Reel Deal Fishing Charters
Charter operator

Reel Deal Fishing Charters

Panama City, United States
Federal waters
500+ reviews
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.
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

Charters

Rating

4.6
541 reviews
4.5
Boat & Equipment
4.7
Captain & Crew
4.6
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

88%
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
92%
Recommend this charter
91%
Appropriate for children
94%
Satisfied with the boat
82%
Caught fish

All reviews (541)

Showing 1 – 5 of 541 reviews
  • Marty J Lyle
    Marty J Lyle
    Repeat angler
    us
    Missouri, US
    Member since 2017
    6 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Family of Dive - Reel Deal Deep Water

    DW – 6 Hr Snapper 101 • 3 adults • 2 children

    We had a great morning on the water with Captain and Crew. We were set to go a different day but they contacted me cincerning the weather and I am glad they cared enough about our experience to do that. I had concerns about taking the whole family but this hard working outfit made sure my kids stayed on fish and were very patient and super to work with. I had gone out with this group several years ago when the children were to small and they were fantastic then as well. Great day on the water and this Great Captain and Crew made it that much better!

    Reported catch:
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Red Snapper
    Gag Grouper
    Spanish Mackerel
    +4
    Response from Charter operator

    Marty, thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review. We were happy to move your trip to a better weather day. With three kids aboard, we wanted your family to have the best experience we could, and we're so glad it worked out. It was great seeing you again after all these years, and even better getting to meet Katie, Paizley, Maddox, and Beckett. Watching the kids catch fish and seeing Maddox land that mahi made the day even more special. We truly appreciate you choosing to fish with us again, and we hope this was the first of many family trips together. Safe travels, and we'll look forward to seeing the Lyle crew back aboard!

  • Damon Watford
    Damon Watford
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Went above and beyond

    SF – 8 Hr Snapper XPress • 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
    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!

  • Jay Patel
    Jay Patel
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    4.7
    Verified

    Reeling 🎣 in Memories with the Family!

    DW – 6 Hr Snapper 101 • 6 adults

    We had an amazing day out with Reel Deal Fishing Charters on the Deep Water! This was a memorable family trip that everyone thoroughly enjoyed. Captain was extremely knowledgeable, put us on the fish, and made sure we had a great experience from start to finish. His first mate was also fantastic—very helpful, attentive, and always ready to assist with getting fish on board and keeping everyone engaged. We caught plenty of fish, learned a lot, and created memories that will last a lifetime. The crew worked hard to make sure everyone had a successful and enjoyable trip. If you’re looking for a professional, family-friendly fishing charter, I highly recommend Reel Deal Fishing Charters. We can’t wait to book another trip!

    Reported catch:
    Red Snapper
    Scamp Grouper
    Lane Snapper
    Response from Charter operator

    Thanks for the great review, Jay! We had a blast hosting your family on the Deep Water and getting everyone on the fish. You guys were great guests. Looking forward to the next one!

  • 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 • 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 • 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

Real catches shared by our community

  • Reel Deal Fishing – Short Fuse
    Reel Deal Fishing – Short FusePanama City, FL
    Great trip the birthday girl caught a fish bigger than her!
    Tony K.
    Tony K.
  • Reel Deal Fishing – Short Fuse
    Reel Deal Fishing – Short FusePanama City, FL
    So personable and awesome private trip!
    Bailey S.
    Bailey S.
  • Reel Deal Charters – Deep Water
    Reel Deal Charters – Deep WaterPanama City, FL
    Best family trip
    Michaelsen L.
    Michaelsen L.
  • Reel Deal Charters – Deep Water
    Reel Deal Charters – Deep WaterPanama City, FL
    What a great time!!! 6hr am trip
    Andy H.
    Andy H.
  • Reel Deal Fishing – Short Fuse
    Reel Deal Fishing – Short FusePanama City, FL
    Had a great trip out!
    Kevin G.
    Kevin G.
  • Reel Deal Charters – Deep Water
    Reel Deal Charters – Deep WaterPanama City, FL
    First time in deep waters!
    Sean D.
    Sean D.
  • Reel Deal Charters – Deep Water
    Reel Deal Charters – Deep WaterPanama City, FL
    Great experience
    Chris B.
    Chris B.
  • Reel Deal Charters – Deep Water
    Reel Deal Charters – Deep WaterPanama City, FL
    Great family fish trip!
    Robert B.
    Robert B.
  • Reel Deal Charters – Deep Water
    Reel Deal Charters – Deep WaterPanama City, FL
    Fishing with Mark
    Candace F.
    Candace F.
  • Reel Deal Charters – Deep Water
    Reel Deal Charters – Deep WaterPanama City, FL
    Exceeded our expectations!!!
    Jerry B.
    Jerry B.

Our Fishing Locations

What's biting with Reel Deal Charters – Deep Water in Panama City

The winds may force you to stay close to shore, but this is your last chance to head out in search of Snapper. Inshore, the most common catches are Redfish, Trout, and Mangrove Snapper, so there's plenty on offer.

Top catches for October

Fishing reports

A family poses proudly in front of the 'Short Fuse' charter boat, showcasing their successful fishing trip with several fish displayed.

Sunset Cruise... with Fish!

Jul 16, 2026 • Panama City
This family from Missouri joined us for one of our evening Gilligan Sunset Tours aboard Short Fuse. We spent the trip trolling, picked up a few nice fish, and even managed to get some past the local "thieves" (the dolphins ?). These shorter trips are a great introduction to offshore fishing and a fun way to enjoy an evening on the water. We wrapped up the trip with a beautiful Gulf sunset on the ride back to the marina.
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A family group poses in front of the 'Short Fuse' charter boat, showcasing their catch on a board at the dock, with several fish displayed prominently.

The Barker Boys Are Hooked!

Jul 16, 2026 • Panama City
This 3-hour family trip aboard Short Fuse was a great afternoon on the water. Two brothers brought their boys—five cousins in all—for an introduction to offshore fishing, and they had a blast catching Spanish mackerel. The fish kept everyone engaged, and by the time we got back to the dock, the kids were already asking about coming back for a longer trip. That's exactly what these Gilligan trips are all about: introducing families to fishing, making memories, and leaving everyone excited for the next adventure.
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A family poses proudly in front of their catch of Red Snapper displayed on a board at the dock after a successful fishing trip.

Freshwater Skills Meet Saltwater Success

Jun 30, 2026 • Panama City
This crew brought plenty of fishing experience with them and quickly settled into offshore fishing aboard DeepWater. The afternoon trip produced steady action with a nice variety of fish hitting the deck, keeping the rods bent and the crew busy. Another enjoyable day on the Gulf and plenty of fresh fillets headed home.
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A family poses proudly in front of their catch of Snapper and other fish displayed on a board at the marina after a successful fishing charter.

First-Timers Fill the Fish Box

Jun 30, 2026 • Panama City
This was a family trip offshore to experience something new, and they made the most of it! While Randal had fished offshore before, everyone else was getting their first taste of Gulf fishing. The crew stayed busy throughout the trip, putting together a nice catch of Red Snapper, Black Snapper, sme stringer fish, and Bonita. It was a fun day introducing a new group of anglers to offshore fishing, with plenty of smiles and fresh fish headed home for dinner. Thanks to Captain Sigurd and Deral for another great day on the water!
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Split Trip Success!

Jun 30, 2026 • Panama City
Beautiful day on the Gulf for this 8-hour split trip! The weather cooperated, the fish were hungry, and our anglers put together a great catch of Red Snapper, Vermilion Snapper (Beeliners), and a nice Mahi. Plenty of action, plenty of smiles, and another successful day offshore. We love seeing coolers headed home full of fresh fish!
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First Red Snapper Trip, Plenty to Talk A

Jun 27, 2026 • Panama City
This crew joined us for their first red snapper trip, looking for a fun day of ripping lips—and they picked a good one. The red snapper bite stayed productive, and they limited out while also adding vermilion snapper (beeliners), lane snapper, and a nice red grouper to the catch. Along the way, everyone got to experience their first shark fight, adding a little extra excitement to an already memorable day offshore. By the time we headed back to the dock, there was a full fish box and plenty of stories to tell. Days like this are what keep friends coming back to the Gulf year after year.
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