Reel Fun Charters 

4.8/5 (197 reviews)
 
State licensed
 3603 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408, United States

Reel Fun Charters 

 
State licensed
4.8/5 (197 reviews)
map-thumbnail
3603 Thomas Dr
Panama City Beach, FL, United States
You may qualify for a Loyalty Program discount with Reel Fun Charters. To check if you can use a Loyalty Program discount for your selected dates, please sign in.

If you’re looking to enrich your vacation, join Reel Fun Charters for a trip around the waters of Panama City Beach! Captain Terry McGowen has over 2 decades of experience, and he knows waters all the way from Louisiana to the Bahamas. He’ll make sure that your trip is as productive as possible.

Explore these productive waters on board a 26ft Pathfinder center console boat. It is equipped with a 300HP Yamaha engine, and it can develop some serious speed. The boat can comfortably accommodate up to 4 people, so bring a few friends and have a fishing adventure!

Capt. Terry will provide you with quality fishing equipment, fine tackle, and reels. He will also bring lures and live bait, and will take care of the fishing license. He supports catch and release, but if you’d like, you can take your catch home for a meal or to fill the freezer. If fishing on the fly is your thing, Capt. Terry has the gear on the boat.

You will target different fisheries depending on what’s the most productive spot at the moment, staying inshore, or treading further off the coast, to reefs and wrecks. You can try jigging, or fly fishing, using light tackle. Captain Terry is experienced and knows what works best. You’ll target Red Snapper, Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, Mahi Mahi, Redfish, and Amberjack.

Feel free to bring your kids along on an amazing journey they’ll always remember! Put on sunblock, shades, and a cap. Bring snacks and drinks, and come along for a fun day out!

Join Reel Fun Charters and explore the fish-rich waters off the coast of Florida for an unforgettable day on the water!

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.8/5
out of 5 stars from 197 reviews
Boat
4.8/5
Crew
4.9/5
Experience
4.8/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (157)

We had the best day!!
We had the best day!!
We had the best day!!
+154

Angler rating

181
10
2
2
2

Anglers claimed

Good experience

96%

Appropriate for children

95%

Friendly captain

99%

Satisfied with the boat

99%

Recommend this charter

96%

Caught fish

89%

Showing 1 - 5 of 197 reviews
Showing: 5 of 197 reviews
Frank M.
Frank M.
5.0/5

Aug 5, 2025

Half Day Trip (AM)

Great Knowledge = Great Fun!

VERIFIED

Despite a delayed start because of the weather, we had a great outing with Reel Fun Charters. Our captain was patient, knew where to find fish, and taught us about fish behavior. All this led to a successful outing. Even though we couldn't get in the open ocean (weather), we caught enough fish in the bay for two dinners for our family. The Reel Fun Charters team recommended a local restaurant to prepare our catch - "hook and cook" style - which was entirely delicious. Thanks, Captain Jon and Captain Terry, for sharing your knowledge and expertise!

Despite a delayed start because of the weather, we had a great outing with Reel Fun Charters. Our captain was patient, knew where...  

 Frank M. recommends Reel Fun Charters
 Frank M. recommends Reel Fun Charters

Krit E.
Krit E.
5.0/5

Aug 6, 2025

2 Hour Kids Trip

Great fishing excursion!! 🎣

VERIFIED

This was the best thing we booked while staying in FL… and we did it all (too much)!! It felt more personal and gratifying than some of the other things we did. We booked this for our 9-year-old son who loves to fish, but even our 14 year-old-daughter (enough said) said she enjoyed Jon’s company and conversation! The boat was great and accommodated us perfectly! Jon was very knowledgeable on all the honey holes and made sure my 9-year-old caught some good ones! Terry and Jon are good people, thanks for the trip!

This was the best thing we booked while staying in FL… and we did it all (too much)!! It felt more personal and gratifying than...  

Review media 0
 Krit E. recommends Reel Fun Charters
 Krit E. recommends Reel Fun Charters

Subhash N.
Subhash N.
5.0/5

Apr 3, 2025

2 Hour Kids Trip

Amazing Fishing trip !

VERIFIED

We had an absolutely fantastic time fishing with Captain Jon McGowen! From the start, he was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable, making us feel right at home on the water. My 11-year-old was thrilled to fish in PCB. Unfortunately, We picked a very windy day. Thanks to “Reel Fun” for making it an smooth experience. Not only did Jon teach us about the bay and take us to some great fishing spots, but he also shared his deep knowledge of the area in a fun and engaging way. We even had an unexpected encounter with a playful dolphin, who decided to claim some of our catches—leaving behind Spanish mackerel heads as ‘trophies’… what a story to tell! Thankfully, Jon skillfully navigated us away, ensuring we still had a great haul. Overall, it was an amazing adventure filled with excitement, learning, and lots of great catches. Looking forward to fish more with Reel Fun.

We had an absolutely fantastic time fishing with Captain Jon McGowen! From the start, he was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable,...  

Review media 0
Review media 1
 Subhash N. recommends Reel Fun Charters
1 person finds this review helpful
 Subhash N. recommends Reel Fun Charters
1 person finds this review helpful

Heidi G.
Heidi G.
5.0/5

Sep 16, 2025

2 Hour Kids Trip

We had the best day!!

VERIFIED

John was so helpful and so much fun! He went to great lengths to make sure that we all had a memorable day. We caught a huge variety of fish and he knew a ton about each one. Our 8 year old chatted his ear off the entire time and he couldn’t have been more patient and kind. 5 stars. Would highly recommend Reel Fun Fishing Charters!!! Years and years of experience.

John was so helpful and so much fun! He went to great lengths to make sure that we all had a memorable day. We caught a huge...  

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 Heidi G. recommends Reel Fun Charters
 Heidi G. recommends Reel Fun Charters

Andrea H.
Andrea H.
5.0/5

Jun 9, 2025

2 Hour Kids Trip

Great for kids

VERIFIED

Captain John took us on a 2 hour boating trip with our two kids ages 6 and 9. He did a great job with the kids and they had fun! We caught some fish and were able to take them home with us as well to cook. We will definitely come back to see him on our next fishing trip at PCB! Highly recommend!

Captain John took us on a 2 hour boating trip with our two kids ages 6 and 9. He did a great job with the kids and they had fun!...  

 Andrea H. recommends Reel Fun Charters
 Andrea H. recommends Reel Fun Charters

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
November 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
2 Hour Kids Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 Hour Trip, starts at 11:00 AM
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US $400 
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
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US $700 
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Shark fishing
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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US $700 
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Trip – Offshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
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US $850 
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Red snapper trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip Jun 16 - Jul 31
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US $950 
Entire boat: up to 4 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
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US $1,000 
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
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US $1,200 
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.8/5
out of 5 stars from 197 reviews
Boat
4.8/5
Crew
4.9/5
Experience
4.8/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (157)

We had the best day!!
We had the best day!!
We had the best day!!
+154

Angler rating

181
10
2
2
2

Anglers claimed

Good experience

96%

Appropriate for children

95%

Friendly captain

99%

Satisfied with the boat

99%

Recommend this charter

96%

Caught fish

89%

Showing 1 - 5 of 197 reviews
Showing: 5 of 197 reviews
Frank M.
Frank M.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great Knowledge = Great Fun!

VERIFIED

Half Day Trip (AM) on August 5, 2025

Despite a delayed start because of the weather, we had a great outing with Reel Fun Charters. Our captain was patient, knew where to find fish, and taught us about fish behavior. All this led to a successful outing. Even though we couldn't get in the open ocean (weather), we caught enough fish in the bay for two dinners for our family. The Reel Fun Charters team recommended a local restaurant to prepare our catch - "hook and cook" style - which was entirely delicious. Thanks, Captain Jon and Captain Terry, for sharing your knowledge and expertise!

Despite a delayed start because of the weather, we had a great outing with Reel Fun Charters. Our captain was patient, knew where to find fish, and taught us about fish behavior. All this led to a successful outing. Even though we couldn't get in the open ocean (weather), we caught enough fish in the bay for two dinners for our family. The Reel Fun Charters team recommended a local restaurant to prepare our catch - "hook and cook" style - which was entirely delicious. Thanks, Captain Jon and...  

 Frank M. recommends Reel Fun Charters

Krit E.
Krit E.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great fishing excursion!! 🎣

VERIFIED

2 Hour Kids Trip on August 6, 2025

This was the best thing we booked while staying in FL… and we did it all (too much)!! It felt more personal and gratifying than some of the other things we did. We booked this for our 9-year-old son who loves to fish, but even our 14 year-old-daughter (enough said) said she enjoyed Jon’s company and conversation! The boat was great and accommodated us perfectly! Jon was very knowledgeable on all the honey holes and made sure my 9-year-old caught some good ones! Terry and Jon are good people, thanks for the trip!

This was the best thing we booked while staying in FL… and we did it all (too much)!! It felt more personal and gratifying than some of the other things we did. We booked this for our 9-year-old son who loves to fish, but even our 14 year-old-daughter (enough said) said she enjoyed Jon’s company and conversation! The boat was great and accommodated us perfectly! Jon was very knowledgeable on all the honey holes and made sure my 9-year-old caught some good ones! Terry and Jon are good people,...  

Review media 0
 Krit E. recommends Reel Fun Charters

Subhash N.
Subhash N.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Amazing Fishing trip !

VERIFIED

2 Hour Kids Trip on April 3, 2025

We had an absolutely fantastic time fishing with Captain Jon McGowen! From the start, he was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable, making us feel right at home on the water. My 11-year-old was thrilled to fish in PCB. Unfortunately, We picked a very windy day. Thanks to “Reel Fun” for making it an smooth experience. Not only did Jon teach us about the bay and take us to some great fishing spots, but he also shared his deep knowledge of the area in a fun and engaging way. We even had an unexpected encounter with a playful dolphin, who decided to claim some of our catches—leaving behind Spanish mackerel heads as ‘trophies’… what a story to tell! Thankfully, Jon skillfully navigated us away, ensuring we still had a great haul. Overall, it was an amazing adventure filled with excitement, learning, and lots of great catches. Looking forward to fish more with Reel Fun.

We had an absolutely fantastic time fishing with Captain Jon McGowen! From the start, he was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable, making us feel right at home on the water. My 11-year-old was thrilled to fish in PCB. Unfortunately, We picked a very windy day. Thanks to “Reel Fun” for making it an smooth experience. Not only did Jon teach us about the bay and take us to some great fishing spots, but he also shared his deep knowledge of the area in a fun and engaging way. We...  

Review media 0
Review media 1
 Subhash N. recommends Reel Fun Charters
1 person finds this review helpful

Heidi G.
Heidi G.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

We had the best day!!

VERIFIED

2 Hour Kids Trip on September 16, 2025

John was so helpful and so much fun! He went to great lengths to make sure that we all had a memorable day. We caught a huge variety of fish and he knew a ton about each one. Our 8 year old chatted his ear off the entire time and he couldn’t have been more patient and kind. 5 stars. Would highly recommend Reel Fun Fishing Charters!!! Years and years of experience.

John was so helpful and so much fun! He went to great lengths to make sure that we all had a memorable day. We caught a huge variety of fish and he knew a ton about each one. Our 8 year old chatted his ear off the entire time and he couldn’t have been more patient and kind. 5 stars. Would highly recommend Reel Fun Fishing Charters!!! Years and years of experience.  

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Review media 3
 Heidi G. recommends Reel Fun Charters

Andrea H.
Andrea H.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great for kids

VERIFIED

2 Hour Kids Trip on June 9, 2025

Captain John took us on a 2 hour boating trip with our two kids ages 6 and 9. He did a great job with the kids and they had fun! We caught some fish and were able to take them home with us as well to cook. We will definitely come back to see him on our next fishing trip at PCB! Highly recommend!

Captain John took us on a 2 hour boating trip with our two kids ages 6 and 9. He did a great job with the kids and they had fun! We caught some fish and were able to take them home with us as well to cook. We will definitely come back to see him on our next fishing trip at PCB! Highly recommend!  

 Andrea H. recommends Reel Fun Charters

FAQs about Reel Fun Charters

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
26 ft
Year built
2014
Boat manufacturer
Pathfinder
Boat type
Center console

Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
35 knots
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