Fishwhacker Charters 

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

Fishwhacker Charters 

 
State licensed
4.8/5 (73 reviews)
map-thumbnail
6824 South Lagoon Drive
Panama City, FL, 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!

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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Rating

4.8
73 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.7
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (64)

What anglers say

89%
Great experience
92%
Family friendly
95%
Friendly captain
98%
Good boat
90%
Recommended
80%
Caught fish

All reviews (73)

Filter
Showing 15 of 73 reviews
Mark Albertson
Mark Albertson
us
South Carolina, US
Member since 2025
0
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
Response from Captain
June 28, 2025
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
0
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!
Response from Captain
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 Deal
Jordan Deal
us
Tennessee, US
Member since 2025
0
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
Response from Captain
June 20, 2025
Thank you very much for the great review, Jordan. I’ll look forward to taking you and Jonathan out again!
Kyle Boring
Kyle Boring
Repeat angler
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2021
3 trips
0
5.0
Verified
Half day with Captain Don
Half Day Morning Trip on June 8, 20221 adult
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
Response from Captain
June 9, 2022
Thank you again, Kyle!
Kyle Boring
Kyle Boring
Repeat angler
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2021
3 trips
0
5.0
Verified
Half day with Caprain Don
Half Day Morning Trip on June 7, 20221 adult
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!
Response from Captain
June 8, 2022
Thanks, Kyle! What I really loved was seeing all you have such a great time and your excitement. It was epic!

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
May 2026
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Half Day Morning Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $700
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 2 people looking at this charter.

Rating

4.8
73 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.7
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (64)

What anglers say

89%
Great experience
92%
Family friendly
95%
Friendly captain
98%
Good boat
90%
Recommended
80%
Caught fish

All reviews (73)

Filter
Showing 15 of 73 reviews
Mark Albertson
Mark Albertson
us
South Carolina, US
Member since 2025
0
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
Response from Captain
June 28, 2025
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
0
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!
Response from Captain
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 Deal
Jordan Deal
us
Tennessee, US
Member since 2025
0
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
Response from Captain
June 20, 2025
Thank you very much for the great review, Jordan. I’ll look forward to taking you and Jonathan out again!
Kyle Boring
Kyle Boring
Repeat angler
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2021
3 trips
0
5.0
Verified
Half day with Captain Don
Half Day Morning Trip on June 8, 20221 adult
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
Response from Captain
June 9, 2022
Thank you again, Kyle!
Kyle Boring
Kyle Boring
Repeat angler
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2021
3 trips
0
5.0
Verified
Half day with Caprain Don
Half Day Morning Trip on June 7, 20221 adult
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!
Response from Captain
June 8, 2022
Thanks, Kyle! What I really loved was seeing all you have such a great time and your excitement. It was epic!

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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