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)
3603 Thomas Dr
Panama City Beach, FL, United States
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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!
Rating
4.8
197 reviews
5
181
4
10
3
2
2
2
1
2
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience
Anglers' gallery (157)
+151
What anglers say
96%
Great experience
95%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
99%
Good boat
96%
Recommended
89%
Caught fish
All reviews (197)
Filter
Filter
Sort by: Featured
Featured
Showing 1 – 5 of 197 reviews
Subhash Nakkella
5.0
Verified
Amazing Fishing trip !
2 Hour Kids Trip on April 3, 2025 • 2 adults
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.
Reported catch:
1
Frank McKay
5.0
Verified
Great Knowledge = Great Fun!
Half Day Trip (AM) on August 5, 2025 • 1 adult • 2 children
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!
Reported catch:
0
Krit Engemann
5.0
Verified
Great fishing excursion!! 🎣
2 Hour Kids Trip on August 6, 2025 • 3 adults • 1 child
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!
Reported catch:
0
Heidi Gregory
5.0
Verified
We had the best day!!
2 Hour Kids Trip on September 16, 2025 • 3 adults • 1 child
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.
0
Andrea Hunter
5.0
Verified
Great for kids
2 Hour Kids Trip on June 9, 2025 • 2 adults • 2 children
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!
0
Trip availability and prices
Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
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March 2026
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
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2 Hour Kids Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 Hour Trip
starts at 11:00 AM
US $400
Entire boat: up to 4 people
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
US $750
Entire boat: 2 people
US $750
Entire boat: 2 people
Shark fishing
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $750
Entire boat: 2 people
US $750
Entire boat: 2 people
5 Hour Trip – Offshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip
starts at 6:30 AM
US $900
Entire boat: 2 people
US $900
Entire boat: 2 people
Red snapper trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip
starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 16 - Jul 31
US $1,000
Entire boat: up to 4 people
US $1,000
Entire boat: up to 4 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 6:30 AM
US $1,100
Entire boat: 2 people
US $1,100
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip
starts at 6:30 AM
US $1,400
Entire boat: 2 people
US $1,400
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 11 people looking at this charter.
Rating
4.8
197 reviews
5
181
4
10
3
2
2
2
1
2
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience
Anglers' gallery (157)
+151
What anglers say
96%
Great experience
95%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
99%
Good boat
96%
Recommended
89%
Caught fish
All reviews (197)
Filter
Filter
Sort by: Featured
Featured
Showing 1 – 5 of 197 reviews
Subhash Nakkella
5.0
Verified
Amazing Fishing trip !
2 Hour Kids Trip on April 3, 2025 • 2 adults
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.
Reported catch:
1
Frank McKay
5.0
Verified
Great Knowledge = Great Fun!
Half Day Trip (AM) on August 5, 2025 • 1 adult • 2 children
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!
Reported catch:
0
Krit Engemann
5.0
Verified
Great fishing excursion!! 🎣
2 Hour Kids Trip on August 6, 2025 • 3 adults • 1 child
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!
Reported catch:
0
Heidi Gregory
5.0
Verified
We had the best day!!
2 Hour Kids Trip on September 16, 2025 • 3 adults • 1 child
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.
0
Andrea Hunter
5.0
Verified
Great for kids
2 Hour Kids Trip on June 9, 2025 • 2 adults • 2 children
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!
0
FAQs about Reel Fun Charters
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
Boat category
Center console boatsCapacity
4 personsBoat length
26 ftYear built
2014Boat manufacturer
PathfinderBoat type
Center consoleEngine model
YamahaPowered by
1 x 300HPMax cruising speed
35 knots