Private Fishing Charter Panama City Beach: Your Group, Your Boat, Your Day on the Gulf

What Makes a Charter "Private" — and Why It Matters

A private charter means the boat, the captain, the first mate, and the entire trip are dedicated to your group only. You pick the people. You set the vibe. You decide whether the trip is laid-back with kids reeling in their first fish or serious offshore fishing for the bigger species lurking near the deeper reefs.

A few things this gets you that a shared trip never will:

• Privacy. It's your celebration, your family time, or your quiet morning on the water. No one else's.
• Flexibility. Want to fish hard the whole trip? Great. Want to take a break, put on some music, and let the kids steer the boat for a bit? Captain Gary is into that, too.
• Music your way. Our Bluetooth speaker connects to whoever's controlling the playlist. Captain Gary loves playing music for guests and takes requests — it's part of the groovy energy we're known for.
• Pace that fits your crew. First-timers and kids on board? We slow down and teach. Experienced anglers? We push offshore and work the prime spots.

The Reel GRooV — Built for Groups Up to 18

Most private charters in Panama City Beach max out at six passengers. The Reel GRooV is a 43-foot BHM offshore sport fishing vessel that comfortably hosts up to 18 guests, making it one of the largest charter boats in PCB. That changes what a "private" trip can look like.

Here's what's on board:

• Air-conditioned cabin with cushioned bench seating and a table
• Private onboard marine restroom (on offshore trips)
• Spacious shaded back deck for fishing and lounging
• Bluetooth speaker system
• Coolers and ice for your catch
• USCG-approved life jackets in all sizes, including kids

This setup means you can bring extended family, multiple generations, your whole friend group, or your work crew — and everyone fits comfortably. Grandparents can stay cool in the cabin while the kids fish off the back deck. Honestly, it's hard to overstate how much difference the size makes when you've got a mixed group with different energy levels.



A quick note on accessibility: the Reel GRooV is not wheelchair accessible. Guests need to step over a small gap and a few steps onto the deck. If anyone in your group has mobility concerns, give us a call ahead of time at (850) 774-9007, and we'll talk through what to expect.

Federal Permits = Access to Better Fishing

This is one of the biggest things to know when you're choosing a charter in Panama City Beach: not all boats can take you to the same waters. The Reel GRooV is federally permitted, which means we can fish both Florida state waters and federal waters beyond the 9-mile limit.



That matters because the most productive fishing — natural reefs, underwater wrecks, and the deeper structure where species like red snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, and wahoo live — is offshore in federal waters. Boats without federal permits are limited to state waters, which thins out the species options on offshore trips.

Trips We Offer as Private Charters

Every trip on the Reel GRooV is private, so whichever option you pick, the boat is yours. Here's a quick look at what's available.

Bay Fishing (Inshore)

Calm, shallow, protected water inside the bay. Perfect for families, beginners, anyone prone to seasickness, and groups with young kids. Bay trips target redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, and black drum. Less weather-dependent than offshore. Great intro to fishing for first-timers. Learn more on our bay fishing page.

4-Hour Deep Sea (Trolling Only)

Our most accessible offshore option. Lines go out at different distances and depths and we troll for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, mahi-mahi (in summer), bonito, and barracuda. No bottom fishing on this trip — just covering water and waiting for the bite. Beginner- and family-friendly.

6-Hour Half Day

Trolling plus bottom fishing in federal waters. This is where things open up — you get the troll on the way out and the chance to drop lines on reefs and wrecks. Targets include red snapper (when in season), grouper (subject to current regulations), triggerfish (when in season), amberjack (catch-and-release only — Gulf greater amberjack is currently closed for harvest through August 31, 2026), and mahi-mahi in summer.

8-Hour Day Trip (Captain's Choice)

Trolling and bottom fishing, with time to push farther offshore to deeper, more productive waters. A great middle-ground for families, groups, and serious anglers who want a real day on the water without committing to a full 10 or 12 hours.



10-Hour Full Day and 12-Hour Extended Trips

These are the trips for serious anglers. More time means we can reach lesser-fished waters where species like wahoo, tuna, marlin, sailfish, and trophy mahi-mahi live. Plenty of time to fish hard or kick back, soak in the views, and enjoy the music. A fuel surcharge may apply to longer trips depending on diesel prices — we'll always disclose that at booking. View all our fishing trips for details.

What's Included on Every Private Fishing Charter

We run all-inclusive trips so you don't have to think about gear, licenses, or extra fees. Every fishing charter includes:

• All fishing gear, tackle, and licenses
• Experienced captain and first mate
• A/C cabin and private restroom (offshore trips)
• Bluetooth speakers
• Ice and coolers for your catch
• Frozen and artificial bait
• USCG-approved safety gear and life jackets

*Bay fishing trips are slightly different — they don't include the A/C cabin or onboard restroom since the boat operates closer to shore.

A few things aren't included that are worth knowing about: fish cleaning is available at Captain Anderson's Marina after the trip for a per-pound fee, crew gratuity (18–20% recommended, cash preferred) is customary, optional live bait is +$10 per person, and you'll want to bring your own drinks and snacks in a soft cooler (no glass — alcohol allowed in moderation on private charters).



For a full breakdown, see our guide on what to bring on a fishing charter and our post on tipping fishing charters.

What to Expect on Your Trip

We depart from Captain Anderson's Marina at 5550 N Lagoon Drive. As we head offshore, the crew sets trolling lines for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and bonito. On half-day trips and longer, we'll work bottom-fishing spots over reefs and wrecks for snapper, grouper, triggerfish, and other reef species when seasons allow. On the way back in, more trolling opportunities — and often dolphin sightings.

We practice responsible fishing and encourage catch and release on undersized or out-of-season fish. We follow all FWC and NOAA regulations to help protect Gulf fisheries for future generations. Reef-safe sunscreen is required on board — no spray sunscreens, since they damage the boat and harm marine life. The Gulf is our backyard, and we treat it that way.

Captain Gary Ray and the Crew

Captain Gary Ray holds a USCG Master Merchant Mariner Credential and is a military veteran. He's a Panama City Beach local, knows these waters deeply, and runs the boat with a laid-back, hospitality-first vibe — that's the "groovy" in Reel Groovy. He's happy to let kids "steer" the boat (always a hit), takes music requests, and has helped coordinate more than a few surprise proposals on the water.

An experienced first mate is on board for every fishing trip to help with rigging, baiting, landing, and answering all the questions first-timers always have. Quality customer service is a priority for us — we want every guest to have the best experience possible.

Why Book Direct With Us

When you book directly through Reel Groovy, you get our best rate — no third-party booking site fees layered on top. You also talk straight to us, which makes it easier to ask questions, request a special touch (like a proposal setup), or coordinate a larger group. Our 5-star reviews are spread across Google, TripAdvisor, Viator, Yelp, Facebook, GetYourGuide, Kayak, Airbnb Experiences, Captain Experiences, and we're listed as a preferred charter on Treasure Island Resort's fishing page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can we bring on a private fishing charter?

The Reel GRooV comfortably hosts up to 18 guests, which makes us one of the largest charter options in Panama City Beach. Most private charters here cap out at six. Whether you're a couple, a family of eight, or a corporate group, the whole boat is yours.

Are private fishing charters good for kids and first-timers?

Absolutely. We love first-time anglers and families — that's a big part of who we are. Captain Gary lets kids "steer" the boat, our first mate handles all the rigging and baiting, and bay fishing trips are especially good for younger kids or anyone worried about seasickness. Kids under 5 ride free.

What should we bring on a private charter?

Reef-safe sunscreen (no spray), a hat, sunglasses, lightweight SPF clothing, non-slip shoes, drinks and snacks in a soft cooler (no glass), motion sickness medication (take it the night before AND the morning of), cash for tips and fish cleaning, a cooler in your car for taking fish home, and your phone or camera. We provide everything else.

Can we keep the fish we catch?

Yes — within current FWC and NOAA regulations on size and bag limits, which vary by species and season. Some species like greater amberjack are currently catch-and-release only (closed for harvest through August 31, 2026), and red snapper has a short annual federal season. We always follow the regulations and are happy to walk you through what's keepable on your trip date. Catch and release is always an option for any species, any time.

Ready to Book Your Private Fishing Charter?

Ready to experience the best private fishing charter in Panama City Beach? Book your private charter with Reel Groovy Experiences today! Call or text Captain Gary at (850) 774-9007 or view trips and pricing at deepseafishingpanamacitybeach.com. Book direct and save — we can't wait to welcome you aboard the Reel GRooV!

Fair winds and following seas, — Captain Gary Ray and the Reel Groovy Experiences crew