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
 2 bookings in the past week.
 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
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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Casey S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip with excellent captain!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Fishing (AM) on August 20, 2025
Great trip. Highly recommend Capt Mag! Very experienced and knew exactly where to go to catch fish.
Casey S. recommends 1st Choice Charters โ€“ Destin
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Casey S. 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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You and 1 other person found this review helpful
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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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Rick P.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Capt was great, very knowledgeable, and easy to fish with.

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Offshore Fishing (AM) on July 23, 2025
Would highly recommend!
Rick P. 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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