The Gulf Angler Captains in Destin, Florida
Capt. Preston Muller
Captain Preston brings a rich tapestry of experience and passion to the world of saltwater fishing. His story begins in Weston, Florida, where his early years planted the seeds of his lifelong love for the sea.
For 18 years, Captain Preston has been a fixture in the Destin fishing community. His journey into charter fishing was fueled by a desire to share the incredible world of saltwater fishing with others. He finds great joy in introducing newcomers to the thrills and wonders of the sea, facilitating memorable experiences that often turn into lifelong passions for his clients.
One of Captain Preston's most unforgettable fishing moments with customers involves a rare and exciting catch: a Unicorn Leather Jacket file fish. This unusual fish, a rarity in the Northern Gulf, provided an extraordinary experience for both Captain Preston and his clients. The drama unfolded when a customer initially lost the fish while trying to boat flip it onto the deck, only to remarkably hook the same fish again five minutes later. This time, they successfully secured the catch, turning the incident into a cherished memory and a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of fishing.
The most significant catch in Captain Preston's career is a testament to his skill and experience: a 110” blue marlin. This impressive feat was achieved while trolling for wahoo, with the marlin striking bait on their smallest reel, a Tiagra 30 wide. The intense struggle and subsequent chase, culminating in just 45 minutes, underscored his expertise and the exhilarating nature of big-game fishing.
In the offseason, Captain Preston's life revolves around family and the outdoors. He spends quality time traveling, hunting, and enjoying simple pleasures like sitting by the fire. This period is also crucial for boat maintenance, ensuring everything is in top condition for the upcoming season.
If he weren't a charter captain, Captain Preston sees himself deeply involved with boats in some capacity. His fascination with boats and everything related to them could have led him to a career as a boat surveyor or another role closely connected to the maritime world. His inherent interest in boats is a cornerstone of his identity, shaping his career and personal life in profound ways.
Carter Mason
Carter is the first mate on the Home Grown. He is from from Crestview, just a short drive from Destin, Florida. He's been all about the outdoors since he was a kid. He started working as a first mate on a charter boat in Destin in June 2021, but he's been fishing his whole life. He's caught everything from small bream in ponds to big tarpon in the crystal clear waters of the Emerald Coast.
Growing up, Carter was always outside. If he wasn't in the woods, he was doing some kind of fishing. He always said he wanted to make a living doing something in the outdoors, and he is currently chasing that passion by helping families make incredible memories on the deck of the Home Grown.
One of his best stories is from the summer of 2023. The Home Grown took some guys out shark fishing for four hours. They hooked a huge 10-foot bull shark and fought it for most of the trip. They got it close to the boat, measured it to confirm that it was a trophy, and then let it go go to fight another time.
Another time, in the fall, they were fishing for tuna but ended up catching a massive wahoo instead. It was over 70 pounds and won them first place wahoo in the Destin Fishing Rodeo.
Carter's life is all about chasing the next big catch and he is dedicated to making sure that everyone who fishes with him has a great time.
Capt. Theo tis0n
Theo is from the small town of Sylvester, Georgia and has been fishing in the sunny waters of Destin, Florida for five years. His passion for fishing began in his childhood, spending countless days on his grandpa's large fishing boat, the REBEL, in Brunswick, Georgia. In 2014, his dad bought a sturdy 23ft boat, and they enjoyed many fishing trips in the Gulf of Mexico. Theo loved the excitement and happiness of his family and friends when they caught fish. Motivated by this, he moved to Destin in 2019 to work on boats and earn his captain's license. He became friends with Captain Preston, who later helped him start running his own boat, the Fix’n To.
One of Theo's most memorable experiences was on his first trip aboard the Fix’n Too. It was a chilly December day with strong northeast winds. He had a cheerful family of six with him, and they decided to fish close to shore for flounder. They quickly caught a flounder, and the excitement grew as more fish were caught.
The biggest fish Theo ever caught was an impressive sailfish in June, on the opening day of snapper season. It was a peaceful, calm day, and he was fishing with his dad. They were exploring new fishing spots when the sailfish took their bait. After a challenging fight, they caught and released the nearly 5ft long fish. Theo and his dad were thrilled and ended the day with a good catch of snappers and a few grouper.
During the off-season, Theo spends quality time with his family, takes care of boat maintenance, and enjoys fishing for Blackfin tunas at local piers. If he hadn't become a charter captain, he imagines he would be a skilled welder or pipefitter, a trade he learned from his dad before his move to Destin in 2019.
Theo's life as a charter captain in Destin is filled with his love for the ocean, fishing, and the joy of sharing these experiences with others.
Capt. Marshall Reynolds
Captain Marshall has a rich background that shapes his passion for the sea. His journey began in Texas, where he split his childhood between Corpus Christi's coastal charm and Dallas's vibrant urban life. This mix of environments fostered his deep love for both the tranquility of the sea and the excitement of the outdoors.
Marshall's venture into charter fishing in Destin started just two years ago, driven by his desire to connect with others who share his passions for hunting and fishing. He finds immense joy in introducing groups of strangers to the wonders of the Gulf, celebrating their victories as they reel in their catches, and simply sharing in the pleasure of being at sea.
One of his most cherished memories as a charter captain dates back to his very first trip. Battling overwhelming nerves and anxiety, Marshall faced a challenging start when his boat's port side motor failed just 30 minutes into a four-hour trip. With guidance from another captain in the Gulf Angler Charters crew, Kris, he navigated this initial hurdle. The understanding and easy-going nature of his clients, a father, his daughter, and her friend, played a crucial role in easing his anxiousness. They just wanted to have a great day out on the water and did not care if there were fish caught or not! The day ended triumphantly, with a decent catch and a feeling of family among them, a bond that persists to this day.
Marshall's proudest catch is a a 70-pound wahoo caught while fishing aboard the Home Grown with Capt. Preston. This fish came into the boat during a trip targeting blackfin and yellowfin tunas out at a very popular local spot. The clicker went off signaling that there was a big fish on the line, but then started ripping out at such a blistering pace that it was hard to get the rod out of the rod holder. The fight lasted about 10 minutes and he could see it starting to come to the surface where the hook was just about fully bent and any wrong movement could have popped her off. Capt. Marshall describes this as an unforgettable fish and an incredible blessing.
During the offseason, Marshall doesn't stray far from his love for the outdoors. He dedicates his time to hunting, ranch real estate, and ranch management, pursuits that keep him close to his roots and passions. If he weren't a charter captain, he imagines a fulfilling career in ranch real estate, ranch management, or as a hunting guide, still closely tied to the great outdoors.
Capt. Hudson McEntire
Captain Hudson's journey is set against the beautiful backdrop of Destin, Florida, where he has been a fishing guide for ten years. Growing up in Montgomery, Alabama, Hudson always loved fishing, a passion that stayed strong through his college years. After finishing college, he decided to follow his heart back to fishing, making a career out of what he loves most.
One of Hudson's most unforgettable days on the water happened early in his career. It was a tough day, with rough seas making fishing difficult. Just when things seemed hopeless, they spotted a sailfish. Despite only catching one live bait, they tried their luck. For 30 minutes, nothing happened, and Hudson was ready to try something else. But as they were about to give up, a 36lb cobia suddenly went after their bait. This catch wasn't just lucky; it was Hudson's first big success as a charter captain, making it a day to remember.
Hudson also has a special love for fly fishing, especially for tarpon. He's caught several large tarpons using fly fishing techniques, and says there's nothing better than watching a tarpon take a bait that's just feathers on a hook. These moments are some of the best in his fishing career.
During the off-season, Hudson doesn't stray far from fishing. He guides fly fishing trips in Louisiana, chasing big redfish. He also spends time tarpon fishing and turkey hunting with his dad, enjoying the outdoors year-round.
If Hudson hadn't become a charter captain, he imagines he'd be working outside, maybe in lawn care or landscaping, something he's been good at since he was young. Or, he might have used his college degree in natural resource management to appraise land and timber. Either way, Hudson's life would still be closely tied to the great outdoors, but fishing is where his heart truly lies.
Capt. Kris Capps
Captain Kris, a seasoned charter captain with an impressive 30 years of experience in Destin, Florida, has a remarkable story that is deeply rooted in his love for the sea and fishing. Growing up in Munson, Florida, Kris developed a profound connection with the Gulf of Mexico, a connection that would shape his career and life.
Driven by his passion for fishing, Captain Kris ventured into charter fishing, a decision that allowed him to share his love for the Gulf with others. Over the years, he has amassed a wealth of experiences, but one particular memory stands out as his favorite. On an unforgettable day, Captain Kris and his clients encountered a 30 ft whale shark. This extraordinary sighting led to an opportunity for local researchers to tag the magnificent creature, and Kris had the unique honor of naming it. This experience not only highlights the unexpected wonders of the sea but also underscores his contribution to marine research and conservation.
The biggest catch of Captain Kris’s career is equally noteworthy. On Memorial Day, with a boat full of veterans, he caught a massive 65 lb Cobig. This catch was not just a testament to his skill as a fisherman, but also a fitting tribute to the veterans he was hosting, adding a layer of significance to the achievement.
During the offseason, Captain Kris dedicates his time to another of his passions: hunting. He hunts in North Santa Rosa County and takes part in various hunting trips with veterans' organizations across the United States. These activities reflect his deep respect and commitment to the veteran community, as well as his love for the outdoors.
Had he not pursued a career as a charter captain, Captain Kris sees himself working in a field closely connected to nature and wildlife. He envisions a career as a Game Warden or working for the Florida Forestry, roles that would align well with his love for the outdoors and his commitment to conservation and wildlife management. His life and career are a testament to his dedication to both the sea and the land, and his impact extends far beyond the deck of his charter boat.