Fishing trip details

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 for over 16 years. First Shot specializes in fishing the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico 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, Black Snapper, Flounder, Ladyfish and Bluefish. Capt. Mike primarily uses live bait, but he can easily accommodate fly and 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.
Book A Trip With Capt. Mike

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.

Reviews

When our scheduled guide had to cancel because of fuel pump issues, we count our lucky stars that Capt. Mike Dates had availability to take us out on a 6-hour excursion. His knowledge of where the red snapper were biting was spot on. And when dolphins started stealing our catch off our lines, he maneuvered us away from them and into more prime red snapper waters. Loved the fishing experience. Capt. Mike, friendly and knowledgeable, made it so. We highly recommend him.
Nick Y
Mike is a genuine, honest, knowledgeable guy that put us on fish immediately. Pretty much every drop of the bait was a catch! Had a blast from the get go. Nice boat and setup, everything was in order, just a fantastic afternoon trip. Ended the trip with a 40 min fight getting in a trophy Cobia! Can’t say enough good about First Shot Charter!
Shawn H.


My two sons and I age 12 and 10 had a great time with captain Mike. He took us on the bay and we were on fish the entire time. We saw dolphins close enough to touch, a few of them even took our fish off the line for us! Thanks again Captain Mike!
Joe H.