Born and raised on the Emerald Coast, the captains at Panhandle Fishing Charters live for putting guests on fish. Five local guides, four fully rigged boats, and top-tier gear let them shape every outing—whether quiet bay casting,...
Families rave about the captains here, with names like Taylor, Jayson, Melissa, and Colby coming up repeatedly for their patience and skill with young kids. The 2-hour kids' trips seem especially popular, giving little ones just enough time on the water to catch multiple species without losing interest. Parents appreciate how the captains handle all the baiting and help children reel in their catches, making it genuinely stress-free for everyone involved. Experienced anglers are equally impressed. Multiple reviewers mention the captains' deep knowledge of local waters and ability to adapt when conditions aren't perfect. Taylor gets particular praise for professionalism and putting people on fish even in challenging weather. The bowfishing trips with Captain Melissa stand out as unique nighttime adventures with plenty of action. A couple of reviews mention disappointing experiences with weather cancellations and time spent catching bait rather than fishing, so it's worth having clear expectations about what your trip entails.
Captain Jayson was the best! He listened to exactly what we were looking for in our trip and delivered exactly that. Very friendly, so much knowledge about the industry and will definitely hire panhandle fishing charters again next time!
Kate Pitre
November 20, 2025
Captain Jayson was the best! He listened to exactly what we were looking for in our trip and delivered exactly that. Very friendly, so much knowledge about the industry and will definitely hire panhandle fishing charters again next time!
Kate Pitre
November 20, 2025
