Frequently Asked Questions
1) Where are you located? How far will I have to drive?
The Charter Boat Backlash is located at back of the Destin, Harbor on a private dock. Address and gate code will be given once your trip is booked.
If you are staying in Destin, Fort Walton Beach , Navarre Beach, Miramar Beach, San Destin, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, or Blue Mountain Beach, you will be approximately 10-20 minutes from our dock in the morning and 20-30 minutes in the afternoon depending on traffic.
2) What is included?
All fishing licenses, top of line reels and rods, tackle along with bait, ice, fuel, and fish cleaning.
3) What should I bring?
- Cooler with any drinks and food of your choice
- Bottled water to keep hydrated
- Alcohol (if you prefer. we just ask you don’t bring glass bottles)
- Polarized Sunglasses and hat
4) What should I wear?
CLOTHING: Shorts, Tank Tops, Swimsuits, and short sleeves during the summertime. Please check outside temperature for your charter date and dress accordingly. Keep in mind the air on the water can be cooler as well especially during spring and fall months so layer up if need be and we have plenty of storage in the cabin of the Backlash to shed coats if you get warm.
FOOTWEAR: Depending on weather, we recommend tennis shoes, strap sandals that can be strapped around the heel, or deck shoes such as Sperry’s or Xtratuf brand. Light weight, comfy and water resistant are key. NO BLACK SOLE SHOES IF POSSIBLE, they scuff up the deck.
5) What are we going to catch?
Depending on the time of year, what’s in season, and length of trip you book, species targeted will vary. When you call to set up your trip, Shelby can tell you exactly what has been targeted and caught on our most recent trips or what is expected to be caught around the time frame you book your trip.
6) Can we take our fish back to eat?
Yes! Anything you catch while on your trip within regulations is welcome to come back to the dock with you. All fish cleaning is included. Fish will be filleted upon returning to dock and bagged up.
There are quite a few restaurants that offer a “Hook N’ Cook” or “Cook Your Catch” where you bring a bag of your fish to the restaurant and they will prepare it for you. Let us know if this is something you are interested in!
7) What happens in the case of bad weather?
Inclement weather will be decided on a day before or day of basis due to Florida having very unpredictable weather. We will try and reschedule your charter for another day that works for everyone’s schedule. If we are unable to get you out on the water due to weather, there is absolutely no charge. The captain will have the final say on weather calls.
8) What is the Cancellation Policy?
Upon booking your trip, you will be charged 10% of your trip total. Your 10% deposit charged upon booking is nonrefundable. You will not receive a refund for your deposit if you cancel your trip once it is booked. You may cancel your fishing trip 20 days in advance of the date of the trip and you will not be charged the remaining 90% of the trip total owed. If you cancel under this threshold or fail to show up on the day of your scheduled charter, you will be charged the remaining 90% of your trip total on the credit card on file with a 5% fee. This cancellation fee is non-refundable. Per our phone conversation the card you gave us on file will be the card charged. By giving us your full credit card and security information, you are agreeing to our reservation and cancellation policy.
9) How do I book and when do I pay?
In order to book your trip, you will need to call Captain Chris’ wife, Shelby directly. Shelby will charge 10% of your trip total at the time you reserve your trip. This is a nonrefundable deposit. We will need a credit card to hold on file to secure your scheduled charter date. You can pay your deposit with the card on file with a 5% fee or via Venmo with no fee. Once your deposit is paid, Shelby will email you a formal confirmation email outlining every detail of your charter reservation confirming your trip. The remaining 90% of your trip total will be due on the day of your charter. You have the option to pay Cash, Venmo, or Credit/Debit Card the day of. There is a 5% fee to use any type of card payment. If you cancel with 20 days of your scheduled charter, or fail to show up on the day of your scheduled charter, you will be charged the remaining 90% of your trip total on the credit card on file with a 5% fee. Call Shelby anytime to reserve, (850) 685-9368.
10) When should I arrive and where do I park?
We recommend you arrive 15 minutes prior to you trip. There is no check in booth, just park, grab your cooler and belongings and walk down the dock to the boat.
PARKING: There is a private parking lot directly south of the private dock where the Charter Boat Backlash is located. Upon booking your reservation you will receive a gate access code for entry into private lot.