Reel Deal Fishing – Short Fuse 

4.7
(120 reviews)
 
Federally permitted
 3151 West 10th Street, Panama City, FL 32401, United States–

Reel Deal Fishing – Short Fuse 

Panama City, FL, United States
–
41 ft
6
4.7
(120 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.

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
Charter Operator
Reel Deal Fishing Charters
15 years of experience
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Loading...
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
SF – Shared Split Trip (Seat Fill)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jan 1 - Jan 1
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
Wahoo
+8
US $500
Shared tour: 2 people
SF – Shared Split Trip 10/6 8 hr
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Oct 6 - Oct 6 (Tue)
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
Wahoo
+8
US $650
Shared tour: 2 people
SF – 6 Hr Snapper 101
In high demand Last booked: 6 days ago
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 12:00 PM)
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+7
US $1,440
Entire boat: up to 6 people
SF – 8 Hr Snapper XPress
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+8
US $1,920
Entire boat: up to 6 people
SF – 10 Hr Snapper Expedition ⭐
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
10 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+8
US $2,400
Entire boat: up to 6 people
SF – 12 Hr Offshore Spectacular
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
12 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+8
US $2,880
Entire boat: up to 6 people
SF – Overnight Offshore Adventure
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
18 hour trip starts at 2:00 PM
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+8
US $4,200
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 3 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

4.7
120 reviews
4.6
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (163)

What anglers say

91%
Great experience
93%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
97%
Good boat
94%
Recommended
85%
Caught fish

Reviews (120)

  • Chris Myrick
    Chris Myrick
    Repeat angler
    us
    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.

  • Steven Wright
    Steven Wright
    us
    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.

  • Bailey Simpson
    Bailey Simpson
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    So personable and awesome private trip!

    SF – 6 Hr Snapper 101 on September 6, 2026 • 6 adults

    We caught snapper, grouper, and beeliner. I love that they had an inside air conditioned unit incase you get hot. The deckhand was very helpful and attentive. Will definitely book again.

  • Tony Kent
    Tony Kent
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    Great trip the birthday girl caught a fish bigger than her!

    SF – 6 Hr Snapper 101 on September 14, 2026 • 4 adults • 1 child

    Boat was nice, crew was great. Everyone had a great time . Will definetly go again!

  • Greg Ashley
    Greg Ashley
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    4.7
    Verified

    Great service

    SF – 6 Hr Snapper 101 on June 9, 2026 • 6 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.

  • Kevin Green
    Kevin Green
    Repeat angler
    us
    West Virginia, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    4.3
    Verified

    Had a great trip out!

    SF – 8 Hr Snapper XPress on August 5, 2026 • 6 adults • 3 children

    Had a good time an made lots of priceless memories. The captain was great an put us in the fish. We caught some big red snapper, Black snapper, red grouper, triggers, and some others too.

  • Adam Lorenz
    Adam Lorenz
    Repeat angler
    us
    Missouri, 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.

  • Josh Kelley
    Josh Kelley
    us
    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!!

  • Tony Steffan
    Tony Steffan
    us
    New Mexico, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Better than expected!

    SF 4 Hour Trip – Trolling (AM) on May 27, 2025 • 4 adults • 1 child

    Took a morning 4 hour troll. We didn't want to spend the entire day on the water. Expected to get maybe 3-5 fish total. Logan had all lines ready to go quickly. We were hooked up as soon as we dropped lines. Captain Steven put us on the fish and kept us there. At one point we had a fish on all 4 lines and landed all of them. Another time we had 3 on at a time. First mate, Logan, was very good with the 11 year old we had with us. It was his first time on a boat. Logan was teaching him how to do more than reel in fish. He was explaining what he was doing and why with each lure or hook. Overall the trip was way better than anticipated. We stopped early after catching 26 fish in about 2 hours. We will be back to do it again soon.

  • Josh Ross
    Josh Ross
    Repeat angler
    us
    Indiana, US
    Member since 2024
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Reel Deal really is the real deal!

    SF - 6 hr SHARED SNAPPER 7/22 on July 22, 2025 • 2 adults • 1 child

    The Short Fuse crew had us on fish all morning. I hauled in a nice Red Snapper with my first drop! My 12 year old son caught his PB Red Snapper and added 3 new species to his list of caught fish, as well. The fishing was good, but the Captain and his mate really made the trip stand out. Captain was courteous and accommodating as could be and his deckhand was as patient with and helpful to the young kids on board as I've ever seen. Give Reel Deal a call!

Rating

4.7
120 reviews
4.6
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (163)

What anglers say

91%
Great experience
93%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
97%
Good boat
94%
Recommended
85%
Caught fish

All reviews (120)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 120 reviews
Damon Watford
Damon Watford
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Went above and beyond
SF – 8 Hr Snapper XPress on June 27, 2026 • 5 adults

Captain Bubba and Jake put us right on the fish! We came for red snapper, left with our limit. We all got our first shark fight and ended up landing it thanks to these guys. They made our trip more than enjoyable and put up with our group, which is a lot by itself. Loved the quiet marina in St. Andrews. The boat offered plenty of space, a place to hide from the sun, AC, and a bathroom. Couldn’t have asked for a better trip! I highly recommend taking a trip with these guys. We’ll be looking at using them again for our next annual trip!

Reported catch:
Red Snapper
Red Grouper
Vermilion Snapper
Lane Snapper
Reel Deal Fishing Charters
Response from Charter operator

Thanks, Damon! It was a pleasure having y'all aboard. Sounds like that shark gave y'all something to talk about! 😄 I'm glad your first red snapper trip ended with a limit of fish, great memories, and a story I'm sure will get a little better every time it's told. And thanks for mentioning the boat. We work hard to give our guests a great day on the water, and having an air-conditioned cabin, a clean restroom, and a place to get out of the sun can make a long day on the Gulf a whole lot more enjoyable. Hope to see y'all again next year. Enjoy that fresh fish!

Chris Myrick
Chris Myrick
Repeat angler
us
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:
Red Grouper
Vermilion Snapper
Gray Triggerfish
Steven Wright
Steven Wright
us
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:
Gray Triggerfish
Amberjack
Bailey Simpson
Bailey Simpson
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
So personable and awesome private trip!
SF – 6 Hr Snapper 101 on September 6, 2026 • 6 adults

We caught snapper, grouper, and beeliner. I love that they had an inside air conditioned unit incase you get hot. The deckhand was very helpful and attentive. Will definitely book again.

Reported catch:
Red Snapper
Red Grouper
Vermilion Snapper
Gray Triggerfish
Tony Kent
Tony Kent
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Great trip the birthday girl caught a fish bigger than her!
SF – 6 Hr Snapper 101 on September 14, 2026 • 3 adults • 1 child

Boat was nice, crew was great. Everyone had a great time . Will definetly go again!

Reported catch:
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Red Snapper
Gray Triggerfish
Vermilion Snapper

FAQs about Reel Deal Fishing – Short Fuse

Reel Deal Fishing – Short Fuse offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $250 per person - SF – Shared Split Trip (Seat Fill) (6 hours)
  • US $325 per person - SF – Shared Split Trip 10/6 8 hr (8 hours)
  • US $1,440 per group - SF – 6 Hr Snapper 101 (6 hours)
  • US $1,440 per group - SF – 6 Hr Snapper 101 - 12:00 PM (6 hours)
  • US $1,920 per group - SF – 8 Hr Snapper XPress (8 hours)
  • US $2,400 per group - SF – 10 Hr Snapper Expedition ⭐ (10 hours)
  • US $2,880 per group - SF – 12 Hr Offshore Spectacular (12 hours)
  • US $4,200 per group - SF – Overnight Offshore Adventure (18 hours)
When you book a trip with Reel Deal Fishing – Short Fuse, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Separate restroom with toilet in cabin
  • Air conditioning
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Live bait well ~$1 each. $10–20 suggested; depends on trip length
  • Kitchen
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Reel Deal Fishing – Short Fuse include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • First mate (Works for tips; 15-20% of the trip price)
  • Fishing license (Fishing license included in price)
Reel Deal Fishing – Short Fuse offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (Travel time will depend on the length of your trip. We will maximize your fishing time!)
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Reel Deal Fishing – Short Fuse offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing (high speed troll to and from dock most likely)
  • Trolling (3 hr-Bay for Spanish, 4 hr -Gulf of Bay for kings)
  • Spinning
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Reel Deal Fishing – Short Fuse include:
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Snapper (Lane)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Vermilion)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Wahoo

Your operator

Reel Deal Fishing Charters
Reel Deal Fishing Charters

Panama City, Florida, United States

37 Fishing Reports
541 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2016

Capt. Mark has had a love for boats his entire adult life and has had his captain's license for several years. He has always been the one to fix the boats and drive for fun, but not charter one. He decided in the summer of 2017 to start captaining 'Deep Water' and has enjoyed this newfound demanding, yet satisfying calling in his life.

Our Team
Mark M.

Mark M.

Captain

Deral S.

Deral S.

First mate

Sam M.

Sam M.

Business partner

Bubba L.

Bubba L.

Captain

Logan W.

Logan W.

First mate

Reel Deal Fishing Charters
Reel Deal Fishing Charters
37
reports
541
reviews
2016
member since
~1h
response
Capt. Mark has had a love for boats his entire adult life and has had his captain's license for several years. He has always been the one to fix the boats and drive for fun, but not charter one. He decided in the summer of 2017 to start captaining 'Deep Water' and has enjoyed this newfound demanding, yet satisfying calling in his life.
The crew
Mark M.
Mark M.
Captain
Deral S.
Deral S.
First mate
Sam M.
Sam M.
Business partner
Bubba L.
Bubba L.
Captain
Logan W.
Logan W.
First mate

The fish you can target

Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Lane Snapper
Lane Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Wahoo
Wahoo
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Black Seabass
Black Seabass

Real catches by this captain

  • Great trip the birthday girl caught a fish bigger than her!
    Tony K.
    Tony K.
  • Had a great trip out!
    Kevin G.
    Kevin G.
  • Well worth the money
    Caleb G.
    Caleb G.
  • Great Trip
    Chris M.
    Chris M.
  • Good fishing
    Jack O.
    Jack O.
  • Worth Every Penny!!!
    Steven W.
    Steven W.
  • August trip
    Joseph M.
    Joseph M.
  • Fishing with Mark
    Tammy T.
    Tammy T.
  • 6hr snapper
    George H.
    George H.
  • Reel Deal really is the real deal!
    Josh R.
    Josh R.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
41 ft
Year built
1984
Restored in
2024
Boat manufacturer
Egg Harbor
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Caterpillar
Powered by
2 x 350HP
Max cruising speed
24 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Separate restroom with toilet in cabin
Air conditioning
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Flybridge
Live bait well
~$1 each. $10–20 suggested; depends on trip length
Kitchen
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
First mate
Works for tips; 15-20% of the trip price
Fishing license
Fishing license included in price

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 1 day prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 1 day 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
We love families and welcome children of all ages!
You keep catch
legal
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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

 PayPal

 Checks

 Bank transfer

What’s biting in Panama City right now

CobiaCobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)Snapper (Red)
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
WahooWahoo

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Reel Deal Fishing – Short Fuse
Reel Deal Fishing – Short Fuse
Federally permitted
4.7
(120)
41 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
6 hour trip • 6 persons
US $250