Charter Operator
1st Choice Charters (Formerly Southern Country Charters)

Member since September 2020 Destin, United States
Background
The professional captains and crew with 1st Choice Charters are proud to continue the legacy built by Southern Country Charters in Destin, FL. Now owned and operated by Blake Maddox, the team is led on the water by Capt. Magnum Owens — a seasoned local captain dedicated to putting you on fish and making every trip memorable. Whether you’re a first-timer or a pro angler, there’s a place on the boat for you.

Hey, we're 1st Choice Charters (Formerly Southern Country Charters)

Destin, United States
Background
The professional captains and crew with 1st Choice Charters are proud to continue the legacy built by Southern Country Charters in Destin, FL. Now owned and operated by Blake Maddox, the team is led on the water by Capt. Magnum Owens — a seasoned local captain dedicated to putting you on fish and making every trip memorable. Whether you’re a first-timer or a pro angler, there’s a place on the boat for you.
314
Reviews

My Charter Listings

1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin

Excellent
4.8 / 5
(280 reviews)
Destin
 4 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $700

1st choice charters 24โ€™

Excellent
4.7 / 5
(34 reviews)
Destin
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $700

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 314 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (234)
Fishing with Payton
Fishing with Payton
Fishing with Payton
+231
Angler rating
264
30
8
5
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
93%
Satisfied with the boat
96%
Caught fish
86%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 314 reviews
Joshua B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fantastic!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Fishing (PM) on July 31, 2024
Went on a 4 hour trip with Capt Dustin.ย  Very personable and energetic Capt.ย  Always kept us updated on weather and fishing...
Joshua B. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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Nathan C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Experience

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Fishing (AM) on June 23, 2025
Had a blast with Captain Mag. Put us on fish the whole trip. Also very knowledgeable and sociable.
Nathan C. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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Nathan C. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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Bree A.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Payton

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Fishing (PM) on June 23, 2025
Bree A. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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Bree A. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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Michael S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome Character

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Fishing (AM) on July 14, 2024
Very knowledgeable Captain! This fishing trip was one to remember. My Family thoroughly enjoyed the morning fishing with Dustin....
Michael S. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  1st Choice Charters (Formerly Southern Country Charters) Charter Operator replied
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Brown H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Smooth Ride

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Fishing (PM) on July 16, 2024
Captain Dustin and First Mate Robin are knowledgeable fishermen that did everything that they could to get us on the fish....
Brown H. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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