First Shot Charters
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!
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (256)
What anglers say
All reviews (220)
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!!!
Good experience on our Destin Vacation, Capt. Mike was very respectful and great to be on the water with! We will definitely be back next year!
Captain Mike got us on 8 fish in a 2 hour trip! He knows the honey holes! My son and I had a great experience!
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!!
FAQs about First Shot Charters
- US $450 per group - 2 Hour Kids Trip (2 hours)
- US $650 per group - 3 Hour Trip – Kids Fun (PM) (3 hours)
- US $800 per group - 4 Hour Trip (AM) (4 hours)
- US $800 per group - 4 Hour Trip (PM) (4 hours)
- US $1,000 per group - 5 Hour Trip (PM) (5 hours)
- US $1,200 per group - 6 Hour Trip (AM) (6 hours)
- US $1,600 per group - 8 Hour Trip (8 hours)
- GPS
- Fishfinder Sidescan and structure scan
- Flybridge
- Live bait well
- Wireless trolling motor
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Live bait (Yes, fishing for live bait is part of the trip, however, sometimes there are bait boats out here and if you would rather buy your bait so you have more fishing time let me know!!)
- Lures
- Catch cleaning & filleting (Cleaning and filleting of the fish are complimentary )
- Fishing license (Fishing licenses for thr trip are included in the price!)
- Inshore fishing
- Nearshore fishing
- Offshore fishing (9 miles further if trolling for Wahoo or Tuna)
- Reef fishing
- Wreck fishing
- Flats fishing
- Backcountry fishing
- Light tackle
- Heavy tackle
- Bottom fishing
- Trolling
- Spinning
- Fly fishing
- Drift fishing
- Deep sea fishing
- Amberjack
- Cobia
- Grouper (Black)
- Grouper (Gag)
- King Mackerel (Kingfish)
- Redfish
- Sailfish
- Sheepshead
- Snapper (Red)
- Spanish Mackerel
- Tarpon
- Triggerfish (Gray)
Your captain
Mike has been a USCG-licensed Captain since 2002, but he's fished the waters of Destin since 1969. A true native to the area and he just can't get enough of the beautiful village and her incredible fishery. He will work tirelessly to put you on the fish, and employ his wealth of knowledge and experience on every trip he runs. On a personal note, I love this business because I get to meet some really great people everyday and I feel relaxed and at home on the water. Start out as a client, end the trip as a friend.
Mike has been a USCG-licensed Captain since 2002, but he's fished the waters of Destin since 1969. A true native to the area and he just can't get enough of the beautiful village and her incredible fishery. He will work tirelessly to put you on the fish, and employ his wealth of knowledge and experience on every trip he runs. On a personal note, I love this business because I get to meet some really great people everyday and I feel relaxed and at home on the water. Start out as a client, end the trip as a friend.
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Which fishing techniques you can try
Which amenities are available onboard
What's included in the trip price
How cancellations work
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.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
How you can pay
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
Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.
What’s biting in Destin right now
Amberjack
Cobia
Grouper (Gag)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Sailfish
Sheepshead
Snapper (Red)
Spanish Mackerel
Tarpon
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