Unorthodox Charters 

5.0
(124 reviews)
Recent reports
 
State licensed
 East Highway 98 5904, Panama City, FL 32404, United States–

Unorthodox Charters 

Panama City, FL, United States
–
26 ft
6
5.0
(124 reviews)

Booked with us before? You may qualify for a Loyalty Discount. Sign in to check.

Red snapper opens again the 9th thru the 22nd lets go fishing the water has cooled off fish are biting

The pin location on maps is for winter time pick up only.
Summer and fall pick up is about 20 min further drive

Please note pin location is not summertime pick up location

Fish cleaning is done by the gut hut at our marina its $1.50 per pound but it is also vacuum sealed and labled for you

Childer 6 and under must have a life jacket that they can wear the whole trip the orange ones we provide are not comfortable to wear all day

If fishing in Panama City is on your bucket list, look no further than Unorthodox Charters. With Captain Wayde at the helm, you'll benefit from years of knowledge

Looking to get the whole family outdoors? Kids are absolutely welcome! Children must wear life vests, so find out if the appropriate size is available on board. And, you can't go wrong with snacks to stay fueled throughout your trip!

You'll find yourself aboard a 26' Center console with capacity for 6 passengers. It has all the essentials no fishing machine can run without. Your captain will provide rods and reels, along with lures. Live bait is available, but be sure to ask about it so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, just show up ready for a good time! Keep in mind that you may release some fish due to regulations. If you don't know what to expect, ask the captain.

It's never a bad idea to bring sunblock (non-spray), sunglasses, and bottled water. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Red snapper opens again the 9th thru the 22nd lets go fishing the water has cooled off fish are biting

The pin location on maps is for winter time pick up only.
Summer and fall pick up is about 20 min further drive

Please note pin location is not summertime pick up location

Fish cleaning is done by the gut hut at our marina its $1.50 per pound but it is also vacuum sealed and labled for you

Childer 6 and under must have a life jacket that they can wear the whole trip the orange ones we provide are not comfortable to wear all day

If fishing in Panama City is on your bucket list, look no further than Unorthodox Charters. With Captain Wayde at the helm, you'll benefit from years of knowledge

Looking to get the whole family outdoors? Kids are absolutely welcome! Children must wear life vests, so find out if the appropriate size is available on board. And, you can't go wrong with snacks to stay fueled throughout your trip!

You'll find yourself aboard a 26' Center console with capacity for 6 passengers. It has all the essentials no fishing machine can run without. Your captain will provide rods and reels, along with lures. Live bait is available, but be sure to ask about it so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, just show up ready for a good time! Keep in mind that you may release some fish due to regulations. If you don't know what to expect, ask the captain.

It's never a bad idea to bring sunblock (non-spray), sunglasses, and bottled water. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Wayde Zimmerman
Captain
Wayde Zimmerman
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
3 Hour Trip – Sharks (PM) (copy)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 6:00 PM
Shark (Hammerhead)
Shark (Blacktip)
Shark (Bonnethead)
Shark (Bull)
US $450
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3 Hour Trip – early bird 6 am
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Spanish Mackerel
Bonito
US $525
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3 Hour Trip – fishing 101 (9:30AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 9:30 AM
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Snapper (Mangrove)
Bonito
US $525
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3 Hour Trip – afternoon delight 1p
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Snapper (Mangrove)
Bonito
US $525
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip – Sharks (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:00 PM
Shark (Hammerhead)
Shark (Blacktip)
Shark (Bonnethead)
US $600
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip – early bird bottom
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM)
Amberjack
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
Snapper (Mangrove)
+4
US $700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip – Trolling (am
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Bonito
US $700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip – Trolling (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 2:00 PM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+6
US $700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
5 Hour Trip – Trolling/Bottom (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
Snapper (Mangrove)
+5
US $875
Entire boat: up to 6 people
5 Hour Trip – Trolling/Bottom (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+6
US $875
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip am parents vacation
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+5
US $1,025
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+6
US $1,025
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 hr captains choice
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+3
US $1,200
Entire boat: up to 6 people
All day trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
10 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+6
US $1,600
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

5.0
124 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (210)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
99%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
100%
Caught fish

Reviews (124)

  • Chevy Spoonemore
    Chevy Spoonemore
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2020
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Trip with Great Csptain

    5 Hour Trip – Trolling/Bottom (PM) on July 19, 2026 • 5 adults

    Had 3 teenage girls and a 9 yr old. Captain Wayde was awesome with the kids. I offered to help and he let me to an extent but still took care of me as well. We got some B-Liners for the box and I told him I wanted a grouper. He move locations and said here's your grouper. Sure enough, they were there. Caught several and a bonus Amberjack. Finished with a storm hitting us as we were headed in. Storm was pretty bad but Captain Wayde was on top of it. We felt safe the whole time. He had a great personality and treated my kids really good. I'd highly recommend Captain Wade and Unorthadox Charters to anyone wanting to get out on the water and have a great time.

  • Tyler Brown
    Tyler Brown
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great for kids, or anyone just wanting to stay close and still catch fish

    3 Hour Trip – early bird 6 am on June 16, 2026 • 5 adults • 1 child

    Captain Wade was great! Super quick in responding to messages, easy guy to talk to and a killer one man crew, highly personable! We did the 3 hour early morning trip to see how my boy would like it (first fishing trip) and he absolutely loved it cause Captain Wade put us on fish pretty dang quick and the bean bag chairs was a nice additon for a comfy ride for kids (or anyone for that matter!) Aside from my son, we initially had 4 adults and made a last minute change literally 12 hours prior to the trip and Wade responded quick when I asked if it was ok.. worked our great as the boat was good for 6. All 6 of us pulled in multiple fish and had a great day! Book with Unorthodox Charters if you got kids or if you just want some fresh dinner on the line!

  • Craig Underwood
    Craig Underwood
    us
    Indiana, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Early Father’s Day present I won’t ever forget!

    3 Hour Trip – Sharks (PM) (copy) on June 15, 2026 • 5 adults • 3 children

    Wayde has the patience of a saint. I have three boys (7,9,and 12). They warmed up to him quick and we were all joking and having a good time. Each of them caught a fish (two black tip sharks and a red snapper.) I caught a four and half foot hammerhead! We saw dolphins, a sea snake, and various crabs. Wayde even caught a big crab when he was checking the bait. He has a lot of knowledge about the area and the wildlife. He put bean bags up front on his center console boat which were a life saver because near the end I got to be a little sea sick and could lie down to shrug it off. If we come back to the Emerald coast next year I will try to book him first!

  • Alan Crawford
    Alan Crawford
    Repeat angler
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2016
    2 trips
    4.7
    Verified

    Awesome day on the water fishin!

    5 Hour Trip – Trolling/Bottom (AM) on September 28, 2026 • 2 adults

    we had a beautiful day with water like glass. we caught our limit in Red snapper real fast. then we moved to find other species. we caught a huge Lane snapper and a Red grouper at next stop. in between we trolled up some nice Bonita and a Spanish mackerel. when not catching snapper we were constantly catching Trigger fish. unfortunately just out of the slot. it was continuous action. we even had time to hit a wreck to search for some Amberjack. they were there and we hooked up with a keeper but he was to much a beast and broke us off. great way to finish the day. i was spent. look forward to my next time down to book with Wayde!

  • Eric Bennett
    Eric Bennett
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome trip exceeded our expectations

    3 Hour Trip – fishing 101 (9:30AM) on July 1, 2026 • 5 adults

    The captain was a nice guy, very knowledgeable ,and was determined to put us on fish. we had originally booked a shorter trip but I messaged the captain prior to the trip with what we wanted to catch. He recommended a slightly longer trip to accomplish what we wanted to do and very glad we did go with the longer package. We go out again here in Panama City Beach we will be looking to book with him again. We will be recommending anyone we know to book with Unorthodox Charters

  • Ronald Williams
    Ronald Williams
    us
    Kentucky, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    best trip ive ever had in my life

    3 Hour Trip – Sharks (PM) (copy) on June 17, 2026 • 6 adults

    captain wayde was a top notch guy he was really friendly with us he talked to us the whole time made the learning process really quick and easy he had a really nice boat id recommend this trip for anyone especially childern or teenagers he id a faimly guy and loves to see kids enjoy fishing when you book this trip you should definitely get ready for a good time cause your gonna have one we will definitely be back to see hik again also really great prices

  • Lacie Varner
    Lacie Varner
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    My family of four had a blast!

    4 Hour Trip – early bird bottom - 11:00 AM on June 10, 2026 • 4 adults

    My husband and I took our two teenage boys on this trip and they had so much fun! Captain Wayde knows exactly where to find fish and how to catch them! There are several trip options to choose from depending on what’s best for you and how long you want to be on the boat. Highly recommend hats, sun shirts and sunscreen.

  • Ron Spruill
    Ron Spruill
    Repeat angler
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    First but not our last!

    Snapper trip 5 hr on September 3, 2026 • 5 adults • 3 children

    We had so much fun! We took our 15, 11 and 8 year old out and everyone caught fish and had a blast! Our 8 year old daughter caught more fish than anyone and our boys caught some small sharks! Captain was teaching them stuff and showing them cool parts of the shark before releasing it. Highly recommend!!

  • Amillia Folkert
    Amillia Folkert
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Wonderful experience

    3 Hour Trip – Sharks (PM) (copy) on July 8, 2026 • 5 adults

    my family has the pleasure of taking a night shark fishing trip with Wayde. highly recommended. He was very knowledgeable and great to just chat with. We bought Grouper, Snapper, Sharks, and the memorable hammer head shark. thank you for being a great captain. Also the sunset makes for great pictures.

  • Keeton Sturgill
    Keeton Sturgill
    us
    Oklahoma, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    would highly recomend!!

    Spring special (copy) on March 19, 2026 • 6 adults

    we had an awsome time on are charter, the captins were very funny and tought us a lot about the fish, the water, and the boat. and most of all they put us on a lot of fish! I would highly recommend this trip for anyone who is looking for a great time on the water to catch some fish. and they also showed us some dolphins which was a Awesome bounes on are trip and made the wifes very happy! i definitely couldnt recomend them enough!

FAQs about Unorthodox Charters

Unorthodox Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $450 per group - 3 Hour Trip – Sharks (PM) (copy) (3 hours)
  • US $525 per group - 3 Hour Trip – afternoon delight 1p (3 hours)
  • US $525 per group - 3 Hour Trip – early bird 6 am (3 hours)
  • US $525 per group - 3 Hour Trip – fishing 101 (9:30AM) (3 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Sharks (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip – early bird bottom (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip – early bird bottom - 11:00 AM (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip – early bird bottom - 4:00 PM (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Trolling (am (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Trolling (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $875 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Trolling/Bottom (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $875 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Trolling/Bottom (PM) (5 hours)
  • US $1,025 per group - 6 Hour Trip (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $1,025 per group - 6 Hour Trip am parents vacation (6 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group - 8 hr captains choice (8 hours)
  • US $1,600 per group - All day trip (10 hours)
When you book a trip with Unorthodox Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Multimedia system Blue
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box fish b
Trips booked with Unorthodox Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Provide frozen bait guest pay for live minnows )
  • Lures
  • Fishing license (The boat has the fishing license that is needed for everything we will do )
Unorthodox Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (As a state boat we are allowed 9 miles off shore but go east as west alot further that most )
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
  • Flats fishing
Unorthodox Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Unorthodox Charters include:
  • Amberjack
  • Bonito
  • Cobia
  • Flounder
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Sailfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Vermilion)

Your captain

Wayde Zimmerman
Wayde Zimmerman
Panama City, Florida, United States
55 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
124 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2025
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.
been fishing the gulf since i was 14 years old love the fight of big fish and the look on people faces when the get hooked up on a fish of a lifetime wanting to share my years of experience with you abd look forward to making new friends and memories
Wayde Zimmerman
Wayde Zimmerman
Fully verified
Angler's Choice
55
reports
124
reviews
2025
member since
~1h
response
been fishing the gulf since i was 14 years old love the fight of big fish and the look on people faces when the get hooked up on a fish of a lifetime wanting to share my years of experience with you abd look forward to making new friends and memories

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Bonito
Bonito
Cobia
Cobia
Flounder
Flounder
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish
Sailfish
Sailfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Amberjack
Amberjack
Bonito
Bonito
Cobia
Cobia
Flounder
Flounder
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper

Real catches by this captain

  • Group of anglers posing beside a dockside catch board displaying multiple red snapper and other reef fish, with an Unorthodox Charters banner in the background.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Red Snapper
    Snappers goid day for us 5 hr
  • Young angler holding a small shark aboard a center-console fishing boat on coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
    Aaron R.
    Aaron R.
    We went fishing for sharks. Everyone in the group caught at least one shark. We will definitely be back next year.
  • Angler posing beside a dockside catch board displaying multiple snapper, tuna, grouper, and other saltwater fish.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +4
    Red Snapper
    Alan C.
    Alan C.
    we had a beautiful day with water like glass. we caught our limit in Red snapper real fast. then we moved to find other species. we caught a huge Lane snapper and a Red grouper at next stop. in between we trolled up some nice Bonita and a Spanish mackerel. when not catching snapper we were constantly catching Trigger fish. unfortunately just out of the slot. it was continuous action. we even had time to hit a wreck to search for some Amberjack. they were there and we hooked up with a keeper but he was to much a beast and broke us off. great way to finish the day. i was spent. look forward to my next time down to book with Wayde!
  • Family fishing group posing beside a large dockside catch board displaying numerous red snapper and other reef fish, with a charter boat and marina in the background.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Red Snapper
    Not a bad 4 hr trip hood job giys
  • A proud angler displays a large King Mackerel on the dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip with friends.
    Fish 1
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Kings are showing back up
  • A happy angler proudly displaying a vibrant Mahi Mahi while fishing on a boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Charles W.
    Charles W.
    the captain and deckhand were extremely helful and explained everything to us. they got us right on top of the fish. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Two anglers proudly displaying their catch of Red Snapper on a catch board at the marina, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    2 man limit of snappers and some beli ers not a bad day
  • Two anglers proudly posing with a display of freshly caught Red Snapper on a catch board at the marina.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Scott T.
    Scott T.
    Wayde and his crew was ale to take u out on a shrt notice from a previous cancelation. they was on time and got us on the fish. thaks guy's
  • A proud angler stands beside a catch board displaying various fish, including Snapper and Grouper, at a charter dock.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Andrew C.
    Andrew C.
    we caught just about all there was to catch and some really nice ones was non stop action
  • A proud angler stands beside a catch board displaying various fish, including Snapper and Grouper, at a charter dock.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Not bad for a si gle person not wanting to jeep anything just have fun brought a few home for the grease and to share

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
26 ft
Year built
2004
Restored in
2022
Boat manufacturer
Cobia
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
2 x 150HP
Max cruising speed
35 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Multimedia system
Blue
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box
fish b
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Provide frozen bait guest pay for live minnows
Lures
Fishing license
The boat has the fishing license that is needed for everything we will do

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
Kids are always welcome on the boat, take from 4 years and up as a grandfather. i love teaching kids about fishing life jackets are provided but if you want a zipper life jacket you will need to get one
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 30% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 30% 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

What’s biting in Panama City right now

AmberjackAmberjack
BonitoBonito
CobiaCobia
Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
RedfishRedfish
SailfishSailfish
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
Snapper (Red)Snapper (Red)
Snapper (Vermilion)Snapper (Vermilion)

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Unorthodox Charters
Unorthodox Charters
State licensed
5.0
(124)
26 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 6 persons
US $700