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Blue Water Connection
Charter operator

Blue Water Connection

Panama City Beach, United States
Federal waters
Angler's choice
500+ reviews
Captain Justin Steele's main priority on his fishing charters is to ensure that his customers get the most out of fishing in Panama City Beach. To achieve that, he supplies a hard working, experienced crew, the latest tackle, and a clean and well-maintained boat. Not only does he know where the fish are, he provides a friendly and professional service as well, all aboard one of the best charter boats in the area – the Billistic and Reelistc. He's joined by Capt. Jimmy Barton, an experienced and friendly captain. Depending on your trip, you'll get to experience a first-class fishing experience with either Jimmy or Justin, and will be treated to plenty of first-hand advice and knowledge.
Jimmy B.
Jimmy B.
Captain
Roger D.
Roger D.
First mate
Brannon K.
Brannon K.
First mate
Si N.
Si N.
First mate
Charles C.
Charles C.
Captain

Charters

Rating

4.9
616 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

97%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
97%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Caught fish

All reviews (616)

Showing 1 – 5 of 616 reviews
  • Paul Mcqueen
    Paul Mcqueen
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip

    8 hour (AM) summer (6/1)-(9/30) • 3 adults

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had an awesome trip with Captain Justin on the Reelistic! From start to finish, Justin did a great job putting us on the fish and making sure we had a great time on the water. He knows the area, works hard, and you can tell he genuinely wants his customers to have a successful trip. The boat and equipment were top-notch, and the whole experience was relaxed, professional, and a lot of fun. We caught some great fish and made some memories we won’t forget. If you’re looking for a fishing charter in the Panama City Beach area, I highly recommend Captain Justin and the Reelistic. We’ll definitely fish with him again! 🎣

    Reported catch:
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Red Snapper
    Gag Grouper
    Vermilion Snapper
  • Timothy Osborne
    Timothy Osborne
    us
    Kentucky, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great day on the water with Billistic II

    12 Hour Trip (June 1st - Sept 30th) • 7 adults

    Went fishing for a family "guys" trip on the Billistic II with her crew Captain Jimmy and Si, boat was comfortable and well maintained, full of comforts that made a 12hr trip enjoyable, even for those that had never been deep sea fishing. Captain Jimmy and Si worked hard all day to make this an enjoyable trip from finding fish, helping get them on the boat and just going out of the way to make for a fun trip. We ended up with a nice haul of snapper and grouper (along with some bonita and even a catch/release on a nice amber jack which left all of us with sore forearms!). Highly recommend... nice boat, great crew, lots of memories.

    Reported catch:
    Red Snapper
    Amberjack
    Red Grouper
  • Gary Imdieke
    Gary Imdieke
    us
    Alabama, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    rough weather

    6 hour (12pm) • 6 adults

    We had a 6 hour trip scheduled but the weather was not good. The boat did well and got us out to various fishing spots. We were able to avoid most of the rain and lightening but the seas were choppy. The captain got us on the various spots and we caught some snapper and grouper but the swells made it difficult to keep a good stance. Through this all our deck hand (Mike) moved one fisherman to the other aiding us in baiting, getting the fish off and back in the water quickly. We had two novice fishermen on board (grandson and granddaughter) and they both did well thanks to Mike's instructions. Would definitely repeat and hopefully get a little better weather and sea conditions.

  • Evan Griner
    Evan Griner
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing Day

    6 hour (AM) Summer (6/1)-(9/30) • 6 adults • 1 child

    ad a fantastic experience with this charter! The captain and mate were both incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel welcome from the moment we stepped on the boat. The mate worked incredibly hard all day, keeping bait on the hooks, untangling lines, and making sure we always had a line in the water. You could tell he genuinely wanted us to have the best fishing experience possible. One of the highlights of the trip was when they let our 6-year-old “drive” the boat for a few minutes. It absolutely made his day and is something our family will never forget. The boat itself was outstanding. It was extremely clean, spacious, and very comfortable for our group of six. Since we had an early morning departure, we especially appreciated the air-conditioned cabin and the plenty of room to stretch out and relax when needed. Overall, this was a first-class experience from start to finish. Great crew, great boat, and great memories. We would absolutely book with them again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a deep-sea fishing charter!

    Reported catch:
    Red Snapper
    Vermilion Snapper
  • Johnathon Duncan
    Johnathon Duncan
    us
    Alabama, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    bama boys give it a 5 star!!

    6 Hour Trip ( June 1st - Sept 31st) • 6 adults

    If you’re looking for a great fishing charter, I highly recommend this one. The captain and first hand was friendly, knowledgeable, and worked hard to keep us on fish throughout the trip. The boat was clean, well-maintained, and had everything we needed for a comfortable day on the water. Whether you’re an experienced angler or it’s your first time fishing, they make the experience enjoyable and stress-free. We had a great time, caught plenty of fish, and made some awesome memories. I’ll definitely be booking another trip and would recommend this charter to anyone looking for a first-class fishing experience!

    Reported catch:
    Red Snapper
    Gag Grouper

Real catches shared by our community

  • Blue Water Connection – Reelistic
    Blue Water Connection – ReelisticPanama City Beach, FL
    Group of adult anglers posing beside a catch board and a large dockside display of snapper and other reef fish near a charter boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Travis W.
    Travis W.
    it was choppy, but we caught fish.
  • Blue Water Connection- Billistic ll
    Blue Water Connection- Billistic llPanama City Beach, FL
    Young angler posing aboard a fishing boat with a large grouper catch, joined by several adults offshore.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Gag Grouper
    Shane H.
    Shane H.
  • Blue Water Connection – Reelistic
    Blue Water Connection – ReelisticPanama City Beach, FL
    Group of anglers proudly holding a large amberjack aboard a center-console fishing boat offshore.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Desneige B.
    Desneige B.
    We had a blast. We caught our limit of red snapper and some giant amberjacks. The boat was pristine and Brandon worked incredibly hard the entire day making sure we had the best experience.
  • Blue Water Connection- Billistic ll
    Blue Water Connection- Billistic llPanama City Beach, FL
    Large assortment of red snapper and other reef fish arranged across a boat fish-cleaning table, including several sizable mixed-species catches.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +3
    Vermilion Snapper
    Terry P.
    Terry P.
    Great time. Crew worked diligently keeping everything organized, cleaned, safe, keep us on fish, and make sure we had the greatest time possible, which we did! 
  • Blue Water Connection- Billistic ll
    Blue Water Connection- Billistic llPanama City Beach, FL
    Group of adult anglers posing behind a large mixed reef-fish catch, including numerous red snapper, arranged on a cooler aboard a center-console fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Vermilion Snapper
    Bruce S.
    Bruce S.
    It was a family trip and we all loved it. The captain was honest that it would be 3-4 ft waves but that's where we would catch the most and we sure did. We caught a lot of those inch to short fish. He put us right on fish. Cia the first mate was wonderful. Boat was very clean and well maintained. If in the area again we will for sure hook up with them again. Thanks for the family memory
  • Blue Water Connection – Reelistic
    Blue Water Connection – ReelisticPanama City Beach, FL
    Large shark hooked beside a fishing charter boat in open ocean water during an active fight.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Vermilion Snapper
    Kelly U.
    Kelly U.
    caught fish. caught a shark
  • Blue Water Connection – Reelistic
    Blue Water Connection – ReelisticPanama City Beach, FL
    A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch, including several Snapper and a Shark, at the dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Casey O.
    Casey O.
    My group of 8 had an amazing late August trip. The Reelistic is huge and comfortable! Amazing deckhand and the captain was an expert putting us on fish and keeping us on fish. We will be back!
  • Blue Water Connection – Reelistic
    Blue Water Connection – ReelisticPanama City Beach, FL
    Large red snapper catch arranged on a dockside display board and laid out beside a charter boat, with Blue Water Connection contact signage visible.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Vermilion Snapper
    Josh S.
    Josh S.
    Captain and deckhand were great. always on top of stuff and put us on alot of fish. boat was nice and clean
  • Blue Water Connection – Reelistic
    Blue Water Connection – ReelisticPanama City Beach, FL
    Angler proudly displaying a large Red Snapper while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Judd B.
    Judd B.
    I have booked with this crew and boat multiple times. I will book again next year becuase i am confident that the crew will put us on fish and make the memories we are all chasing.
  • Blue Water Connection- Billistic ll
    Blue Water Connection- Billistic llPanama City Beach, FL
    Group of adult anglers posing beside a large catch board filled with red snapper and tuna at the marina, with additional fish displayed on the dock.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Vermilion Snapper
    Cal W.
    Cal W.
    This was mine and my familys first deep sea fishing trip and we had a blast! captain Jimmy was friendly and made sure that we were catching alot of fish and our deck hand Sii was super personable and attentive. we will be booking again. I highly recommend the 8 hour trip at minimum and will be doing a 12 hour next time!

Our Fishing Locations

What's biting with Blue Water Connection- Billistic ll in Panama City Beach

Attention shifts inshore come November, but that doesn't mean there's a shortage of action. Look for Redfish on a late fall day, but don't forget about Sheepshead, Flounder, and Pompano that are calling your name.

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

Large group posing behind a branded fish display board with numerous red snapper and assorted reef fish arranged at an outdoor dock or marina.

6 hour

Apr 11, 2026 • Panama City Beach
Captain Jimmy has the vermilion snapper bite dialed in—every drop is getting smoked and the boxes are filling fast. Triggerfish are starting to bite too, adding some extra fun to the mix. Fast action, plenty of fish, and a good time all around.
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A group of young anglers proudly posing with their catch of fish on a display board at the dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip.

Four hour trolling

Apr 11, 2026 • Panama City Beach
Spanish mackerel bite is hot on the 4-hour trips. Fish are stacked up close and we’re seeing steady action with rods staying bent. Great opportunity to get on them right now.
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A family poses proudly in front of a catch board displaying a variety of fish, including Snapper, after a successful fishing trip with Billistic Charters.

Spring fishing

Apr 11, 2026 • Panama City Beach
Spring fishing is in full swing and everything is starting to line up just right offshore. We’ve had some beautiful weather and warming water temps, and the fish are responding. The vermilion snapper and triggerfish bite has been strong, keeping the rods bent and putting together some solid boxes. Plenty of action with steady catches, making it a great time for anyone looking to load up on good eating fish and stay busy all day. We are also picking away at some nice red grouper on the bottom, adding some quality fish to the mix each trip. Overall, it’s a great time to be offshore right now. The spring bite is here and it’s only getting better from here.
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A cooler filled with a variety of fish, including a large grouper and smaller snapper, showcasing a successful fishing trip.

6 hour

Apr 11, 2026 • Panama City Beach
Capt. Chuck and Deckhand Roger put another box together today, and it’s the kind you like to see—ice covered in vermilions with a big grouper stealing the spotlight right in the middle.
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Two anglers proudly displaying a large Amberjack while fishing on a charter boat in open waters.

Spring fishing

Apr 10, 2026 • Panama City Beach
Offshore Fishing Report – Panama City Spring fishing is in full swing and everything is lining up just right offshore. The weather has been nice, water temps are coming up, and the fish are starting to feed the way they should this time of year. The vermilion snapper and triggerfish bite has been strong, keeping the rods bent and putting together some solid boxes. It’s been steady action and great for filling the cooler with quality fish. We’re also picking away at some nice red grouper on the bottom, adding a few good ones into the mix each trip. On top of that, there’s been some amberjack around to pull on for a little extra excitement. They’re a blast to fight and a great way to break things up—just keep in mind they’re catch and release right now. Overall, it’s a great time to get offshore. The spring bite is here and only getting better.
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A large group of family and friends posing on a boat with a colorful display of freshly caught fish, including snapper and mackerel, after a successful fishing trip.

Spring fishing

Apr 10, 2026 • Panama City Beach
Offshore Fishing Report – Panama City Spring fishing is in full swing and everything is lining up just right offshore. The weather has been nice, water temps are coming up, and the fish are starting to feed the way they should this time of year. The vermilion snapper and triggerfish bite has been strong, keeping the rods bent and putting together some solid boxes. It’s been steady action and great for filling the cooler with quality fish. We’re also picking away at some nice red grouper on the bottom, adding a few good ones into the mix each trip. Overall, it’s a great time to get offshore. The spring bite is here and only getting better.
Show more