Reel Groovy Blog

Our vessel, the Reel GRooV, is U.S. Coast Guard-approved to carry up to 18 passengers, making it one of the few charter boats in Panama City Beach that can legally and comfortably accommodate large groups.

While many local fishing charters in Panama City Beach are limited to just six guests, we're fully equipped for bigger crews of family, friends, coworkers, or event groups—with plenty of space to fish, relax, and enjoy the day together.

Whether you're booking a deep sea fishing charter in Panama City Beach, sunset cruise, dolphin tour, or booze cruise, you'll enjoy a private, spacious, and fully customized experience for your entire group.Our vessel, the Reel GRooV, is U.S. Coast Guard-approved to carry up to 18 passengers, making it one of the few charter boats in Panama City Beach that can legally and comfortably accommodate large groups.

While many local charters are limited to just six guests, we’re fully equipped for bigger crews of family, friends, coworkers, or event groups—with plenty of space to fish, relax, and enjoy the day together.

Whether you're booking a deep sea fishing trip, sunset cruise, dolphin tour, or booze cruise, you’ll enjoy a private, spacious, and fully customized experience for your entire group.

Nope—all ages are welcome aboard our deep sea fishing charters in Panama City Beach! At Reel Groovy Experiences, we're proud to be a family-friendly fishing charter in Panama City Beach that caters to everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

There is no official age limit, but we do ask that young children be supervised at all times for safety. We provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets in various sizes to ensure a secure and comfortable experience for every guest, no matter their age.

Whether you're booking a private family fishing charter in Panama City Beach or searching for fishing charters near Panama City Beach that accommodate all generations, our crew is here to make sure everyone has a great time on the water.

Also, children under 5 are no charge. You don't have to include them when booking your number of guests as long as you don't have more than 18 total.

We offer both offshore and inshore fishing charters in Panama City Beach!

Offshore/Deep Sea Fishing:

Our specialty is offshore and nearshore trips, heading into the open Gulf of Mexico for species like red snapper, grouper, amberjack, and more. These deep sea fishing charters in Panama City Beach offer a true offshore experience with access to both state and federal waters.

Inshore/Bay Fishing:

We now also offer inshore bay fishing charters in Panama City Beach! These charters stay in the calmer, shallower waters closer to shore, perfect for targeting species like redfish, speckled trout, and other inshore favorites. These trips are ideal for families, beginners, and anyone looking for a more relaxed fishing experience in protected waters.

Non-Fishing Tours:

Our sunset cruises, dolphin tours, and booze cruises are considered inshore or nearshore boat tours in Panama City Beach, staying closer to shore in calmer waters—perfect for families, couples, and groups who want a relaxing time on the water.

Whether you want the thrill of deep sea fishing in Panama City Beach or the excitement of inshore action, we've got the perfect charter fishing trip for you!

At Reel Groovy Experiences, we're licensed to fish in both state and federal waters, giving us the flexibility to take you anywhere from right off the beach to over 100 nautical miles offshore—depending on the length of your Panama City Beach fishing charter and what kind of fishing experience you're looking for.

State waters extend up to 9 nautical miles from shore. Beyond that are federal waters, where we can go thanks to our federal fishing permits—something many smaller fishing charters in Panama City Beach or inshore-only boats don't have. This opens up more opportunities to catch prized species like red snapper, grouper, amberjack, mahi-mahi, and more on our deep sea fishing charters in Panama City Beach.

Whether you want to stay closer to shore or venture way offshore for bigger fish and deeper waters, we'll customize your charter fishing trip in Panama City Beach to match your preferences. Just keep in mind: the longer the trip, the farther we can go and the more productive the fishing spots we can reach.

Most of our trips at Reel Groovy Experiences are private charters in Panama City Beach, meaning your group has the entire boat to yourselves—along with our licensed Captain and First Mate—for a personalized and unforgettable experience.

However, we understand that some guests are interested in split or shared fishing charters in Panama City Beach to help reduce the cost or meet new people. While availability is limited, we occasionally offer shared options for fishing charters, dolphin cruises, or booze cruises when we're able to match compatible groups.

If you're interested in a shared charter fishing trip, please give us a call at 850-774-9007 and we'll let you know about any current opportunities or upcoming options.

No problem at all! Our Panama City Beach boat tour is perfect for mixed groups. Our boat has a comfortable air-conditioned cabin and shaded deck, so even if someone isn't fishing, they can relax, enjoy the stunning Gulf views, and be part of the experience. Whether you're booking a fishing charter in Panama City Beach or a dolphin tour, everyone will have a great time on the water.

Our vessel, the Reel GRooV, is fully equipped to provide a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience on the water—whether you're booking a fishing charter in Panama City Beach, sunset cruise, dolphin tour, booze cruise, burial at sea, or a private group outing.

Boat Amenities Include:

Air-conditioned cabin with cushioned seating and a small table

Clean marine restroom for your convenience

Spacious, covered back deck with plenty of shade and room to move around comfortably

Bluetooth sound system so you can play your favorite music during your trip

Coolers with ice available for your snacks, drinks, and any take-home items

Assistance with ice purchases from the marina before your trip—just let our crew know what you need

Optional add-on packages including catering, celebrations, memorial touches, or fully customized experiences

Whether you're relaxing with family on a Panama City Beach boat tour, celebrating with friends, or honoring a loved one, the Reel GRooV is designed to deliver the perfect blend of comfort, flexibility, and coastal charm for your Panama City Beach charter fishing adventure.

Yes, the Reel GRooV is equipped with a marine restroom. It's located down three standard steps and sits low to the ground. While many guests have used it comfortably on our Panama City Beach fishing charters, those with significant mobility concerns may want to call ahead at 850-774-9007 to discuss any specific needs.

The Reel GRooV is not wheelchair accessible, and guests will need to step over a small gap from the dock onto the boat, followed by a few steps onto the deck.

Captain Gary is always happy to lend a hand and has been known to assist guests into the boat when needed, but we understand that not everyone is comfortable with physical assistance. If you or someone in your group has mobility concerns, we encourage you to call ahead at 850-774-9007 so we can discuss the best options for a safe and enjoyable Panama City Beach fishing charter experience.

Yes! Our Panama City Beach charter boat is equipped with a Bluetooth sound system, so you're welcome to connect your phone or device and play your favorite music during the charter. Whether you want a chill playlist for a sunset cruise or upbeat tunes for a party on the water, the vibe is yours to create!

Yes! You're welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks on our Panama City Beach boat tours—just no glass bottles, please. We also offer cooler space and can assist with ice upon request. Want to level up your celebration? Ask about our beverage add-ons and party packages for your private charter.

Yes! Reel Groovy Experiences is a family-friendly charter company in Panama City Beach, and we welcome guests of all ages—from toddlers to grandparents. Whether you're booking a fishing charter in Panama City Beach, dolphin cruise, or sunset tour, our goal is to provide a safe, fun, and memorable experience for the whole family.

There is no official age limit for our Panama City Beach boat tours and fishing trips. We provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets in a variety of sizes, including for young children, and our shaded back deck offers a comfortable space for everyone. Our friendly crew loves hosting families and will gladly help make your trip relaxing and enjoyable.

We simply ask that young children be supervised at all times during the charter.

Every Reel Groovy charter in Panama City Beach includes all required safety equipment, including U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for every passenger. Whether you're heading out to fish, cruise, or celebrate, we provide a safe, comfortable, and fully private experience for your group.

If you're booking a deep sea fishing charter in Panama City Beach, we also include:

All fishing gear and tackle

Your fishing license

Ice and onboard storage to keep your catch fresh

An optional live bait add-on package (available to pre-book or pay for in cash the day of your trip)

You're welcome to bring a small cooler with drinks and snacks, and if you plan to keep your catch, be sure to bring a separate cooler to transport it home. We can also assist with ice from the marina—just ask your mate before departure.

Have something special in mind? We're happy to accommodate custom add-ons whenever possible—like rose petals for a burial at sea, celebration decorations, or specialty drinks for a private boat tour in Panama City Beach. Let us know what you envision, and we'll do our best to make it happen!

To make the most of your day on the water with Reel Groovy Experiences, we recommend bringing the following items on your Panama City Beach fishing charter or private boat tour:

Essential Items:

Drinks and snacks in a small cooler (no glass bottles, please)

Polarized sunglasses and a hat for sun protection

A lightweight long-sleeve shirt or SPF-rated clothing for added comfort

A camera or phone to capture your adventure

Motion sickness medication, if needed

Gratuity for the crew (18–20% is customary and appreciated)

Non-slip shoes to stay safe on deck

Cash for live bait (optional, for fishing charters only)

For Fishing Charters:

If you're planning to keep your catch on your Panama City Beach fishing trip, consider bringing an extra cooler to transport your cleaned fish home—this is optional and only applies to fishing trips.

Need ice? Ice is available at the marina for a small fee, and if you let us know in advance, we're happy to assist. In many cases, we can provide ice from what we've already purchased for your trip—for both your drink/snack cooler and your fish cooler if needed.

After your Panama City Beach fishing charter ends—and we've snapped a few memorable photos of your catch—we'll assist you in getting your fish to the Captain Anderson's Marina fish cleaning station, located nearby. Professional fish cleaning services are available there for a small fee per pound, and they'll fillet and bag your catch for easy transport.

If you'd like to enjoy your fresh fish the same day, several local restaurants in Panama City Beach offer "hook and cook" services, where they'll prepare your catch to your liking. It's a delicious way to celebrate your day on the water—we highlight some of our favorites in a blog post on our website.

You're also welcome to take your fish home and prepare your own seafood feast after your deep sea fishing charter in Panama City Beach. Just be sure to bring a cooler and ice (we can assist with that too!).After your fishing charter ends—and we’ve snapped a few memorable photos of your catch—we’ll assist you in getting your fish to the Captain Anderson’s Marina fish cleaning station, located nearby. Professional fish cleaning services are available there for a small fee per pound, and they’ll fillet and bag your catch for easy transport.

If you’d like to enjoy your fresh fish the same day, several local restaurants in Panama City Beach offer “hook and cook” services, where they’ll prepare your catch to your liking. It’s a delicious way to celebrate your day on the water—we highlight some of our favorites in a blog post on our website.

You’re also welcome to take your fish home and prepare your own seafood feast, just be sure to bring a cooler and ice (we can assist with that too!).

Seasickness is uncommon, but it can affect some guests—especially first-timers or those prone to motion sensitivity. Our experienced crew on our Panama City Beach fishing charters does everything possible to ensure a smooth, comfortable ride, and we're always happy to offer tips to help if anyone starts to feel queasy.

We also keep gentle remedies on board and recommend simple tricks like focusing on the horizon, sipping ginger ale, getting fresh air, or moving to a more stable area of the boat.

In the rare case that someone in your group feels too unwell to continue, we'll do our best to accommodate an early return when conditions allow. However, please note that early returns do not qualify for refunds, as time, fuel, and crew have already been dedicated to your private charter fishing trip.

Most of our guests feel great throughout their Panama City Beach boat tour—whether they're cruising the coast or heading offshore for a fishing adventure.

What happens if the weather is bad for our charter?

Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. If the weather is unsafe for boating—such as high winds, storms, or rough seas—we will either reschedule your Panama City Beach fishing charter or provide a full refund if rescheduling isn't possible.

However, if it's just light rain or passing showers, most of our fishing charters and boat tours in Panama City Beach still run as planned. The Reel GRooV has a covered back deck and air-conditioned cabin, so you can stay dry and comfortable during your trip. Florida's coastal weather changes quickly, and light rain often clears up without impacting the experience.

Our captain closely monitors marine forecasts and makes the final call regarding cancellations. If you have any concerns about the forecast before your Panama City Beach charter, feel free to call or text us at 850-774-9007 for real-time updates.

At Reel Groovy Experiences, we understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your Panama City Beach fishing charter or boat tour, you may do so within 24 hours of booking for a full refund.

After that 24-hour window, your deposit becomes non-refundable. If you paid in full at the time of booking, you may still cancel up to 30 days before your scheduled trip and receive a refund of your payment minus the deposit.

This policy allows us to reserve your private charter fishing trip aboard the Reel GRooV and gives us time to rebook if needed. If you have any questions or need to make changes, don't hesitate to reach out—we're always happy to help.

While tipping isn't mandatory, it is very much expected and genuinely appreciated. Just like restaurant servers and tour guides, our captain and crew on our Panama City Beach fishing charters rely on tips to earn a fair income—especially in this highly seasonal industry, where steady, year-round pay isn't guaranteed.

A typical gratuity is 18–20%, and the vast majority of guests do tip. Not tipping is extremely uncommon in the world of fishing charters and private boat tours in Panama City Beach, and can be discouraging to the hardworking team who gave you their best out on the water.

It's also helpful to know that the trip price mostly goes toward covering operating costs—things like insurance and permits for the vessel, dockage and marina fees, equipment maintenance and replacement, fuel, bait, third-party booking platform fees, safety inspections, and regulatory compliance. Our crew also puts in long hours before and after each Panama City Beach charter to prepare, clean, and ensure everything runs smoothly—much of which happens behind the scenes.

They choose this work because they love the ocean, love people, and love what they do, even though making a living can be challenging in a seasonal industry like this. That's why tips are such a vital part of their income.

Cash tips are preferred, but if needed, we can also add a tip to your credit or debit card at the end of the trip. Want to learn more about where your charter dollars go? We have a few short blog posts that give a deeper look behind the scenes.

All Reel Groovy fishing charters and boat tours in Panama City Beach depart from Captain Anderson's Marina, located at 5550 N Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach, FL. After booking your Panama City Beach fishing charter online, you'll receive detailed arrival instructions by email.

Free parking is available at the marina. Use the second entrance and park as close to the water as possible. Then follow the dock to the right—toward the back of Captain Anderson's Fish House. Our boat, the Reel GRooV, is located at the end of the pier behind the fish cleaning station. Look for our green and blue Reel Groovy Experiences sign with the hook logo to help guide you.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled trip so you have time to:

Fill out waivers (required before departure)

Load your personal items onto the boat

Review a brief safety and trip overview with our captain or crew

If the boat isn't in the slip when you arrive, we may be fueling up or returning from an earlier charter—we'll be with you shortly! While you wait, enjoy the amenities at Captain Anderson's Marina.

Note: These instructions may change as we occasionally switch boat slips. Always refer to your confirmation email for the most current directions.

At Reel Groovy Experiences, we offer a wide variety of private fishing charters and boat tours in Panama City Beach—perfect for all ages and group types, from families and first-timers to serious anglers, party crews, and corporate teams.

🎣 Fishing Charters:

Deep sea fishing charters in Panama City Beach (4 to 12 hours), fully customizable for beginners or seasoned anglers

Inshore and offshore fishing charters, depending on your group's preference

Bottom fishing for reef species like red snapper and grouper

Trolling charters for king mackerel, mahi-mahi, and other pelagic fish

Night fishing and shark fishing, available upon request

Specialty overnight trips, available during select times of the year

Family-friendly fishing charters in Panama City Beach with kid-safe gear and flexible timing

Split or shared charters (upon request)—great for solo travelers or small groups looking to share the cost

🚤 Private Boat Tours:

Sunset cruises in Panama City Beach for couples, families, or anyone who wants to relax and soak in the views

Dolphin tours in Panama City Beach, with frequent sightings—check out our dolphin videos on the site!

Booze cruises, perfect for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or just good vibes

Burial at sea services, a peaceful and respectful way to honor loved ones

Team building and group outings, including company retreats, reunions, and large gatherings

All of our charter fishing trips in Panama City Beach are private, professionally captained, and fully customizable. Whether you're here to fish hard, celebrate big, or simply unwind on the Gulf, we'll help you plan the perfect day on the water.