The Captain

Meet Captain Chris Kirby

When booking a trip aboard the Charter Boat Backlash, guests have the opportunity to fish alongside Captain Chris Kirby — one of the most recognized and sought-after captains along Florida’s Emerald Coast. With more than 20 years of fishing experience, Captain Chris has built a reputation for professionalism, offshore knowledge, tournament success, and consistently putting clients on fish.

Born and raised in Niceville, just north of Destin on the Choctawhatchee Bay, Chris developed a passion for fishing at just four years old while fishing with his father. That passion quickly became a way of life. At age ten, his grandparents bought him his first flats boat, and living just steps away from the bay meant he spent nearly every day fishing, spearfishing, and learning the local waters.

Captain Chris began working as a deckhand at only fourteen years old and earned his captain’s license as soon as he was legally eligible. By the age of twenty-one, he was running offshore tournament boats full-time, competing across the Gulf Coast against some of the best anglers in the sport. He was apart of a team that broke the Mississippi state record for Bigeye Tuna with a massive 203.9-pound catch, along with top finishes throughout the offshore fishing circuit.

Following his tournament success, Captain Chris launched his own charter fishing operation with the vision of creating a more personal, high-quality experience for his clients. Shortly after starting the business, he met his wife, Shelby, who now manages the marketing and booking side of Destin Offshore Charters, allowing Chris to focus entirely on what he does best — finding fish and delivering unforgettable days on the water.

Today, Captain Chris Kirby and Shelby Kirby have built one of the most respected and hands-on charter operations in Destin. Their mission is simple: provide every guest with a safe, exciting, and authentic offshore fishing experience while sharing the passion and lifestyle that built the Backlash brand.

In addition to operating Destin Offshore Charters, Chris and Shelby are also the owners of Black Sheep Waterfowl, a premier waterfowl hunting operation based in Saskatchewan, Canada. Their passion for the outdoors extends far beyond the Gulf waters, allowing them to guide clients through world-class outdoor adventures year-round, from offshore fishing in Destin to legendary Canadian waterfowl hunts in the prairie provinces.

From first-time anglers to experienced offshore fishermen, every guest who steps aboard is treated like family. Captain Chris specializes in offshore fishing charters, swordfishing trips, deep dropping, trolling, and private deep sea fishing adventures throughout Destin and the Gulf of America.

Whether on the water or in the field, Chris and Shelby remain committed to creating unforgettable experiences, building lasting relationships with their clients, and continuing the legacy they have worked so hard to establish.

See y’all on the water!