Fishwhacker Charters
+40Explore the beautiful waters of Panama City Beach and Shell Island by joining Fishwhacker Charters on this exclusive adventure. Captain Don Rice personally invites you on an epic battle against some of the biggest fish you’ve ever seen!
Your charter will take place on a 24’ Tidewater center console, powered by a 350 HP Yamaha engine, and equipped with a fishfinder, GPS, and wireless trolling motor. The boat also comes with Humminbird Electronics and a Bluetooth sound system, so you can play your favorite tunes while fishing. The Tidewater fits up to 4 guests and 3 to 4 people can fish at the same time.
Once you hit your destination, you can expect lots of action with lines screaming everywhere, fish flying in every direction, and water splashing all over the place. The captain calls these wild encounters “controlled chaos.” Even the most experienced anglers have a tough time dealing with some of these big trophy fish!
Capt. Don will either take you trolling, drifting, or bottom fishing, depending on what you prefer. He also offers fly fishing trips as long as you bring your own fly gear and let him know in advance. Otherwise, you’ll mainly be using light tackle with top-of-the-line Penn and Shimano rods and reels.
For your offshore excursions, you’ll go up to 9 miles from the coast to chase species such as Kingfish, Mahi Mahi, Amberjack, and Vermilion Snapper. On nearshore and inshore trips, you’ll be drifting or bottom fishing over beautiful wrecks and reefs in search of Black Grouper, Spanish Mackerel, and Cobia.
If you’re looking for an action-packed day of fishing in sunny Panama City Beach, then look no further. Fishwhacker Charters is the perfect day trip for your friends or family and kids are more than welcome to join, as well. Your fishing license will already be taken care of for you, so just bring a hat, sunglasses, and some sunscreen and join Capt. Don on an unforgettable adventure!
Captain
Don Rice
Most popular features:
Trip availability and prices
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (64)
+61Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
89%
Appropriate for children
92%
Friendly captain
95%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Recommend this charter
90%
Caught fish
80%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
An Amazing Day in Panama City Beach Florida with Captain Don
Half Day Morning Trip on June 27, 2025
**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Day on the Water with Captain Don!** If you’re looking for an unforgettable fishing experience in Panama City Beach, look no further than Captain Don and Fishwacker Charters! We had the absolute best time — we caught grouper, red snapper, and king mackerel, and the entire trip was incredible from start to finish. Captain Don went above and beyond to make sure we had a successful trip. He was so patient with us, took the time to explain everything, and didn’t hesitate to move to different spots to make sure we had the best chance to reel in some great catches. His knowledge of the area and commitment to giving us the best experience possible really showed. We made memories that will last a lifetime and can’t wait to go out with Captain Don again. Highly recommend Fishwacker Charters — you won’t be disappointed!
**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Day on the Water with Captain Don!** If you’re looking for an unforgettable fishing experience in Panama City Beach, look no further than Captain Don and Fishwacker Charters! We had the absolute best time — we caught grouper, red snapper, and king mackerel, and the entire trip was incredible from start to finish. Captain Don went above and beyond to make sure we had a successful trip. He was so patient with us, took the time to explain everything, and didn’t hesitate to...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great Captain
Half Day Morning Trip on June 21, 2025
Was able to get us on some great fish, put in the time to catch us bait, so we were ready to hook up. Then he was able to put us directly on the bite. Would go again!
Was able to get us on some great fish, put in the time to catch us bait, so we were ready to hook up. Then he was able to put us directly on the bite. Would go again!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Amazing trip
Half Day Morning Trip on June 19, 2025
Best fishing trip I’ve ever been on. Knows exactly where to take you for the good fish. Highly recommended using don very great guy and makes it the best experience possible
Best fishing trip I’ve ever been on. Knows exactly where to take you for the good fish. Highly recommended using don very great guy and makes it the best experience possible
Decatur, GA
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half day with Captain Don
Half Day Morning Trip on June 8, 2022
Had yet another great day with Captain Don! We tried to get on some grouper and he got us hooked up tight away (first drop) but our rookie skills led to a few breaking off in the wrecks. No worries, we hooked into some decent amberjack who took us on a nice ride. After all of the huffing and puffing we welcomed a few aboard before returning them to the deep. Everyone on the boat (4 of us) caught fish every day we went. Some better than others but the experience was excellent and the memories will be lasting. If you can take advice and put it into action immediately you will absolutely have success. Working these fish is a blast. 10 out of 10
Had yet another great day with Captain Don! We tried to get on some grouper and he got us hooked up tight away (first drop) but our rookie skills led to a few breaking off in the wrecks. No worries, we hooked into some decent amberjack who took us on a nice ride. After all of the huffing and puffing we welcomed a few aboard before returning them to the deep. Everyone on the boat (4 of us) caught fish every day we went. Some better than others but the experience was excellent and the memories...
Decatur, GA
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half day with Caprain Don
Half Day Morning Trip on June 7, 2022
Couldn't have asked for a better time and experience! Everyone caught fish. Some amberjacks beat us up but we came home with the man in the brown suit so it doesn't get any better than that! Conditions were sunny and slick calm seas. We didn't expect cobia today but captain Don was ready when an opportunity presented itself. Without his quick thinking, pre planning and guidance we wouldn't have that excellent fish. Book with him. He will put you on the fish!
Couldn't have asked for a better time and experience! Everyone caught fish. Some amberjacks beat us up but we came home with the man in the brown suit so it doesn't get any better than that! Conditions were sunny and slick calm seas. We didn't expect cobia today but captain Don was ready when an opportunity presented itself. Without his quick thinking, pre planning and guidance we wouldn't have that excellent fish. Book with him. He will put you on the fish!
FAQs about Fishwhacker Charters
What are the trip rates for Fishwhacker Charters?
Fishwhacker Charters offers the following trip to customers:
- US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Morning Trip (4 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Fishwhacker Charters?
When you book a trip with Fishwhacker Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Live Bait Well 2 of them.
- Refrigerator
- Wireless Trolling Motor
- Radar
What's included in the trip price with Fishwhacker Charters?
Trips booked with Fishwhacker Charters include:
- Rods, reels & tackle (Shimano & Penn.)
- Live Bait (For reef/wreck trips. Pilchards caught on the way.)
- Lures
- Fishing License
What types of fishing does Fishwhacker Charters offer?
Fishwhacker Charters offers the following types of fishing:
- Nearshore Fishing
- Reef Fishing
- Wreck Fishing
What fishing techniques does Fishwhacker Charters offer?
Fishwhacker Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
- Light Tackle
- Bottom Fishing
- Trolling
- Fly Fishing (Customers need to bring their own fly rods.)
- Drift Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Fishwhacker Charters?
Top targeted fish species with Fishwhacker Charters include:
- Amberjack
- Cobia
- Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
- Grouper (Black)
- King Mackerel (Kingfish)
- Redfish
- Snapper (Red)
- Snapper (Vermilion)
- Spanish Mackerel
- Speckled Trout
- Tarpon
Your captain
Panama City, Florida, United States
Captain Don Rice grew up in Panama City Beach, Florida, where he’s been fishing since the early age of 12. Fast forward to 45 years later, and his passion for being out on the water is stronger than ever. Capt. Don finally decided to start guiding his own trips about 3 years ago, and to no surprise, has fallen in love with the job. His goal is not only to get you some fish but to show you a good time as well. It won’t take long for you to see why he loves the sport so much!
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Which fishing techniques you can try
Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Fly Fishing
Customers need to bring their own fly rods.
Drift Fishing
Which amenities are available onboard
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
2 of them.
Refrigerator
Wireless Trolling Motor
Radar
What’s included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Shimano & Penn.
Live Bait
For reef/wreck trips. Pilchards caught on the way.
Lures
Fishing License
How cancellations work
Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Min. age is discussed with parents prior to trip.
You Keep Catch
You keep whatever is in season & w/in legal size.
Catch and Release Allowed
How you can pay
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3.5% charge will apply.
What’s biting in Panama City right now
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Snapper (Red)
Spanish Mackerel
Tarpon