Before you book
Straight answers
Everything people call to ask, answered here first. Still wondering something? Text Travis — he answers his own phone.
Booking & payment
How much does a fishing charter cost in Panama City?
With Off The Clock, the whole boat runs $675 for a 3-hour mackerel troll up to $1,975 for a 12-hour long-range trip. Base rates include up to 4 guests; a 5th and 6th guest add $50–75 each. Licenses, tackle, bait, ice, and fuel are all included — see the full rate sheet.
How do I book a trip?
Call or text Capt. Travis at (850) 819-1019, agree on a date and trip length, and put down a 20% deposit to lock it in. The balance is due at the dock on trip day.
What's the cancellation policy?
Cancel 3+ days before your trip for a full deposit refund. Inside 3 days, the deposit is forfeited unless the date can be re-booked. If the captain cancels — weather, mechanical, anything — you choose a full refund or a reschedule. Always.
Should I tip the crew?
Never required, always appreciated — 18–20% is customary for a hard-working crew, same as a good restaurant.
Why book direct instead of through a platform?
Booking platforms take 10–30% of every trip. Booking direct, you talk to the actual captain, pay the real price, and your money fuels the boat instead of a website.
The trip
Who makes the weather call, and when?
The captain — and he makes it early and honestly, usually the evening before. If it's not safe or not fishable, he won't take your money for a bad day.
Are kids welcome? What ages?
Absolutely — kids are Travis's favorite anglers, and Coast Guard-approved life jackets are aboard. For young kids, a 3–4 hour nearshore trip is the sweet spot; you know your crew best.
How many people can come?
Up to 6 guests. The base rate covers 4; guests 5 and 6 add $50 each ($75 on 10–12 hour trips).
What if someone gets seasick?
Take motion-sickness meds the night before and the morning of — not once you're on the boat. If the forecast is sporty, Travis will tell you straight and suggest calmer options. Night trips in summer also tend to run on calmer seas.
What's a night trip like?
Evening departure, sunset on the run out, then bottom fishing under lights in the cool of the night. The bait thieves quit at dark, so it's just the eating fish that are biting. It's the captain's favorite way to fish a Panama City summer — details on the night trips section.
Where does the boat leave from?
St. Andrews Marina, 3151 W 10th St, Panama City, FL 32401 — the historic St. Andrews district on the town side. Travis texts exact slip and parking directions when you book. Come early or stay after: Hunt's Oyster Bar and Uncle Ernie's are a short walk.
How far out do we go?
Anywhere from just off the beach to 50+ miles offshore, depending on your trip length. The twin Suzuki 300s make short work of the run either way.
What to bring
What should I bring?
Food and drinks in a soft-sided cooler, sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and a camera. Everything fishing-related is provided: rods, reels, tackle, bait, ice, licenses.
Can we bring beer?
Yes — cans only. No glass, no liquor.
Do I need special shoes or clothes?
Non-marking soles or bare feet on deck. Dress for sun in summer, layers in winter — and remember it's always cooler on the water than at the dock, especially on night trips.
Fish & seasons
Do I need a fishing license?
No. Every guest fishes under the boat's charter licenses — adults and kids alike. Just show up.
What will we catch?
Depends on the season: red snapper in summer and fall, vermilion snapper (beeliners) year-round, red and gag grouper, amberjack, triggerfish, king and Spanish mackerel, and mahi on the weed lines. Seasons shift year to year and can close early — Travis will point you at what's biting when you book.
Do we keep the fish we catch?
Yes. Everything legal to keep goes in the box, and your catch is cleaned at the dock. Bring a big cooler for the ride home — recent full-day trips have iced down 300+ pounds.
When is red snapper season?
Summer into fall, generally — the exact federal and state dates change every year and can close early, so call for the current window. When snapper's closed, the beeliners, grouper, and mackerel don't care.
The boat & safety
Is the boat safe for someone who's never fished?
Yes. USCG-licensed captain, Coast Guard safety gear for every guest, a full cabin for shade and breaks, and a captain who's spent a decade turning first-timers into repeat customers. See the boat.
Is there a bathroom aboard?
Yes — an enclosed stand-up marine head below deck, with cabin privacy. A real one, not a bucket with opinions.
What happens if the boat breaks down?
Twin engines mean the boat comes home even if one quits — and Travis maintains everything himself, so problems get caught in the shop, not on your trip. If a mechanical issue ever scrubs a trip, you get a full refund or reschedule.