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.
Verified

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(206 reviews)
Destin
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $450

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 206 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (239)
Great day fishing in the Gulf
Great day fishing in the Gulf
Great day fishing in the Gulf
+236
Angler rating
193
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 206 reviews
Alan H.
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 (AM) on May 9, 2025
My son got sea sick half way into the 4 hour trip. We were catching fish but he couldnโ€™t be so far out at sea anymore . The...
Alan H. recommends First Shot Charters
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Alan H. recommends First Shot Charters
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Dan S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Perfect trip

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip (AM) on July 30, 2025
Capt Mike was amazing and led us on a perfect trip. He asked us what we wanted to catch and delivered. We caught 2 sharks and...
Dan S. recommends First Shot Charters
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Dan S. recommends First Shot Charters
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Nicoe M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day fishing in the Gulf

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip (PM) on September 20, 2025
Our group included inexperienced fishermen and Captain Mike was patient and took the time to point out unique features of the...
Nicoe M. recommends First Shot Charters
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Nicoe M. 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   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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Kyle B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip

VERIFIED   8 Hour Trip on June 17, 2025
Weather was an obstacle on the trip but captain Mike did a great job and we still caught fish. Great job by captain Mike. I...
Kyle B. recommends First Shot Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Kyle B. recommends First Shot Charters
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful