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
 2 bookings in the past week.
 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
Will M.
Glen Allen, VA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

December fishing trip

VERIFIED   Private Dolphin cruise on December 30, 2018
Will M. recommends First Shot Charters
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Will M. recommends First Shot Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Mark A.
Houston, Texas
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Glad we chose Capt Mike!!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on August 2, 2017
Capt Mike was awesome! Professional, friendly, and very helpful. We caught what we went for. We didnโ€™t catch our limit but...
Mark A. recommends First Shot Charters
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Mark A. recommends First Shot Charters
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Whitney F.
United States
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

6 hour trip with Captain Mike

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on May 17, 2017
Captain Mike was great. Took us out on a near shore trip and we caught our limit. Over 60 fish total. Mike kept the bite active....
Whitney F. recommends First Shot Charters
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Nicholas R.
United States
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great morning of fishing!

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip (AM) on June 22, 2016
Thank you to Captain Mike for a great morning of fishing! Mike put us on fish all morning. We caught our limit of red snapper...
Nicholas R. recommends First Shot Charters
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David W.
Serbia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fantastic Trip!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on September 9, 2015
Myself, my daughter, and my son a law booked a 4 hour charter with Captain Mike Dates and First Shot Charters. We have gone...
David W. recommends First Shot Charters
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David W. recommends First Shot Charters
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