Captain
Mike Dates

Member since September 2014 Destin, United States
Background
Mike has been a USCG-licensed Captain since 2002, but he's fished the waters of Destin since 1969. A true native to the area and he just can't get enough of the beautiful village and her incredible fishery. He will work tirelessly to put you on the fish, and employ his wealth of knowledge and experience on every trip he runs. On a personal note, I love this business because I get to meet some really great people everyday and I feel relaxed and at home on the water. Start out as a client, end the trip as a friend.
Techniques
I prefer live bait fishing but I also artificial bait fish when the conditions exists.

Hey, I'm Captain Mike Dates

Destin, United States
Background
Mike has been a USCG-licensed Captain since 2002, but he's fished the waters of Destin since 1969. A true native to the area and he just can't get enough of the beautiful village and her incredible fishery. He will work tirelessly to put you on the fish, and employ his wealth of knowledge and experience on every trip he runs. On a personal note, I love this business because I get to meet some really great people everyday and I feel relaxed and at home on the water. Start out as a client, end the trip as a friend.
Techniques
I prefer live bait fishing but I also artificial bait fish when the conditions exists.
Anglers Choice
Verified

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(203 reviews)
Angler's choice
Destin
 Last booking: 5 hours ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $450

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 203 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (231)
Capt Mike Rocks
Black Snapper
Black Snapper
+228
Angler rating
190
11
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
99%
Appropriate for children
95%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Caught fish
91%
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Showing:
5 of 203 reviews
Jeremy K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Black Snapper

VERIFIED   NEW  6 Hour Trip (AM) on June 25, 2025
Captain Mike was awesome, he put us on baitfish early in the morning caught a big black snapper while trolling another while...
Jeremy K. recommends First Shot Charters
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Jeremy K. recommends First Shot Charters
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Gary G.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Our new captain

VERIFIED   NEW  8 Hour Trip on July 9, 2025
We had used the same Captain for 10 previous years but he retired and sold his boat.ย  The new people rate see the price and...
Gary G. recommends First Shot Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Gary G. recommends First Shot Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Brian E.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Capt Mike Rocks

VERIFIED   NEW  5 Hour Trip (PM) on June 29, 2025
Canโ€™t say enough about Captain Mike. My wife and I had the best time! I emphasized that my wife can get sick with bigger...
Brian E. recommends First Shot Charters
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Brian E. recommends First Shot Charters
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Zakk R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

First Shot

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip (PM) on May 27, 2025
Captain Mike Dates was incredible it was our second time being taken out by him and it was awesome. We caught bait fish searched...
Zakk R. recommends First Shot Charters
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Zakk R. recommends First Shot Charters
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Ryan B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Perfect day of fishing on the water!

VERIFIED   NEW  3 Hour Trip โ€“ Kids Fun (PM) on June 26, 2025
Capt. Mike put us on fish all day. My 8 year old son caught over 20 fish by himself. Mike taught him some techniques on reeling...
Ryan B. recommends First Shot Charters
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Ryan B. recommends First Shot Charters
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