FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Bring your cooler with whatever you want to eat or drink.  Alcohol is allowed, but please drink responsibly. 

Absolutely NO ILLEGAL DRUGS. 

Also, please be considerate of others if you are a smoker.  Cigarette and especially cigar smoke is nauseating to some.

Other things to consider: camera, hat/cap, sunscreen, long sleeved shirt, shoes that you don't care about getting wet and hopefully won't slip in (flip flops are fine), snacks, and water.  WHAT?  NO Bananas?  PLEASE!  NO Bananas!  :)

We have private heads (bathrooms) on each of our boats.

Yes!  Every species of fish has a different limit.  Our experienced crew will guide you and ensure your catch is legal and within limit. We will bring it back to the dock at the end of your trip and filet and clean it for you to take home. 

You can cancel your trip up to 24 hours prior to scheduled departure and receive a full refund. If you have to cancel within 24 hours of your departure, the deposit is non-refundable.

If you think that seasickness may be an issue, go ahead and take your motion sickness medicine to get it in your system a couple times before the trip. 

For a morning trip, take it the night before and the morning of the trip.  For an afternoon trip take it the morning of and right before your trip. 

There are many options:  Bonine, Dramamine, even the off brand usually works well.  Just be sure to get the non-drowsy kind!   There are sea bands and even a prescription you can get from your doctor. They are now selling an herbal alternative-Ginger Dramamine, and there also is a product called MotionEaze, which is another herbal remedy that is a liquid to put behind the ears.  Err on the better safe than sorry side! 

There’s nothing more miserable than getting out there and being sick for the next several hours!

Good things to keep on hand for stomach upset are green apples, ginger, and peppermint!  

If you do get sick, please stay out of the cabin and get sick overboard, not inside or definitely NOT in the head.  

If you start feeling bad, remember these things:  

Stay out in the fresh air

Look at the horizon (Where the water meets the sky)

Don’t look down or lay down

A deckhand’s tip should be based on performance.  Customary tip is 15 - 20% of your total trip price, not the balance after your deposit if you booked through a third-party like Fishingbooker or Fishanywhere. Our trip rates vary, depending on the time of year.  For example, $1000 trip:  $150 = 15%, $200 = 20%

You can tip the Captain as well, but you are not expected to.

We are located at St. Andrews Marina, in Panama City (not Panama City Beach) in the historic St. Andrews area. 

The address is 3151 W. 10th St., Panama City, FL  32401.

When you get to the marina, you will find that it is an upside down “L” shape. If your reservation is on “DEEPWATER”, you will find it just after you make the right turn, she is the first charter boat you come to.   It is a 35’ Bertram and it is blue. 

If your reservation is on “SHORT FUSE”,Turn towards the marina store and it’s about 3/4 of the way down.  The marina store is at the very end.  It is a 41’ Egg Harbor and it is light blue.

Please call or text Sam with any questions or concerns.  850-624-1615 

We kindly ask that you give us at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.  Please call or text Sam. 850-624-1615

You should be able to find a parking place behind or close to the boat that you will be on. There are signs that say “marina tenants only”, but it is okay to park there.

Please arrive at the marina no later than 15 minutes prior to your departure time.  If your departure is delayed or time needs to be adjusted, you will be notified.

We charter 2 vessels. 

One is DEEPWATER and it fishes and follows STATE WATERS regulations. 

The other is SHORT FUSE and it fishes and follows FEDERAL WATERS  guidelines.

What is the difference?  State Water vessels stay within 9 miles of the shore, Federally permitted vessels can go outside 9 miles. They have different seasons and regulations.

DeepWater is a 35’ Bertram.  Short Fuse is a 41” Egg Harbor.

Both vessels have a full, clean, comfortable cabin with A/C and a head.  (Restroom)

You can bring whatever size cooler you would like with your eats and drinks.  It will not be used to put the fish in until you are ready to take it home.  We use the cooler on the boat.

Alcohol is allowed, but please drink responsibly. If you can’t handle it, especially liquor, don’t bring it!!   If you are on a split or shared trip, please be considerate of others. 

You may smoke, but NOT in the cabin.  Please be considerate of others on the boat who are non-smokers.

No, everything you need for fishing is included in your price:  Rods, reels, tackle, certain bait, and license. 

NOT INCLUDED in your trip price is a tip for your deckhand and LIVE bait (recommended for some trolling and Red Snapper fishing) and fish cleaning.  (See below)

Yes, you are welcome to bring your equipment but it is not necessary. NO BRAID!  The Captain does not allow it on the boat on split trips.  If it is a private trip, he may, but it will be dependent on many factors, so notify us ahead of time. 

Our equipment is very - well maintained.  If you have trouble with any of our equipment, please point it out to the deckhand or Captain.

Your deckhand does more than just work on the back deck while you fish.  He arrives early and leaves late cleaning and preparing the boat and equipment.  He is there to assist you and answer your questions.  Ask! if you don't know.

You can use a credit card or cash, or a combination of both.  Sam should be there to collect your balance.  If not, please settle your balance with Capt.  Your credit card will show a charge from Reel Deal.  We also accept Paypal (friends and family, please) ([email protected]), Venmo, Zelle, and CashApp.    If you booked on FishingBooker or FishAnywhere then you paid a deposit.  That goes to them for their commission and we do not have your credit card information.  They give us your name and phone # and no other additional information.  FishingBooker now has the option to pay your trip in full at the time of your booking, but the funds are not withdrawn until after your trip.  

You can find us on FaceBook www.facebook.com/reeldeafishingcharters. 

Also, the pictures that are taken by the crew will be posted there and feel free to post your own and tag yourselves on ours! If you want your pictures featured on your post that I will put on our Facebook page, please text them to Sam 850-624-1615. 

If you don’t wish to be included on our social media, please let us know.  We currently do not have any of the other social media outlets active, but will be adding them soon. 

"Rain" will not cancel your trip.  Severe weather, high winds and waves will.  If the Capt deems it safe, and everyone is in agreement, then you'll go.  You will be expected to show up unless you are notified not to.

No.  Our license is a 6-pack license.  Per Coast Guard regulations, we cannot take more than 6 passengers, fishing or not.  Everyone counts.  

The cost of the charter is the same for one as it is for 6.  Everyone counts toward the maximum of 6 passengers, whether fishing or not, no matter what age.  You can, however, count their limits in your fish count to bring home.

Also known as a “shared” trip.  Both our boats are 6 passenger vessels and split trips are designed for anyone who wants to have a private setting without the burden of the cost of a full charter.  It is a great choice for families and others on a limited budget.   Sometimes they work well, and sometimes they don't.  We do our best to fit parties together who are wanting to go around the same time.  In order for us to best accommodate you, we ask that you let us know what dates and preferred times that you're available to fish and also the best way to contact you. (Generally our trips depart at 6 AM or from 12-2PM)   The more flexible you are with dates and times, the higher the likelihood of getting you on a split trip.  If you do book a split trip, Please understand that it is not guaranteed. If someone has something come up and is not able to make it, your trip may fall apart. If it does and there are less than six people at the time of your trip, you will be given the option to go with who is there for an adjusted price. If it is a trip that we can make shorter, that could be an option also.  I will do my best to try to fill the spots up until trip time.  You may be asked to go later, or on a different day altogether. Split trips are very popular in this economy so we usually do very well putting them together.  If we can’t get you out on one of our boats I will make recommendations for someone else to hopefully take you.

If you are booked on DeepWater, it is a State permitted vessel so you will stay within 9 miles of the shore.  You will probably be trolling as soon as you’re out of the pass and should arrive at your first bottom spot within an hour, an hour and a half.On Short Fuse, you’ll probably go past the 9 mile mark (definitely during Snapper season) and will arrive at your first bottom spot in the first hour and a half or 2 hrs, unless you are on a longer trip.Of course on both boats, it will depend on how long your trip is. Your captain wants you to catch as much as you can in your time allowed so may go further to get you on some bigger fish if he can.

Trolling is a method of fishing where one or more fishing lines, baited with lures or bait fish, are drawn through the water. When we troll, your deckhand will get everything ready and put out 4 lines. The boat will be in motion nearly the entire time. When a fish is on, he'll ask who wants to reel "em in!  Just pay attention to your deckhand and be ready.  Sometimes we have 4 fish on at the same time!  Trolling trips are 3 or 4 hours usually.  3 hr trips will stay in the Bay.  On a bottom trip, you will also most likely high speed troll to at least your first bottom spot.  This is normally 2 lines.

What can I expect to catch trolling?  It really depends on the time of year and what’s “running”.  Bonita, Ladyfish, Bluerunners, Spanish Mackerel, and King Mackerel are all popular.  You never know what may be attracted; maybe a Mahi, Wahoo, or even a Sailfish!

If you are new to Deep Sea Fishing, you will soon learn that bottom fishing in the Gulf is very different from freshwater fishing.  Sometimes it's difficult to get out of the habit of trying to "set" the hook and jerk your rod when you feel a bite.  We use circle hooks, so you don’t want to try to set it!   When reeling in a fish, checking your bait, or when the captain gives the signal to come up, please make sure you reel the lead all the way to the top and don't let it bang on the side of the boat. (Makes the captain a bit testy).  Just listen to your deckhand and Captain.  They will tell you exactly what to do.  **  If you have a reason that you cannot stand to fish, please let us know so we can make proper accommodations.    Hint:  When the Captain starts to slow down, you will know that it is probably getting close to time to drop your line.  Your best chance to catch a fish on that spot will be when he gives the okay to drop your line.  My advice is to get in place when you feel the boat slow down so you will be sitting on READY when he gives the signal!  Bait on, rod in hand, drop on signal! If you're hanging out in the cabin, you can't catch a fish! :)  He will put you on some fish, it's up to you to get them in the boat! Hold your thumb on the line, flip the lever back, and let it go down quickly with your thumb on the line so it won't end up in a mess that's called a bird nest.  Let it go to the bottom, then flip the lever back and reel up a few cranks. When you feel a tug, REEL, and keep your rod tip UP! :)  You need to stay standing at the rail (can't really bottom fish sitting down), and again, hold your rod tip UP.  If you're not feeling anything, you probably have already lost your bait! Check it.  When you catch a fish, reel your lead all the way to the top and listen for directions.  Your deckmate will help you. Listen for the signals of the captain (horn) or saying  to "Go ahead", and "wind "em up".   You'll soon get the hang of it, and don't worry,  the Captain and your deckhand will go over all of this on the deck and show you exactly how to do it,and give you pointers along the way. 

Most likely you will be trolling for Spanish and King Mackerel as you leave the dock and maybe on the return trip, but primarily you will be bottom fishing, targeting those that you can put in the box, of course!  That will be the smaller varieties of Snapper, (Vermilion, White, Lane), maybe an elusive Grouper, and other bottom fish that you can keep.  You will probably catch plenty of fish that will have to be released because of regulations.

Federal Regulations:  Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

State Regulations:  https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational

When is Snapper season 2024?

Federal:  Jun 1- August 27

State:  Jun 1 - July 31 

PLUS FALL State Season ONLY is Fri-Sun Weekends beginning Sept 1-Nov 30.  Also includes Labor Day Monday (Sept. 2), Veterans’ Day (Nov 11) and Thanksgiving Thursday(Nov 28).       

Shark fishing can be very exciting, but can also be very boring if you don't like waiting.  We will find a good spot, anchor out, Maybe chum or put out some Bonita,  and put a couple lines out.  Then we wait.  Hopefully a shark will be enticed and you'll catch one!  There are a few species you can keep if you want to take it to eat it.  If it's not one you can keep, we will not put it in the boat.  If you don't plan to keep it, we will not put it in the boat!  

What kind of Shark can I keep? 

See this link for shark information http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/sharks/ 

We use all sorts of frozen bait or cut bait and sometimes we may catch some fish that we can use for bait. All of this is included in your trip price.  Live bait is not included in your price. It is optional but is strongly recommended for Red Snapper fishing.  If you wish to use live bait, please bring an extra $10 or so per person per six hour trip. The captain will stop at the bait boat on the way out if it is available. 

If it is in season and fits required size guidelines, you can put it in the box!    Please see guideline pages above under bottom fishing and under shark fishing.  You are not required to know this as the captain and the deckhand are very knowledgeable.

The Fish Monkeys are located at the Marina.  They will clean your catch for 1.00 per pound regular bag, vacuum pack is $1.25/pound, and scale and gut is $1.50 per pound.  Your deckhand will help you get your catch to them if you want to use their service. 

Yes.  T-shirts and long sleeve dri-fit  are available for $20 and $30 each.  Please ask Sam, the captain or the deckhand.  They are available in many colors and adult sizes small through 2X. (Very limited larger sizes available, but can be special- ordered).

After your trip, if you feel so inclined, we would love to have you leave your feedback on Fishingbooker, FishAnywhere, our Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/reeldeafishingcharters, Tripadvisor, and/ or Google.