
Drake Duffy
us
Atlanta, GA, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
This is the Charter to use!!!! Captain Mike is the best!
5 Hour Trip (PM) on November 25, 20252 adults1 child

First Shot Charters is the Best! Captain Mike is a Master of his Craft. Going out for our First time on his 20ft boat was the perfect fit for me and my 2 sons. Captain Mike Skillfully navigated the waters, reading his Lowrance (FishFinder) screens like Neo from the Matrix. He landed us in great spots for an overall amazing fishing experience. He plays great music and answers any questions with an educational stance. We learned a lot and had the best time. First Shot Charters is the Way to go. Thanks Captain Mike!!!

Reported catch:
Spanish Mackerel
Redfish
Matthew Raines
Matthew Raines
Repeat angler
us
Tennessee, US
Member since 2019
5 trips
5.0
Verified
New
Best Trip Ever
6 Hour Trip (AM) on June 26, 20264 adults

Captain Mike is a great guy and put us on fish all day long. If you can handle it he will show you where the fish are. Book with Captain Mike you want be disappointed!!

Katherine Smith
Katherine Smith
Repeat angler
us
Tennessee, US
Member since 2026
2 trips
5.0
Verified
New
caught our limit
6 Hour Trip (AM) on June 25, 20263 adults

capt mike was very knowledgeable and the boys caught their limit. Will use him again!

Jamie Swenson
Jamie Swenson
us
Minnesota, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Holy Mackerel
4 Hour Trip (PM) on April 6, 20261 adult1 child

Made some adjustments due to less than ideal weather and wnded up with plenty of fish. Me any my son had a great experience and would recommend Captain Mike to anyone.

Response from Captain

Thanks Jamie!! I had a great time!!

FAQs about First Shot Charters

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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
4 persons
Boat length
20 ft
Year built
2000
Restored in
2016
Boat manufacturer
Cape Horn
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 225HP
Max cruising speed
35 knots
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