If you're looking for a guide service with serious tournament credentials and a reputation built over two decades, IntraCoastal Experience deserves your attention. Captain LW Burroughs and his team operate four boats out of the Historic Destin Harbor Boardwalk, and they've built up more than 800 five-star reviews across multiple platforms.
Who's Running the Boat
Captain LW Burroughs grew up fishing these waters for over 40 years before turning pro as a full-time guide 15+ years ago. He's a retired US Air Force veteran with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, but what matters more on the water is his tournament record: he won Destin Fishing Rodeo Captain of the Year in both 2011 and 2013, plus took first place in the 2012 Captain of the Year Calcutta.
The team includes Captains Chuck, Jacob, Brett, and Cody, who run the other boats. Based on the reviews I read, these captains get consistent praise for their knowledge and family-friendly approach. One customer wrote that "Captain Chuck was very knowledgeable and just absolutely made our trip a success," while another mentioned "Captain Jacob very knowledgeable of the areas and got us right on top of the fish" (customer reviews from IntraCoastal Experience website and TripAdvisor).
All captains are US Coast Guard licensed and insured.
The Fleet
IntraCoastal Experience runs four center console charter boats that can handle up to 6 passengers each (24 total across the fleet). Captain LW's personal boat is a 30-foot Regulator. According to their website, all boats feature restrooms, shade structures, dry storage, and modern fishing technology with Yamaha power systems.
The boats leave from 314 Harbor Blvd on the Historic Destin Harbor Boardwalk, which puts you minutes from the fishing grounds.
What They Fish For
Inshore trips target redfish, spotted sea trout, and flounder in the bay waters. Nearshore and offshore trips go after mahi-mahi, grouper, snapper, king mackerel, cobia, amberjack, and sharks.
Trip options run 4, 5, 6, or 8 hours depending on what you want to target. Everything's included: bait, tackle, rods and reels, ice, your Florida fishing license, and fish cleaning and bagging at the end of the day.
Pricing (2024 Rates - Verify Current)
Based on FishingBooker listings from 2024:
- •4-hour trips: $840 per group (winter/spring), $940 (summer/fall)
- •5-hour trips: $1,050 per group (winter/spring), $1,150 (summer/fall)
- •Additional passengers: $100 each for 5th and 6th person
They prefer cash or cashier's check paid directly to the captain, but accept credit cards with a 5% convenience fee. Since these are 2024 prices, I'd recommend calling to confirm current rates for 2026.
What Customers Actually Say
IntraCoastal Experience has earned TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards and Certificate of Excellence honors for nearly a decade. Their 5.0-star average rating comes from hundreds of detailed reviews, and the themes are pretty consistent.
The Good (What Keeps People Coming Back)
Captain knowledge stands out in almost every review. One customer said "LW was a quite possibly the best fishing guide we have ever used! He grew up in the Destin area, and knows these waters like the back of his hand" (TripAdvisor review). Another wrote "Capt. LW had us on the fish as soon as we left the dock" (customer testimonial, IntraCoastal Experience website).
Family-friendly service is a major strength. Multiple reviews mention how patient the captains are with kids. One parent wrote: "My boys have grown up with Intercoastal Experience. It's become a family tradition for us and never disappoints to create memories that will last a life time" (TripAdvisor). Another noted that "Capt. Chuck patiently dealt with little ones when they cried, took extra care to ensure they were safe, and spent a lot of time teaching them and interacting with them" (customer review, TripAdvisor).
Consistent catches show up repeatedly. "Captain Chuck was awesome, with one group catching close to fifty fish on a four hour trip," one review mentioned (IntraCoastal Experience testimonials). Another customer reported that "Captain Brett had good 'numbers' and put customers on fish very quickly" (TripAdvisor review).
Repeat customers are common. "We have been going with Captain Chuck for four years, every spring break in Destin," wrote one loyal client (TripAdvisor). That kind of loyalty doesn't happen by accident.
The Not-So-Good (Transparency Matters)
With 800+ reviews, you're going to find some complaints. The main criticism I found was about fishing locations in certain conditions.
One customer mentioned they "Started at the Coast Guard station by Crab Island and kept hopping from one side of the jettys to the other, then fished at docks without drifting, and ended up back at the coast guard station." They said they "Would have chosen a different company if they knew they'd just be fishing the Crab Island area" (TripAdvisor review).
Captain LW responded to this directly, explaining that "weather, temperature, wind and tide conditions all dictate the locations fish you want to catch are most likely to bite" (business response on TripAdvisor).
Here's the thing: any experienced angler knows you fish where the bite is, not where you want it to be. But if you're expecting a boat ride to scenic spots rather than productive fishing holes, that's worth understanding up front. Tournament captains like LW tend to prioritize putting you on fish over giving you a scenic tour.
There was also one isolated mention of an issue with a "Referral Captain" that IntraCoastal Experience referred to a customer, but this appears to be a third-party situation, not one of their core team.
What I didn't find: complaints about safety, captain behavior, or boat condition. For a service with 800+ reviews, that's noteworthy.
Media Recognition
Captain LW has been featured with Gary Finch, host of Gary Finch Outdoors, according to photos on their website. IntraCoastal Experience also appeared in US News & World Travel's article "The 6 Best Destin Fishing Charters."
They're listed on multiple booking platforms including FishingBooker, TripAdvisor, Fever, and the official Destin tourism sites.
Bottom Line
IntraCoastal Experience is a solid choice if you want a captain with proven tournament skills who can put you on fish in Destin waters. The 800+ five-star reviews and multiple repeat customers tell you they're doing something right, especially for families.
The main thing to understand: these guys fish like tournament anglers. That means going where the fish are biting based on conditions, not necessarily where it looks pretty. If that's what you want, you'll likely join the long list of satisfied customers.
Tight lines!
Sources:
- •IntraCoastal Experience website (destinfishing-icx.com)
- •Captain and team bios: https://destinfishing-icx.com/meet-capt-lw-team-icx/
- •Customer reviews and testimonials: https://destinfishing-icx.com/customer-reviews-testimonials/
- •TripAdvisor reviews: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34182-d4699013-Reviews-Intracoastal_Experience_Destin_Fishing_Charter-Destin_Florida.html
- •FishingBooker charter listing: https://fishingbooker.com/charters/view/27853
- •US News & World Travel: https://travel.usnews.com/features/the-best-destin-fishing-charters-tours
- •Better Business Bureau profile: https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/destin/profile/fishing-charters/intracoastal-experience-0683-90080758
