Joey’s love for fishing began early, as he picked up skills and knowledge from his father and grandfather. By age 15, he earned the distinction of becoming one of the youngest independent mates aboard a renowned fishing charter operating in Destin Harbor. At 18, Joey took a significant step by securing his 100 Ton Captain License. After captaining various boats over the years, he launched his own charter fishing company in 2013. Captain Joey is dedicated to ensuring safety, excellent service, and the utmost guest satisfaction. He eagerly anticipates offering every visitor an unforgettable adventure on the stunning waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay.
Qualifications that Captain Joey holds to guarantee a secure and enjoyable trip include:
Our guide Andy was exceptional. He quickly pointed out which species were allowed to be targeted and which were off-limits. His skill in putting us right on the fish was impressive. His patience with novices was remarkable, making sure we stayed on the same fish until a catch was made. We would rate the experience a perfect 10/10 and would highly recommend this team. We plan to book with them again for our next outing.
I've taken trips with this company twice over the past three years, and both times were fantastic. We had a blast shooting until our arms were exhausted. Highly recommended.
Joey proved to be a wonderful guide and an all-around great person. During our trip, he introduced us to a variety of marine wildlife, from dolphins to sea turtles and many other species. Although we were booked with Captain Joey, our group was expertly guided and cared for by Captain Mindy. While Joey is great, Mindy’s service was outstanding. She was extremely patient with our children aged 12 and 13 and supported us throughout the trip. Since none of us had experience with bowfishing—myself included after 25+ years—she handled a boat full of newcomers wonderfully. We caught plenty, missed some, and enjoyed the night’s action. The highlight was my daughter landing a beautiful ray, with my son ensuring we secured the catch. This trip is one we’d eagerly repeat—and having Mindy as your guide is a definite bonus!
The experience of introducing my sons to bay fishing was wonderful, with Captain Melissa leading us on a fun, memorable excursion. She was well-prepared, patient, and attentive to our kids. We encountered a variety of marine life and spent lots of time shooting arrows. Though large targets were scarce that night, making smaller fish challenging to catch, it’s all part of the sport. The boat was fully equipped for the trip, and Melissa was an excellent captain, making the trip seamless and enjoyable. She kept up with our young girls and ensured they stayed engaged with bait in the water. I highly recommend her and plan to book again—she's a ton of fun.
Originally scheduled to fish with Joey, we experienced a last-minute change to Captain Taylor. He demonstrated a deep knowledge of fishing and was very patient with children. Despite cool and overcast weather early on, he successfully put us on fish, making it a great family outing. Although catch-and-release was required and a bit disappointing, the trip was still a blast. We look forward to booking again and hope for an offshore adventure soon. Many thanks to Captain Taylor!
Captain Joey made our night bowfishing trip a memorable experience. Even though our shooting skills could have been better, he continually encouraged us and provided helpful tips until we succeeded. It was one of the highlights of our vacation!
We had an amazing time with Captain Joey. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, providing one of the best outdoor adventures I’ve ever enjoyed. Jason was an outstanding guide, and I would definitely book with him again for another great trip.
Our fishing excursion with guide Taylor was fantastic. Taylor’s expertise was evident, and he made the trip highly enjoyable. We learned a lot, including how resilient rays can be—they can be caught with arrows and typically recover within days! Our guide Colby was phenomenal, locating many rays and assisting us after each catch. He truly enhanced our experience.
As first-timers, our group was left disappointed by our bowfishing outing. We felt our guide lacked sufficient experience and wasn’t invested in fully delivering a memorable trip. While we understand fishing success can’t be guaranteed, the guide seemed more focused on finishing promptly rather than ensuring we had a worthwhile time. Consequently, we felt the experience didn’t live up to our expectations. We’ve communicated privately with the company, who have been responsive, and we appreciate their efforts to make it right going forward.
Joey did an excellent job running a pleasant fishing trip where we caught two large fish, each weighing around 15 pounds. The trip was truly enjoyable.
We had a fantastic outing with fellow Texan Captain Colby. His knowledge and rapport with children made our adventure even better. We highly recommend him and are eager for our next trip together.
Bowfishing remains one of our favorite activities, and this trip was undeniably one of our coolest experiences to date. Many thanks for an unforgettable night!
If you’re planning a Destin trip, booking with Jayson should be a top priority. Spending four hours fishing with him beats a week at the beach any day, as he skillfully navigates the waves and reels in fish as big as small children. No one else compares to Jayson!
Unfortunately, we had a poor encounter with one captain who was rude throughout the trip. When my son accidentally created a small backlash on a shark fishing rod, the captain reacted harshly instead of calmly fixing the issue. Additionally, he was curt when we asked questions and reluctant to set up other rods to keep us occupied while waiting for a shark bite. We often felt like a nuisance, especially given the limited space on the small boat. Most disappointing was the lack of success locating fish, with valuable charter time spent catching baitfish for future trips. We recommend seeking a true professional elsewhere.
We’re sorry to hear about your dissatisfaction. Captain Jayson worked hard to provide a memorable shark fishing outing and rigged additional rods as requested. Please reach out so we can help arrange another trip to improve your experience.
Our guide was excellent with our 10-year-old, helping us catch about 15 fish. Much appreciated!
You can cancel without any charge up to 10 days before your scheduled trip and get a credit added to your account. If you cancel within 10 days of the trip, your deposit will be non-refundable and retained by the guide. Cancellations made on the day of the trip or no-shows will result in the full trip cost being charged to your card.
Please remember to bring snacks, beverages, sunscreen, and shoes with good traction.
If you’re seeking the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, Captain Joey’s Fun and Fish Combo trip in Fort Walton Beach is an ideal choice! This exciting 4 to 5-hour outing offers an action-packed fishing experience followed by a relaxing cruise showcasing the stunning sights of Destin.
The trip begins with several hours of inshore fishing, targeting species such as Redfish, Speckled Trout, Mangrove Snapper, and the lively Jack Crevalle. Whether you’re casting across the flats, using topwater lures, or fishing with live bait near the jetties, there’s always plenty of excitement. You also have a chance to catch Black Drum, Ladyfish, Spanish Mackerel, or Bluefish, so be prepared for a variety of catches!
After the fishing session, sit back and enjoy a scenic cruise through Destin Harbor. This portion of the trip allows you to relax and take in the charming coastal views, perfect for photos and unwinding with the breeze in your hair.
The adventure takes place aboard Captain Joey’s 22-foot Blue Wave center console boat, powered by a 200 HP Suzuki engine. Equipped with GPS, a trolling motor, and a FishFinder, this vessel is well-suited for both angling and leisurely exploration. It comfortably accommodates up to six guests, making it a great option for a group outing.
All fishing gear, bait, and licenses are provided, so all you need to bring are your companions and your favorite snacks and drinks. Let Captain Joey take care of everything else for an unforgettable day on the water!
