First Shot Charters

Destin, Florida
3-Hour Kids Fun Trip

About Your Guide

Mike Dates

Independent Guide 19 years of exp.
Captain Mike has been fishing the Destin area waters from 1969 to present, Captain Mike has the experience and know-how to keep you busy. The inshore Gulf of Mexico has everything from the drag-screaming light tackle action of King Mackerel to the excellent table fare of Red Snapper and Grouper. Also available is Backcountry (back bay) fishing for Speckled Trout, Red fish, flounder, and Spanish mackerel. This is the kind of light tackle rod bending action that will keep you and your family smiling. Captain Mike uses live bait in almost all situations to keep you catching the big ones, however, if you are an artificial bait fisher manor fly-fisherman…yes they do that too! Captain Mike will do everything in his power to make your Destin fishing experience is a memorable one and the highlight of your vacation. There are so many different fish to catch in this area, which one do you want to target?

About Your Guide

Mike Dates

Independent Guide 19 years of exp.
Captain Mike has been fishing the Destin area waters from 1969 to present, Captain Mike has the experience and know-how to keep you busy. The inshore Gulf of Mexico has everything from the drag-screaming light tackle action of King Mackerel to the excellent table fare of Red Snapper and Grouper. Also available is Backcountry (back bay) fishing for Speckled Trout, Red fish, flounder, and Spanish mackerel. This is the kind of light tackle rod bending action that will keep you and your family smiling. Captain Mike uses live bait in almost all situations to keep you catching the big ones, however, if you are an artificial bait fisher manor fly-fisherman…yes they do that too! Captain Mike will do everything in his power to make your Destin fishing experience is a memorable one and the highlight of your vacation. There are so many different fish to catch in this area, which one do you want to target?
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First Shot Charters Trips

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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Destin

All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn

100% (1)
20 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Destin

3-Hour Kids Fun Trip

100% (1)
20 ft 1 - 4 People From $650

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Recent Reviews of First Shot Charters

5.0
based on 1 review

Matthew

Verified Review

Capt Mike, was great, first class captain. Put us on the fish, will fish with him again!

Matthew

Verified Review

Capt Mike, was great, first class captain. Put us on the fish, will fish with him again!
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Amberjack
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Black Drum
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Black Grouper
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Good
Good
Cobia
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Good
Flounder
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Gag Grouper
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Kingfish
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Ladyfish
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Red Snapper
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Good
Good
Redfish
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Sailfish
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Great
Good
Good
Sheepshead
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Spanish Mackerel
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Speckled Trout
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
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  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Bottom Fishing
Drift Fishing
Heavy Tackle Fishing
Jigging
Light Tackle Fishing
Trolling

Types of Fishing

Deep Sea
Inshore

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First Shot Charters Photo Gallery

3-Hour Kids Fun Trip
March 30th, 2024
Destin, Florida
All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn
January 31st, 2023
Destin, Florida
All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn
March 25th, 2022
Destin, Florida
All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn
March 25th, 2022
Destin, Florida
All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn
March 25th, 2022
Destin, Florida
All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn
March 25th, 2022
Destin, Florida
All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn
March 25th, 2022
Destin, Florida
All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn
March 25th, 2022
Destin, Florida
All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn
March 25th, 2022
Destin, Florida
All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn
March 25th, 2022
Destin, Florida
All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn
March 25th, 2022
Destin, Florida
All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn
March 25th, 2022
Destin, Florida
All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn
March 25th, 2022
Destin, Florida
All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn
March 25th, 2022
Destin, Florida
All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn
March 25th, 2022
Destin, Florida
All-Day Action - 20’ Cape Horn
March 25th, 2022
Destin, Florida
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