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.

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(181 reviews)
Destin
trips from US $650

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 181 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (205)
We were on the fish!
We were on the fish!
We were on the fish!
+202
Angler rating
170
9
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
96%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Caught fish
90%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 181 reviews
Jarrod S.
Pensacola, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

3 hr. trip

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip โ€“ Kids Fun (PM) on August 3, 2018
Kids were excited!ย  Captain Mike was excellent!ย  Will use him again!ย  Thanks Captain Mike for keeping it fun and relaxing!
Jarrod S. recommends First Shot Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Jarrod S. recommends First Shot Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Aaron G.
Navarre, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing day with Capt. Mike

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on July 28, 2017
I had never been deep sea fishing, but I was so excited! My wife and I went out with Capt. Mike and it was such a great day!!...
Aaron G. recommends First Shot Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Mike Dates Captain replied

Mike R.
Mobile, Alabama
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with Captain Mike

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on June 9, 2017
Capt. Mike took us straight to the fish and within 2 hours we had our limit in the boat. Then we went after another type and...
Mike R. recommends First Shot Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Mike R. recommends First Shot Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Bradford F.
Norcross, Georgia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half a day with Capt. Mike and then some!!!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on May 25, 2017
Destin had some weather days before our outing Captain Mike had some suggestions to make the trip better to insure good fishing...
Bradford F. recommends First Shot Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Mike Dates Captain replied

Garrett G.
Taylor Landing, TX
Good
2.7 / 5
Experience:
Poor
1.0 / 5
Boat
Very good
4.0 / 5
Crew
Good
3.0 / 5
Overall

March fishing trip

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip (AM) on March 17, 2022
Advertising for an offshore trip but boat is 20ft which is more of a bay set up-definitely not ideal for offshoreโ€ฆeven when...
Garrett G. does not recommend First Shot Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Mike Dates Captain replied