Guide:

About Your Trip

Water Type

Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Get ready for a fun-filled 4-hour inshore adventure with Captain Jonathan, perfect for beginners and families looking for an easygoing day on the water! This trip is specially designed for those who want to get a taste of fishing without diving into an all-day excursion. Whether you're completely new to fishing or just looking to introduce your family to the excitement of reeling in a catch, Captain Jonathan’s got you covered.

You’ll stay nearshore in the calm, scenic waters around Destin and Shalimar, where plenty of fish are waiting to bite. These inshore spots are are perfect for first-timers!! Captain Jonathan’s years of experience in these waters mean he knows just where to go to give you the best chance of hooking something memorable.

What makes this trip extra special is the focus on beginner-friendly fun. Captain Jonathan and his friendly crew will be with you every step of the way, showing you how to cast, reel, and work the rod like a pro. You'll be using top-of-the-line gear, from rods and reels to live bait and lures, all provided at no extra cost. The boat is fully stocked with everything you need, so you don’t have to worry about a thing—just bring along your favorite snacks, drinks, and sunscreen to stay comfortable.

This trip is also perfect for families with younger anglers. The calm waters and shorter trip length make it a great way to introduce kids to fishing without overwhelming them. Plus, no need to stress about permits—we take care of all the necessary licenses, so you can just show up and fish!

With a child-friendly atmosphere, expert guidance, and all the gear provided, this 4-hour inshore trip with Captain Jonathan is the perfect introduction to the joys of fishing. Grab your family, pack a few snacks, and get ready for a laid-back adventure on the water!

Amenities

Water Type

Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Boat Restroom

This boat has a restroom.

Air Conditioning

This boat has air conditioning.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 2 days before the trip.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	4 Hours
1 Person	$1,080.00
2 People	$1,080.00
3 People	$1,080.00
4 People	$1,080.00
5 People	$1,080.00
6 People	$1,080.00

Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

Reserve Your Trip

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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Guide

Jon R.

Independent Guide 6 years of exp.

Veteran

Talkative

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Comfortable

Quality

Laid-back

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Adventurous

Quality

About Your Guide

Jon R.

Independent Guide 6 years of exp.

Captain Jonathan is a top-rated fishing charter captain from Shalimar, FL. Prior to launching his fishing business he served honorably in the United States Army. Captain Jonathan served in the Army for fifteen years and was medically discharged after receiving a purple heart in Afghanistan. When he came back to the states all he could think about was launching a fishing business of his own.

Captain Jon was raised by a fishing family. His grandfather was a highly regarded deep sea fishing charter captain in the Destin, Florida area. When John returned home after serving in the Army he came across a book passed down by his grandfather. In that book was a list of GPS coordinates marking his grandfather's favorite Deep Sea fishing spots off of Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Jon fished those secret spots handed down from his grandfather and further developed his deep sea fishing skills and ultimately launched a successful fishing charter business of his own near Destin FL.

To this day, Captain Jon loves fishing the same spots his grandfather did and seeing the excitement on the faces of his guests as they hook into fish like Mahi Mahi and Red Snapper. His enthusiasm for fishing is what sets him apart from others in the area. He has dedicated his life to helping others fulfill their dreams of catching the big one. Even if it is your first time holding a rod, his high level of knowledge and experience will help you connect with some seriously huge fish! He uses different fishing techniques such as Trolling, Light Tackle, Deep Sea Fishing, Jigging, and a lot more.

He has a 34' Tiara sportfishing boat which he uses to fish. This vessel is your perfect boat to go offshore. It will allow you to reach all of the best secret fishing spots near Destin and Fort Walton Beach quickly and comfortable. Captain Jon can take up to six guests on board on every trip.

Have the time of your life Deep Sea fishing with captain Jon in Destin and Fort Walton Beach!

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

15 foot bull shark

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Fish

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

15 foot bull shark

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Fish

Whats your favorite band?

3rd eye blind

Whats your favorite movie?

Black hawk down

Whats your favorite sports team?

Florida gators

Whats your drink of choice?

Sweet tea

What was your last halloween costume?

Nothing

What do you want for Christmas this year?

More bookings 😂

How did you get started guiding?

Grandpa use to fish

What makes you different from other guides?

I bring fish back all the time

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Destin, Florida

Areas Fished

Destin Harbor

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Sportfisher
Boat Manufacturer: Chris Craft
Year Built: 1979
Boat Length: 50'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Sportfisher
Boat Manufacturer: Chris Craft
Year Built: 1979
Boat Length: 50'
Engine Manufacturer: Cummins
Total Horsepower: 900
Number of Engines: 2
Additional Amenities: Livewell and top of the line electronics

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Boat Restroom

This boat has a restroom.

Air Conditioning

This boat has air conditioning.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 2 days before the trip.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

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

Bottom Fishing

Everything Else to Know

We recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera to capture your catches. Additionally, you may want to bring any personal snacks or drinks.

You're all set! You don't need to buy a license for this trip.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 2 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 2 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Reviews

5.0

based on 4 reviews

Sean

Verified Review

July 23

Captain John and Chris did an excellent job making sure we had a great experience on our fishing trip. This was the most we ever caught on a fishing trip! Thanks Captain John!

Sean

Verified Review

July 23

Captain John and Chris did an excellent job making sure we had a great experience on our fishing trip. This was the most we ever caught on a fishing trip! Thanks Captain John!

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Trip: Nearshore Reefs and Wrecks

Richard

Verified Review

June 10

We had a great time. Capt.Jon kept us on the fish all day!!! We had a wonderful time would definitely book again!

Richard

Verified Review

June 10

We had a great time. Capt.Jon kept us on the fish all day!!! We had a wonderful time would definitely book again!

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Trip: Offshore Classic

Dena

Verified Review

July 6

So fun! Captain Jon was great!

Dena

Verified Review

July 6

So fun! Captain Jon was great!

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Trip: Nearshore Reefs and Wrecks

Joey

Verified Review

January 21

Capt John was absolutely amazing and we will be contacting him again when we come back for another great adventure. The weather was cold, windy, rough and going in was never suggested. He did anything and everything he could to make this trip a success and man did he deliver. Thank you Capt John for an unforgetable day on the water. Can't wait for round two!!

Joey

Verified Review

January 21

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Trip: Nearshore Reefs and Wrecks

First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, bait, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.