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
 3 bookings in the past week.
 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
Oscar B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best captain ever

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on July 24, 2024
Captain Mike was very professional and very educational. Had a blast
Oscar B. recommends First Shot Charters
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Oscar B. recommends First Shot Charters
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Joren C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

December fishing trip

VERIFIED   2 Hour Kids Trip on December 27, 2024
Joren C. recommends First Shot Charters
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Joren C. recommends First Shot Charters
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Lane Y.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Limited out and a really good time Will do it again Captain was great

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip (AM) on September 1, 2024
Lane Y. recommends First Shot Charters
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Lane Y. recommends First Shot Charters
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Randy H.
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Mike

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (AM) on October 15, 2024
The captain was very nice and did a great job.ย  The boys just wanted to catch some fish and they definitely did that.ย ...
Randy H. recommends First Shot Charters
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Randy H. recommends First Shot Charters
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Nick Y.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

First Shot Is First Rate

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip (AM) on June 12, 2024
When our scheduled guide had to cancel because of fuel pump issues, we count our lucky stars that Capt. Mike Dates had availability...
Nick Y. recommends First Shot Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Nick Y. recommends First Shot Charters
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful