Search
Terry McGowen
Captain

Terry McGowen

Panama City Beach, United States
100+ reviews
Captain Terry is the owner and a captain aboard Reel Fun Charters. He's been steering boats around the Gulf, and knows waters all the way from Louisiana to the Bahamas. Captain Terry has over two decades of experience, and delivers professional service to his customers. He has also taken part in deep sea tournaments with success, and is often asked to step behind the wheel of private boats. He uses quality fishing gear, and knows the spots where fish are biting.
Jon M.
Jon M.
Captain

Charter

Rating

4.8
204 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

96%
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
97%
Recommend this charter
95%
Appropriate for children
99%
Satisfied with the boat
89%
Caught fish

All reviews (204)

Showing 1 – 5 of 204 reviews
  • Frank Mckay
    Frank Mckay
    Repeat angler
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Always a Good Trip with Reel Fun Charters!

    Half Day Trip (AM) • 3 adults • 2 children

    After a previous great experience, this was our second outing with Captain Jon. He was prepared and ready to go at the dock when we arrived, just like last time. We had some success early, but things slowed down a little. We heard over the radio that most other trips were having trouble finding fish too. But before we finished the day, Jon found a spot where we caught some monster redfish. Some were too large to keep, but we also had our fill with plenty for dinner for the family with a recommended "catch and cook" restaurant. Jon knows his craft, and it shows. We will look for Reel Fun Charters again when we're in the area looking for a great fishing trip.

    Reported catch:
    Redfish
    Mangrove Snapper
    Ladyfish
    Speckled Trout
    Response from Captain

    thanks again

  • Adam Root
    Adam Root
    us
    Nebraska, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing Experience

    2 Hour Kids Trip • 4 adults • 2 children

    We had a great experience with Reel Fun Charters. Captain John was great with my kids who i felt like asked him questions the whole time. He was fun when answering questions, kept bait on the kids hook the whole time and helped with whatever we needed. We caught a bunch of fish. It was our first ocean fishing experience and was definitely the highlight of our trip. We will be back. Highly recommend them.

    Reported catch:
    Mangrove Snapper
    Response from Captain

    we appreciate your business thanks

  • John Maiden
    John Maiden
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Jon

    Half Day Trip (AM) • 4 adults

    Captain Jon was great. I had a friend and her kids with and he took his time and showed them what to do. He is a great captain… the fishing was slow and I really feel he was trying every thing he could think of. The 16 year old caught a 33in red fish, he was super happy then caught some Spanish Mackerel by trolling. They turned off so we went into a harbor and caught a bunch of redfish. Definitely kept it interesting for the kids thank you thank you Captain Jon! We will for sure book again with Reel Fun on our next trip to PCB!

    Reported catch:
    Spanish Mackerel
  • Larry Erickson
    Larry Erickson
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Our trip was awesome,especially being my 9 yr olds first salt water fishin excursion!!

    2 Hour Kids Trip • 4 adults • 1 child

    Our captain was very helpful and my son got to see every aspect of fishing. He seen everything from tossing a net to catch our bait, hook the bait and catch fish ( he out caught all the adults) . Captain John was an amazing captain and we would highly recommend!

    Reported catch:
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
  • Jason Brown
    Jason Brown
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best trip ever!

    2 Hour Kids Trip • 4 adults

    The boat and equipment were top notch and Captain John was excellent in helping us catch fish. We caught quite a bit that we fried up later that night. I would highly recommend them for your next fishing excursion.

    Response from Captain

    thank you

Real catches shared by our community

  • Reel Fun Charters
    Reel Fun ChartersPanama City Beach, FL
    A young angler proudly displaying a Redfish at the dock, surrounded by family after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Larry E.
    Larry E.
    Our captain was very helpful and my son got to see every aspect of fishing. He seen everything from tossing a net to catch our bait, hook the bait and catch fish ( he out caught all the adults) . Captain John was an amazing captain and we would highly recommend!
  • Reel Fun Charters
    Reel Fun ChartersPanama City Beach, FL
    A young angler proudly displaying a freshly caught Red Snapper while fishing on a boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Adam R.
    Adam R.
    We had a great experience with Reel Fun Charters. Captain John was great with my kids who i felt like asked him questions the whole time. He was fun when answering questions, kept bait on the kids hook the whole time and helped with whatever we needed. We caught a bunch of fish. It was our first ocean fishing experience and was definitely the highlight of our trip. We will be back. Highly recommend them.
  • Reel Fun Charters
    Reel Fun ChartersPanama City Beach, FL
    Angler proudly displaying a large fish while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Thomas C.
    Thomas C.
    3rd time going out with them. They work to keep you on fish. You wont stay in one spot just soaking bait. Ive tried others only to have trips canceled or changed. I highly recommend.
  • Reel Fun Charters
    Reel Fun ChartersPanama City Beach, FL
    Family posing on a marina dock beside multiple freshly caught mackerel arranged for display after a coastal fishing charter.
    Fish 1
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Brad Y.
    Brad Y.
    Even better than expected. Caught more than 10 fish plus a huge shark! Jon was great! More than happy with this trip and will definitely book again next time were in town.
  • Reel Fun Charters
    Reel Fun ChartersPanama City Beach, FL
    A family enjoying a fishing trip on a sunny day, with a child and adult actively casting lines from the boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +4
    Sheepshead
    Heidi G.
    Heidi G.
    John was so helpful and so much fun! He went to great lengths to make sure that we all had a memorable day. We caught a huge variety of fish and he knew a ton about each one. Our 8 year old chatted his ear off the entire time and he couldn’t have been more patient and kind. 5 stars. Would highly recommend Reel Fun Fishing Charters!!! Years and years of experience.
  • Reel Fun Charters
    Reel Fun ChartersPanama City Beach, FL
    A young angler and an adult are actively fishing on a boat, with the adult preparing to handle a fish caught in the open water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Spanish Mackerel
    Ruth H.
    Ruth H.
    What a wonderful experience we had! Captain Terry and Hunter were fantastic! My boys had a great time and they were so stoked to check this off their bucket lists. Makes for a great homeschool excursion too!
  • Reel Fun Charters
    Reel Fun ChartersPanama City Beach, FL
    A young angler proudly displaying a Redfish while fishing from a boat, showcasing a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Krit E.
    Krit E.
    This was the best thing we booked while staying in FL… and we did it all (too much)!! It felt more personal and gratifying than some of the other things we did. We booked this for our 9-year-old son who loves to fish, but even our 14 year-old-daughter (enough said) said she enjoyed Jon’s company and conversation! The boat was great and accommodated us perfectly! Jon was very knowledgeable on all the honey holes and made sure my 9-year-old caught some good ones! Terry and Jon are good people, thanks for the trip!
  • Reel Fun Charters
    Reel Fun ChartersPanama City Beach, FL
    An angler proudly displaying a large Triggerfish while on a fishing charter in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Gray Triggerfish
    Colin O.
    Colin O.
    Caught plenty of fish. Hunter was very knowledgeable and brought us right to the fish.
  • Reel Fun Charters
    Reel Fun ChartersPanama City Beach, FL
    A group of four anglers proudly displaying their catch of various fish, including Snapper and Grouper, on a dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Thomas C.
    Thomas C.
    Second trip out with these guys. Both trips have been excellent. I’ve tried others on three different occasions when Reel Fun was already booked and none have come close. Save your time and money and booked with Reel Fun!
  • Reel Fun Charters
    Reel Fun ChartersPanama City Beach, FL
    A proud grandfather and his two grandsons displaying their catch of three large fish on the dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Kip M.
    Kip M.
    Captain John was great. He was very personable and patient with my 2 grandsons. Best part is he put us on some of the biggest Reds I have ever caught. Started a little slow, he switched techniques and it was almost every cast for the remainder of our day. Definitely will be back.

What's biting with Reel Fun Charters 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

A bucket filled with freshly caught speckled trout, showcasing a successful fishing trip on the water.

Spanish slay

Apr 1, 2025 • Panama City Beach
Quick 2 hour kids trip was successful! Spanish mackerel are biting!
Show more
Two young anglers proudly displaying their catch of Spanish Mackerel on the dock, showcasing a fun day of fishing.

Kids had a blast

Mar 28, 2025 • Panama City Beach
We did some trolling on a 2 hour kids trip today! The boys had a blast catching spanish mackerel!
Show more
Angler proudly holding a large red snapper aboard a center-console fishing boat, with a second adult fishing offshore in the background.

Great half day

Apr 6, 2023 • Panama City Beach
Half day some catch and release and some dinner
Show more
Young angler holding a large redfish on the bow of a fishing boat near a rocky inlet.

Redfish

Mar 22, 2023 • Panama City Beach
Great half day with redfish and sheephead
Show more
Family group posing aboard a center-console boat with multiple freshly caught fish, including young anglers holding their catches in clear coastal waters.

Good bite

Mar 21, 2023 • Panama City Beach
Half day trip flounder and sheephead kids had a blast
Show more
A group of anglers proudly displaying a variety of fish, including Snapper and Flounder, on a dock after a successful fishing trip.

There biting

Mar 16, 2023 • Panama City Beach
Red fish and mangrove snapper are on fire. We are also catching sheephead and spanish mac.
Show more