First Shot Charters offers a variety of trips designed to provide an enjoyable, memorable experience on Destin’s waters. From Destin, FL fishing trips to bay cruising Destin FL, our charters cater to anglers, families, and anyone looking for an exciting day on the water. Each trip is carefully planned with your enjoyment, safety, and success in mind.
Inshore and Shallow Fishing Trips
Our inshore fishing trips take you through Destin’s calm bays and nearshore waters, ideal for catching redfish, speckled trout, flounder, spanish mackerel and sheepshead. These shallow fishing charters are perfect for families, beginners, and anyone looking for a relaxed, action-filled day without venturing far offshore.
Offshore and Gulf Fishing Trips
For anglers seeking larger fish and a full-day adventure, our offshore fishing trips explore the deeper waters of the Gulf of America. These trips target species such as snapper, grouper, amberjack, and mahi-mahi. Extended sport fishing charters provide ample time to experience the excitement of the Gulf while learning from an experienced captain who knows where the fish are biting.
Cruising and Sightseeing Experiences
In addition to fishing charters, we offer fireworks cruises, sunset cruising, and eco sightseeing tours. Guests often enjoy spotting dolphins, seabirds, and other wildlife while taking in the natural beauty of the area.
Family-Friendly Adventures
Our trips are designed for anglers of all ages, making them ideal for families. Gulf or bay fishing, kids or no kids, our top priority is to ensure that everyone in the boat has fun! Every trip comes with bait, tackle, guidance, and a knowledgeable crew to ensure a safe and enjoyable day for everyone.
Booking and Planning Your Trip
Planning your Destin, FL fishing trip is easy. Check out our trip details and prices, select the charter length that works for you, and contact us to reserve your spot. Whether you’re visiting for a short vacation or spending a full week in Destin, we provide an experience tailored to your interests and schedule.
Will Lady Luck shine on you in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village?” Come and see for yourself aboard the First Shot, out of Destin, FL. She’s a 20’ Cape Horn center console that can fit up to 4 passengers per trip. Captain Mike Dates, the owner and operator, has been fishing the area waters since childhood. A native of the Destin area, he’s been a USCG-licensed captain since 2001.
First Shot specializes in fishing the coastal waters of the Gulf of America as well as the back country waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay. In the gulf, your targets would be King Mackerel, Cobia, Blackfin Tuna, Sharks, Red Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, and much more depending on the season. The bay side is teeming with Trout, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Black Snapper, Flounder, Ladyfish and Bluefish. Capt. Mike primarily uses live bait, but he can easily accommodate artificial fishermen as well. All the equipment and supplies necessary to clean the fish will be provided, along with a seasoned guide who will be there to help along the way. As a matter of fact he will also be happy to clean the catch for you following the trip.
If you don’t want to keep the fish, Captain Mike is experienced in CPR fishing – “Catch, Photo, Release”. This way, you’ll ensure you do minimal harm to the fish you catch, which will then be safely released back into its natural habitat. From the first-time angler to the skilled professional, Capt. Mike will do his best to keep you on the fish and put a smile on your face. All fishing equipment for your group is provided by the Captain, along with fishing licenses for all occupants of the boat, so you can relax and enjoy an incredible time fishing.
Be Prepared for Your Trip
- Arrival time – Please arrive 15 minutes before scheduled departure time.
- No license required.
- Food – Please bring what ever food and drink you would like to have. None provided on the boat.