Fishwhacker Charters 

4.8/5 (73 reviews)
 
State licensed
 6824 South Lagoon Drive, Panama City, FL 32408, United States

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!

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Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
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Half Day Morning Trip

 In demand! Last booked: 1 day ago

FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Price for 2 people
US $600 
There are 5 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.8/5
out of 5 stars from 73 reviews
Boat
4.8/5
Crew
4.7/5
Experience
4.7/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (64)

An Amazing Day in Panama City Beach Florida with Captain Don
An Amazing Day in Panama City Beach Florida with Captain Don
An Amazing Day in Panama City Beach Florida with Captain Don
+61

Angler rating

62
4
2
3
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

89%

Appropriate for children

92%

Friendly captain

95%

Satisfied with the boat

98%

Recommend this charter

90%

Caught fish

80%

Showing 1 - 5 of 73 reviews
Mark A.
Mark A.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

An Amazing Day in Panama City Beach Florida with Captain Don

VERIFIED
NEW

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...  

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 Mark A. recommends Fishwhacker Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on June 28, 2025
Hi, Mark. It was a pleasure to serve you and Mary Jo. Thank you very much for the kind review!

Drew D.
Drew D.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great Captain

VERIFIED
NEW

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!  

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 Drew D. recommends Fishwhacker Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on June 21, 2025
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 D.
Jordan D.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Amazing trip

VERIFIED
NEW

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  

 Jordan D. recommends Fishwhacker Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on June 20, 2025
Thank you very much for the great review, Jordan. I’ll look forward to taking you and Jonathan out again!

Devin S.
Devin S.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED

Half Day Morning Trip on July 25, 2024

 

 Devin S. recommends Fishwhacker Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 28, 2024
Thank you very much for the five star review, Devon. I enjoyed serving you guys! Hope to see you again.

Dylan B.
Dylan B.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED

Half Day Morning Trip on July 12, 2024

 

 Dylan B. recommends Fishwhacker Charters
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 13, 2024
Thank you, Dylan! I enjoyed taking you guys out today.
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FAQs about Fishwhacker 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
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
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