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
Charles C.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

First Shot Chaters

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on May 8, 2015
Capt Mike made the day a day to remember, fishing was outstanding, caught king fish,red snappers and a bunch more plus seeing...
Charles C. recommends First Shot Charters
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Marty W.
Rockwall, TX
Very good
3.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Good
3.0 / 5
Crew
Good
3.0 / 5
Overall

Afternoon Bay fishing

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip (PM) on August 13, 2019
Booked an afternoon bay fishing trip with First Shot Charters. Only two of us that afternoon. Went to catch bait first only...
Marty W. does not recommend First Shot Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Mike Dates Captain replied
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Michael S.
Gulf Breeze, Florida
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 (PM) on July 8, 2016
Captain Mike did a great job for us today. We limited out. I highly recommend him.
Michael S. recommends First Shot Charters
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Andrew H. N.
United States
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with First Shot

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (Nov 1st - Apr 30th) on April 25, 2016
Captain Mike done a great job. We caught fish all day. Very nice person and easy to get along with.
Andrew H. N. recommends First Shot Charters
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Tad J.
Kissimmee, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Day of Kings!

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip (AM) on October 7, 2016
Captain Mike is first class! Loaded the boat kings all day!
Tad J. recommends First Shot Charters
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Tad J. recommends First Shot Charters
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