REEL Viking Charters 

5.0/5 (194 reviews)
 
State licensed
 Big Daddy Drive 6325, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, United States
You may qualify for a Loyalty Program discount with REEL Viking Charters. To check if you can use a Loyalty Program discount for your selected dates, please sign in.

REEL Viking Charters takes you fishing out of Panama City, FL. Captain John will make sure you have an enjoyable day on the water. No matter how experienced you are, you’ll find a worthy opponent around these fisheries. Come chase Spanish Mackerel and Shark, or go after Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, and Mahi.

Captain John has been fishing for 35 years and has been taking people fishing forever. He is local to the area and loves seeing his customers get their dream catch. Your safety onboard is Captain John’s top priority and he will also work to turn your fishing trip into a lasting memory. You will decide how you want to spend the day on the water but the captain will help out with any questions about techniques and species available.

You will be fishing from a 28’ Cape Horn center console powered by twin 300 HP Yamaha engines. She features navigational electronics and has room for up to six anglers. The boat features a live bait well, has a large ice box, carries Penn gear, as well as one electric reel for the elderly or anglers with disabilities when requested.

Fishing trips with Capt. John will see you fishing inshore and offshore. You can choose to explore inshore fisheries or head into the gulf slow trolling for Mackerel, or bottom fishing for Snapper and Grouper.

You can purchase live bait on board. Catch cleaning may be available, but you best talk to the captain about it. Trips normally leave out of Bayside Marina on Panama City Beach, but pickups at other areas may be arranged. The captain also runs specials throughout the year, so please check back.

REEL Viking Charters can accommodate anglers of any level of fishing experience. You can use all types of bait and fishing styles to get the best chance for the best catch. Capt. John will work to make you happy and give you a trip of a lifetime. Hope you come back again to go after a bigger one! Fishing it's what we do.

John Holman

Captain

John Holman

50 years of experience
 ID & credentials verified
 responds within an hour

Highlights

 Fishing License
 You Keep Catch
 Child Friendly
 Ice Box
 Rods, reels & tackle

Plan your trip

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Almost there...
2hr Quick SHOT.
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - May 30
Price for 2 people
US $350 
3 Hour Trip - Shark Night
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 Hour Trip, starts at 7:10 PM
Price for up to 3 people
US $479 
3 Hour Spring Break Special (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip Feb 1 - Jun 1
Price for up to 6 people
US $600 
3 Hour Spring Break Special (10 AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
Seasonal trip Feb 1 - Jun 1
Price for up to 6 people
US $600 
3 Hour Spring Break Special (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
Seasonal trip Feb 1 - Jun 1
Price for up to 6 people
US $600 
4 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - May 30
Price for up to 6 people
US $720 
4 Hour Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Jun 1
Price for up to 6 people
US $720 
4 Hour Trip – Summer (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Jul 31
Price for up to 6 people
US $840 
4 Hour Trip – Summer (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Jul 31
Price for up to 6 people
US $840 
5hr fun run
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - May 31
Price for up to 6 people
US $860 
4 hr Snapper Shot AM
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 4:55 AM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Jul 31
Price for up to 6 people
US $899 
4hr Snapper Shot PM
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Jul 31
Price for up to 6 people
US $899 
5hr fun run summer
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Jul 31
Price for up to 6 people
US $999 
5hr fun run (copy)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Price for up to 6 people
US $999 
6 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Jun 1
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,125 
6 Hour Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:55 PM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Jun 1
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,125 
6 Hour Trip – Summer (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 5:55 AM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Jul 31
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,139 
6 Hour Trip – Summer (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:55 PM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Jul 31
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,139 
8 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Jun 1
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,399 
8 Hour Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Jun 1
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,399 
8 Hour Trip – Summer
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 4:55 AM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Jul 31
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,449 
8 Hour Trip PM– Summer
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Jul 31
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,449 
10 Hour Trip – Full Fun Day
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
10 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Jun 1
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,649 
10 Hour – Full Fun Summer Day
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
10 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Jul 31
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,749 
12 Hour Trip – All Day Affair
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
12 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Jun 1
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,849 
12 Hour – All Day Summer Affair
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
12 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Jul 31
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,949 
16hr Marlin shot
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
16 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
Price for up to 6 people
US $2,500 
There are 69 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

5.0/5
out of 5 stars from 194 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (249)

1000% Absolutely Fantastic Fishing Trip!!
Captain Jon Jon
Home w dinner!!
+246

Angler rating

190
3
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

99%

Appropriate for children

98%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

99%

Caught fish

95%

Showing 1 - 5 of 194 reviews
Jerry G.
Jerry G.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Worked for the Fish

VERIFIED
NEW

4 Hour Trip – Summer (PM) on June 10, 2025

The Captain tried hard to get us on the fish. The water was not cooperating but still got us to a few spots for the kids to catch some fish. Crew was professional and ensured that we understood the water conditions and allowed us to make the decision. Since we could not complete the original trip, the crew refunded us an hour which showed the integrity of the crew. Would highly recommend them for further trips and will be using them again when we return to PCB.

The Captain tried hard to get us on the fish. The water was not cooperating but still got us to a few spots for the kids to catch some fish. Crew was professional and ensured that we understood the water conditions and allowed us to make the decision. Since we could not complete the original trip, the crew refunded us an hour which showed the integrity of the crew. Would highly recommend them for further trips and will be using them again when we return to PCB.  

Review media 0
 Jerry G. recommends REEL Viking Charters
John Holman
John Holman (The Captain)
Replied on June 12, 2025
Thank youll very much. Can't wait to do it again

Zachary D.
Zachary D.
4.7/5

Experience:

4.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Home w dinner!!

VERIFIED
NEW

6 Hour Trip – Summer (AM) on June 20, 2025

Awesome 4-6 hour trip! John-John and John were great. Informative, well attentive, courteous and accommodating. Crushed red fish right from the start, and a few grouper which had to go back (🤬), once we got our limit and a bit of catch and release we were onto the beeliners for another limit; and we trolled home for a bit. Captain and crew super accommodating to adjust timing since we did so well to get home and make lunch for the fam with our catch. Quick pics and fillet the dock and we were headed back home - tired crew and sore arms. Thanks guys!!

Awesome 4-6 hour trip! John-John and John were great. Informative, well attentive, courteous and accommodating. Crushed red fish right from the start, and a few grouper which had to go back (🤬), once we got our limit and a bit of catch and release we were onto the beeliners for another limit; and we trolled home for a bit. Captain and crew super accommodating to adjust timing since we did so well to get home and make lunch for the fam with our catch. Quick pics and fillet the dock and we...  

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 Zachary D. recommends REEL Viking Charters
John Holman
John Holman (The Captain)
Replied on June 21, 2025
Thank youll for fishing with us

Ronald H.
Ronald H.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great Trip 22 May 25

VERIFIED

5hr fun run on May 22, 2025

Captain John John was great to work with. I had a couple disabled vets and older gentlemen and the Captain and mate, Tyson, were fantastic with providing assistance without taking over. Even before we left the dock we had gotten off to a good start with the crew and it only got better throughout the day. It really was like fishing with friends and Captain John John was relentless about finding the fish to get us limited out on beeliners and then pull on some red grouper. I was concerned about the older folks taking a beating or being I uncomfortable on the boat but was very pleased to find it was comfortable, stable and quick. Overall we had a really good day out, got a bunch of delicious fish for everyone to enjoy the next day the team just kept on talking about how fun it was Thanks to Captain John John and Mate Tyson we had an absolute blast. I very much recommend this boat and crew!

Captain John John was great to work with. I had a couple disabled vets and older gentlemen and the Captain and mate, Tyson, were fantastic with providing assistance without taking over. Even before we left the dock we had gotten off to a good start with the crew and it only got better throughout the day. It really was like fishing with friends and Captain John John was relentless about finding the fish to get us limited out on beeliners and then pull on some red grouper. I was concerned...  

 Ronald H. recommends REEL Viking Charters
John Holman
John Holman (The Captain)
Replied on May 23, 2025
Thank youll very much. Them guys can fish with me any time

FishingBooker Member
FishingBooker Member
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Awesome Shark Fishing trip w/ Captain John

4 Hour Trip (PM) on April 27, 2025

As a single mom, booking a fishing trip can be intimidating. I booked a shark fishing trip for my 14 and 16 yr old son and daughter, who definitely weren’t the easiest gang to win over. They had soo much fun! Captain John and his son were awesome! We got on our first shark just a few minutes after the lines were cast, and he made sure we each caught one! While we were waiting, he even allowed my son to fish for bait-fish with jerk-bait, during which he caught a Spanish Mackerel and a Lady fish! They were fun, knowledgeable, and made sure we had every chance possible to catch some fish! Will definitely have them take us out for another adventure next time we come to FL! Thank you John!

As a single mom, booking a fishing trip can be intimidating. I booked a shark fishing trip for my 14 and 16 yr old son and daughter, who definitely weren’t the easiest gang to win over. They had soo much fun! Captain John and his son were awesome! We got on our first shark just a few minutes after the lines were cast, and he made sure we each caught one! While we were waiting, he even allowed my son to fish for bait-fish with jerk-bait, during which he caught a Spanish Mackerel and a Lady fish!...  

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 FishingBooker Member recommends REEL Viking Charters
John Holman
John Holman (The Captain)
Replied on April 29, 2025
Thank you'll very much.cant wait to do it again soon.

Corlee S.
Corlee S.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great time with John and Tyler!

VERIFIED

3 Hour Spring Break Special (10 AM) on May 25, 2025

Our family (grandparents, two teen boys and mom) booked on line and the communication was great from the time we booked. Captain John gave us detailed instructions of where to go, what to bring and what to expect. They were ready to go when we arrived and so helpful. They took us to several spots and were determined we’d catch fish on this trip, and we did! We caught 6 large, red snapper that we can’t wait to eat for dinner tonight and save the rest he filleted for us. I would highly recommend this crew and this excursion!

Our family (grandparents, two teen boys and mom) booked on line and the communication was great from the time we booked. Captain John gave us detailed instructions of where to go, what to bring and what to expect. They were ready to go when we arrived and so helpful. They took us to several spots and were determined we’d catch fish on this trip, and we did! We caught 6 large, red snapper that we can’t wait to eat for dinner tonight and save the rest he filleted for us. I would highly recommend...  

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 Corlee S. recommends REEL Viking Charters
1 person finds this review helpful
John Holman
John Holman (The Captain)
Replied on May 25, 2025
Thank youll very much. Can't wait to have youll again

...

FAQs about REEL Viking Charters

What are the trip rates for REEL Viking Charters?

REEL Viking Charters offers the following trips to customers:

  • US $350 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 2hr Quick SHOT. (2 hours)
  • US $479 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - 3 Hour Trip - Shark Night (3 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 3 Hour Spring Break Special (10 AM) (3 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 3 Hour Spring Break Special (AM) (3 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 3 Hour Spring Break Special (PM) (3 hours)
  • US $720 per group - 4 Hour Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $720 per group - 4 Hour Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $840 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Summer (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $840 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Summer (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $860 per group - 5hr fun run (5 hours)
  • US $899 per group - 4 hr Snapper Shot AM (4 hours)
  • US $899 per group - 4hr Snapper Shot PM (4 hours)
  • US $999 per group - 5hr fun run (copy) (5 hours)
  • US $999 per group - 5hr fun run summer (5 hours)
  • US $1,125 per group - 6 Hour Trip (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $1,125 per group - 6 Hour Trip (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $1,139 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Summer (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $1,139 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Summer (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $1,399 per group - 8 Hour Trip (AM) (8 hours)
  • US $1,399 per group - 8 Hour Trip (PM) (8 hours)
  • US $1,449 per group - 8 Hour Trip – Summer (8 hours)
  • US $1,449 per group - 8 Hour Trip PM– Summer (8 hours)
  • US $1,649 per group - 10 Hour Trip – Full Fun Day (10 hours)
  • US $1,749 per group - 10 Hour – Full Fun Summer Day (10 hours)
  • US $1,849 per group - 12 Hour Trip – All Day Affair (12 hours)
  • US $1,949 per group - 12 Hour – All Day Summer Affair (12 hours)
  • US $2,500 per group - 16hr Marlin shot (16 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with REEL Viking Charters?

When you book a trip with REEL Viking Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:

  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well live bait available for purchase from bait boat
  • Ice Box a large ice-fish box
  • Radar
What's included in the trip price with REEL Viking Charters?

Trips booked with REEL Viking Charters include:

  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • First Mate (on longer trips, if requested and available)
  • Fishing License (For up to 6 passengers)
What types of fishing does REEL Viking Charters offer?

REEL Viking Charters offers the following types of fishing:

  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing (Trips offshore vary depending on trip lengths. But we always do our best for our customers.)
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
What fishing techniques does REEL Viking Charters offer?

REEL Viking Charters offers the following fishing techniques:

  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Drift Fishing (great with live bait)
  • Deep Sea Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with REEL Viking Charters?

Top targeted fish species with REEL Viking Charters include:

  • Amberjack
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Jack (Almaco)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Shark (Porbeagle)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Vermilion)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Triggerfish (Gray)

Meet your captain

John Holman

Panama City Beach, Florida, United States

23 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
194 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since January 2018
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 was born in GA. I've lived in this area for 50 years . Grow up in Gracville fla. I love to fish. I've been deep sea fishing all my life. And love to take people fishing. I spent 26 years pushing barges up and down Mississippi River. I've been on every water way that a barge can go on.

Fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Almaco Jack
Almaco Jack
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Porbeagle Shark
Porbeagle Shark
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Gray Triggerfish
Gray Triggerfish

Your boat

Boat Image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
28 ft
Year built
1994
Restored in
2020
Boat manufacturer
Cape Horn
Boat type
Center console

Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
2 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
55 knots

Where you can fish

Inshore Fishing

Nearshore Fishing

Offshore Fishing

Trips offshore vary depending on trip lengths. But we always do our best for our customers.

Reef Fishing

Wreck Fishing

How you can fish

Light Tackle

Heavy Tackle

Bottom Fishing

Trolling

Spinning

Jigging

Drift Fishing

great with live bait

Deep Sea Fishing

What's on board

GPS

Fishfinder

Live Bait Well

live bait available for purchase from bait boat

Ice Box

a large ice-fish box

Radar

Included in the price

Rods, reels & tackle

Lures

First Mate

on longer trips, if requested and available

Fishing License

For up to 6 passengers

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.

Listing policies

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child Friendly

When accompanied by an adult

You Keep Catch

Catch and Release Allowed

How to pay

Book with 25% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% 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

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 4% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Panama City Beach right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)Snapper (Red)
Snapper (Vermilion)Snapper (Vermilion)
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Triggerfish (Gray)Triggerfish (Gray)
69 people are looking at this charter.
4 Hour Trip – Summer (AM) booked 3 hours ago