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
(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
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
Matt V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Top Tier Fishing Captain

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on June 22, 2024
Captain Mike did an amazing job with my two daughters and their friend. Very helpful and patient. I would highly recommend...
Matt V. recommends First Shot Charters
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Matt V. recommends First Shot Charters
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Ricky O.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

We were on the fish!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (AM) on March 28, 2024
Capt Mike was outfishing the other boats! We were in the thick of the fish, so that meant constant action. 40 fish in less...
Ricky O. recommends First Shot Charters
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Ricky O. recommends First Shot Charters
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Jaimie S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Holy Mackerel!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on March 27, 2024
Great day of fishing! Captain Mike was entertaining and made sure we caught lots of fish. It was a great day to celebrate my...
Jaimie S. recommends First Shot Charters
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Jaimie S. recommends First Shot Charters
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Doug M.
Bixby, OK
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

6hr trip. Highly recommend Capt. Mike. Kindโ€ฆlaid back

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip (AM) on July 26, 2021
About us:ย  I am a lifetime fisherman from Oklahoma, and all of my family have fished, but this was our first saltwater adventure....
Doug M. recommends First Shot Charters
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Doug M. recommends First Shot Charters
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Matt L.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

6 Hour Bay Fishing Trip with Captain Mike

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip (AM) on June 21, 2021
We originally had scheduled an off shore fishing trip with Captain Mike for 6 hours. Unfortunately, we were not able to go...
Matt L. recommends First Shot Charters
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  Mike Dates Captain replied