Captain: Magnum Owens
Location: 580 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, FL 32541
Phone: 850.376.0122
Established: 2020 (formerly Southern Country Charters)
Website: firstchoicecharter.com
Overview
If you're looking for a federal waters fishing trip in Destin without breaking the bank, 1st Choice Charter has built a solid reputation on affordable pricing and consistent results. Captain Magnum Owens runs a value-oriented operation that's accumulated 299 reviews at 4.8 out of 5 stars on FishingBooker - the kind of rating you don't get by accident.
Owner Blake Maddox came to Destin in 2020 and turned what was Southern Country Charters into 1st Choice Charter, with a mission to make "fun, sea-faring adventures more affordable and available to everyone." That's not just marketing talk - their $250/hour rate for inshore and state waters puts them in the mid-range to budget-friendly category compared to other Destin operators.
The Captain
Captain Magnum Owens is a Destin native with over five years running charters in the local fleet. According to his FishingBooker profile, he's "dedicated to putting you on fish and making every trip memorable." The thing about Destin captains is they either know these waters intimately or they don't last - with nearly 300 reviews at a 4.8 rating, Captain Magnum clearly knows where the fish are.
The Boat
The primary vessel is a 25-27 foot Seahunt Gamefisher center console called "Betsy" - comfortable, fast, and fully equipped for up to 6 passengers. She's got the essentials: a head (toilet), multimedia system, cooler space for your drinks and snacks, and all the fishing gear you'll need. For a center console in this size range, that's a well-thought-out setup.
They also run a second boat called "Momma Tried" for Crab Island trips, sunset cruises, and other recreational outings, though specific details on that vessel weren't available during our research.
Fishing Trips & Pricing
Here's where 1st Choice stands out with clear, straightforward pricing:
Inshore & State Waters Fishing
- •Rate: $250/hour
- •Minimum: 4 hours
- •Target Species: Varies by season and location
- •Trip Cost: $1,000 minimum (4hr trip)
Federal Waters Offshore
- •Rate: $350/hour
- •Minimum: 6 hours
- •Target Species: Mahi mahi, red snapper, tuna, grouper, cobia
- •Trip Cost: $2,100 minimum (6hr trip)
- •Note: Federally permitted - not all Destin charters have this access
The bite on mahi, snapper, and tuna in federal waters is what draws serious anglers out here, and the 6-hour minimum makes sense - you need time to run out, fish the structure, and get back. Captain Magnum uses trolling for seasonal species and bottom fishing over reefs to put you on fish.
Additional Costs to Know:
- •$400 deposit to secure your booking
- •$50 fuel surcharge
- •$100 per additional passenger (beyond base rate)
- •Optional $50 captain add-on (unclear what this covers - worth asking when booking)
All trips include fishing licenses, gear, tackle, and fish cleaning service. You bring food, drinks, and sun protection.
What's Included
- •Fishing licenses for all anglers
- •All fishing gear and tackle
- •Fish cleaning service
- •Fully equipped vessel with amenities
What You Need to Bring
- •Food and drinks (cooler space provided)
- •Sunscreen, hats, and sun protection
- •Camera for your catch photos
Other Services
Beyond fishing, 1st Choice offers:
- •Crab Island excursions
- •Sunset cruises
- •Family outings and recreational boating
If you're vacationing with family members who don't all want to fish, having these options from the same operator is convenient.
What Customers Are Saying
With 299 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5 stars on FishingBooker, customers consistently praise the fishing experience and service quality. As one customer from Georgia put it: "Our night fishing trip on June 07, 2025, with 1st Choice Charters was hands down one of the best experiences we've had in Destin!" (FishingBooker review, June 2025).
The high rating across nearly 300 reviews indicates reliable service - you don't maintain that kind of score without consistently putting customers on fish and treating them well.
Something to keep in mind: As of January 2026, the FishingBooker listing shows 1st Choice is "currently unable to accept reservations on FishingBooker." This could be temporary or platform-specific - direct booking through their website at firstchoicecharter.com appears to still be available, but you'll want to call 850.376.0122 to confirm current booking options.
Age Restrictions
Children must be at least 10 years old to fish. This is a safety policy common on smaller center consoles, but it does mean families with younger kids will need to look elsewhere or wait until the little ones are old enough.
Trip Capacity
Maximum 6 passengers per private charter. All trips are private - you're not sharing the boat with strangers.
Best For
- •Budget-conscious anglers who still want quality
- •Families with kids 10 and older
- •Beginners who want to learn from a local captain
- •Experienced anglers targeting federal waters species
- •Groups up to 6 people looking for a private charter
Maybe Not Ideal For
- •Families with children under 10
- •Those requiring guaranteed FishingBooker booking (check direct availability)
- •Tournament anglers needing specific high-end equipment setups
Why Book This Charter
The deal with 1st Choice is straightforward value. You're getting federal waters access, a Destin native captain with solid reviews, all the gear you need, and pricing that's reasonable for what you're getting. At $250/hour for inshore and state waters, they're competitively priced, and the $350/hour rate for federal waters is fair given the permit requirement and fuel costs to get out there.
Captain Magnum's 4.8 rating across 299 reviews tells you what you need to know about consistency. In my experience, charters that maintain ratings like that aren't cutting corners - they're putting in the work to make sure customers have good days on the water.
Booking Information
Phone: 850.376.0122
Website: firstchoicecharter.com
Instagram: @1stchoicecharter
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week
Deposit Required: $400
Note: While this charter has strong reviews on FishingBooker, current platform availability is limited. Call directly or book through their website to confirm availability.
Source Verification
Information in this profile is compiled from:
- •Official website (firstchoicecharter.com, accessed January 22, 2026)
- •FishingBooker listing and profile (299 reviews, 4.8/5 rating, accessed January 22, 2026)
- •Publicly available business information
We couldn't verify exact specifications for their second vessel "Momma Tried" or detailed information about specific trip availability - contact the charter directly for current details.
Last Updated: January 22, 2026
Review Count: 299 reviews (FishingBooker)
Average Rating: 4.8/5
Tight lines!
