John Stephens
Captain

John Stephens

Destin, United States
100+ reviews
4th generation Floridian. Been fishing my whole life. I am former deck of the boat now owner and operator. Enjoy meeting new people and having a good time fishing the Gulf of Mexico.
John S.
John S.
First mate

Charter

Rating

4.8
225 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

98%
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
98%
Recommend this charter
95%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
93%
Caught fish

All reviews (225)

Showing 1 – 5 of 225 reviews
  • James Hayes
    James Hayes
    Repeat angler
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    It was a great trip!

    4 Hour trip PM • 3 adults

    I would highy recommend these guys for a fishing trip. Captain John was a super nice guy and his helper worked really hard to keep our lines in the water.I took my son in laws on this trip with so they could experience being out on the water but unfortunately one got sea sick . Captain John understood and got us back quickly so he could get back on land. They cleaned our fish and put them on ice for us. We had enough for a good grilled out dinner and it was really good. Would highly recommed as we all had a great time (even the one that got sick!)

  • Royce Jackson
    Royce Jackson
    us
    Missouri, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best Fishing Trip

    4 Hour Trip AM • 3 adults • 2 children

    This was a great fishing trip for me and my teenage sons. We caught grouper, tuna, and amberjack. The captain and crew were friendly and helpful. It doesn’t matter your skill level, the captain and his team coached and helped us reel in the big catch. They made the trip fun and enjoyable for everyone. I would recommend this charter for anyone wanting a fun and stress free experience. We even took the catch to a local restaurant they suggested and had a great dinner.

    Reported catch:
    Blackfin Tuna
    Gag Grouper
  • Stacy Sanabria
    Stacy Sanabria
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    4.7
    Verified

    Reel Memories, Big Smiles & Even Bigger Catches 🎣

    6 hour trip PM • 6 adults • 1 child

    We had the BEST time on our fishing charter yesterday! 🎣☀️ From start to finish, Sailor and John were absolutely amazing. Not only were they super friendly and professional, but they truly went above and beyond to make sure everyone—especially my kids—had an unforgettable experience. Sailor was incredible with the kids. He took the time to teach them how to fish, explained different types of fish, and made the whole experience fun, engaging, and exciting. You can tell he genuinely loves what he does, and it made all the difference. John kept everything running smoothly and made sure we were always in the right spots—let’s just say, we caught some great fish thanks to them! 🙌 This wasn’t just a fishing trip, it was a memory we’ll all hold onto. If you’re thinking about booking—DO IT. You won’t regret it! Thank you again, Sailor and John, for such an incredible day on the water! 🌊💙

    Reported catch:
    Vermilion Snapper
  • Kelly Davis
    Kelly Davis
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Best Crew Ever!!!!

    6 Hour Trip • 5 adults

    These guys put us on fish and were a fantastic crew. I would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a charter trip!!! Dont hesitate, just book it!!!!!

    Reported catch:
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Red Snapper
    Vermilion Snapper
    Spanish Mackerel
    +1
  • Tom Feucht
    Tom Feucht
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2018
    5.0
    Verified

    Good Trip

    4 Hour Trip AM • 6 adults • 2 children

    We had a good time. Our request was action, which is not always guaranteed. John and Sailor moved around and were able to keep us on fish. We had a 4 hour trip and fished from the time we left the dock until we got back trolling to and from the areas we fished for eater fish. Captain John called the day before letting us know the expected weather conditions asking if we still wanted to go, we came up with a plan and he executed it.

    Reported catch:
    Vermilion Snapper

Real catches shared by our community

  • Group of adult anglers posing beside a large multi-species fish catch board on the Starfire charter boat at Harbor Walk Marina.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Red Snapper
    Kelly D.
    Kelly D.
    These guys put us on fish and were a fantastic crew. I would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a charter trip!!! Dont hesitate, just book it!!!!!
  • Group of anglers actively fishing on a boat, showcasing the excitement of reeling in their catch on a sunny day.
    Nicholas G.
    Nicholas G.
    captain John and deckhand Saylor were both phenomenal! very knowledgeable and friendly, would recommend to anyone looking to have a great fishing trip!
  • Two young anglers proudly displaying their catch, a large fish, while enjoying a fishing trip on a charter boat.
    Vernon A.
    Vernon A.
  • Angler displaying a caught fish on a charter boat, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +3
    Bonito
    Brad K.
    Brad K.
    captain put us on fish our job wss to catch them! great day on the water with family! and his 1st mate was amazing! thanks captain!
  • A young angler proudly displaying a Red Snapper while fishing on a charter boat, showcasing a fun day out on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Red Snapper
    Justin B.
    Justin B.
    both the captain and the skipper were amazing. they were both very knowledgeable and patient with our 13 and 10-year-old children who have never fished on the ocean. overall, a great experience for everybody on the boat 
  • Adult angler proudly holding a large grouper aboard a fishing boat offshore.
    Fish 1
    Gag Grouper
    Andy H.
    Andy H.
    very good team and easy to deal with. you wont be dissapointed.
  • A family group proudly displaying a large fish while enjoying a day of fishing on the open sea.
    Fish 1
    Skipjack Tuna
    Joe S.
    Joe S.
  • Angler proudly displaying a large fish while fishing on a boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Jeff C.
    Jeff C.
    Captain John and Sailor were great. we caught some nice fish and all 3 girls forgot their sea legs but were troopers so I could enjoy my Father's Day present. We will definitely be back
  • Solo angler proudly displays a large amberjack aboard a fishing boat on open ocean waters.
    Royce J.
    Royce J.
    This was a great fishing trip for me and my teenage sons. We caught grouper, tuna, and amberjack. The captain and crew were friendly and helpful. It doesn’t matter your skill level, the captain and his team coached and helped us reel in the big catch. They made the trip fun and enjoyable for everyone. I would recommend this charter for anyone wanting a fun and stress free experience. We even took the catch to a local restaurant they suggested and had a great dinner.
  • Two anglers proudly displaying their catches, a large fish each, while enjoying a day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Jeremy W.
    Jeremy W.
    Lots of fun for our family of 6. We would recommend Captain John and his crew to anyone.

What's biting with Charter Boat Starfire 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