Charter Operator
Swoop II Adventures

Member since October 2024 Destin, United States
Background
From Our Family to Yours — Welcome Aboard! Every great adventure begins with a spark of inspiration — and for us, that spark was lit back in 1999. That’s when I, Captain Matt Wheeler, was invited to help bring a new vision to life: the creation of a party boat fishing business. My first assignment was to oversee the construction of what would become the original Swoop I. Nine months later, Captain Jeff Locke — who has part of the Swoop Family since day one — and I set sail from Wetumpka, Alabama, making our maiden voyage down the Alabama River, bound for the sugarโ€‘white sands and emeraldโ€‘green waters of Destin, Florida. Over the next five years, those waters became my home. More than 10,000 hours of fishing later, the dream had grown — and we knew it was time to expand. I returned to Alabama to help craft the sister ship, Swoop II, built with the same passion and purpose that started it all. Fast forward fifteen years — countless fishing trips, countless friendships — and in March 2021, my wife Heather and I were blessed with the opportunity to purchase the Swoop II ourselves. Today, Swoop II Adventures isn’t just a business — it’s a family legacy built on hard work, faith, and an unshakable love for the sea. Our crew, our guests, and our community are all part of that story. Over the years, many of our former crew members and loyal customers have become part of what we proudly call the Swoop Family — a community bound by a shared love of fishing, teamwork, and adventure. Many of you have fished with us year after year, and we’re forever grateful for every laugh, every catch, and every cherished memory made along the way. We’re also thrilled to share a new chapter of our journey: the launch of our official YouTube channel, where we invite you to join us and see what life is really like on the Emerald Coast. From unforgettable fishing trips to authentic behindโ€‘theโ€‘scenes moments on deck, we can’t wait to bring the beauty and spirit of Destin to you — wherever you are in the world. Whether it’s your first trip offshore or your fiftieth, we’re honored to welcome you aboard and share the excitement of fishing in “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village!"
Techniques
*Sliplead Fishing - Swoop II Style* Technique-focused using a sliding sinker rig for better bite detection Ideal for targeting snapper, grouper, and other bottom species Anglers manage their own baiting, rigging, and reeling Preferred by experienced anglers for more control and sensitivity. *Party Boat Fishing - Swoop II Style* Group fishing experience with up to 40 guests Focused on bottom fishing for reef species like snapper and triggerfish Great for all skill levels, including families and first-timers Social, affordable, and perfect for casual anglers

Hey, we're Swoop II Adventures

Destin, United States
Background
From Our Family to Yours — Welcome Aboard! Every great adventure begins with a spark of inspiration — and for us, that spark was lit back in 1999. That’s when I, Captain Matt Wheeler, was invited to help bring a new vision to life: the creation of a party boat fishing business. My first assignment was to oversee the construction of what would become the original Swoop I. Nine months later, Captain Jeff Locke — who has part of the Swoop Family since day one — and I set sail from Wetumpka, Alabama, making our maiden voyage down the Alabama River, bound for the sugarโ€‘white sands and emeraldโ€‘green waters of Destin, Florida. Over the next five years, those waters became my home. More than 10,000 hours of fishing later, the dream had grown — and we knew it was time to expand. I returned to Alabama to help craft the sister ship, Swoop II, built with the same passion and purpose that started it all. Fast forward fifteen years — countless fishing trips, countless friendships — and in March 2021, my wife Heather and I were blessed with the opportunity to purchase the Swoop II ourselves. Today, Swoop II Adventures isn’t just a business — it’s a family legacy built on hard work, faith, and an unshakable love for the sea. Our crew, our guests, and our community are all part of that story. Over the years, many of our former crew members and loyal customers have become part of what we proudly call the Swoop Family — a community bound by a shared love of fishing, teamwork, and adventure. Many of you have fished with us year after year, and we’re forever grateful for every laugh, every catch, and every cherished memory made along the way. We’re also thrilled to share a new chapter of our journey: the launch of our official YouTube channel, where we invite you to join us and see what life is really like on the Emerald Coast. From unforgettable fishing trips to authentic behindโ€‘theโ€‘scenes moments on deck, we can’t wait to bring the beauty and spirit of Destin to you — wherever you are in the world. Whether it’s your first trip offshore or your fiftieth, we’re honored to welcome you aboard and share the excitement of fishing in “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village!"
Techniques
*Sliplead Fishing - Swoop II Style* Technique-focused using a sliding sinker rig for better bite detection Ideal for targeting snapper, grouper, and other bottom species Anglers manage their own baiting, rigging, and reeling Preferred by experienced anglers for more control and sensitivity. *Party Boat Fishing - Swoop II Style* Group fishing experience with up to 40 guests Focused on bottom fishing for reef species like snapper and triggerfish Great for all skill levels, including families and first-timers Social, affordable, and perfect for casual anglers
Verified
Our Team
Matt W.
Captain
Jeff L.
Captain
Pam P.
Business associate
Sara H.
Business associate
Heather W.
Business associate

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.4 / 5
(77 reviews)
Destin
 3 bookings in the past week.
Trips from US $103

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.4 / 5
out of 5 stars from 77 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.4 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.4 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (61)
Caught so many fish all day!!!
Caught so many fish all day!!!
Caught so many fish all day!!!
+58
Angler rating
56
7
6
3
3
Anglers claimed
Good experience
76%
Friendly captain
95%
Recommend this charter
84%
Appropriate for children
88%
Satisfied with the boat
87%
Caught fish
91%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 77 reviews
Edwin F.
Very good
3.3 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Very good
4.0 / 5
Crew
Bad
2.0 / 5
Overall

Good crew, very small boat and almost no fish to show for

VERIFIED   5 Hour โ€“ Party Boat Fishing on June 14, 2025
The crew was helpful and kind I give that to the guys. The boat itself is small and the cabin is not that large or comfortable...
Edwin F. does not recommend Swoop II Adventures
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Edwin F. does not recommend Swoop II Adventures
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John A.

The captain canceled

VERIFIED   July 10, 2025
The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.
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5 persons find this review helpful
You and 5 people found this review helpful
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You and 5 people found this review helpful

Jonathon K.
Very good
3.3 / 5
Experience:
Good
3.0 / 5
Boat
Good
3.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Swoop II

VERIFIED   8 Hour โ€“ Party Boat Fishing on July 2, 2025
Jonathon K. recommends Swoop II Adventures
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Jonathon K. recommends Swoop II Adventures
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Jason J.
Good
2.3 / 5
Experience:
Bad
2.0 / 5
Boat
Good
3.0 / 5
Crew
Bad
2.0 / 5
Overall

Tough day at sea

VERIFIED   5 Hour โ€“ Party Boat Fishing on June 10, 2025
Iโ€™ll start by saying we had a tough day with rough seas and minimal catches on our outing. I picked the 5 hour option to...
Jason J. does not recommend Swoop II Adventures
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Jason J. does not recommend Swoop II Adventures
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Shekeba G.
Bad
1.7 / 5
Experience:
Good
3.0 / 5
Boat
Poor
1.0 / 5
Crew
Poor
1.0 / 5
Overall

Birthday trip ruined

VERIFIED   5 Hour โ€“ Party Boat Fishing on June 7, 2025
I read the reviews too late to change plans but 1 reviewer said they didnโ€™t fish worth a darn because of the time it took...
Shekeba G. does not recommend Swoop II Adventures
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Shekeba G. does not recommend Swoop II Adventures
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful