How did you discover this activity?

I was in Fort Walton for 3 days with a few friends before I left to go become a United States Marine. I’ve always wanted to go deep sea fishing so on the first day I was looking and there weren’t any really affordable places to go nor any available spots. But then I see this one boat, The Vera Marie and it had such an affordable price and a spot for me so I couldn’t pass this chance up.

When did you book your tour compared to the departure date?

I booked my trip on Friday for that Saturday. I was just going to a local surf shop to buy some souvenirs on Friday when a lady from the pelican adventures office calls me. They ask me if I can go that Friday at 3:00 pm because they didn’t have enough people reserved for Saturday. OF COURSE I SAID YES!!

Why did you choose this activity?

I’m a huge fishing fanatic but have never been deep sea fishing so I had to mark it off of my bucket list.

How did you get to the activity location?

Getting to the harbor was easy was staying in Fort Walton at a condo.

What was your experience with the activity’s staff?

I cannot remember what his job title was for the life of me but Mr. Kent was the coolest guy I’ve ever met. He was really great with everyone on the boat and made sure all of the other deckhands were in check. He let me use his personal rod and real after I told him this was my last trip before I shipped off to the marines. He respected and helped me catch the fish of a lifetime.

Highlights or memories you and your group will take from the trip?

So to begin with all of my friends didn’t want to go fishing with me so I went alone and got dropped off. I walked up to the shed and checked in, meanwhile the lady was explaining the sunscreen tips and how you need to wash your hands after use so you don’t get it on your bait. On schedule, they called for us to board the Vera Marie. They briefed us and introduced us to all of the deckhands. I sat in the back of the boat because I was by myself and didn’t want to intrude on any other groups of people. I started talking to Kent who was cutting up the bait and we quickly got acquainted. He allowed me to use his personal rod and reel and he even had some different baits for me to use too. He wanted me to have the best experience that day because of the 3 months of hell I’m going to go through after my vacation. There wasn’t a dull moment on the boat I was catching a fish every cast. I pulled up a keeper gag grouper, two other gag grouper that were too small, a nice snapper, and a few mangos. The only trash fish I caught was the triggerfish which there were plenty of those out there mind you but they are fun to catch. Overall Kent made the trip one that I will never forget. When we got back to the dock he cleaned my fish I left a nice tip and he told me to walk down the doc and have it cooked at one of the restaurants. I thanked the whole crew especially Kent and we parted ways. I’m going to miss the whole crew.

Would you recommend this activity to another group like yours? Why or why not?

I am definitely going to come back and recommend anyone that wants to go deep-sea fishing for a good quality trip on a budget to go to the Vera Marie.