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
(154 reviews)
Angler's choice
Destin
 2 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $650

Customer reviews

Rating Summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 154 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (167)
Destin\u2019s BEST fish captain and fishing experience!
Destin\u2019s BEST fish captain and fishing experience!
Destin\u2019s BEST fish captain and fishing experience!
+164
Angler Rating
144
8
1
0
0
Anglers Claimed
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
96%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Catch intended fish
89%
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Showing:
5 of 154 reviews
Jordan C.
Winder, Georgia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

8 Hour Trip with Captain Mike

VERIFIED   8 Hour Trip on July 29, 2021
Captain Mike was awesome. He kept us on fish all day. This picture doesnโ€™t do it justice. We were bringing them in all day....
Jordan C. recommends First Shot Charters
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Jordan C. recommends First Shot Charters
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Nicole D.
Minneapolis, MN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Family Trip!

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip โ€“ Kids Fun (PM) on March 30, 2021
We did the three hour fishing trip with our 11 year old son and 8 year old daughter.ย  The water was pretty rough so we stayed...
Nicole D. recommends First Shot Charters
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Nicole D. recommends First Shot Charters
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Greg B.
Houston, TX
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip โ€“ Kids Fun (PM) on July 2, 2019
Great day. Afternoon fishing, captain Mike called and warned us of rough seas and other options for fishing.ย  We ended up...
Greg B. recommends First Shot Charters
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You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Mike Dates Captain replied

Jeremy T.
Lawrenceburg, TN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip with Captain Mike

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip (AM) on August 25, 2021
We got delayed a bit by the weather but Mike kept me informed on what was going on and when we could leave.Mike is very knowledgeable...
Jeremy T. recommends First Shot Charters
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Jeremy T. recommends First Shot Charters
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Mark S.
Rosewood, IN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Destin fishing trip

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip (AM) on June 15, 2021
Captain Mike was accommodating to everything, helped us get bait fish for the day, we caught our limit on red snapper, went...
Mark S. recommends First Shot Charters
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Mark S. recommends First Shot Charters
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