Team building exercises are essential for coworker bonding and productive teamwork. Boring work events are a tough sell and risk hurting morale. It’s time to plan a crowd pleasing trip that doubles as a productive team building exercise and a good time!
Break the mold with this year with a corporate charter! Embark on a thrilling adventure-filled journey with your coworkers into the Gulf of Mexico. A corporate deep sea fishing charter in Destin, Florida is the answer for your company’s next team building event.
The Benefits of Corporate Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Breaking the Barriers
Office formalities and the clichéd terms we can’t seem to stop using at work can stifle creativity. It’s time to break those barriers and stiff personalities found among your office coworkers. The saltwater would seem to have a magic of its own. As your members get to know one another, barriers fade, and team building transpires.
THRILLS, GILLS, AND PRACTICAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The excitement and adventures of deep sea fishing gets the blood pumping when paired with the phrase, “BIG FISH ON!” Reliance on fellow participants stimulates emotional responses that carry into strengthened communication skills. Corporate charters are known to spark lasting conversations among coworkers.
SHOPTALK FREE ZONE
As legend has it, you can learn more about a person in one day of deep sea fishing, than in a lifetime of working together. Why? Most out of the office activities fight the awkwardness of time spent with coworkers by resorting to shoptalk. Yet, shoptalk is not productive for bonding. Instead, shoptalk maintains office barriers. Corporate deep sea fishing provides the distraction of who your experience is with. In return, your team gets down to the business of building a bond outside of work.
Planning your Corporate Deep Sea Fishing Charter
WHEN A SIX PACK JUST ISN’T ENOUGH
There’s plenty of room for large groups aboard the Finest Kind!
We know what you’re thinking! How is my team building group of 20 plus participants going to fit into a six passenger boat? If you were thinking otherwise, you need this getaway more than you know!
When you need more than a Six Pack, the Finest Kind has you covered! Climb aboard the custom 53’ G&S Sportfish masterpiece, and embark on an unforgettable adventure.
Built for speed and performance
Furnished withthe latest comfort enhancing luxuries and fishing gear
Coast Guard approved for 22 passengers
Professional reputation among corporations
Experienced captain and crew members
Accommodations for multi-party trips
HOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR CORPORATE CHARTER
Scheduling a corporate deep sea fishing charter is as easy as 1-2-3!
2.Discuss your custom needs directly with the captain to design the perfect charter for your team. If you are not sure which trip is best your team, consult with your experienced captain to go over your intentions.
3. When your group has decided on a day, trip length, and head count, it’s time to schedule your charter. Advance booking is available, and weekends fill up fast. Inquire about availabilityHERE, or CALL NOW to secure your corporate charter reservation.
[frame bgcolor=”#” version=”light”]The charter will include license, bait, tackle, and ice for your fish. Remember to arrange for food and drinks for your group.
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What to Expect on a Corporate Fishing Charter
ADVENTURE AWAITS
On the day of your deep sea fishing excursion, your team will be invited aboard the boat. The adventure will soon begin as you transcend from a world filled with awkward obligations into a realm of endless possibilities. Expect a day filled with challenges, teamwork, and action-packed fun. Our corporate charters are specifically designed to bring guests closer together.
RELAX. WE’VE GOT IT FROM HERE!
Deep sea fishing aboard the Finest Kind. Where teams are made!
The details of the day’s events are handled by your professional captain and crew members. Once your corporate charter begins, you won’t be running around to make sure that everyone is in their assigned positions and ready for the next exercise. As an all-inclusive private charter, your team building experience will allow everyone’s participation. So it’s time for you to kick-back and enjoy the ride.
With over 25 years of experience Captain Jason Mikel is known as one of the most prominent navigational guides on the Emerald Coast.
The waters of Destin are home to a variety of species including snapper, grouper, amberjack, mackerel, and more. As your team learns the best techniques for reeling-in award winning game fish, each tight line becomes a wondrous adventure.
Crew members cater to the needs of each participant. The first and second mates offer flexibility according to each guest’s preferences. For those who need help with bait, technique, or closing the win, the crew is more than willing to offer a hand! Whether novice or expert fishermen, the mates ensure a great time everyone!
Once your trip is over your catch is filleted, and prepared for storage in your personal coolers.
Get Ready for the Ultimate Corporate Event
Now that the details are all worked out, and you’veBOOKED your next corporate deep sea fishing charter with the Finest Kind, all you have to do is kick-back, relax, and bask in the glory of successful planning for this year’s team building event! You’ve managed to pull off a productive and meaningful activity for your co-workers, while simultaneously inspiring everyone with an event to look forward to!
We are located in the heart of Destin atHarborWalk Village. For groups traveling with limited transportation, consider staying with theEmerald Grande. The convenience of a short walking distance to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment appeals to many of our corporate groups.
CATERING YOUR CHARTER
As guests are responsible for personal food and drinks aboard the Finest Kind, catering your corporate event is a convenient option for large groups. Below is a list of some of the most popular catering services for charter fishing in Destin, Florida. We recommend that catered meals are requested for pick up or delivery at least an hour prior to the scheduled departure time to eliminate any delays for your deep sea fishing charter.
Destin, Florida is known for its exquisite sugar-white sandy beaches, emerald green water, and unrivaled deep sea fishing experiences. These factors, along with breathtaking scenery painted in every direction, keep Destin as the top spring break destination for families across the United States. This once sleepy fishing village has won its place in our hearts as the perfect location to breathe in the saltwater air and spend time with our loved ones in one of America’s most beautiful settings.
If you’re reading this post, chances are that you’re planning your Destin, Florida spring break vacation, and you’d like to know the best tips and tricks for getting the most out of your trip. First of all, I must say that you’ve chosen a magnificent venue and a wonderful time of year to visit Destin. The spring season holds the best weather for exploring the town with cooler breezes in the morning and warm sunny afternoons. You will most likely go home with a nice tan, but without suffering from the sometimes extreme heat that follows in the summer months.
Your Destin spring break vacation will definitely be the highlight of your year regardless of how you spend the week. However, these tips and tricks will help you to navigate Destin to make your stay in paradise even more amazing.
Book a Fishing Charter – If you’re going to spend time in Destin, deep-sea fishing is a must-do experience. Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” for a reason. With the largest fishing fleet in the state of Florida, deep-sea fishing is kind of a big deal around these parts. With spring break holding one of the most popular times to visit, we recommend that you schedule your deep sea fishing trip well in advance. Never wait until you get into town to schedule your charter, because you may get stuck on a low-quality boat, or you may miss out on the experience all-together. To learn more about spring break deep sea fishing in Destin, CLICK HERE.
Schedule Your Charter Early – Always plan your deep sea fishing charter towards the beginning of your vacation. There are times when fishing charters must be canceled for inclement weather. Spring weather is most conducive to great fishing conditions, but there are always a few of those stormy days that roll in during the season. If the charter is canceled for weather reasons, you have the option to reschedule for a trip later in the week, granted there is availability on the charter boat for another day. If not, your captain will usually recommend another charter boat, or at least point you in the right direction for securing a great charter experience.
Do Your Homework – Destin is filled with a variety of water activity experiences. We recommend checking online to compare reviews between different companies offering the same experiences. From dolphin cruises to pontoon boats and wave runner rentals and parasailing, there’s plenty to keep the action going in Destin. These experiences can normally be scheduled when you get into town, but you’ll want to know the difference between each company’s reputations. As you walk along HarborWalk Village, you’ll see plenty of glass-bottom boats and sea blasters, but which one is right for your family? Considering reviews from previous guests may help you to decide. To learn about water activities offered along HarborWalk Village, CLICK HERE.
One Day at a Time -There really is so much to do in Destin, Florida that it could take you a few weeks to experience everything. But that’s okay since you can come back again and again until you’ve seen it all. The best way to get the most out of your Destin spring break vacation is to designate a day for each experience. For example, day one might be designated for deep-sea fishing and a nice cook your catch meal at one of the many world-famous local seafood restaurants. Day two might be your beach day, while day three is your shopping day, and day four is your go-cart track and golf day. Planning with designated days for the activities that you intend to enjoy will ensure that everyone in your family gets to experience their favorite part of Destin’s many attractions.
Make Sure to Pack Layers – Layers are your friend during your Destin spring break vacation. Make sure that you pack shorts and tanks or tees with your swimsuit for those warm sunny afternoons, but don’t forget those light jackets for mornings and evenings. You may witness temperature variances of 20-30 degrees each day, so make sure that you are packing enough to keep yourself comfortable during your vacation.
Pack for Your Deep Sea Fishing Charter – In addition to the items packed for your stay in Destin, consider the items that needed for your deep sea fishing charter. Of course, layers are your friend on the charter, but you will also want to bring quick-dry clothes, non-slip shoes, sun-protective gear, and motion-sickness prevention for the day of your deep sea fishing trip. For a list of everything that you’ll need to pack for your deep sea fishing trip, CLICK HERE.
Never Fear, Wal-Mart is Near – Families traveling to Destin for spring break often forget sunscreen, snacks for the beach, coolers, beach towels, and floats from home. That’s why most families make a designated stop by Wal-Mart as soon as they get into town to grab the necessities before starting their Destin spring break vacations. There are some advantages to holding off until you get to Destin’s Wal-Mart to buy some of these vacation necessities.
First of all, it’s Wal-Mart, so the prices of items are pretty close to the same as the products’ cost at your local store. Second, sales tax is only 6% in Destin. So, if taxes are higher where ever you live, you’re already saving money by shopping in Destin. Lastly, most food items are tax-free in Florida, as long as they are not pre-cooked items. Of course, you will pay tax at restaurants, or buy groceries from Destin’s Wal-Mart, or in your case, beach snacks, are non-taxable.
Traveling Tips
Top of Before You Get into Florida – If you’re driving into Destin from another state, you’ll want to stop for gas just before you get into Florida, as the gas prices tend to be a little more expensive in the state of Florida than other states in the Southeast. The price averages between 10-20 cents higher per gallon than Florida’s surrounding states. Though you are not saving a fortune, you will have a little extra pocket change for your next fill-up.
This photo of Mid-Bay Bridge is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Getting into Town Traffic – Traffic coming in and out of town during the weekends is always heavy. If you are taking the Mid-Bay Bridge, which is a cash-only toll bridge, or the HWY331 Bridge, and you plan to travel mid-day, plan on an hour or two of slow-moving traffic. Coming in from Fort Walton Beach over the Okaloosa Island on HWY 98, though usually steady moving, traffic can also become a challenge during mid-day on the weekends. If sitting in traffic drives you crazy, consider getting into town early on your check-in day, and leaving town early or late on your check-out day.
If check-in is 4:00 PM, then you can count on traffic getting heavy on the bridges by about 10:00 AM. Try to get into Destin by 7:00 AM, stop by Another Broken Egg Café or the Doughnut Hole for breakfast, swing into Wal-Mart for those items that you still need for your vacation, and then hang around somewhere close by your resort until check-in. The same consideration should be given to the day of check-out, and leaving by 7:00 AM or staying around town until after 7:00 PM are the best times to keep you moving and away from the bridge traffic.
Navigating HWY 98- Weekdays during Destin’s most popular tourist seasons can place you in the middle of HWY 98 traffic at a standstill, making you late for reservations and costing valuable time during your vacation. To avoid high traffic times, plan on leaving your resort early, and sticking around the locations where any reservations might be for that day. This goes back to great planning for your trip. For example, if you have a dolphin cruise scheduled for 6:00 PM, but you plan on getting some shopping in on the same day, designate that day as a HarborWalk Village exploration day. Get there in the morning, and spend the day shopping, dining, and experiencing the coastal life offered at HarborWalk, and then walk onto your cruise that evening. If you must travel during the day for reservations, consider the time, and for mornings, add an hour of travel time, and an hour and a half or two hours for late afternoon or evening travel times.
As far as finding your attraction’s location, everything in Destin is accessible by way of HWY 98. East HWY 98 will bring you towards San Destin and, eventually, Panama City, while West HWY 98 will bring you back towards Fort Walton Beach, and eventually Pensacola. The beach is on the South side of Destin, so once you leave your resort, just remember your cardinal directions when navigating your way around HWY 98.
Shopping Tips
Check Wal-Mart before Beach Shops – Now we’re loving on Wal-Mart a little too much, but only in the efforts to save you money on your Destin vacation. You’ll find that HWY 98 in Destin and Scenic HWY 98 are both lined with beach stores where we all love to stop in for a souvenir to remember our trip by. Most of these shops have great deals on t-shirts and trinkets, but for ordinary items like flip flops, sunglasses, beach towels, etc., you want to hold off until you get to Wal-Mart. You’ll find a significant price difference on the same quality items, so don’t just run into a beach shop for a quick pick-up on essential items. Save the beach stores for souvenirs, and keep Wal-Mart as your go-to for your every day, “Oops I forgot to grab my beach towel from home,” safety net.
Top Three Shop Till You Drop Locations – What goes better with coastal scenery and fishing experiences than shopping? If you love to shop for unique treasures and high-end goods, you have found paradise in Destin. With hundreds of shops and major retail outlets, you’ll find what you’re searching for in a number of locations. Here’s a list of must-visit locations around the Destin area where your family can experience something for everyone phenomenon that tends to sparkle around this coastal town.
1.HarborWalk Village –Bringing visitors into the heart of Destin where it all started, HarborWalk Village is the go-to shopping venue for nautical nic-nacs, coastal art, and sports fishing goods. A mixture of high-end boutiques is nestled along the harbor where your little ones can witness charters bringing in daily catches, zip line over the village, and witness true magic shows. Famous restaurants like AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, Margaretville, Harry T’s, Crab Island Cantina, and Jackacuda’s Seafood and Sushi are all waiting for your lunch or dinner break from shopping.
2.The Destin Commons– This shopping mall has a ton of major brands that we Americans love, with a Bass Pro shops situated on end with Belk on the other, and over 70 other stores in between. Dining and entertainment are also found in the Destin Commons with fun places like Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill, Johnny Rockets, Fusion Bistro, and more. Sweet treats and a relaxing venue are to be found at the Destin Commons. This is the perfect shopping location for families with youngsters and teens.
3.Silver Sands Premium Outlets – Just west of Destin on HWY 98, you’ll find an area known as San Destin, where upscale coastal living is just the norm. There on the left coming from Destin, you’ll see a massive outdoor shopping mall with all of your favorite high-end brands. To make it even better, all of the stores have the brands at a discounted price. You’ll know it when you see it. With stores like Nautica, Merrell, the Gap, Osh Kosh, Gymboree, New Balance, Dooney & Burke, Columbia, Converse, Saks Fifth Avenue, Zales, and even the Disney Outlet Store, this is just heaven for serious shoppers who love to save on the best brands. You have to stop by Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for chocolate covered strawberries. They are the best!
Get the Book – Upon your arrival in Destin, you’ll want to stop by your resort lobby or the Destin Visitor’s Center to pick up a couple of attraction booklets like the See Emerald Coast Visitor Magazine that is filled with attraction information and coupons for fun activities all over the town of Destin. You’ll save a few dollars off of many attractions, dining, and shopping experiences that will add up pretty quickly. Also, look at the brochures found in your resort lobby and the Visitor’s center, as you will also find coupon information near the bottom, on the back of the card. Make sure to let the company know that you have coupons when you make the reservation.
Beach Tips
Avoiding College Students at the Beach – Destin has always been and will remain, a family spring break vacation destination. Some college students do choose to spend their spring break vacations in Destin, as well. Most of these college students are respectable young adults who plan to enjoy their spring break along the Emerald Coast without causing any kind of problems for families with young children at the beach. However, there are always those few in the group who forget their raising, and the Okaloosa Sheriff’s Department is quick to remind them. To learn how Okaloosa County plans to keep Destin a family first spring break destination, CLICK HERE.
In any case, you’re more likely to run into college students during spring break behind the Crab Trap on scenic HWY 98, and behind the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. If the thought of sharing the beach with a crowd of college students sounds unappealing, opt to visit the public beaches along Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island, the bay side of Okaloosa Island, Henderson Beach State Park, or stay at a resort with a private beach like the Emerald Grand. For a full list of great beaches in Destin, CLICK HERE.
Don’t Get Burned – As you probably know, Florida is nicknamed the “Sunshine State.” With Florida’s close proximity to the equator, the ultraviolet rays from the sun are very strong. You can get a nasty sunburn on a cloudy day in Destin. To prevent sunburns or any other injuries from the sun during your Destin spring break vacation, always use sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hats, and UV ray blocking clothing, especially for young children. You may not realize that your child has sunburn until you are back at your resort room, and it may seem odd that you were only at the beach for an hour on a cloudy day. Always come to the Sunshine State prepared with protective gear to prevent harmful UV rays from wrecking your week.
Stay Hydrated – Another important factor to consider with the Florida sun is that you will need to keep yourself hydrated with plenty of fluids, even though the heat may not seem so bad. This again is especially important for children and also elderly family members. The beautiful scenery and exciting attractions can make many of us less in-tune with our body’s discomfort. Keeping a cooler in your vehicle with water and Gatorade or PowerAde during your Destin vacation can help to keep hydration a priority. When you arrive at the beach, make sure to have your cooler in tow. Avoid consuming too many sodas, since they can cause swelling when paired with Florida’s sun.
With these tips and tricks, you are sure to make the most of your 2019 Destin spring break vacation. Remember to plan ahead and do your homework, pack layers, and plan on a trip or two to Wal-Mart. Once you’ve visited Destin, Florida, you’ll want to go again. You have made a great decision to embark on an adventure in Destin, where you’ll witness the most beautiful scenery and encounter the friendliest locals. Get ready for the spring break vacation of a lifetime.
Destin’s summer deep sea fishing season is just around the corner. It’s a time when the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding shores come to life with nonstop adventure and excitement. As captains and crew members gear up for the unknown encounters of daily deep sea fishing trips, anticipation of the annual fleet blessings draws locals and visitors to the Destin Harbor. Destin’s Annual Blessing of the Fleet displays the tradition, heritage, and culture of the coastal community by observing a time of prayer and celebration of those who make up the largest fishing fleet in the state of Florida.
4:00 pm: Blessing of the Fleet Ascension Day services
5:00 pm: Fleet Blessing
5:30 pm: Annual Blessing Fish Fry
What is the Blessing of the Fleet?
The Blessing of the Fleet is an annual tradition honoring the men and women who utilize the resources of the sea as a means of survival. As a centuries-old ritual, fleet blessings are commonplace among ports located all over the world.
With strong roots in the Catholic Church, fleet blessings have long been established as a time of prayer and faith. This ocean to ocean tradition marks a time when locals and churches come together to pray over each fleet vessel, the captains and crew members, and their families for safe passages, bountiful catches, and prosperity.
In addition to services and ceremonial prayers, fallen fishermen and local legends are remembered as tribute of their contributions to the coastal communities.
How did Destin’s Blessing of the Fleet begin?
Destin, Florida 13th Annual Blessing of the Fleet 1970 Image Source: State Archives of Florida/Veselka.
Destin’s Annual Blessing of the Fleet has a history dating back to May 30, 1957, when fishermen congregated at St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church for communion and services conducted by founder, Reverend William Irwin.
The blessing ceremony followed the service as church members and fishermen prayed over each vessel. Back then, there were just over twenty boats, and the town was considered a small fishing community.
Those fishermen and their families built what we know today as one of America’s favorite beach and deep sea fishing destinations. The fleet has continued to grow in number, and the Destin Harbor is now recognized as home to the largest fishing fleet in the state.
Destin’s Unique History
Though Destin’s Blessing of the Fleet as an annual tradition began in 1957, the significance of prayers over the fishermen and their families is unique to those who know the story of Destin’s beginnings.
Destin was first discovered as a fishing haven by Leonard Destin in the 1830s. On his fishing voyage from New London, Connecticut, Leonard’s father and brother were lost at sea in a tragic accident close to Cape Canaveral. As Leonard continued through the Gulf of Mexico, and into the waters just below the Destin coastline, he knew that he’d found something spectacular. After Leonard settled along the shore, word soon traveled of the magnificent blessings found in the waters nearby.
Today, the blessings of the past seem to shine brighter than ever. Destin’s fleet has proved prosperous and protected from the dangerous elements of hurricanes and oil spills that have affected other coastal communities. Locals stand by their beliefs that God continues to watch over and bless the fishermen of Destin’s Harbor, just as he watched over and blessed Leonard Destin during his voyage and discovery of Destin, Florida.
The Atmosphere
Though times have changed from the early years of Destin’s introduction as a quiet fishing village, the Blessing of the Fleet takes locals and visitors back to a time when life-lines were dependent upon tight fishing lines. We are reminded of the significant role that fishermen played in building our beloved Destin community.
Though many visitors travel to Destin to witness the beautiful white sand and emerald waters of the Gulf Coast, Destin as a vacation destination would not be the same as we know it without the work of fishermen and their families, of both past and present.
Today the atmosphere during the Blessing of the Fleet transcends changes to the modern landscaping of Destin. As high-rise condominiums and tourist attractions fade away during the Blessing of the Fleet event, boats decorated with flags and bunting line up along the Destin Harbor, awaiting their chance for mass prayers extended to the vessel, the captain and crew members, and their families. The prayers also extend to all who climb aboard each vessel for deep sea fishing and recreation.
These fishermen and their families capture the same hard-working spirit of those who came before them. Thousands travel to Destin each year to witness the miraculous experience of one of the oldest traditions along the Emerald Coast. All visitors are invited to join the events surrounding Destin’s Blessing of the Fleet, as an experience unlike any other found among coastal traditions.
From the Blessing of the Fleet to the Week of Blessing
As Destin continues to maintain a prosperous reputation, the seeds of early fleet blessings have sprouted across the entire community. What began as the Blessings of the Fleet has led to an entire week of blessings for local families, emergency personnel, pastors, marketplace, and the youth.
During the annual Week of Blessings, churches from various denominations join together in prayer. Unification of Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Baptist, Church of Christ, and Non-Denominational congregations are joined together to represent the Church of Destin. Through testimony and faith, prayer is strengthened, and lives are changed during the week surrounding Destin’s annual Blessing of the Fleet.
Destin’s Blessing of the Fleet. Image Source: Immanuel Anglican Church
The 62nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet
The year 2019 marks Destin’s 62nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet. All services and ceremonies for the 61st Annual Blessing of the Fleet will be held in front of the Fisherman’s Co-op, which is directly under the back side of Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer. The address for Brotula’s is 210 HWY 98 East, Destin, Florida, 32541. Once you pull into the parking lot of Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer, take a right, then an immediate left. Follow the driveway down to the dock to find parking.
Locals and visitors are invited to attend the Blessing of the Fleet Ascension Day services at 4:00 pm, where local pastors, captains, and crew members will share testimonies and prayers for all attending the gathering.
Following the service, Destin’s fleet will line up along the Destin Harbor, and beginning at 5:00 pm, they will take turns stopping in front of the barge where Destin’s pastors pray over each vessel. Whether you hang out along the dock, enjoy a blessed dolphin cruise, or dine at one of the many harbor view restaurants, you’re sure to get a great seat to witness the blessing ceremony.
The traditional Blessing Fish Fry has been a part of the Blessing of the Fleet since its start in 1957. Following the blessing ceremony of the boats, the Blessing Fish Fry will be prepared behind Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer at 5:30 pm.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of Destin Florida’s many exciting summer activities. From beach bumming, to action-packed deep sea fishing adventures, Destin is the perfect venue to soak up the sun, and get outdoors with family and friends. But before we embark on one of the biggest vacation seasons of the year, let’s take some time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom to enjoy all the fun and beauty that the emerald coast has to offer.
American Heroes
As Francis Scott Key proclaimed in what we now know as the Star-Spangled Banner, America is the land of the free, and the home of the brave. Here, in America, lifestyles are optional, and opportunity is given freely to each citizen. In Destin, we are thankful for the freedom to harvest the great fish of the Gulf of Mexico, to experience the beautiful public beaches of white sand and emerald waters, to cruise along the Emerald Coast in recreational vessels, and to trade in the coastal markets where luxury meets style and comfort. Businesses in Destin were built on the backs of hardworking Americans who were given the freedom of opportunity by the brave soldiers that fought to protect the peoples’ rights. Only one word can describe these soldiers, and what they have done to protect America as a free nation.
I’m Proud to be an American. Image Source: Active Rain
Heroes.
Destin’s Close Ties to Military Families
Though many view Destin as a vacation destination with the best deep sea fishing port in the world, the city is a neighbor to a number of military communities, and the loss of soldiers has hit close to home on many occasions. Local fishermen know that aside from wearing the hat of an American hero, these soldiers are also called father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, family, and friend.
Too often, tears have touched the waters of Destin to mourn the loss of those who were dedicated to preserving freedom for the ones that they held near, and for future generations to come. As for local fishermen, we know that memories of the fallen will continue to live on each day as we venture into the Gulf of Mexico to freely maintain and harvest these waters. We owe our way of life to the brave who have served our country, and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
A Tribute to Fallen Soldiers from a Destin Fisherman
For the men and women who served in the United States military, and were lost in training exercises, battles, and illnesses while protecting this great nation, we extend our highest respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made as a contribution to our freedom. For their families and friends, thank you for the support and love that you shared to build the character of our American heroes. Know that they will never be forgotten. Blessed are we to have known such bravery and humility that one might give their life to protect ours’.
Memorial Day in Destin is reserved for the recognition of the fallen that fought and died during their service to our country. We invite family and friends to experience Destin this Memorial Day as tribute to one of the many freedoms that your loved ones protected during their service.
As we join together to show our respect for these soldiers, and their families, know that without their courageous acts, our recreational summer activities would not exist. The fishing community of Destin, Florida is thankful for the opportunity to show our gratitude for those who paid the price of freedom with their lives this Memorial Day.
Top 10 Things to do in Destin for Memorial Day Weekend
SunQuest Cruises Memorial Day Weekend Destin Fireworks, Dancing & Dinner Cruise
Sunday, May 29, 2016
6:30 – 9:30 PM: For Reservations call 850-650-2519, or visit com to learn more about the special Memorial Day Weekend Cruise aboard the Solaris.
Red, White, and Blue Hero Celebration @ HarborWalk Village
Thursday, June 02, 2016 (Continues every Thursday June-August in 2016)
7:00 – 9:00 PM: Join the celebration at the Destin Harbor to honor our American Heroes. With an official presentation of the colors by the Eglin Air Force Honor Guard, a WWII vintage North American T-6 Texan stunt team air show over HarborWalk Village, entertainment by the Village Trios, FIREWORKS, and a fire dancing show. Admission is free. For more information, visit the Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village.
If you’re in the process of hunting deep sea fishing charter rates, you’ve probably noticed the wide range in hourly pricing across the board. So, why not take the charter with the lowest cost? After all, each charter boat offers the same basic experience, right? Unfortunately, not all fishing charters were created equally. Here, we will discuss major considerations that reflect both the cost and the type of experience you can expect to encounter for the price that you pay to go deep sea fishing.
What is a Deep Sea Fishing Charter?
First, let’s define a deep sea fishing charter in its most basic form. Of course, there’s a great deal of saltwater fishing that goes on during a charter, but let’s face it. If it’s just about the fish, why charter a boat when you could fish off of a pier? A deep sea fishing charter is so much more than catching fish.
The ingredients that make up a deep sea fishing charter include a charter boat, a captain, and a first mate, or deckhand. The quality of these three ingredients determines both the price that you pay, and the experience that you’ll likely have during your deep sea fishing trip. Asking the right questions about the boat, the captain, and the deckhand can help you to determine which charter offers the best possible experience for your family or group.
Have you ever booked a room at what you thought was a fancy resort, only to find out that you booked your nonrefundable reservation at an overpriced motel? Not a fun time. Well, the same precaution should be considered when reserving a charter. The great thing about charter boats is that you can usually find a number of pictures and videos on the internet showing the interior and exterior features of any well-known charter.
The quality of a charter boat can be evaluated by its initial appearance. Though a charter boat that lacks proper housekeeping skills may be significantly cheaper per hour than their competitors, the cleaning habits of a charter boat’s crew can reveal an array of problems with the boat’s mechanics. If the first thing that you see on the back deck is dried fish blood, filled trash cans, and salt water residue on the windows and chrome, chances are that you’ll find a cluttered and messy cabin, along with a dirty head, or toilet room. These are some of the factors that contribute to sea sickness, so you want to make sure that you aren’t reserving a charter with these types of reviews.
A charter boat that invests the time and money in keeping a clean appearance is more likely to invest the same effort in keeping all mechanical parts working promptly. We’ve heard stories of customers going out on charters that advertised an air conditioned cabin, only to find out that the air conditioner was broken during the fishing trip. When we’re talking about a $20 per hour difference in deep sea fishing rates, a working air conditioner is worth the expense.
A charter boat that leaves much to be desired upon initial appearance is also more likely to have mechanical issues in the engine room. Now keep in mind that even the best charters will eventually have some mechanical issue that need to be addressed. The difference is whether the problem is corrected promptly, or whether the issues are prolonged to keep the charter boat running, despite the comfort of charter fishing customers.
In this respect, a charter boat that costs more per hour is more likely to invest the time and money needed to ensure top quality maintenance and upkeep. The charter boats that raise the bar on maintaining a clean exterior and interior tend to take the time for routine engine and mechanical maintenance, all of which makes a better charter experience for deep sea fishing customers.
New vs Experienced Charter Boats
Forget everything that you know about the American way for just a moment. In perhaps one of the only situations of our consumer market, newer is not always better when selecting a charter fishing boat. Just as you would want a seasoned captain who knows the waters you are fishing, you want your charter boat that has plenty of running time to and from the deep blue.
As captains make choices for improvements and enhancements of their charter boats, they gage their needs based on customer experiences while onboard. A brand new charter boat’s best feature is newness, where a seasoned charter boat’s owner will invest in top of the line fishing equipment and more comfortable accommodations for the customer.
Do you remember the first day that you purchased a smart phone? Even with all of the excitement that came with having the technology of a cell phone and a computer all in one little device that could fit in your pocket, it still took some time to learn how to navigate between calling a friend and searching the internet. Over the years, social media, shopping, and business apps have been added to our smart phones. With each upgrade, we all spend some time getting familiar with the new abilities of our smart phones. Well, captains require the same learning period with new deep sea fishing technology. New equipment is always great, but only if your captain is versed in using the new equipment. As you can imagine, a captain with more frequent trips will be better at navigating his new fishing equipment, and therefore the top of the line equipment aboard a seasoned captain’s boat is more likely to be reflected in the hourly rate.
In the same way that captains require experience with new fishing equipment, plenty of experience with a variety of customers will enhance the captain’s ability to better provide the customer comforts that fit an array of personality types. Depending on the kind of charter you’ve booked, whether a family trip, corporate charter, overnight, etc., you’ll want a captain who knows what your group needs to remain comfortable on the charter before you do. A captain who allows customizable charters for each group is more likely to have accommodations onboard that will keep your group content during your deep sea fishing trip. This wisdom can only come from a captain with a great deal of experience running a variety of customized charters on his boat. As upgrades are added to a charter boat that will enhance the level of customer comforts, you can expect the hourly rate to reflect those accommodations.
The Captain
Ah, yes! The man driving the boat will play one of the biggest roles in both the cost of the charter, as well as the kind of experience that you’ll encounter during your deep sea fishing trip. Depending on his investment in the charter boat, you can expect a captain with a long-standing reputation within the area to have a higher rate per hour than his competitors.
Does the captain wear two hats?
One question that you should always ask is whether or not the captain is the owner of the charter boat. The answer could make a huge difference in your overall saltwater fishing experience. See, a captain who owns the charter will be more invested in all the working parts of your charter experience. He is there from the start of your adventure, to the end, and witnesses your personal satisfaction with the boat’s amenities, the deckhand’s willingness to go above and beyond your expectations, and your experience. In short, a captain who owns the charter boat works diligently to ensure that his customers are satisfied with the best deep sea fishing experience possible. After all, his livelihood depends on repeat customers who are impressed with his ability to run a top of the line charter boat, and hire the best crew.
In contrast, a charter boat captain who is working as a private contractor for a boat owner tends to be less invested in the charter customer’s relationship with the boat. He may be on one boat this year, and then another next year. That is not to say that you’ll always encounter an unprofessional captain when he doesn’t share the title of boat owner. There are some great captains who run boats without owning them. However, a private contractor captain has less final say about your trip than the captain who owns the boat.
We’ve heard stories about charter trips that involve the owner’s input of adding more people to a private charter or overbooking due to a lack of communication between the owner and the captain. It’s best to have one boss running the boat. When the captain and the owner are one in the same, the blame for something going wrong isn’t shared, and there tends to be a smoother running operation than when multiple people share the responsibility of setting up custom charters.
Is the captain seasoned in these waters?
When you make your agreement with the captain of a charter boat, you are paying for a guided fishing excursion into a body of water that the captain knows how to navigate through his firsthand experience. The more experience the captain has on the local waters, the more likely he is to know where the best fishing spots are. As with any other professional occupation, you can expect a captain who is more experienced to have a slightly higher hourly rate in comparison to other novice captains who are struggling to find those honey hole fishing locations in the gulf.
Remember to ask about experience with the specific area that you will be fishing. A captain with 30 years of experience fishing off the coast of California would still be considered a novice in the Gulf of Mexico. You see, each captain has their own secret spots in addition to public reefs. It takes many years to learn the waters well enough to know where the fish will be under a variety of conditions like the time of year, temperature, weather, fishing season, etc. These conditions change daily, and only a captain who has fished the area for years will know what to expect on any given day of fishing. Though the seasoned captain is more likely to charge a little more for his services, you can rest assured that his experience in the deep waters is worth every penny.
The Deckhand
In addition to the captain, you are also paying for the services of the first mate, or deckhand. The deckhand plays an important role in your deep sea fishing experience. He is there to teach you the basic skills and techniques of saltwater fishing, all while keeping your group entertained during your charter. Since the deckhand works for tips, you should see a great deal of customer service in his role as he attempts to keep guests comfortable and engaged during the trip.
How to Determine the Quality of a Deckhand
As we’ve already mentioned, the captain who owns the boat is more likely to have an excellent deckhand working alongside him. As the captain witnesses the deckhand’s interactions with deep sea fishing guests, the captain can determine whether or not the deckhand is a good fit for the reputation of the charter boat. A boat that has gone through several deckhands does not necessarily mean that there is a problem with the operation. This just shows that the captain will not tolerate a deckhand who is not committed to working well with deep sea fishing parties. It can take several years to find the right deckhand. They seem to always be auditioning for the part. A captain who is not afraid to let go of a deckhand who has become too comfortable in his job is more likely to never settle until he finds the best of the best.
Fortunately, pictures found on the internet of fishing experiences from past trips on a given charter boat can often tell the story of how the deckhand interacts with charter customers. In addition, you can get the feel of what the owner/captain expects out of his deckhand. For example, if action shots taken on the boat during the charter show the deckhand working to help customers with their fishing experience, including support during reeling, gaffing, cutting bait, and helping families get a photo of children who may be scared to touch the fish, etc., then you know that the captain expects a top of the line service out of the deckhand for his clients. Check out this video to see what to expect out of a great deckhand during your charter.
In contrast, if you often see the deckhand jumping in the group photo at the end of the trip with a beer in his hand, then you may want to reconsider your options. Unfortunately, there are some captains who have hired on friends to work as their deckhands. This is not to say that friends can’t work well together. What we are saying is that there tends to be a level of comfort in the deckhand where he will eventually do the bare minimum during a charter without the fear of being fired.
Not too long ago, we heard a story about a deckhand who forgot about his upcoming trip, stayed out all night partying the night before, slept on the boat, and was too hung over during the trip to work. When he wasn’t sleeping during the charter, he was complaining about how hung over he was. Because the captain and deckhand were friends, the captain allowed this behavior in front of his clients. Needless to say, the trip turned into a bad experience for this group, and charters are nonrefundable. Take our advice. A little time investigating pictures from prior fishing trips is always a great way to determine the quality of a deckhand, which is also often reflected in the price of the charter.
The Take Away
So, are we saying that the charter boat with the highest rate per hour is always the best? No. Are we saying that the charter boat with the lowest rate per hour is always the worst? Again, no. What we are saying is that given the experience of past private charter fishing customers, the cost of a deep sea fishing charter is often reflected in the quality of the three major working parts of any give charter. A little internet research goes a long way in determining which charter is the best option for your group. Depending on the fishing rate per hour on a private charter, you can expect a higher or lower reputation in the quality of the charter boat, the captain, and the deckhand.
The hourly rate for private charters in Destin, Florida can range anywhere from $195 to $240 per hour. Our recommendation is to first research the quality of the charter boat, the captain, and the deckhand before choosing the charter company that works best for you. Though the cost of a private charter may fluctuate throughout the years and fishing seasons, these are pretty standard as of the year 2017. Finding a great charter company is essential in securing the best charter fishing experience possible. Once you’ve considered the hourly rates and compared a few options, we feel that you will come to the conclusion that a top quality fishing charter in Destin will run you about $225 per hour for the first six people, plus 10 percent off of the total per person after the first six. See the breakdown of hourly rates for deep sea fishing charters HERE.
Now that you know what to look for during your comparison of fishing charter rates in association with the three major working parts, including the charter boat, captain, and deckhand, it’s time to start planning the greatest deep sea fishing charter of your life.
If you’d like our recommendation on the perfect charter, we’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Finest Kind.
Breaking the Barriers
Breaking the Barriers
Destin, Florida is known for its exquisite sugar-white sandy beaches, emerald green water, and unrivaled deep sea fishing experiences. These factors, along with breathtaking scenery painted in every direction, keep Destin as the top spring break destination for families across the United States. This once sleepy fishing village has won its place in our hearts as the perfect location to breathe in the saltwater air and spend time with our loved ones in one of America’s most beautiful settings.
Book a Fishing Charter – If you’re going to spend time in Destin, deep-sea fishing is a must-do experience. Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” for a reason. With the largest fishing fleet in the state of Florida, deep-sea fishing is kind of a big deal around these parts. With spring break holding one of the most popular times to visit, we recommend that you schedule your deep sea fishing trip well in advance. Never wait until you get into town to schedule your charter, because you may get stuck on a low-quality boat, or you may miss out on the experience all-together. To learn more about spring break deep sea fishing in Destin, 
With these tips and tricks, you are sure to make the most of your 2019 Destin spring break vacation. Remember to plan ahead and do your homework, pack layers, and plan on a trip or two to Wal-Mart. Once you’ve visited Destin, Florida, you’ll want to go again. You have made a great decision to embark on an adventure in Destin, where you’ll witness the most beautiful scenery and encounter the friendliest locals. Get ready for the spring break vacation of a lifetime.
