Fishwhacker Charters 

4.7/5 (76 reviews)
 
State licensed
 6824 South Lagoon Drive, Panama City, FL 32408, United States

Fishwhacker Charters 

Up to 9 miles
Panama City, FL, United States
24 ft
4
4.7/5 (76 reviews)

Explore 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!

Explore 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!

Don Rice
Captain
Don Rice
10 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
August 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Loading...
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Half Day Morning Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $700
Entire boat: 2 people

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

4.7
76 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.7
Captain & crew
4.6
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (70)

What anglers say

89%
Great experience
92%
Family friendly
95%
Friendly captain
98%
Good boat
89%
Recommended
81%
Caught fish

All reviews (76)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 15 of 76 reviews
Santiago Velasquez
Santiago Velasquez
us
Nebraska, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great time!
Half Day Morning Trip on June 25, 20263 adults1 child

It was a great time. Even my six year old had fun!

Reported catch:
Amberjack
Don Rice
Response from Captain

Thank you very much, Santiago. And thank you for your service as a police officer. It was my pleasure to take you guys out.

Jay Donnell
Jay Donnell
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Very Knowledgeable Captain
Half Day Morning Trip on July 16, 20263 adults

Caught Amber Jack and a few Trigger fish

Don Rice
Response from Captain

Thanks, Jay. I was glad we found some smaller fish like the trigger fish for your 11-year-old grandson. I know he had a lot of fun catching those and the Bait.

Mark Albertson
Mark Albertson
us
South Carolina, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
An Amazing Day in Panama City Beach Florida with Captain Don
Half Day Morning Trip on June 27, 20252 adults

**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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!

Reported catch:
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Amberjack
Red Snapper
Don Rice
Response from Captain

Hi, Mark. It was a pleasure to serve you and Mary Jo. Thank you very much for the kind review!

Drew Daly
Drew Daly
us
Alabama, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Great Captain
Half Day Morning Trip on June 21, 20253 adults

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!

Don Rice
Response from Captain

I really appreciate that great review, Drew! Totally enjoyed having you and your fiancé and your brother-in-law on the boat today! Best wishes on your upcoming nuptials!

Jordan Deal
Jordan Deal
us
Tennessee, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Amazing trip
Half Day Morning Trip on June 19, 20252 adults

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

Reported catch:
Red Snapper
Black Grouper
Don Rice
Response from Captain

Thank you very much for the great review, Jordan. I’ll look forward to taking you and Jonathan out again!

FAQs about Fishwhacker Charters

Fishwhacker Charters offers the following trip to customers:
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Morning Trip (4 hours)
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
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
Fishwhacker Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Fishwhacker Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Fly fishing (Customers need to bring their own fly rods.)
  • Drift fishing
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

Don Rice
Don Rice
Don Rice

Panama City, Florida, United States

ID & license verified
76 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since March 2019

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!

ID & license verified
76 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since March 2019

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

Amberjack
Amberjack
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Black Grouper
Black Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Amberjack
Amberjack
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Black Grouper
Black Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)

Real catches by this captain

  • Very Knowledgeable Captain
    Jay D.
    Jay D.
  • An Amazing Day in Panama City Beach Florida with Captain Don
    Mark A.
    Mark A.
  • July fishing trip
    Dylan B.
    Dylan B.
  • Fishing with Don
    Maggie E.
    Maggie E.
  • Half Day Trip With Don
    Jessica K.
    Jessica K.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
24 ft
Year built
2015
Boat manufacturer
Tidewater
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
43 knots

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.

More details

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

AmberjackAmberjack
CobiaCobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
RedfishRedfish
Snapper (Red)Snapper (Red)
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Fishwhacker Charters
Fishwhacker Charters
State licensed
4.7
(76)
24 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+9
4 hour trip • 2 persons
US $700