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.
315
Reviews
Verified

My Charter Listings

1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin

Federally permitted
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(281 reviews)
Destin
 Last booking: 4 hours ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $700

1st choice charters 24โ€™

State licensed
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 315 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (238)
1st Choice Charters
1st Choice Charters
1st Choice Charters
+235
Angler rating
265
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 315 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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  1st Choice Charters (Formerly Southern Country Charters) Charter Operator replied
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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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Brandon M.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

1st Choice Charters

VERIFIED   NEW  6 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Summer on June 26, 2025
Guys weโ€™re great out my family on fish so we could have a great day of fishing. Would absolutely recommend a 6hr trip.
Brandon M. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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Brandon M. 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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You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  1st Choice Charters (Formerly Southern Country Charters) Charter Operator replied
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