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
337
Reviews
Verified

My Charter Listings

1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin

Federally permitted
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(303 reviews)
Angler's choice
Destin
 Last booking: 4 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 337 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (255)
Great Day with Captain Anthony!
Great Day with Captain Anthony!
Great Day with Captain Anthony!
+252
Angler rating
289
30
8
5
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
95%
Appropriate for children
94%
Satisfied with the boat
96%
Caught fish
87%
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Showing:
5 of 337 reviews
Ashley S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great experience!

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Fishing on October 7, 2025
capt. mag went above and beyond to make sure we had a great family fishing experience! we will definitely be coming back and...
Ashley S. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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Shawn D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Want a personalized trip captain Magnum is your man

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Fishing on September 9, 2025
Trip was exactly what my son and i were looking for, Chased and caught a little bit of everything Iโ€™ll definitely...
Shawn D. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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Dylan B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Fishing (AM) on July 9, 2025
Capt Mag with โ€œ1st choice chartersโ€ put us right on them had a great time and great experience everyone caught fish and...
Dylan B. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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Cynthia R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Fishing (AM) on September 30, 2025
Great trip for just us and the captain. Caught lots of fish some able to keep some not. Definitely recommend.
Cynthia R. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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Jim T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Grandsons First Fishing Trip

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip โ€“ Kids Trip on September 14, 2025
He was very good with my grandson. He was very easy to work with and the fishing was easy. would book again!
Jim T. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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