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.
Anglers Choice
328
Reviews
Verified

My Charter Listings

1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin

Federally permitted
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(294 reviews)
Angler's choice
Destin
 Last booking: 3 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $700

1st choice charters 24โ€™

State licensed
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(34 reviews)
Angler's choice
Destin
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $700

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 328 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (249)
Fishing with Blake
Fishing with Blake
Fishing with Blake
+246
Angler rating
280
30
8
5
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
95%
Appropriate for children
93%
Satisfied with the boat
96%
Caught fish
86%
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Showing:
5 of 328 reviews
Christopher V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Crew!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Fishing (PM) on July 14, 2025
We had a great, hardworking crew who put us on fish as soon as we made it to our spot. Would absolutely recommend them to others!
Christopher V. 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   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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Melanie M.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED   NEW  6 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Summer on July 19, 2025
Melanie M. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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Scott H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fantastic trip with my kids!!!!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Fishing (AM) on July 16, 2025
Capt. Mag and Brendan were absolutely awesome!!!
Scott H. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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Brock W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Pull and drag with Captain Mag!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Fishing (AM) on June 27, 2025
This is the only charter we use!
Brock W. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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