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
205
Reviews
Verified

My Charter Listing

First Shot Charters

State licensed
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(205 reviews)
Angler's choice
Destin
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $450

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 205 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (235)
First Shot in the Gulf
First Shot in the Gulf
First Shot in the Gulf
+232
Angler rating
192
11
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
99%
Appropriate for children
96%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Caught fish
91%
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Showing:
5 of 205 reviews
Marcus W.
Sioux Falls, SD
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Afternoon with captain Mike

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on July 1, 2023
Mike got us on to snapper and amberjack and had us reeling in fish all afternoon.ย  Great experience, great afternoon of making...
Marcus W. recommends First Shot Charters
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Jason G.
United States
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day Trip With Captain Mike

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on July 24, 2023
Had a great time out on the water with Captain Mike.ย  He knew where the fish were and made sure we caught out limit!
Jason G. recommends First Shot Charters
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Andrew B.
Boulder City, NV
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full day Trip with Captain Mike

VERIFIED   8 Hour Trip on May 20, 2023
It was a great trip. We caught a lot of fish and it was really fun. Canโ€™t wait to come back and do it again during Red Snapper...
Andrew B. recommends First Shot Charters
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Michael G.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Captain and Boat

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip (AM) on June 5, 2023
We always go out with captain Mike. His skill ensures that you will have a great time.
Michael G. recommends First Shot Charters
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Jeff W.
Cloverdale, IN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

4 hour trip. Kids are avid fisherman now. What a great trip!!!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on July 29, 2022
Capt Mike handled our trip from beginning to end. We were on the fish we were looking for immediately after we got on the water....
Jeff W. recommends First Shot Charters
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