Reel Deal Fishing – Short Fuse

4.7/5 (112 reviews)

Federally permitted

3151 West 10th Street, Panama City, FL 32401, United States–

Over 9 miles offshore

Panama City, FL, United States

–

41 ft

4.7/5 (112 reviews)

Reel Deal Fishing Charters – Short Fuse fishes the productive waters off Panama City with Capt. Bubba at the helm, putting you in experienced hands for a great day on the water.

Captain Richard Lee II, known locally as 'Capt. Bubba,' is a fourth-generation fisherman who has spent his life on the water. Starting as a deckhand in 1999, he has nearly two decades of experience running charter boats and sharing his knowledge with anglers of all ages and experience levels.

Short Fuse is a 41' Egg Harbor sportfishing vessel, fully restored in 2024, combining classic sportfishing style with updated electronics and comfort. Powered by twin Caterpillar engines, the boat runs quickly and safely to productive offshore fishing grounds. Onboard you'll find a clean air-conditioned cabin, full restroom, and plenty of deck space so everyone can fish comfortably.

Short Fuse is a federally permitted vessel, allowing access to offshore waters where many of the Gulf's most sought-after species are found.

Depending on the season and conditions, anglers may target Red Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, Wahoo, Vermilion Snapper, Lane Snapper, Cobia, and more.

Families, beginners, and experienced anglers are all welcome aboard.

Interested in a shared or split charter? Send us a message. These trips are arranged when anglers request them and may not appear on the calendar unless a trip is already forming. You can also check availability on our second vessel, Deep Water, for additional trip options.

Fishing opportunities change throughout the year. Spring brings excellent action for Spanish and King Mackerel, while warmer months offer opportunities for Red Snapper, Grouper, Vermilion Snapper, and other reef fish. The 2026 federal for-hire Red Snapper season runs June 1–October 25.

Step aboard Short Fuse and enjoy a great day fishing the Gulf.

Reel Deal Fishing Charters – Short Fuse fishes the productive waters off Panama City with Capt. Bubba at the helm, putting you in experienced hands for a great day on the water.

Short Fuse is a federally permitted vessel, allowing access to offshore waters where many of the Gulf's most sought-after species are found.

Depending on the season and conditions, anglers may target Red Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, Wahoo, Vermilion Snapper, Lane Snapper, Cobia, and more.

Families, beginners, and experienced anglers are all welcome aboard.

Step aboard Short Fuse and enjoy a great day fishing the Gulf.

Popular features

Fishing license

You keep catch

Toilet

Child friendly

Air conditioning

Popular features

Fishing license

You keep catch

Toilet

Child friendly

Air conditioning

Customer reviews

Rating

4.7

112 reviews

4.6

Boat & equipment

4.8

Captain & crew

4.7

Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (144)

What anglers say

90%

Great experience

93%

Family friendly

97%

Friendly captain

96%

Good boat

94%

Recommended

83%

Caught fish

All reviews (112)

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Showing 1 – 5 of 112 reviews

Chris Myrick

Repeat angler

Georgia, US

•

Member since 2020

•

4 trips

5.0

Verified

Great Trip

SF 6 hr Seasonal or Snapper 101 PM on November 29, 2025 • 6 adults

Family came down here to PCB to spend Thanksgiving. While down we wanted to put in some fishing time with the kids, that had never been before, but the weather was a little questionable. We decided to go ahead book a 6hr with Reel Deal for some bottom fishing. at first the weathet conditions were not good but the Reel Deal stayed in contact with us and was able to adjust our days and boat for a better experience. During our trip out on Saturday evening, the weather turned out very nice, seas were mostly calm, and everybody had a great time. Kids loved it and were wore out by the end. We caught keeper Vermillions, Triggers, Grouper, and more. Highly recommend booking with Reel Deal if you are in town.

Reported catch:

Adam Lorenz

Repeat angler

Cape Girardeau, MO, US

•

Member since 2019

•

7 trips

5.0

Verified

Great day on the gulf!

SF 6 hr Seasonal or Snapper 101 PM on July 14, 2025 • 4 adults

Had a great time snapper fishing with Captain Bubba.  Really comfortable and well equipped boat. Made for a really enjoyable day of fishing. They put us on action everywhere we bottom fished from beginning to end of the trip.  I have had more than a few captains find somewhere where something is biting and just sit there.  These guys constantly working to find the best bite and were happy to move around, looking for bigger fish and to find the red snapper.  Had a blast and got to load up with some delicious table fare.  Would definitely book again and highly recommend these guys.

Reported catch:

Response from Captain

July 16, 2025

Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your positive experience. We're thrilled to hear that our team’s effort to find the best bite made your trip memorable. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Your support means a lot to us!

Josh Kelley

Tennessee, US

•

Member since 2025

5.0

Verified

Reel Deal Charters was fantastic to book with and get me on a boat with only a few days notice!

SF - 8 hr SHARED SNAP 7/4 on July 4, 2025 • 2 adults

If you’re in Panama City and looking for a boat to go fishing and catch fish!! Talk to Sam with Reel Deal Charters and you won’t be disappointed!! I was able to make reservations for myself and my uncle on short notice and she made it happen!! The boat (Short Fuse) was clean and accommodating, with a cool air conditioned cabin to go into if you wanted to take a break and cool off between fishing locations, but when the captain stopped the boat you definitely want to be on the deck ready to fish because he was putting you on the fish. Overall it was one of the best trips I’ve been on!! We caught lots of good fish and brought home a pile of great eating!! I recommend that you check them out and you better be ready to hold on tight to your fishing pole!! Because you’re going to be in for one of the best fights with some big fish!!

Reported catch:

Steven Wright

Oklahoma, US

•

Member since 2025

5.0

Verified

Worth Every Penny!!!

SF – 6 Hr Snapper 101 on October 23, 2025 • 5 adults

Booked Reel Deal Fishing Charters-Short Fuse for a 6 hour morning trip October 23, 2025 for a group of 5 guys. Captain Bubba did a great job putting us on fish and Deral did a great job keeping cutbait on the lines, getting the fish in the boat, and getting us back in game fast. We caught a lot of fish, had a great time, and had one helluva fish fry when we got back to the beach home. Will definitely book again in the future and highly recommend them for anyone visiting the PCB area and looking for a good time on the water.

Reported catch:

Greg Ashley

Georgia, US

•

Member since 2026

4.7

Verified

New

Great service

SF – 6 Hr Snapper 101 on June 9, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children

can't always control when you catch fish and don'ts but the service from Sam, the owner and the crew were great. Jake the deck hand was awesome! He worked so hard and was so great with my kids. Captain Bubba hit some great spots and we had a great day.

Response from Captain

June 13, 2026

Greg, thank you so much for the kind words. We can't make the fish bite every day, but we can promise we'll always work hard and do our best to put you on them.
Jake is great with kids and Captain Bubba never stops looking for fish, so they'll both appreciate hearing this.
We enjoyed having your family aboard and hope to see y'all back on the dock again soon. Thanks for fishing with Reel Deal!

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:

Days:

Group Size:

Select date to see availability

June 2026

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa

Number of days

Group Size

2 adults • 0 children

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SF – Shared Split Trip (Seat Fill)

6 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM

Seasonal trip

Jan 1 - Jan 1

US $500

Shared tour: 2 people

US $500

Shared tour: 2 people

SF Split Trip • 8 Hr • 6/16

8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM

Seasonal trip

Jun 6 - Jun 16 (Tue)

US $600

Shared tour: 2 people

US $600

Shared tour: 2 people

SF – 6 Hr Snapper 101

6 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 12:00 PM)

US $1,350