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
Rachel M.
Woodland Hills, KY
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Captain Mike

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on August 14, 2023
My fiancรฉ and I have done charters in Oregon and multiple in Hawaii and never have we had so much fun and caught so many fish!...
Rachel M. recommends First Shot Charters
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Rachel M. recommends First Shot Charters
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Karabel B.
The Woodlands, TX
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Destinโ€™s BEST fish captain and fishing experience!

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip โ€“ Kids Fun (PM) on March 15, 2023
It was a pleasure getting to know Captain Mike and being on this Charter boat with him! He was very personable and knowledgeable...
Karabel B. recommends First Shot Charters
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Karabel B. recommends First Shot Charters
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Brant B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Arm workout

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (AM) on February 27, 2024
First time on a charter in Florida.ย  Capt Mike was quick to orient us and put us on fish. By the end of our time we were racing...
Brant B. recommends First Shot Charters
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Brant B. recommends First Shot Charters
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Alan H.
Bennington, NE
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip โ€“ Kids Fun (PM) on April 6, 2023
My daughter(6) and I booked a 3 hour kids trip with Mike and he made it a great time. Started with Mike knowing the fishing...
Alan H. recommends First Shot Charters
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Alan H. recommends First Shot Charters
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Shawn H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Top Notch Guide Service

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on July 11, 2024
Mike is a genuine, honest, knowledgeable guy that put us on fish immediately. Pretty much every drop of the bait was a catch!...
Shawn H. recommends First Shot Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Shawn H. recommends First Shot Charters
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful