Hurricane Charters Guide Service

Hurricane Charters is a light tackle and fly fishing professional guide service operating in the Panama City Beach area. Come explore the pristine and beautiful bays, bayous, and backwaters of the area with Captain Eric Nelson as your guide – an extremely passionate angler with over 40 years of experience, both offshore and inshore.

Your fishing platform will be a 2023 19’ East Cape VHP powered with a Mercury 175 HP outboard. This rig strikes a good balance between speed, seaworthiness, and the ability to fish skinny water. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 3 adult anglers. High-quality rods and reels will be provided, as well as fishing tackle, licenses, ice, and bottled water.

Trips can be geared towards the expert and novice alike, and my first priority is to create a fun and relaxing angling adventure. You’ll primarily be using artificial lures, as they make the chase more challenging and the catch more rewarding! As a result, anglers should have some experience casting/using open-face spinning tackle.

The primary targeted species will be Redfish and Speckled Trout in the bays and marshes. We will generally be fishing water less than 5’ deep with a variety of lures including topwater plugs, spoons, jigs, and swimbaits. Sight fishing along the beach during the cooler months is also an option with the proper conditions and presents opportunities for some pretty nice Redfish. Want some shots at one of the most exciting and challenging game fish around? Tarpon trips along our beautiful beaches will be offered during the peak migration (June and July).

Fishing will be catch and release only to ensure the continued health of our inshore fishery.

The Emerald Coast is a beautiful place and there is an abundance of wildlife both above and below the waterline to marvel at. Don’t miss this opportunity for a truly rewarding and enriching outdoors experience – come fish with Hurricane Charters!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Kids Fishing Trip - Fall A.M.
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Sep 23 - Oct 31
    US $350
    Kids trolling trips are geared towards younger anglers (minimum age 6) who are less experienced and may not be able to cast spinning tackle. The fishing consists of trolling spoons around the bays and/or beach for abundant Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish, Bluefish, Jacks, etc. Trips are shorter in duration (2 hours of fishing time) and the max number of kids is two with one adult or one kid with two adults. Trips are geared towards having fun in a laid back fashion and gaining an appreciation for the outdoors.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Trolling
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
  • Private trip
    Kids Fishing Trip - Fall P.M.
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 4:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Sep 23 - Oct 31
    US $350
    Kids trolling trips are geared towards younger anglers (minimum age 6) who are less experienced and may not be able to cast spinning tackle. The fishing consists of trolling spoons around the bays and/or beach for abundant Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish, Bluefish, Jacks, etc. Trips are shorter in duration (2 hours of fishing time) and the max number of kids is two with one adult or one kid with two adults. Trips are geared towards having fun in a laid back fashion and gaining an appreciation for the outdoors.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Trolling
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
  • Private trip
    Kids Fishing Trip - Spring A.M.
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Mar 21 - May 15
    US $350
    Kids trolling trips are geared towards younger anglers (minimum age 6) who are less experienced and may not be able to cast spinning tackle. The fishing consists of trolling spoons around the bays and/or beach for abundant Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish, Bluefish, Jacks, etc. Trips are shorter in duration (2 hours of fishing time) and the max number of kids is two with one adult or one kid with two adults. Trips are geared towards having fun in a laid back fashion and gaining an appreciation for the outdoors.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Trolling
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
  • Private trip
    Kids Fishing Trip - Spring P.M.
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 4:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Mar 21 - May 15
    US $350
    Kids trolling trips are geared towards younger anglers (minimum age 6) who are less experienced and may not be able to cast spinning tackle. The fishing consists of trolling spoons around the bays and/or beach for abundant Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish, Bluefish, Jacks, etc. Trips are shorter in duration (2 hours of fishing time) and the max number of kids is two with one adult or one kid with two adults. Trips are geared towards having fun in a laid back fashion and gaining an appreciation for the outdoors.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Trolling
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
  • Private trip
    3 Hour Inshore Flats Fishing - A.M.
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Apr 1 - Oct 31
    US $400
    Inshore bay trips are fishing shallow grass flats (or possibly the beach) - either blind casting or sight fishing depending on the conditions. Summer flats trips will start very early to beat the heat. We will be throwing topwater plugs early, and switch to sub-surface lures as it warms up. Redfish and Trout will be the primary species targeted, with other stuff like Ladyfish, Bluefish, Jacks, etc. crashing the party. We will be using artificial lures only so some casting experience is suggested.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
  • Private trip
    Evening Inshore Flats Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 4:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Apr 1 - Oct 31
    US $400
    Evening trips start about 2.5 to 3 hours before sunset. These trips will be primarily fishing for Redfish, Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish, etc. This is "beat the heat" fishing where anglers can chill out and enjoy the beauty of the Emerald Coast in between strikes. Fishing will primarily be casting topwater plugs, jigs, spoons, etc. on shallow grass flats. Weather permitting, sightfishing is a possibility. Since we are only fishing artificial lures, some experience with spinning tackle is suggested.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
    Flounder
    Flounder
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Inshore Flats Fishing - A.M.
    In demand! Last booked: 2 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Mar 1 - Oct 31
    US $500
    Inshore bay trips are fishing shallow grass flats (or possibly the beach) - either blind casting or sight fishing depending on the conditions. Summer flats trips start very early to beat the heat. We will be throwing topwater plugs early, switching to sub-surface lures as it warms up. Redfish and Trout will be the primary species targeted, with other stuff like Ladyfish, Bluefish, Jacks, etc. crashing the party. We will be using artificial lures only so some casting experience is suggested.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Inshore Flats Fishing - P.M.
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Feb 20 - Jun 30
    US $500
    Inshore bay trips are fishing shallow grass flats (or possibly the beach) - either blind casting or sight fishing depending on the conditions. We will be throwing topwaters, jigs, spoons, flukes, etc. Redfish and Trout will be the primary species targeted, with other stuff like Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish, Bluefish, etc. crashing the party. We will be using artificial lures only, so some casting experience is suggested.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Inshore Flats Fishing - A.M.
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Mar 1 - Jul 31
    US $600
    Inshore bay trips are fishing shallow grass flats (or possibly the beach) - either blind casting or sight fishing depending on the conditions. Summer flats trips start very early to beat the heat. We will be throwing topwater plugs early, switching to sub-surface lures as it warms up. Redfish and Trout will be the primary species targeted, with other stuff like Ladyfish, Bluefish, Jacks, etc. crashing the party. We will be using artificial lures only so some casting experience is suggested.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Inshore Flats Fishing - P.M.
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Feb 20 - Jun 30
    US $600
    Inshore bay trips are fishing shallow grass flats (or possibly the beach) - either blind casting or sight fishing depending on the conditions. We will be throwing topwaters, jigs, spoons, flukes, etc. Redfish and Trout will be the primary species targeted, with other stuff like Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish, Bluefish, etc. crashing the party. We will be using artificial lures only, so some casting experience is suggested.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Inshore Flats Fishing - A.M.
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Mar 1 - Jul 31
    US $700
    Inshore bay trips are fishing shallow grass flats (or possibly the beach) - either blind casting or sight fishing depending on the conditions. Summer flats trips start very early to beat the heat. We will be throwing topwater plugs early, switching to sub-surface lures as it warms up. Redfish and Trout will be the primary species targeted, with other stuff like Ladyfish, Bluefish, Jacks, etc. crashing the party. We will be using artificial lures only so some casting experience is suggested.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
  • Private trip
    Tarpon Fishing - 5 Hours
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 11 - Jul 15
    US $750
    Tarpon fishing is done nearshore along the beach. This is a pure sight fishing experience where we cruise the beaches looking for schools of fish migrating west. We will launch pretty early as the fish can be easier to fool in low light conditions. We will be using heavy spinning tackle and casting a combination of artificial and live baits. These trips are very weather dependent as offshore winds can easily make conditions too rough to fish the beach.
    Types of fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Light Tackle
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
There are 4 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Hurricane Charters Guide Service

Hurricane Charters Guide Service offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $350 per group - Kids Fishing Trip - Fall A.M. (2 hours)
  • US $350 per group - Kids Fishing Trip - Fall P.M. (2 hours)
  • US $350 per group - Kids Fishing Trip - Spring A.M. (2 hours)
  • US $350 per group - Kids Fishing Trip - Spring P.M. (2 hours)
  • US $400 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 3 Hour Inshore Flats Fishing - A.M. (3 hours)
  • US $400 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Evening Inshore Flats Fishing (3 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Inshore Flats Fishing - A.M. (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Inshore Flats Fishing - P.M. (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 5 Hour Inshore Flats Fishing - A.M. (5 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 5 Hour Inshore Flats Fishing - P.M. (5 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hour Inshore Flats Fishing - A.M. (6 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 1 guest - Tarpon Fishing - 5 Hours (5 hours)

When you book a trip with Hurricane Charters Guide Service, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Wireless Trolling Motor

Trips booked with Hurricane Charters Guide Service include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Shimano, Penn, Daiwa)
  • Lures
  • Drinks (Bottled water)
  • Fishing License (Fishing licenses for all anglers is included in the price of the charter.)
  • Fly Fishing Equipment (Included and always on board)

Hurricane Charters Guide Service offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Hurricane Charters Guide Service offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Spinning
  • Popping
  • Fly Fishing
  • Drift Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Hurricane Charters Guide Service include:
  • Black Drum
  • Bluefish
  • Flounder
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Ladyfish
  • Redfish
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Spotted Seatrout
  • Tarpon

Meet the Captain

Eric Nelson
Panama City Beach, Florida, United States
ID & license verified
112 Customer reviews
Response time 1 hour
Member since March 2020
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
I have fished the waters of the Florida Panhandle for 40+ years from St. Marks to Destin. My father started me fly fishing for Bream and Bass on the lakes around Tallahassee, Florida as a young child and I have been obsessed with fishing and being on the water ever since. I have fished extensively both offshore and inshore off the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend areas, as well as the east coast of central Florida. I moved to Panama City Beach to pursue my passion of chasing Redfish and Speckled Trout on the shallow flats with light tackle as well as fishing for Tarpon and other critters along the beaches in the summer. I really love fishing, guiding and enjoying the beauty and solitude of a day on the water, which is why I obtained my Captain's license and began running charters.

About this listing

Targeted species

Black Drum Black Drum
Bluefish Bluefish
Flounder Flounder
Jack Crevalle Jack Crevalle

Boat specs

East Cape VHP (Flats boat) originally built in 2023. Powered by a 175HP Mercury engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 50 knots.

Length
19 ft
Capacity
3 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Spinning
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Shimano, Penn, Daiwa
Lures
Drinks
Bottled water
Fishing License
Fishing licenses for all anglers is included in the price of the charter.
Fly Fishing Equipment
Included and always on board

Cancellation policy

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.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Recommended to be at least 8 years old
Catch and Release Mandatory
I am primarily a catch and release guide service - this is to ensure a healthy population of fish is still around for future generations. I do allow clients to keep Spanish Mackerel as this a migratory species that is still very abundant. I occasionally a

Payment

Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% 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
Checks

Panama City Beach Fishing Calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 112 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (125)
Eric is a heck of a Captain and guide!
Eric is a heck of a Captain and guide!
Eric is a heck of a Captain and guide!
+122
Angler rating
108
4
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
95%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
94%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 112 reviews
Justin S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Eric is a heck of a Captain and guide!

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Inshore Flats Fishing - P.M. on March 29, 2024
Booked an inshore/bay trip with Hurricane Charters extremely last minute and we had a blast. Eric is extremely knowledgeable...
Justin S. recommends Hurricane Charters Guide Service
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Eric Nelson Captain replied

Lou M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Flats fishing with Captain Eric

VERIFIED   Evening Inshore Flats Fishing on June 12, 2023
My daughter and I had a wonderful trip, the Cap has first rate knowledge and equipment. It was extraordinarily windy which...
Lou M. recommends Hurricane Charters Guide Service
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Eric Nelson Captain replied

Kim B.
Opelousas, LA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

May fishing trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Inshore Flats Fishing - A.M. on May 26, 2023
These two guys went out today and they had a blast. They said Captain Eric is the G.O.A.T.!! Amazing job today they said his...
Kim B. recommends Hurricane Charters Guide Service
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Eric Nelson Captain replied

Stephen J.
Mathews, AL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day red

VERIFIED   4 Hour Inshore Fishing - Summer on June 4, 2023
Eric really knows the area and what the fish are doing and where they will be. Fishing was a little slower later in the morning...
Stephen J. recommends Hurricane Charters Guide Service
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Eric Nelson Captain replied

Ryan B.
United States
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Inshore Fishing - Summer on July 19, 2023
Got on some red fish early in the morning even with not ideal conditions, then proceeded to trout a lady fish in the evening...
Ryan B. recommends Hurricane Charters Guide Service
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Eric Nelson Captain replied