First Shot Charters
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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!
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!

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!!!

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!!

capt mike was very knowledgeable and the boys caught their limit. Will use him again!
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.
Thanks Jamie!! I had a great time!!
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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!

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!!!

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!!

capt mike was very knowledgeable and the boys caught their limit. Will use him again!
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.
Thanks Jamie!! I had a great time!!