From an early age, Joey found his love for fishing, guided by his father and grandfather. By 15, he became one of the youngest independent mates on a popular fishing charter in Destin Harbor. At 18, he earned his 100 Ton Captain License. In 2013, after captaining various boats, Joey launched his own charter fishing service. Captain Joey is dedicated to safety, excellent service, and ensuring all guests have an unforgettable adventure on the stunning waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay.
Captain Joey holds essential qualifications, including a 100 Ton Captain License, USCG Certification, Maritime Consortium Drug Card, and CPR training to guarantee a secure and enjoyable trip.
Guests have expressed high praise for the guides. Many have returned multiple times, enjoying thrilling fishing outings where they cast lines until exhaustion, always highly recommending the experience.
Joey's guides are not just skilled but genuinely friendly. Guests frequently mention unforgettable encounters with diverse marine life, from graceful dolphins to sea turtles. On some trips, Captain Mindy provided exemplary care, especially noted for her patience and help with young anglers new to bow fishing, ensuring countless catches and memorable moments under the night sky.
Families have enjoyed trips led by Captain Melissa, who is appreciated for her thorough preparation, patience with children, and creating wonderful family memories. Her trips are filled with fun and marine sightings, even if large catches are scarce, providing all necessary equipment and a well-organized experience.
Other captains like Taylor are praised for their expertise and calm manner, offering educational and enjoyable family outings. Even when the weather is less than ideal or the trip is catch-and-release, the overall time spent with these guides leaves guests eager for their next adventure.
Captain Joey receives accolades for encouraging novices, keeping spirits high, and skillfully guiding groups through exciting bowfishing nights, often marking highlights of their vacations.
Guests consistently commend the professionalism and approachable demeanor of the captains, describing these fishing trips as some of the best outdoor experiences they’ve ever had. Repeat bookings and enthusiastic recommendations are common.
Colby, one of the guides, is particularly popular with kids and families, known for locating ample marine life and providing hands-on assistance, making every trip enjoyable and educational.
However, not every experience is flawless. Some guests have reported dissatisfaction when guides seemed hurried or less experienced, feeling their time wasn’t fully valued. The tour operators are attentive to such feedback and often reach out privately to resolve concerns and improve future experiences.
On the other hand, a few isolated reports mention unpleasant encounters with some captains displaying impatience or poor communication, resulting in a less enjoyable outing. The company encourages guests to share such feedback so they can address the situation and offer another opportunity for a better trip.
Families have appreciated guides who successfully engage young anglers, resulting in numerous catches and a great time on the water. Many consider bowfishing a favorite sport after these trips, often looking forward to returning.
One enthusiastic visitor expressed that booking a trip with Jayson is a must when visiting Destin, praising his skill and entertainment value highly.
You can cancel at no cost if you do so at least 10 days prior to your trip and the amount will be credited back to your account. If you cancel less than 10 days before your trip, your deposit will be non-refundable and paid to the guide. Cancellations on the day of the trip or failure to show up will result in charging the full trip amount to your card.
Please bring lunch, snacks, and drinks. Dress appropriately for the weather and be sure to include sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Note that glass bottles, black-soled shoes, and spray sunscreen are not allowed. All fishing equipment—including rods, reels, tackle, live bait—as well as fishing licenses, are provided.
Take your kids on an unforgettable fishing adventure with Captain Joey, who specializes in teaching young anglers how to fish in the gentle waters of Choctawhatchee Bay. This serene environment is ideal for learning essential fishing techniques like casting and retrieving. The trip follows a catch-and-release approach, so be sure to bring a camera to capture those special moments! Captain Joey practices CPR fishing—“Catch, Photo, Release”—ensuring the fish are handled with care and returned safely to their natural habitat.
During this relaxed outing, your children will have the chance to fish for species such as Black Drum, Bluefish, Catfish, Sheepshead, and more. Captain Joey prefers using live bait but is also happy to employ artificial lures. These target species are excellent for beginners, offering an engaging fishing experience that will delight kids of all skill levels. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced angler, Captain Joey is dedicated to keeping you fishing and having fun.
Remember to pack your favorite snacks, drinks, and a gratuity for your guide. Captain Joey supplies all the fishing gear needed for your group, including fishing licenses for everyone on board. Book your trip today, and leave the rest to Captain Joey!
