This was our first time on a private charter boat and Captain Chris and Caleb made the experience wonderful. We took our 4 young kids (ages 10, 8, 7, and 5) and Chris was very kind and courteous towards them. Our kids have never fished before and I am so thrilled I let my husband talk me into this activity. Captain Chris made sure each of our kids caught a fish while learning how to fish at the same time. He helped the experience by taking pictures of the kids and even encouraged taking a family picture. If we make it out to Fort Walton again, we will be booking another trip! Do not hesitate and take book with Captain Chris!

Been on multiple charters before and this was far and away the best one we’ve ever been on. Chris made sure we were on fish and stayed on them. He made my wife and kids feel like family and his son, Keith, was amazing as he helped my boys land fish and keep everyone baited up. Absolutely amazing experience for all of us and I couldn’t be happier with my choice to go with Shoal River. We landed multiple species and had lines in the water constantly due to the hard work of Chris and Keith. Book a charter with these guys, you will not be disappointed at all. We will definitely be back!!

Charter started with excellent communication about the trip with Chris contacting us the via the app right after booking and the evening before to provide detail and answer questions. We arrived and Chris and his first mate Keith were ready for us. Greeting our party of 4 teens/pre-teens and 2 adults near the boat. Once on the boat, we received a detailed safety briefing and we confirmed our fishing interests. Along the journey out to the first fishing spot we spotted several dolphin pods which everyone enjoyed. First couple spots we hit were inundated with Trigger fish which weren’t large enough to keep, but undaunted Capt Chris quickly identified new spots to try and we finally hit a very nice spot where we caught 5 large Mingos within a few minutes with Chris and Keith constantly helping each of by quickly baiting lines, helping the kids reel in fish etc .. the sport dried up but we moved to several more and ended up catching another large Mingo keeper. Everyone had a blast and we would highly recommend Shoal River and Capt Chris for your next fishing charter.

Chris and Shawn put us on fish all day. We were able to catch mingos, snapper, and rainbow runners. They were informative and engaged with us the entire time. They baited our hooks, were patient with us, and since clean up afterwards. Even recommend a place that cooks local catches! Great trip!

Even though the bite was slow for the species we were targeting, Captain Chris stayed out and made sure we got plenty for dinner. Add in a huge red snapper and nice grouper, along with numerous triggerfish and Ruby reds, made a very enjoyable and a success. Would definitely look with Captain Chris again.

If you’re thinking about taking the ladies with you, this is your boat. The captains patience and boat facilities made their trip a winner.