Don Rice
Captain

Don Rice

Panama City, United States
50+ reviews
Captain Don Rice grew up in Panama City Beach, Florida, where he's been fishing since the early age of 12. Fast forward to 45 years later, and his passion for being out on the water is stronger than ever. Capt. Don finally decided to start guiding his own trips about 3 years ago, and to no surprise, has fallen in love with the job. His goal is not only to get you some fish but to show you a good time as well. It won't take long for you to see why he loves the sport so much!

Charter

Rating

4.7
76 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.7
Captain & Crew
4.6
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

89%
Good experience
95%
Friendly captain
92%
Recommend this charter
92%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
81%
Caught fish

All reviews (76)

Showing 1 – 5 of 76 reviews
  • Santiago Velasquez
    Santiago Velasquez
    us
    Nebraska, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great time!

    Half Day Morning Trip • 4 adults • 1 child

    It was a great time. Even my six year old had fun!

    Reported catch:
    Amberjack
    Response from Captain

    Thank you very much, Santiago. And thank you for your service as a police officer. It was my pleasure to take you guys out.

  • Jay Donnell
    Jay Donnell
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Very Knowledgeable Captain

    Half Day Morning Trip • 3 adults

    Caught Amber Jack and a few Trigger fish

    Response from Captain

    Thanks, Jay. I was glad we found some smaller fish like the trigger fish for your 11-year-old grandson. I know he had a lot of fun catching those and the Bait.

  • Mark Albertson
    Mark Albertson
    us
    South Carolina, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    An Amazing Day in Panama City Beach Florida with Captain Don

    Half Day Morning Trip • 2 adults

    **⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Day on the Water with Captain Don!** If you’re looking for an unforgettable fishing experience in Panama City Beach, look no further than Captain Don and Fishwacker Charters! We had the absolute best time — we caught grouper, red snapper, and king mackerel, and the entire trip was incredible from start to finish. Captain Don went above and beyond to make sure we had a successful trip. He was so patient with us, took the time to explain everything, and didn’t hesitate to move to different spots to make sure we had the best chance to reel in some great catches. His knowledge of the area and commitment to giving us the best experience possible really showed. We made memories that will last a lifetime and can’t wait to go out with Captain Don again. Highly recommend Fishwacker Charters — you won’t be disappointed!

    Reported catch:
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Amberjack
    Red Snapper
    Response from Captain

    Hi, Mark. It was a pleasure to serve you and Mary Jo. Thank you very much for the kind review!

  • Drew Daly
    Drew Daly
    us
    Alabama, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Captain

    Half Day Morning Trip • 3 adults

    Was able to get us on some great fish, put in the time to catch us bait, so we were ready to hook up. Then he was able to put us directly on the bite. Would go again!

    Response from Captain

    I really appreciate that great review, Drew! Totally enjoyed having you and your fiancé and your brother-in-law on the boat today! Best wishes on your upcoming nuptials!

  • Jordan Deal Cross
    Jordan Deal Cross
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing trip

    Half Day Morning Trip • 2 adults

    Best fishing trip I’ve ever been on. Knows exactly where to take you for the good fish. Highly recommended using don very great guy and makes it the best experience possible

    Reported catch:
    Red Snapper
    Black Grouper
    Response from Captain

    Thank you very much for the great review, Jordan. I’ll look forward to taking you and Jonathan out again!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Fishwhacker Charters
    Fishwhacker ChartersPanama City, FL
    Two anglers proudly displaying a large fish while enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Gray Triggerfish
    Jay D.
    Jay D.
    Caught Amber Jack and a few Trigger fish
  • Fishwhacker Charters
    Fishwhacker ChartersPanama City, FL
    Two anglers posing together on a boat, enjoying a day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Gag Grouper
    Mark A.
    Mark A.
    **⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Day on the Water with Captain Don!** If you’re looking for an unforgettable fishing experience in Panama City Beach, look no further than Captain Don and Fishwacker Charters! We had the absolute best time — we caught grouper, red snapper, and king mackerel, and the entire trip was incredible from start to finish. Captain Don went above and beyond to make sure we had a successful trip. He was so patient with us, took the time to explain everything, and didn’t hesitate to move to different spots to make sure we had the best chance to reel in some great catches. His knowledge of the area and commitment to giving us the best experience possible really showed. We made memories that will last a lifetime and can’t wait to go out with Captain Don again. Highly recommend Fishwacker Charters — you won’t be disappointed!
  • Fishwhacker Charters
    Fishwhacker ChartersPanama City, FL
    An angler proudly displaying a large Amberjack while seated on a boat, enjoying a day of offshore fishing.
    Drew D.
    Drew D.
    Was able to get us on some great fish, put in the time to catch us bait, so we were ready to hook up. Then he was able to put us directly on the bite. Would go again!
  • Fishwhacker Charters
    Fishwhacker ChartersPanama City, FL
    Angler proudly displaying a large Amberjack while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Jack Crevalle
    Dylan B.
    Dylan B.
  • Fishwhacker Charters
    Fishwhacker ChartersPanama City, FL
    Two anglers pose on a center-console boat while displaying a large amberjack caught offshore.
    Brandon W.
    Brandon W.
    Had a great time on the 4 hour trip. Hooked up on quite a few jacks, only got 3 to the boat as dolphins were taking some but had a great time taking my son fishing with Captain Don!
  • Fishwhacker Charters
    Fishwhacker ChartersPanama City, FL
    Two adult anglers pose behind a large display of mahi-mahi and a dark grouper on the bow of a fishing boat near a bridge.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Maggie E.
    Maggie E.
  • Fishwhacker Charters
    Fishwhacker ChartersPanama City, FL
    Angler proudly holding a large gray triggerfish aboard a center-console fishing boat offshore.
    Fish 1
    Gray Triggerfish
    Hunter C.
    Hunter C.
    Captain Don knows his stuff. He has a variety of spots to fish at and is gonna make sure he gives you the best chance to catch fish. 10/10 will be going with captain Don on our next trip down to Panama!
  • Fishwhacker Charters
    Fishwhacker ChartersPanama City, FL
    Adult fishing pair proudly holding a large amberjack aboard a center-console boat offshore.
    Evan R.
    Evan R.
  • Fishwhacker Charters
    Fishwhacker ChartersPanama City, FL
    Adult angler holding a large mottled grouper aboard a center-console boat offshore.
    Fish 1
    Gag Grouper
    Kyle B.
    Kyle B.
    Had yet another great day with Captain Don! We tried to get on some grouper and he got us hooked up tight away (first drop) but our rookie skills led to a few breaking off in the wrecks. No worries, we hooked into some decent amberjack who took us on a nice ride. After all of the huffing and puffing we welcomed a few aboard before returning them to the deep. Everyone on the boat (4 of us) caught fish every day we went. Some better than others but the experience was excellent and the memories will be lasting. If you can take advice and put it into action immediately you will absolutely have success. Working these fish is a blast. 10 out of 10
  • Fishwhacker Charters
    Fishwhacker ChartersPanama City, FL
    Group of adult anglers proudly holding a large cobia aboard a center-console fishing boat under sunny coastal skies.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Kyle B.
    Kyle B.
    Couldn't have asked for a better time and experience! Everyone caught fish. Some amberjacks beat us up but we came home with the man in the brown suit so it doesn't get any better than that! Conditions were sunny and slick calm seas. We didn't expect cobia today but captain Don was ready when an opportunity presented itself. Without his quick thinking, pre planning and guidance we wouldn't have that excellent fish. Book with him. He will put you on the fish!

What's biting with Fishwhacker Charters in Panama City

Not only is it too choppy to head offshore, but the pelagics start leaving. It's a good thing that Flounder, Trout, Redfish, and Sheepshead are all on offer in the bays, so settle in for a peaceful day of fishing.

Top catches for November