Captain Chris has spent his entire life rooted in the local area. Growing up by Boggy Bayou, which is part of Choctawhatchee Bay, he developed a strong love for both the water and fishing from a young age. At just 12 years old, he acquired his first small boat, which he and his friends used to explore and fish all the waters stretching between Pensacola and Panama City. His first job in the industry came at 14, serving as a deckhand aboard the Destin fishing boat Lady Evinthia, the sister vessel to the New Florida Girl, which operates to this day.
By 18, he attained his OUPV (6-Pack) Captain’s License and began guiding tours for Back Country Outfitters in Destin. During college summers, while studying Aeronautical Science at Embry Riddle in Daytona Beach, FL, he worked as both a parasail and fishing captain. At 21, he upgraded his credentials to a 100 Ton Master Captain with additional certifications for Sail and Assistance Towing. After graduation, he balanced dual professions—serving as a flight instructor at Eglin AFB while freelancing as a charter captain.
At 25, while flying for Comair, he advanced to become the Fleet Master and Lead Captain for AJ's in Destin. Around the same time, he met his wife Brandi and they were blessed with their wonderful daughter, Brinley. In 2010, he was hired as a pilot for American Airlines, where he continues his aviation career. Today, as the founder and owner of his own Inshore Fishing Company, he remains dedicated to his lifelong passions: fishing, flying, and sharing the beauty of this incredible region.
Your guide will accommodate your preferred starting point, ensuring flexibility. Expect an exceptional experience with a highly recommended guide. Five stars all around! An unforgettable trip that we look forward to booking again!
You may cancel without any charge up to 5 days prior to your scheduled trip and have the amount credited back to your account. If you cancel within 5 days of the trip, your deposit will be non-refundable and retained by the guide. Cancellations made on the day of the trip or failure to show up will result in the full trip cost being billed to your credit card.
Be sure to bring sun protection, snacks, and drinks along with a camera to capture your adventure. Don’t forget a cooler to store your catch for the trip home! All necessary fishing gear including rods, reels, tackle, bait, coolers, bottled water, and fishing licenses are provided.
Join Captain Chris or Captain Joe for an exciting fishing adventure across the waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the nearshore Gulf of Mexico. Your target species will include Red Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, Amberjack, Mahi, King Mackerel, and classic Florida gamefish like Redfish and Speckled Trout, utilizing a variety of fishing techniques. Depending on the season, you may also catch Mangrove Snapper, Sheepshead, Blue Fish, Ladyfish, Jack Crevalle, and Black Drum.
Fishing methods primarily involve using live and cut baits, varying with the time of year; however, Captain Chris and Captain Joe are always happy to incorporate artificial lures if preferred.
The fishing takes place on a brand new 26-foot Blue Wave center console, specifically designed for these waters. It features a powerful 300-horsepower outboard engine, ensuring quick arrival to the best fishing spots. The boat is equipped with advanced electronics including down and side view chirp sonar, multiple live wells and fish boxes, a lavatory (for women and emergency use), spot lock technology to keep the boat perfectly positioned over the fish, and a hard t-top providing ample shade for a comfortable and productive outing.
Most essentials are provided on board, but guests are advised to bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, non-marking shoes or flip-flops, and a camera. A clean cooler with ice is available for your beverages and food (glass containers are not allowed). Additionally, bringing a cooler to store your catch at the end of the trip is recommended.
