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Cliff Atwell
Captain

Cliff Atwell

Destin, United States
Federal waters
25+ reviews
I grew up helping on boats & started fishing Destin's waters at 9 years old. As I learned, I wanted to know more. By the time I was in high school I had the opportunity as a first mate & continued to gain deck & engine room experience. As any captain worth their salt will tell you, the only way to be safe, successful, & knowledgeable in the fishing industry is to work your way up from the deck. That's exactly what I did. At 18, I began driving boats using the skills & experience I developed working on deck. I logged sea time hours all over the world to earn my 100-ton Master's License in 1985. Returning to fishing in Destin, I had an upper hand over my peers since I had started at such a young age. I saw the successes of other captains & was motivated to follow in their wake. While I captained boats for others, I built my own reefs to establish my footprint for fishing in Destin. By God's grace, my wife & I were able to purchase our own boat in 2021 & we began building this business.
Clifford A.
Clifford A.
Captain

Charter

Rating

5.0
38 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (38)

Showing 1 – 5 of 38 reviews
  • Melany Parrott
    Melany Parrott
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2026
    4.7
    Verified

    Fantastic Family Fishing!

    4 Hour Trip – Family Fishing (PM) • 5 adults • 3 children

    We enjoyed our trip with Captain Cliff and First Mate Austin immensely. Our first time deep sea fishing had us all curious, excited, and even trepidatious, but they were so patient and helpful with us. We caught twice the number we kept and had a wonderful time. (Trigggerfish, Vermillion, and Red Snapper) Captain Cliff went above and beyond to ensure a great and safe time on the water. Many thanks to Austin for your expertise! We look forward to deep sea fishing in the future! We would def join the REEL GRACE on the water again.

    Reported catch:
    Vermilion Snapper
    Gray Triggerfish
  • Kevin Killingsworth
    Kevin Killingsworth
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Great afternoon trip with kids!

    4 Hour Trip – Family Fishing (PM) • 3 adults • 2 children

    We caught Red Snapper, Vermillion Snapper and Amberjack. Captain Cliff was great and Austin (first mate) was good with all us amateurs :)

    Response from Captain

    Thank You Kevin! we enjoyed having you and your Family!

  • Robert Raiford
    Robert Raiford
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great family vacay experience

    6 Hour Trip (AM) • 6 adults • 2 children

    Early in the season, so no big fish; HOWEVER, we had plenty of action catching vermillion snapper and some triggerfish. Captain Atwell provided a solid experience and kept everyone busy!!!! Mate Austin never stopped moving, kept everyone untangled, baited, and handled all the caught fish expertly. Very patient with those of us getting occasion tangle or coaching on best way to get bites. First family fishing trip was a HUGE success!!!!!

    Reported catch:
    Vermilion Snapper
    Gray Triggerfish
  • Denny Rogers
    Denny Rogers
    us
    Louisiana, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Family Fun!

    5 Hour Trip • 5 adults • 3 children

    Great first angler experience for 3 of my grandchildren ages 12,9 and 6. They travelled in from Phoenix and enjoyed our 5 hour trip. They caught vermillion snappers, red snappers and trigger fish. A great time and a great crew!

    Reported catch:
    Gray Triggerfish
    Vermilion Snapper
  • Blair Dibben
    Blair Dibben
    us
    Missouri, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    AMAZING TRIP !!

    6 Hour Trip (PM) • 4 adults

    Captain Cliff and 1st mate Austin were fantastic! Captain got us on the fish right off the bat, reeling up 3 at a time!! What a blast!! Ending the trip with a Shark!!! What a way to celebrate 59! We will be returning customers.

    Reported catch:
    Vermilion Snapper
    Gray Triggerfish

Real catches shared by our community

  • Reel Grace Fishing Charters
    Reel Grace Fishing ChartersDestin, FL
    Adult angler proudly holding a large amberjack-style fish aboard a boat in bright offshore waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Kevin K.
    Kevin K.
    We caught Red Snapper, Vermillion Snapper and Amberjack. Captain Cliff was great and Austin (first mate) was good with all us amateurs :)
  • Reel Grace Fishing Charters
    Reel Grace Fishing ChartersDestin, FL
    A family poses proudly in front of their catch of Snapper displayed on a board at HarborWalk Marina, showcasing a fun day of fishing.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Denny R.
    Denny R.
    Great first angler experience for 3 of my grandchildren ages 12,9 and 6. They travelled in from Phoenix and enjoyed our 5 hour trip. They caught vermillion snappers, red snappers and trigger fish. A great time and a great crew!
  • Reel Grace Fishing Charters
    Reel Grace Fishing ChartersDestin, FL
    A freshly caught fish, likely a Mackerel, displayed on a catch board at the dock, showcasing the fishing environment.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Drew I.
    Drew I.
    Captain Cliff and Austin were great! they chacked on us all the time and helped with all the fishing requirements. we caught snapper, jack, trigger and a bonatti. we will definitely book again!
  • Reel Grace Fishing Charters
    Reel Grace Fishing ChartersDestin, FL
    Multiple red snapper and other reef fish arranged on a charter boat catch board at a marina, with additional fish displayed on the deck.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +3
    Red Snapper
    Chuck L.
    Chuck L.
    Thanks captain Cliff and first mate Arden for a great time.
  • Reel Grace Fishing Charters
    Reel Grace Fishing ChartersDestin, FL
    A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Red Snapper on a catch board at HarborWalk Marina, showcasing a successful day of fishing.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Brian K.
    Brian K.
    wonderful trip with great crew. definitely will be coming back to fish with this boat again.
  • Reel Grace Fishing Charters
    Reel Grace Fishing ChartersDestin, FL
    Two anglers proudly displaying their catch of Red Snapper while fishing offshore, showcasing a vibrant day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Melany P.
    Melany P.
    We enjoyed our trip with Captain Cliff and First Mate Austin immensely. Our first time deep sea fishing had us all curious, excited, and even trepidatious, but they were so patient and helpful with us. We caught twice the number we kept and had a wonderful time. (Trigggerfish, Vermillion, and Red Snapper) Captain Cliff went above and beyond to ensure a great and safe time on the water. Many thanks to Austin for your expertise! We look forward to deep sea fishing in the future! We would def join the REEL GRACE on the water again.
  • Reel Grace Fishing Charters
    Reel Grace Fishing ChartersDestin, FL
    An angler proudly displaying a large Gray Triggerfish while fishing on a charter boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Gray Triggerfish
    Blair D.
    Blair D.
    Captain Cliff and 1st mate Austin were fantastic! Captain got us on the fish right off the bat, reeling up 3 at a time!! What a blast!! Ending the trip with a Shark!!! What a way to celebrate 59! We will be returning customers.
  • Reel Grace Fishing Charters
    Reel Grace Fishing ChartersDestin, FL
    Multiple red snapper and other reef fish neatly displayed on the Reel Grace charter boat's HarborWalk Marina catch board.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Taylor H.
    Taylor H.
    Captain Cliff and Austin took us out for a great fishing expedition! We hooked up on Grouper, Red Snapper, Triggerfish. I would highly recommend their charter service!
  • Reel Grace Fishing Charters
    Reel Grace Fishing ChartersDestin, FL
    Interior view of a fishing boat showcasing multiple fishing rods set up for an offshore trip, with a cloudy sky and ocean in the background.
    Nicole K.
    Nicole K.
    Can’t say enough great about the outing. Everything was perfect. Cliff and crew are so kind and wonderful.
  • Reel Grace Fishing Charters
    Reel Grace Fishing ChartersDestin, FL
    A smiling angler proudly displays a freshly caught Red Snapper while fishing on a charter boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Robert R.
    Robert R.
    Early in the season, so no big fish; HOWEVER, we had plenty of action catching vermillion snapper and some triggerfish. Captain Atwell provided a solid experience and kept everyone busy!!!! Mate Austin never stopped moving, kept everyone untangled, baited, and handled all the caught fish expertly. Very patient with those of us getting occasion tangle or coaching on best way to get bites. First family fishing trip was a HUGE success!!!!!

What's biting with Reel Grace Fishing Charters in Destin

Fishing in Destin has to cool down at some point – but not in November! Make the most of the end of the pelagic season, while bay and bottom fishing is still on fire. Fill your boat to fill the freezer for the holidays!

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

Family fishing group posing beside a boat catch board displaying multiple red snapper and other dockside fish at HarborWalk Marina.

Holy Mackerel!

Jul 6, 2025 • Destin
Mr. Cary and his family went with us and wanted to do a little trolling before heading out to bottom fish for Snapper. It's a good thing they did, because his daughter reeled in this big King Mackerel! Then we headed out to bottom fish, where they caught some Red Snappers, Black Snappers, and Vermilion Snappers. Our 6 hour trips are best if your family wants to troll and bottom fish, or your best chance for targeting Red Snappers.
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A family poses proudly in front of their catch of Red Snapper displayed on a board aboard the charter boat 'Reel Grace' at the marina.

Kid Friendly Fishing

Jun 9, 2025 • Destin
We love to take kids out to experience fishing and make memories as a family! For first-timers and younger kids, a 4 hour trip is usually just right for doing some trolling or for bottom fishing for Vermilion (Mingo) Snapper--a smaller variety, but just as tasty to eat. For big kids, tweens, teens, or kids who have been fishing before, a 6 hour trip allows us to target Red Snapper like those shown here. Any trip you choose for your family, we will keep you busy, have some fun, and make some family memories!
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Group of adult anglers posing beside a boat catch board displaying multiple fish at HarborWalk Marina, with a Reel Grace charter sign and dockside fishing setting.

Family Fun

May 26, 2025 • Destin
We had a great day on the water with this family! We caught a bunch of Vermilion (Mingo) Snapper, and even caught a few Bonito while trolling on the way out!
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Group of adult anglers posing beside a large catch board filled with red snapper at HarborWalk Marina, with additional fish displayed on the dock.

6 Hour Red Snapper Fishing Trip

Jul 6, 2023 • Destin
We took these guys out for a 6 hour trip on July 6 and they caught their limit of Red Snapper, as well as several Mingo Snapper, Almaco Jacks, and Bonito!
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Group of adult anglers posing beside a large catch board filled with red snapper and other reef fish at a marina.

Red Snapper Fishing in Destin!

Jul 5, 2023 • Destin
This group of experienced anglers headed out on a 6 hour Red Snapper trip on July 5th and caught their limit quickly! They also caught a bunch of Mingo Snappers, White Snappers, Almaco Jacks, and a few Bonitos!
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Two anglers posing in front of a catch board displaying a variety of fish, including Snapper, at a marina after a successful fishing trip.

September Fishing in Destin

Sep 13, 2022 • Destin
We've been catching some good size Mingo (Vermilion) Snappers, Triggerfish, Almaco Jacks, and White Snappers on our 6 Hour Trips!
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